Industry

At MHIRJ, we believe in the power of community, compassion, and making a difference. This September, we're proud to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation by participating in the annual 48 Hour-Ride, a cycling event that raises funds to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. It's a chance to bring hope, strength, and joy to these children and their families when they need it most.

The 48 Hour-Ride is more than just a cycling event—it's a marathon of goodwill, endurance, and community spirit. This year, the event will take place from September 20th to 22nd, where participants will ride in shifts, continuously cycling for 48 hours to raise money and awareness for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This is not just a physical challenge, but a meaningful journey that connects everyone involved to a greater purpose.

MHIRJ has proudly supported this incredible cause since 2021. Our commitment to the community is an essential part of who we are, and events like this highlight our shared values.

This year, MHIRJ will be represented by two teams of six dedicated cyclists from across our Montreal sites. Our riders will brave all conditions, cycling in 1 or 2-hour shifts, day and night, rain or shine. Over the weekend, each cyclist will spend a total of nine hours on the bike, covering an average of 180 kilometers. But it’s not just about the distance—it’s about the journey and the impact we can have together.

For many of our riders, participating in the 48 Hour-Ride is deeply personal.

Steven Crofton, MHIRJ Technical Publications Manager, shared, “For me, it is a way to support a cause that has a direct impact on kids who are starting their lives fighting against the biggest struggles that one can face in a lifetime.” His dedication is a testament to the strength of our community and our shared commitment to making a difference.

The 48 Hour-Ride is also a powerful reminder of the privileges many of us may take for granted.

“As a parent myself, I am so grateful and blessed that my children have grown up healthy. Unfortunately, I have friends who had to live through the challenges, pain, and heartbreak of seeing one of their kids sick with a life-threatening disease,” he says. “No child and their families should have to go through such challenges in their lifetime.”

Beyond the physical challenge, the event fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork that extends beyond the ride.

“Every participant is proud of what they have accomplished, overcoming the physical challenges, riding day and night, and having collected funds that add up to a contribution of millions of dollars only on that specific 48-hour ride,” Crofton said.

“It builds camaraderie that continues beyond the event, building relationships and increasing the sense of belonging to the MHIRJ family. We are all proud to wear the MHIRJ colors, all for this common cause.”

We’re incredibly proud of our teams for their dedication, resilience, and the compassion they show on and off the bike. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can continue to bring hope and happiness to children in need. Go Team MHIRJ!

Skilled aviation maintenance technicians are in high demand, so there's never been a better time to explore the opportunities. Whether you have a passion for aviation, a knack for technical expertise, or simply the curiosity and drive to learn, pursuing a hands-on career that offers a fast track to certification and long-term stability and growth could be in the cards for you.

A career as an FAA-certified aviation maintenance technician opens the door to a wide range of opportunities in the aviation industry, including working for a major MRO like MHIRJ. One of the most direct routes to a successful career in aviation maintenance is through an FAA-certified school.

THE PATH TO CERTIFICATION

On average, you can complete an FAA-certified aviation maintenance technician program in just 18-24 months. This intensive, full-time program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical education they need to get started. Upon successfully completing the program, graduates are then eligible to take the FAA exams to earn certification as an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic. Having your A&P license gives you an advantage in terms of premiums, growth, and advancement in the industry, so it’s highly recommended that you obtain it.

To get started, look for aviation maintenance technician programs offered by community colleges, technical schools, or aviation maintenance training organizations. There are over 21,000 programs to choose from across the U.S. making the education easily accessible.

KICKSTARTING YOUR CAREER

Whether you're a recent high school graduate or looking to transition into a new field, the aviation industry welcomes individuals from all backgrounds to join its ranks of skilled professionals. While you don’t need any experience to begin your education and career, people with a military or other technical background often have an edge when pursuing a career in aviation maintenance. Their prior experience and expertise can accelerate their learning curve and provide them with a solid foundation for success in the field.

OPPORTUNITIES AND GROWTH

Many programs include internships or cooperative education opportunities where you can gain hands-on experience working on aircraft under the supervision of certified technicians. In fact, MHIRJ offers new graduates a paid mentorship program and a world of opportunities in aviation maintenance.

We hire graduates right out of school and offer a competitive salary that increases with experience and certifications. If you want a clear path for long-term career advancement and development, continuous training, full benefits, annual bonus, paid overtime, paid hourly premiums, and even a 7% match on your 401K, then MHIRJ is your gateway to success.

