Industry

The key role advocacy plays in supporting regional air service and workforce development is explained by Stephanie Bento, our Government & Industry Affairs Lead at MHIRJ, who shares how collaboration across industry and government is helping build a stronger aviation system.

Stephanie: Hi, Stephanie Bento here from MHIRJ Government Affairs. What an honor it is this week to be in Washington, D.C., and to hear directly from policymakers, legislators, and industry leaders, and to keep them closely connected with our company, discussing what's most important in our industry right now. We're looking at the major challenges and opportunities ahead of us.

MHIRJ: What are the major challenges and opportunities currently facing the aviation industry?

Stephanie: Something that we're learning from our community at ATEC, which represents our community of schools across the nation, is that we really need to continue training our students to bridge the gap between new skill technicians coming into the industry and very tenured, very well-established senior technicians. On-the-job training, apprenticeship programs, and connecting students to employers will continue to be the priority in the foreseeable future to ensure a robust pipeline of talent for aviation maintenance.

MHIRJ: Why is the Regional Airline Association important to MHIRJ and its customers?

Stephanie: The Regional Airline Association is very close to heart with us, because all of our major customers are here, and we're very happy to be here with them, connect with them, talk about what they're seeing on their side with domestic demand being at an all-time high, how we're supporting them, and how we can advocate for solutions from the administration to help support regional air service.

The great majority of our national transportation system relies on regional air service for connectivity to small rural communities, and we are here proudly advocating for that. We stand strongly behind the RAA and all its efforts, advocating for regional air service.

MHIRJ: What advocacy efforts are being made to support our growing industry?

Stephanie: We met with Senator Mark Kelly, a strong supporter of the aviation community, who sees the industry as a key economic driver for the state of Arizona. We also have ongoing discussions with our legislators in West Virginia. We had great discussions on both sides. They’re very much engaged with us.

We're very proud to be having these discussions, and we look forward to continued collaboration so that we can continue to grow our industry and respond to the high demand we're seeing from the customer side. We want to work together, support them and grow together.

MHIRJ: What's the vision for a stronger aviation system to meet growing demand?

Stephanie: Advocacy is having a great positive impact. We've seen great announcements coming out of the sector, such as U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy's announcement of $12.5 billion towards the ATC systems modernization.

There has also been a significant willingness to fund workforce grants and apprenticeships, and we're grateful to the RAA and ATEC for the advocacy efforts they've made throughout the years to make these initiatives happen.

It takes a team effort for all of this to work, and we're all here united, working together to find solutions and build a stronger system that can continue to grow and meet the demands of our expanding networks.

Crystal Maguire, Executive Director of the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC), discussed the vital role of education, advocacy, and collaboration in addressing the industry’s maintenance workforce shortage. From policy reforms to training access, Maguire shared how ATEC is helping bridge the gap between classrooms and careers in aviation.

Crystal: I’m Crystal McGuire, Executive Director of the Aviation Technician Education Council. It's the trade association that represents aviation maintenance training schools certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Those schools create about 80% of all new aircraft mechanics.

MHIRJ: What is the D.C. Fly-In, and why is it so important?

Crystal: Every year, we come to Washington, D.C., to talk about top issues having to do with workforce funding, workforce demand, workforce shortages, and creating qualified technical personnel.

We come in, brief everyone on the first day, discuss the hot issues, and talk with FAA officials about what's going on with the regulatory environment. Then, prepare everyone for meetings the next day. Tomorrow, we're going to have 80 meetings about how to help train the next generation of mechanics.

MHIRJ: Why do these advocacy efforts matter?

Crystal: We're looking at about a 10% shortage over the next decade. We focus primarily on policy initiatives that remove barriers in the pipeline. So, from Kindergarten through Grade 12, through secondary education, and into apprenticeship programs and work-to-learn type programs, we help someone go from A to Z.

MHIRJ: What are our barriers along that chain, in terms of workforce, and how do we tackle and eliminate those barriers?

Crystal: We have a lot of funding that has been provided through congressional directives in the past to support these types of workforce programs. We're on the Hill explaining how that has really helped our industry, how it has helped tackle some of the shortage issues, and to encourage the dollars to keep flowing to support those programs.

MHIRJ: What are some of the struggles, and how is ATEC providing support to those challenges?

Crystal: From the industry's perspective, a lot of times we hear things like there are training gaps and students coming into employment. How do we get those folks to work quicker and faster? How can we collaborate with the training community to ensure that individuals learn as much as possible in school, so that they're ready to hit the ground running?

On the industry side, that has a lot to do with our advocacy efforts with the Federal Aviation Administration to make sure that our certification process is where it needs to be, that we're correctly defining the knowledge and skill requirements for a mechanic, and then getting industry and education in the same room to talk about where are we seeing shortfalls and, how can we improve the training cycle.

