Modest stats of recovery "mask” extreme shift of demand in MRO services

Performance and results of the aviation industry in 2020 were driven, in large part, by cargo aviation while passenger flights were stalled during uncertainty. With no breakthrough in 2021, our segment (MRO) is facing meaningful change in both how we operate and how we plan our business. 

Based on recent study via Statista.com - “The industry’s recent growth can be attributed to a combination of increasing living standards and decreasing costs of air travel. While North American and European airlines currently dominate in terms of both revenues.” (...) “Under the circumstances of COVID-19, governments made a multitude of adjustments to the aviation industry to take the spread of the pandemic under control. Flights were canceled, and individuals had to keep prominent levels of safety measures, such as social distancing. Subsequently, COVID-19 created many hurdles for the airlines to handle to be able to operate.” 

The graph above does not illustrate the actual spike in demand for MRO services. However, we should consider that the numbers represent a complete reset of passenger flights - for more than a year airlines and operators had their routes canceled and suspended with uncertain prospects of re-opening. From ground zero, the year 2021 brought new flights and markets month by month, causing an acceleration of demand to have fleets back into the air as soon as possible and on demand. That means all the operations in base and line maintenance now need to be realigned or restarted, despite the preset business models, fixed bases, or established stations of service.  

In other words - regions, governments and COVID-19 define the new markets, reshaping the map of the aviation industry. While MRO business needs to shift fast and agile. 

Fortunately, geography itself does not change and experts with established global presence remain partners of choice, especially when it comes to line maintenance. Capacity and capability to deliver services at any location across the globe is becoming a unique selling point and FL Technics boasts it. As mentioned above, line maintenance services are now being relocated and repurposed at an unprecedented pace, with no clear guidelines. So, the expertise and resources to achieve that is a crucial asset while looking into the post-pandemic era of the aviation and MRO business.  

The peak of recovery is yet to come; however, the impact of demand is already giving the thrust to all of us who are at the core of aviation. MRO industry holds the foundation of aerospace and FL Technics, with the largest independent line maintenance network, is here to support airlines and operators worldwide.