A GROWING WORKFORCE

Aviation is a high-demand industry with a rapidly increasing employment rate that’s 8% higher than the U.S. average, so embarking on a career as an FAA-certified aviation maintenance technician is not only rewarding but also offers the promise of solid earnings and career growth opportunities. With the right education, training, and determination, you can pave the way for a successful career in aviation maintenance. Make your move by exploring opportunities at MHIRJ: https://www.mhirj.com/en/careers

With the demand for skilled aviation maintenance technicians at an all-time high, it’s a great time to consider transitioning your career into a field that offers so much room for growth and advancement. While direct experience in aviation or mechanical fields is of course beneficial, there’s a diverse range of backgrounds, existing skills, and expertise that can provide you with a solid foundation and help set you up for a rewarding, long-term career.

A career in aviation maintenance could be closer than you think. In fact, having a background or skill set in a number of fields can give you the edge and help fast-track you toward success in the industry. We’ve compiled a list of examples of previous careers and skills that can be suitable for transitioning to become an aviation maintenance technician:

MILITARY PERSONNEL

Veterans, especially those with experience in any military aviation maintenance role, such as aircraft mechanics, technicians, or crew chiefs, possess valuable skills directly transferable to civilian aviation. Their training and hands-on experience with aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, and safety protocols provide a strong foundation for transitioning to civilian aviation maintenance roles.

MECHANICS AND TECHNICIANS

If you have experience in automotive or heavy equipment maintenance, you also bring relevant mechanical skills and valuable troubleshooting abilities to the aviation maintenance field. This kind of background means you’re familiar with tools, equipment, and diagnostic techniques that are also used in maintenance and repair tasks, making it easier to adapt to aircraft maintenance procedures.

ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Professionals with electronics and electrical engineering backgrounds have specialized knowledge in electrical systems, wiring, and electronic components. This expertise can be extremely valuable when it comes to troubleshooting and repairing avionics systems, like navigation, communication, and instrumentation systems, within various types of aircraft.

ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL FIELDS

This one may seem evident, but if you have a degree or experience in engineering disciplines like aerospace or mechanics, you’re likely to have the analytical skills and technical knowledge applicable to aviation maintenance. This is especially true if you already specialize in aircraft structural analysis, propulsion systems, or avionics design, meaning you’ll bring rich expertise in aircraft systems and components.

SHEET METAL WORK

When it comes to structural repair and maintenance, sheet metal work experience is a huge asset. Skills like metalworking techniques, precision, and attention to detail are directly applicable to aircraft maintenance tasks like repairing damaged panels or fabricating replacement parts. As a bonus, familiarity with blueprints and technical drawings, a safety-conscious mindset, and possessing problem-solving abilities are always welcome.

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND INSPECTION

If you have any background or experience in quality assurance, inspection, or regulatory compliance roles, then you’re likely to have a strong understanding of industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols, which is, of course, inherently essential in aviation. Your attention to detail, adherence to procedures, and ability to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements are extremely valuable assets in aviation maintenance, particularly in roles involving inspection, quality control, or certification.

TECHNICAL TRAINING AND EDUCATION

People with experience as technical trainers, educators, or instructors bring skills in curriculum development, training delivery, and student assessment to the aviation maintenance field. They can contribute to developing and delivering aviation maintenance training programs, ensuring that technicians receive comprehensive and effective training.

PROBLEM-SOLVING AND CRITICAL-THINKING SKILLS

Regardless of your previous career background, if you possess strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and troubleshooting skills, then you’re well-suited for aviation maintenance roles. These skills enable technicians to diagnose issues, develop effective solutions, and perform maintenance tasks efficiently and safely.

While these backgrounds and skills can facilitate the transition to becoming an aviation maintenance technician, there may be additional training, education, or certification needed to meet some specific requirements of the aviation industry. But by leveraging your existing experience and skills, you can look forward to a successful career path in aviation maintenance. If you’re ready to make your move, then start exploring the many current opportunities at MHIRJ: https://www.mhirj.com/en/careers

As the industry need for skilled aviation technicians continues to grow, MHIRJ is being proactive and seizing the opportunity to invest in talent development by introducing the new MHIRJ Academy.
 

What better way to grow our team than to provide immersive in-house education? Through the MHIRJ Academy, we’ll be providing paid training to build a new generation of highly skilled structural technicians, creating a talent pipeline to counter the current low numbers of skilled sheet metal technicians in the labor workforce.

ADRESSING THE SKILLS GAP

The strategic decision to launch the Academy not only ensures a steady supply of skilled workers, but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and community among our employees. The Academy will train approximately 5 groups of 20 students, with the goal of training at least 100 new structural technicians at our Bridgeport, West Virginia Service Center by May 2025. This initiative not only addresses the immediate need for skilled workers but also lays the foundation for a sustainable workforce in the long term.

THE PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

The MHIRJ Academy training program has been meticulously designed to equip students with the necessary skills to become structures technicians who will eventually work on airframe and structural repairs on aircraft. New recruits are welcomed from the local community of Harrison and Marion Counties, fostering local economic growth and securing high-paying, long-term career opportunities in aviation for those who qualify.