How can industry be more involved in the classroom to ensure that schools have the necessary resources to train personnel effectively?

Also, funding. For our schools, they need the right equipment and the right technical data to train personnel effectively, enabling them to hit the ground running.

The industry often is a big supporter of our schools. We also have the opportunity to discuss with other FAA officials some of the challenges we face in the regulatory environment and how we can work through them to create more effective pathways for people.

MHIRJ: What makes the transition from student to certified mechanic most challenging?

Crystal: One of the challenges that we have is testing capacity. Not only knowledge testing but also making sure that we've got access to the testing centers, and that every applicant has access to a designated mechanic examiner. We reported that the number of those DMEs actually decreased in the last year, while our enrollment numbers are increasing, which is good, but it's creating quite a bottleneck.

All those folks still need to be tested, so our last available DMEs in the community have to conduct more tests. But also, how can we do other things, perhaps outside the box, to increase testing capacity?

MHIRJ: What keeps you motivated about this work?

Crystal: This group is very effective on the Hill. One of the reasons is that we have industry, education, and labor all working together.

I like to call ATEC the common denominator often because we're all about the workforce.

MHIRJ: Do you have any final thoughts?

Crystal: People want to make an impact. I think people are always surprised when they come to the Fly-In, that they have such access to members of Congress and staff, and we've had such great successes in the past. We did a reform of Part 147, which is the regulation that oversees A&P schools, and that was done through our legislative advocacy.

Ultimately, it was a regulation, but we were able to drive changes to those regulations through our legislative activities. It was a game-changer for this community, and we were able to undertake initiatives like these and advocate for them here at the Fly-In. In the end, the big takeaway for a lot of people is they come in and they just didn't know.

This is easy. It's not scary. The congressional office buildings are open and accessible to the public. It's just a matter of putting them in a position to be successful and communicating the types of things that will make a difference.

While attending the Regional Airline Association’s 50th Anniversary event, we spoke with Marissa Snow, Managing Director of Communications at SkyWest, about the essential role of regional aviation in linking smaller communities to global networks. From post-pandemic recovery to essential air service, Snow shared how SkyWest continues to deliver reliable connections across North America.

Marissa: Hi, I'm Marissa Snow with SkyWest Incorporated. I'm Managing Director of Communications and happy to be here today with the RAA where we're talking about the importance of safe, reliable air service to all of North America, but also to small rural communities, which is where SkyWest began 53 years ago. Our roots are with small community air service. SkyWest is the largest operator in North America, with over 500 aircraft. We also serve over 250 airports across North America.

MHIRJ: What are your observations about domestic travel?

Marissa: Post pandemic, the demand in small and medium sized communities has really gotten stronger than ever. A lot of urban dwellers have moved to these small and mid-sized communities, but they still need that vital connectivity to the mass.

Passengers need access to the global networks we provide via United, Delta, American Airlines and Alaska. We're able to give them that vital economic link. They can maintain their business travel and their leisure travel.

Since they bore the brunt of the service losses and the captain shortage, it’s more important than ever. Communities are beginning to understand how vital the service is to their economic development.

MHIRJ: What is essential air service and how does SkyWest support those communities?

Marissa: Essential air service is exactly that. It's essential funding from the federal government that allows these communities to maintain some level of air service. In recent years, they've been challenged with maintaining that air service with the captain shortage and everything else.

But it really is the essential uplink to the national aviation transportation infrastructure. We have several communities that we do serve under the AS and, and the objective is to grow the demand so they are self-sustaining so that they can maintain their safe, reliable air service beyond the program. And we're really seeing that grow and develop and, and the communities are very invested in making it successful. It really is a critical component of our aviation infrastructure here in the U.S.

MHIRJ: What are SkyWest’s current goals?

Marissa: The two things that we're always focused on is delivering exceptional, safe, reliable service. And I think that's where the industry really come together. How can we continue to innovate, evolve, adapt and move forward so that these small and mid-sized communities continue to also grow and develop, and stay connected to the national infrastructure as well as the global networks.

MHIRJ: What are your thoughts on RAA reaching its 50-Year Milestone?

Marissa: Congratulations to RAA on 50 years. It's a huge milestone. We've seen so much change in the industry, but advocating and educating public and Washington on the importance and the safety and reliability of regional service, regional jets, working through the captain shortage, it really has been a journey and we look forward to the next 50 years.

 

We spoke with Livia Hayes, Director at Oliver Wyman Vector, about the latest findings from the annual ATEC Aviation Technician Pipeline Report. From maintenance demand to workforce shortages driven by retirements and changing career pathways, Hayes shared key insights into what’s shaping the technician pipeline.

Livia: Hi, I'm Livia Hayes from Oliver Wyman Vector, here at the 2025 Aviation Technician Education Council Fly-In.

MHIRJ: What is the Pipeline Report?

