The Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) industry needs an extra 690,000 technicians over the next two decades, according to an
Airbus forecast. It’s part of a 2 million shortfall in personnel, ever-growing since the pandemic, felt across the entire aviation industry.
More than ever, MRO companies are embracing automation to reduce the impact, but while advanced technology can render seamless processes, technicians are still needed to install aircraft parts, service aircraft parts and respond to data findings.
So, as much as the technology evolves, the MRO industry simply won't be able to keep up with demand unless it can recruit hundreds of thousands of new workers.
A workforce ever shrinking since the pandemic
It doesn’t help matters that the MRO industry’s workforce has been shrinking since the onset of the pandemic.
An estimated 20 to 40 percent of workers made redundant in 2020 when the work dried up did not return: a huge exodus of talent that resulted in highly-skilled engineers and mechanics leaving with know-how that couldn’t be easily replaced.
nce on the planes – for both the MROs and the airlines.”
Recruitment challenges felt the whole world over
MROs need to react by both improving their retention of current employees and their recruitment of new workers – preferably targeting youngsters with the potential to work in the industry for the next 40 or 50 years.
But it won’t be an easy task, as they face competition from other industries facing similar shortfalls at a time when the average age of many countries' populations is so old – leading the way are South Korea and Japan, closely followed by most of western Europe – their workforces are shrinking.
A recent global survey by highlights some of the challenges facing MROs – most notably the tendency of technicians to switch jobs in search of more senior roles.
According to its
, 75 percent of permanent employees, 86 percent of contractors and over 50 percent of all new recruits are open to changing jobs imminently – in most cases to advance their careers.
It doesn’t help matters that headhunting is widespread, with 60 percent of the respondents reporting at least one approach over the last six months.
A fair proportion cite problems with their job security – 54 percent of all respondents, up from 45 percent in 2023, blamed factors such as limited feedback and growth opportunities – employee well-being and shifts.
Nearly half reported high-stress levels, blaming their workloads, the leadership style and deadlines as the chief causes. And a quarter felt unvalued due to a lack of recognition for their work.
The key to retaining your current workforce as employees
The respondents said they would be more likely to be loyal to their employer if their salary, work-life balance and workplace relationships were favourable.
“Our ss that today’s MRO and Engineering professionals are looking for more than just a pay cheque. They want career advancement, to thrive in a supportive culture, recognition, and to develop relationships at work,” said Mark Charman, the CEO and Founder of GOOSE Recruitment.
“By focusing on these key areas, companies can not only attract but also retain the top talent that will drive the industry’s future growth.”
In general, 85 percent are open to moving overseas to work – up from 74 percent in 2023 – which is encouraging for MROs based in countries where recruitment opportunities are particularly limited.
And the MRO industry will be pleased to note that 88 percent of the respondents are happy working in MRO, and that 85 percent would recommend their profession to young people – which gives the industry something solid to build on heading into the future.
The MRO industry is facing a shortage of 690,000 technicians over the next two decades, and it will face competition from many industries for these new hands. But the industry should be optimistic, as it has a few aces up its sleeve that will serve it well if they are promoted smartly. Increasingly, young people like to travel for work and this is part of MRO’s DNA. And secondly, young people are invested in the future, and MRO will help to shape it.