The training program consists of an 8-week curriculum, during which students are fully paid. Following this initial training period, students transition into apprenticeships until they obtain a repairman's certificate, a process that typically takes around two months. Leveraging the expertise of seasoned instructors with extensive repair experience, the MHIRJ Academy ensures that students receive top-notch training tailored to our customer’s specific needs.

“I feel fortunate to be brought in on this project from the ground up,” said Kenny Sinclair, Lead Instructor, MHIRJ Structures Technician Training Program. “I hope that I will teach someone something new that they will then pass down to someone else in the future. I'm looking forward to seeing the students use their new skills and develop them into a career in which there are many different opportunities to advance.”

A FULFILLING FUTURE IN AVIATION

Beyond being financially compensated for their 8 weeks of training, graduates of the Academy can look forward to fulfilling long-term employment with MHIRJ, and the opportunity to continue earning further certifications should they wish to do so.

We’re proud of our workforce and our community, and are excited to welcome hundreds of new members to our ever-growing team. In launching the MHIRJ Academy, we remain committed to investing in talent development and fostering a sustainable workforce in the communities where we operate. This helps ensure our own continued success, as well as contributing to the vitality and growth of the aerospace sector as a whole. As the first cohort of students embarks on their journey to earn their wings with us, they represent not just the future of MHIRJ but the future of aerospace innovation and excellence.

Interested in pursuing a new career path in aviation? Learn more about the Academy and explore current employment opportunities with us.

We recently began exploring the ever-rising demand for qualified aviation technicians that has been impacting our industry. With air travel seeing record numbers, we’re also seeing major shifts in key statistics around employment opportunities with airports, MROS, and OEMs. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the numbers and what they mean for those looking for long-term career in a field that’s showing no signs of slowing down.

While some industries have experienced mass layoffs, aviation and travel are back to pre-pandemic levels and growing. “Labour shortage in the aviation industry translates into parked aircraft and cancelled flights. Aviation relies on skilled aircraft technicians to keep aircraft flying and communities connected across the United States. We want to be part of the solution for the industry” says Ross Mitchell, Vice President, Strategy and Business Development at MHIRJ.

Before we dig a little deeper into the numbers, let’s recap what we already know based on recent reports.

Projections show that until 2030 there will be an estimated employment growth rate of 12% for mechanics and service technicians, and 10% for avionics technicians. This employment growth rate is actually projected to be 8% higher than the rest of the U.S. job market, meaning it opens the doors to new graduates who want a lasting career with plenty of opportunity, and is great news for experienced technicians who wish to continue advancing in the industry.

And although we’ve seen increased interest, an uptick of 2.2% in Aircraft Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) graduates, and 7,119 new mechanic certificates issued by the FAA last year, there will still be an average of 12,800 job openings per year until 2032 to make up for the 21% annual increase needed to support the commercial market. These numbers show that we still have a way to go to meet the demand as numbers continue to fall short of the pre-pandemic rates.

TAPPING INTO EQUAL AND AMPLE OPPORTUNITY

The aviation industry has long been known for being male-dominant. In fact, only 2.7% of aircraft mechanics are women, but this number has also started skewing higher. Women have equal opportunity in the field, so it’s important to support inclusivity and demonstrate that this is a solid career path for anyone who wishes to pursue it. In fact, an average of 48% of AMT students receive a job offer immediately upon graduation. This shows once again that the industry is powering ahead and job opportunities are abundant.

On the flip side, we also know that 40% of current aviation technicians could retire by 2030, and there is a vacancy rate of 27% for aircraft maintenance workers projected by 2027. This means that there is ample space for an entirely new generation to step in and be the future of the industry. And with options to fast-track education, get paid during training, and get hired immediately, there’s never been a better time to get started and to fill one of the 12,800 AMT job openings that are available each year.

A GROWING WORKFORCE

When we look at the big picture, we can see that 48,000 new technicians can join the workforce by 2027, making it clearly worthwhile to pursue education, start training, or transfer your skills. Be part of the industry that’s on the up.

“We need solutions like the Aviation WORKS Act to help fund training for maintenance technicians and make it more accessible for the next generation to kick start their careers in aviation,” Ross Mitchell says.

Stay tuned to WINGSPAN for more on the education and hiring process. Ready to make your move? Explore the current job openings at MHIRJ: https://mhirj.com/en/careers

Recent years have seen major shifts in the airline industry, and most recently, we’re seeing record numbers on the horizon. With increased airline service comes an increased demand for qualified aviation maintenance technicians to support the industry. This opens the doors to a world of opportunity for those looking to start their career or make a fulfilling career move.

At a time when other industries are experiencing fluctuations in the job market, employment in the aerospace industry is skyrocketing. More specifically, recent data shows that there’s a rapidly growing demand for aircraft maintenance technicians. In the coming weeks, we’ll explore the projections, present the opportunities, and break down the steps for those interested in pursuing an aviation maintenance career. But first, let’s take a look at some of the numbers.

IT'S ALL IN THE DATA

Starting with the big picture, it’s projected that until 2030 there will be a steady employment growth rate of 12% for mechanics and service technicians, and 10% for avionics technicians. This is great news for both new graduates looking to solidify a long-term career with plenty of opportunity for advancement, and seasoned technicians whose wealth of skills have lasting value. In fact, this employment growth rate is outpacing the rest of the U.S. job market by 8%, making this industry truly one to watch.

AMPLE ACCESS TO EDUCATION

Although we’ve seen a 2.2% increase in graduates, displaying increased interest, Aircraft Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) have abundant availability for student enrollment across the country. Pursuing this kind of education offers students a pathway to a rewarding and in-demand career in the aviation industry which projects an average of 12,800 job openings per year until 2032. With different pathways to certification, transferrable skills from other industries, and mentorship and training opportunities, there are plenty of viable options for people from all backgrounds to build a solid professional foundation in the industry.

“Our people and our commitment to each other sets us apart. We expose future technicians to a variety of tasks and challenges. Teaching and coaching the next generation of AMTs is part of our DNA.”

With growing demand, technological advancements, and abundant career opportunities, now is an opportune time to pursue training and education in aircraft maintenance. Get started by exploring the current job openings at MHIRJ: https://mhirj.com/en/careers

Becoming a safer and better informed CRJ pilot is now just a tap away. With the creation of the new MHIRJ Flight Deck app, pilots can access critical flight information with the touch of a finger.

This newly-introduced app eliminates the need for pilots to carry heavy and cumbersome operating manuals, navigation charts, reference handbooks, flight checklists, logbooks, and weather information in their flight bag. Instead, they can access all necessary documents using a single iPad®, which weighs less than 1.5 pounds.

With the MHIRJ Flight Deck app, CRJ pilots can enjoy the benefits of going paperless by instantly storing and accessing manual data and other documentation from their iPad® - without Wi-Fi.

Improving on existing apps, it empowers pilots to efficiently manage documents using tags, color codes, and favorites, ensuring faster access. New features such as one-touch full-screen mode and thumbnail page view make reading PDF files swift and intuitive. Documents can be easily annotated using ink, highlighter, text, notes, and various other tools. All of which reduces pilot workload and increases safety.

The app that does it all

No other solution combines automatic temporary revision updates, content user control, and aircraft serial number-specific information into one application. The new app also generates FAA, EASA, and TC-compliant audit trails for paperless¹ operations to ensure flight manuals are current. Time is saved, and pilots are always ready to fly per the latest regulatory requirements. In addition, fleet managers, dispatchers, and other members of your team can drag and drop electronic versions of aircraft documents, manuals, and forms into online folders, allowing pilots to control all their electronic documentation in one place.

Find out more on how we’ve made going paperless in the cockpit, painless.

For subscription, pricing, and availability of the CRJ flight manuals on the MHIRJ Flight Deck application, contact sales.techpubs@mhirj.com or call 437-800 3366.

For technical assistance with the MHIRJ Flight Deck application, please reach out to support@obds.com or call +1 (450) 476-1420.

Reliability is the backbone of aviation industry standards. Passengers, airlines, manufacturers, and maintenance providers benefit from great teamwork and collaboration, leading to consistent and reliable aircraft service. This kind of excellence doesn’t go unnoticed.

World-class teamwork merits world-class recognition. And that’s exactly why MHIRJ is excited to announce the 2022 Airline Reliability Awards recipients once again this year. Without further ado, here are this year’s winners in their respective categories and locations:
 

CRJ700/900/1000 Product Category

North America

Endeavor Air, a subsidiary of Delta Airlines, has secured the 2022 Reliability Award for North America, reaffirming its commitment to operational excellence in its category. As the largest CRJ900 operator, managing a fleet of over 120+ aircraft is no easy feat. Their exemplary track-record this year resulted in a dispatch reliability of 98.90%.

Europe

Lufthansa CityLine proudly received the 2022 Reliability Award for Europe, achieving a dispatch reliability of 99.55%. Lufthansa CityLine, a wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, provides an essential role in connecting communities to and from major hubs in Munich and Frankfurt, in addition to numerous destinations throughout Europe.

Asia Pacific                              

IBEX Airlines was named the winner for Asia-Pacific with its dispatch reliability overall score of 99.79%. IBEX was founded in 1999 and started operations on a Sendai-Kansai Route in 2000 with a CRJ200. Today, they connect ten domestic airports in Japan in Code Share partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA) and are a significant contributor to the revitalizing regional economies in Japan.

CRJ100/200 Product Category

Europe

Air Nostrum won the 2022 Reliability Award in the CRJ100/200 product category with its reliability score of 99.26%. Air Nostrum has won the award 10 times for the European region for both the CRJ100/200 and the CRJ700/900/1000 categories. This achievement makes Air Nostrum stand out as a regional champion, continually leading the way for the European regional aviation market by consistently exceeding expectations.

The importance of dispatch reliability

Dispatch reliability is a critical factor in aircraft operation. If the aircraft is not available, even for a short period, the consequences can be significant. Safely and efficiently transporting 99% or more of an airline’s passengers in a year is nothing short of incredible. When considering candidates for the Dispatch Reliability Award, MHIRJ focuses on product performance, airline support, and customer focus. These three pillars support the passenger experience and define how successful an airline is at transporting passengers from point A to point B.

Worldwide recognition

Established in 2009, the Dispatch Reliability Award recognizes worldwide operators of CRJ Series regional jets who have achieved industry-leading dispatch reliability rates of 98.9% or better.

How award winners are identified

To identify award winners, the aircraft dispatch reliability of airlines is monitored through a data system called FRACAS (Failure Reporting, Analysis, and Corrective Action System). This reporting system is used by aviation companies to detect, assess, and correct failures in flight dispatch—streamlining flight processes through adaptive correction. MHIRJ has its own FRACAS database through which CRJ Series aircraft in service around the globe are monitored, allowing for accurate and consistent comparative data on all CRJ Series aircraft in service.

In addition to recognizing operators for their success, the awards showcase airlines that achieve world-class performance reliability, and strive to promote a commitment to safety, consistency, and best practices. Congratulations to the recipients, and thank you for your stellar service!

We are all familiar with the impacts of the pilot shortage in recent years, but did you know that there is also a labor shortage that extends behind the scenes? As the airline business continues to soar, so does the need for qualified technicians to support it. 

The regional aviation industry has had its fair share of challenges with the pilot shortage, but with growing attention to this problem, and some measures being debated including the Let Experienced Pilots Fly legislation, there is hope that the industry will begin the long healing process. However, there still remains a much less discussed, and yet equally significant shortage of aircraft technicians to support the industry.
 

This presents a new world of opportunity for the next generation to pursue fulfilling careers in aviation. But it also requires more promotion of the industry and the benefits that come along with it, as well as ample funding for training. We had a conversation with Ross Mitchell, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at MHIRJ to talk about the viable solutions that are on the table:

 

 

Look out for more on the labor shortage and other industry news on WINGSPAN.

As the need to ramp up the aviation workforce continues, efforts are being made to lessen critical industry labor shortages. From increasing access to funding to improving training, the 2023 FAA Reauthorization Bill aims to make effective changes with a long-lasting impact.

Pilot and technician shortages, service interruptions, and other recent obstacles have put a spotlight on the need for policy changes within the industry. That’s why the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act aims to put measures into place that will help alleviate the challenges, improve safety and service, and provide funding to hire more pilots, technicians, and air traffic controllers, as well as implement the latest safety technology.

Every 5 years, the funding and mandate of the FAA are defined by Congress through the FAA Reauthorization Act, and 2023 is such a year when the future course of aviation in the U.S. will be set with the passage of the Act. This year, it’s more important than ever to make effective changes that will change the course of the future of the industry.

"The labor shortage in the aviation industry translates into parked aircraft and canceled flights. The industry needs more pilots and more aircraft technicians to keep communities connected and protect air service from getting interrupted across the United States,” said Ross Mitchell, Vice-President, Strategy and Business Development, at MHIRJ.

SUPPORTING EDUCATION AND RECRUITMENT

In order to meet workforce demands, part of this bill focuses on increasing funding for the FAA’s Aviation Workforce Development Grant Program. This program is designed to grow the aviation workforce pipeline by supporting the education and recruitment of pilots, maintenance technicians, and aircraft manufacturing technical workers. It also calls for the FAA to develop a national plan to address the critical shortages being felt across the industry.

While it’s imperative to address current workforce challenges, it’s also necessary to remove the barriers that prevent the next generation of professionals from pursuing a career in aviation. The extremely high cost of training limits access to education and training for many, so increasing funding will open the doors to opportunity for a far more diverse group of people, thus building a larger workforce in less time.

CHANGING THE EXISTING LANDSCAPE

One of the solutions to the pilot shortage that has been receiving the most attention is changing the mandatory retirement age for pilots. This latest bill finally looks to increase the mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots from the current 65 to 67. The majority of the pilot workforce is still healthy, capable, and wanting to continue their careers past the age of 65, so this change will reduce the shortage being felt today by allowing the most experienced pilots to continue flying. This will positively impact the availability of pilots, helping close the gap while new pilots complete their training.

Another notable change presented in the bill is allowing pilots to complete a portion of their training hours in simulators. These simulators are an incredible tool with state-of-the-art technology designed to mimic real-life aircraft and prepare pilots for situations that cannot be simulated on actual training aircraft. From engine failure to hazardous wind shear, experience is everything when it comes to safety training—and that’s where technology comes in. Modernizing training requirements and leveraging modern simulators can help get pilots accredited and in the air faster, helping to close the pilot shortage gap. This would be a significant improvement from the traditional flight training that requires accumulating flight hours on a single-engine aircraft.

We look forward to seeing these changes take action and bring the aviation industry into a great new era. Full details on what the 2023 FAA reauthorization bill brings to the table can be found on the U.S. Senate website.

Regardless of the destination, when passengers board an aircraft for their flight, the one thing they expect from the airline is top-notch customer service. The quality of in-flight service can earn an operator long-term customer loyalty and industry prestige. Achieving this starts with having a well-trained cabin crew.

Knowing the pivotal role the cabin crew plays in an airline's success, MHIRJ teamed up with long-standing partner Endeavor Air to build a first-of-its-kind cabin trainer for the CRJ900 aircraft designed to elevate the efficiency and effectiveness of training like never before. Renowned for optimally operating its CRJ fleet, this innovative training device helps Endeavor ensure it continues to be a successful, top-rated regional airline.

CUSTOMIZED FOR ENDEAVOR TO ELEVATE TRAINING

This innovative new CRJ trainer was developed from a CRJ900 fuselage and simulates features like overhead bins, lighting, seats, and a PA system, all customized to match the Endeavor brand. It even comes complete with a galley and functional working components like storage bins and service carts. Thanks to this new training structure, Endeavor's flight crew trainees are in an environment that reflects what they will experience in real life, making their training more thorough and effective.

A SENSORY, AUDITORY, AND VISUALLY AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE

This new CRJ cabin trainer will be used by Endeavor's flight attendants for procedures training, emergency training, and service training. Unlike the existing tools that were used before, it delivers a far more realistic, aircraft-specific, and scenario-based training.

For the first time, cabin crew trainees are exposed to the sounds, lights, and smoke system, which helps with drills such as onboarding, in-flight beverage services, emergency drills, and other training exercises in a truly realistic environment. This means tasks can be done more efficiently and in a more in-depth manner. This new tool will also allow Endeavor to develop a new FAA-approved training curriculum, including FAA approval for the device.

BENEFITING THE AIRLINE, CABIN CREWS, AND CUSTOMERS

The benefits of the new device are far-reaching. This new tool enables Endeavor to have a better-trained cabin crew for an even safer and more efficient airline. For cabin crew trainees, it allows them to complete training faster with practical hands-on learning that equips them to be more skilled at their jobs. And given the current industry demand for new hires, the new trainer also appeals to those considering a career as a flight attendant.

"The cabin trainer has revolutionized the hands-on learning experience for Endeavor flight attendants," said Patty Allen, VP of Inflight Services at Endeavor. "It's a true showpiece for Endeavor, and I'm thrilled we can provide this state-of-the-art equipment for both our existing employees and those who choose to begin their careers with us."

Nicknamed "Amelia" in honor of the renowned American aviation pioneer and first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, the cabin trainer now lives in pride of place at the Endeavor Learning Center, which opened in Minneapolis, Minnesota in early 2023.

IN RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE

Operating 124 regional jets on 600 daily flights to 100 destinations in the US, Canada, and the Caribbean, Endeavor Air understands the importance of operating with excellence across all areas of its business. That dedication to going above and beyond has been recognized by the industry once again this year, with Endeavor Air receiving the 2022 Aircraft Reliability Award. This honor celebrates the various teams at Endeavor - Maintenance and Maintenance Programs, Reliability, Technical Operations, and Fleet Management - that have stood out amongst their North American peers operating CRJ fleets throughout the year.

We congratulate Endeavor on this prestigious award and our successful accomplishment of building this one-of-a-kind cabin trainer. We look forward to continuing to partner together in the years ahead.

The labor shortage in the aviation industry is impacting air travel across the nation. A shortage of pilots and skilled technicians is causing interrupted service and disconnecting communities. We’re rallying with our industry partners to create necessary legislative changes, and you can too.

Join the Rally for Air Service movement here to help keep the industry soaring!

Check out our articles in WINGSPAN for expert insights into what’s being done, and what’s to come:

As regional travel continues to be impacted by the pilot shortage, smaller communities remain the most affected. MHIRJ’s Ross Mitchell talks about what MHIRJ and its industry partners are doing to take a collective stand and push for change.

The race to close the gap in the pilot shortage continues. As short- and long-term solutions are rolled out, how can new technologies play a pivotal role in getting pilots safely trained and accredited faster? Aviation expert Randy Babbitt weighs in.

Bryan Bedford, CEO and President of Republic Airways, discusses the effects of the pilot shortage on family, work, economic development, flight cost, and service availability Bedford also talks about how regulations around pilot training need to change in order to alleviate the pilot shortage without sacrificing safety.

The effects of the pilot shortage continue to be felt across the nation. We sat down with Dion Flannery, CEO & President of PSA Airlines, and Chairman of the Regional Airline Association and discussed the realities everyone faces until concrete changes are implemented.

Industry analyst and data expert, Courtney Miller, spoke to MHIRJ about what he sees happening if viable solutions are not put into play to help resolve the pilot shortage and maintain regional service.

Drew Jacoby Lemos, Vice-President of Government Affairs with the Regional Airline Association (RAA), talks to us about the importance of industry stakeholders rallying together to help alleviate the labor shortage and make room for new technologies.

Rick Leach, President and CEO of GoJet Airlines, speaks to MHIRJ about how the pilot shortage is affecting the integration of new technologies and the availability of aircraft like the new CRJ550.

Industry expert, Addison Schonland, talks about what the aviation industry can and should do differently post-pandemic to help get more planes off the ground and new pilots in the air. Schonland also comments on the structural barriers that continue to limit the pace of progress.

Amel Belkhamsa, Head of Aftermarket Commercial Services at MHIRJ talks about how we are continuing to evolve post-pandemic to become even stronger as an MRO provider, and better equipped to serve our ever-growing customer base.

Putting the current aviation labor shortage in the past requires effective policy change, and it requires immediate action to help make that happen. The recent introduction of two key pieces of legislation in the U.S. Senate will help in the efforts to solve the current crisis. The Aviation Workforce, Opportunity, Recruiting, Knowledge, and Supply Act (Aviation WORKS Act) by Senators Mark Kelly and Deborah Fischer, as well as the Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act, introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham and co-sponsored by Senators Mark Kelly, Joe Manchin, Chuck Grassley, Marsha Blackburn and Cynthia Lummis, promise to do just that.

Change requires action, so discussions on how bipartisan legislation could strengthen aviation and aerospace workforce pipelines and boost investments are top of the agenda. The Aviation WORKS Act will serve to expand access to existing pilot and aviation maintenance technician workforce programs, and encourage future funding, while the Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act extends the retirement age for pilots from 65 to 67.

A SHORTAGE THAT GOES BEYOND PILOTS

While the pilot shortage has taken the spotlight in terms of acute needs, the industry shortage is also affecting other critical positions like mechanics and other technical maintenance staff. The Aviation WORKS Act will expand FAA workforce grants, which will give more people access to training for careers in these skilled positions. These skilled workers are just as critical to the future of the aviation industry as pilots. If the shortage of pilots was resolved, currently there are not enough technicians to service the fleet and keep it flying.

To put things in perspective, it’s important to take a look at the numbers when all of these positions are combined. The aerospace and defense industry currently supports nearly 2 million jobs across the United States. Over the next two decades, Boeing estimates that the industry will need 612,000 new pilots, 626,000 new maintenance technicians, and 886,000 new cabin crew members.

THE SHORT-TERM SOLUTION

The Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act will extend the retirement age for pilots, allowing the seasoned professionals with the most experience to continue their careers. The Act will provide time for the industry to adapt to the current shortage and take action to accelerate the training of new pilots. Of course, this is not the end of the need for reform, but it does acknowledge the serious nature of the shortage in aviation and is a great first step in solving the current crisis.

There will continue to be the need for better funding and training for pilots and technicians. The road to becoming an aviation professional is long and costly, and if we are to have a qualified and diverse workforce, action needs to be taken to increase funding. While that change is currently being contemplated, the Act will ease the short-term constraints and allow for the continued functioning of the air transport system.

FUNDING FOR THE FUTURE

So how can the Aviation WORKS Act tackle the aviation workforce shortage? By boosting workforce development funding for pilots and maintenance technicians. This act would quadruple funding for the Aviation Workforce Development Program to $20 million. It would also create more avenues for aviation careers via two additional grant programs.

The first is an aviation manufacturing workforce development program to support manufacturers and higher education institutions in expanding skills training and education opportunities. The second is a sector-based grant program that would create partnerships between employers, labor unions, institutions of higher education, and other community stakeholders to better connect workers with training and employers.

By continuing to communicate the effects of the growing pilot shortage on our aviation system and local communities, we are better able to advocate for meaningful policy solutions like the Aviation WORKS Act. Thank you to the Senators who are eager to support critical change.

We’ll continue bringing you updates via WINGSPAN as developments unfold. In the meantime, be sure to visit Rally for Air Service to see how you too can get involved.

In the last two years, more than 320 airports in the U.S. have lost air service, with over 150 of them losing more than a quarter of their service as a result of the pilot shortage. We have been actively using our platform to keep a spotlight on the issue and to help raise awareness. As the problem persists, we’re seeing news outlets bring increasing attention to the challenges we are all facing as industry players and travelers.

While the pilot shortage is leaving a gaping hole in the industry, the shortage is showing to have disproportionate effects on regional airlines and larger airlines. Flight Global covered a story on how the pilot shortage is currently eroding U.S. discounters’ low-cost edge in the market, while consequently improving the competitive position of much larger airlines.

A GLOBAL ISSUE

But the problem isn’t just being felt in the U.S. According to Transport Canada, approximately 1,100 pilot licenses were issued each year before the pandemic hit. When this number was complemented by foreign-trained pilots, the number of pilots available was more than enough to satisfy the needs of not just the large carriers like WestJet and Air Canada, but also the regional, charter and cargo airlines.

However, CBC News reported some staggering numbers that really illustrate the issue at hand. As the demand for air travel practically ground to a halt in 2020, so did the number of licenses being issued to new pilots. Government data revealed that fewer than 500 licenses were awarded in Canada in 2020, which then dropped even lower to under 300 in 2021, and just a mere 238 in 2022.

Even with this data in hand, "there aren’t enough people starting up at the bottom of the scale to get people interested in flying," John Gradek, a lecturer in aviation management at McGill University in Montreal, told CTV News. With costs as high as $100,000 or more to train as a pilot in Canada, paired with little to no financial aid available to students, the problem doesn’t show signs of slowing down.

"This is why we’re advocating for governments to start subsidized pilot training. We’re talking about getting flight training funded the same way other more traditional college degrees get funded,” MHIRJ’s own Ross Mitchell explained in a recent interview.

A WIDENING GAP

Although air travel has since bounced back following the pandemic, many airlines continue to struggle to bring enough pilots back into the mix. A 2022 analysis by the consulting firm Oliver Wyman estimates that the U.S. airline industry is lacking around 8,000 pilots. They also project that the situation will continue to worsen over the next decade as the ever-increasing demand continues to overtake the number of new pilots entering the industry—despite the expectation that the supply of new commercial pilots is expected to pick up over the next few years.

However, with the way things stand now, the increased supply can’t possibly meet the demand. As a result, it’s expected that North America will be short nearly 30,000 pilots by 2032.

As travelers continue to feel the frustrations of canceled flights, and the industry feels the strain of grounded planes and schedule cutbacks, we’ll continue to help increase media coverage on the issue, share the latest developments with our community, and rally for change alongside our industry partners.

As with so many other industries, the pandemic impacted the aviation industry in ways that nobody could have anticipated. As we emerge on the other side, we all have the opportunity to take what we have learned from the entire experience and use that knowledge to decide how we can do things differently moving forward.

The pandemic truly highlighted the need for change in the aviation industry. It magnified smaller issues into larger ones, and revealed new challenges entirely. MHIRJ is active in pushing for improvement alongside our industry partners, so while attending the Regional Airline Association meeting in Washington, D.C. we had an insightful conversation with Addison Schonland, industry analyst and reporter for AirInsight.

From turning pain points into opportunities, and building technologies up to bring costs down, he shared his thoughts on the factors that can and will reinvent the industry as we know it:

 

BREAKING PAST BARRIERS

As we transition into a new era of opportunity, there are, of course, a number of structural barriers that continue to limit the pace of progress that we would ideally like to see. The biggest obstacle continues to be the pilot shortage. From pilots taking early retirement during the pandemic, to the financial and circumstantial challenges that new pilots face, the focus continues to lie on how we can remedy the situation.

What remains clear is the fact that we need new pilots in the air to get planes off the ground, but regulations remain rigid—including the 1,500 hours required to become a fully licensed pilot:

 

FUTURE SOLUTIONS

Beyond changing the number of hours required for accreditation, or accelerating the means of acquiring them, financial factors are also at play. One viable solution that could help move the needle is funding for tuition—which currently costs approximately $200,000. As this number is not realistically affordable for most people, conversations need to be had with regulators and legislators on how we can create better, safer training with lower tuition.

Will legislative change help? Yes. Will new technologies help? Yes. Will this take time, testing, and new safety measures? Yes. And this is why maintaining a united front continues to be our greatest strength in expediting new measures so that we can put real change on the horizon.
 

We’ll continue to cover the latest developments right here in WINGSPAN, and continue to lobby for collective change.