Livia: Our pipeline report is something that we do in conjunction with ATEC every year. We help administer the survey that the schools take, and then we collate the results and issue the report out with findings on how the technician pipeline is doing here in the United States. 

MHIRJ: What surprised you the most with this year's results?

Livia: We had a year-over-year decrease in the number of students being certificated, and also the number of people entering the industry from the military.

However, it was still a second all-time high, which is really positive. Despite those increases, we're still projecting a shortage of workers in this industry for the next decade. We're in a current shortage now, and it's projected to get worse, especially as maintenance demands increase over the next ten years as fleets grow here in the United States.

MHIRJ: The report mentions a "super cycle of maintenance," can you explain what that is?

Livia: We've entered the post-Covid era. We've now surpassed previous peaks of number of aircraft flying and also the amount that they're flying. So, what drives maintenance demand in the aviation industry is how much airplanes are flying. And we're well beyond the peaks that happened in 2019. Not only are we at new high levels, we're also still playing a little bit of catch up from maintenance that was deferred during that time.

What we say is that this year we've entered a super cycle of maintenance demand, and that is not expected to let up for any time soon.

MHIRJ: What insights have you gathered from the schools and industry?

Livia: What's interesting is that students are now going straight to large operators, where they used to go to school repair stations first and receive training, and then move on to operators later. So, there's a real juniority impact that we see with students going straight into the operators. They are less productive. It takes about 3 to 5 years for a new student to be as productive as an experienced person.

And the shortage that we're projecting is going to be driven by a large number of retirements coming. This is going to continue to be an issue for the industry going forward. What's really interesting is the work that ATEC does in order to address some of these items are really starting to pay off. 

We've seen a number of certificates go up. We've seen, slowly but surely, the number of military pathway people increasing. It's really important to keep this work going.

We're projecting a large number of retirements to come even though we're passed that Covid retirement wave. So, it's going to be even more important to keep this work going forward, especially as the aviation and MRO industry tries to grow in North America.

 

For decades, regional air travel across North America was dominated by propeller-driven aircraft. Turboprops like the SAAB 340 and Beechcraft 1900 handled short routes, connecting small towns to bigger cities.

Passengers took ATRs and Dash-8s for flights between secondary cities and major hubs, but had to board through tiny terminals, often walking across the tarmac. It wasn’t ideal, but it served its purpose. Turboprops were economical, could land on short runways, and kept regional networks alive.

These planes were practical, but passengers didn’t really like them. They were noisy, slow, and seemed outdated next to the modern jets on longer routes. Airlines faced a dilemma. They needed something faster, quieter, and more comfortable yet small enough to serve thin routes economically. But the answer didn’t exist just yet.

THE RISE OF THE REGIONAL JET 

By the mid-1990s, regional jets like the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) and Embraer ERJ families began serving regional airports, promising greater speed, comfort, and the prestige of flying aboard a real jet.

These new aircraft were sleek, fast, and airlines loved operating them. They could integrate better into hub-and-spoke systems, offer higher cruise speeds and reduce block times. Regional jets were also interchangeable with other single-aisle aircraft, without requiring adjustments to the schedule. Passengers appreciated the quieter cabins and the absence of propeller vibration. Eventually, their expectations shifted permanently, and comfort took precedence over marginal savings.

Suddenly, turboprops seemed outdated and the market began to tilt. The decline wasn’t overnight; it was more like a slow erosion. Airlines began phasing out their SAAB and Beechcraft fleets first, followed by gradual reductions in ATR and Dash-8 operations.

The most recent introduction of Regional Turboprops into the U.S. was Silver Airways in 2019. Silver was upgrading from older 34-seat SAAB 340s to larger ATRs. At the time the airline boasted that aircraft with better economics and efficiency would be transformational for Silver. ATR indicated that the introduction of the new aircraft would lead to what they expected to be a new wave of eco-responsible and passenger- friendly regional travel, and the return of the ATRs in the U.S. However, only five years later the ATRs were gone, and Silver was out of business.

No one else has adopted new ATRs for scheduled service. A few turboprops remain in service today, mostly in niche operations, but their footprint is shrinking rapidly.

WHY CONVENTIONAL TURBOPROPS WON’T RETURN

While sustainability discussions occasionally revive interest in turboprops, the reality is that infrastructure and networks have changed, and many small routes were abandoned to other forms of travel. Scope clauses now dictate the market requirements. Smaller turboprops are unlikely to return unless new aircraft with better economics are developed and chronic shortages of maintenance technicians and pilots are resolved.

Bringing back large-scale turboprop operations would require reversing decades of structural change, a scenario that is neither practical nor economically viable.

This reality was further reinforced by the announcement earlier this fall from Embraer’s CEO, confirming the cancellation of their turboprop program, signaling a strategic pivot toward electric and hybrid propulsion concepts rather than conventional turboprops.

LEGACY AND FUTURE

Turboprops didn’t fail; they evolved out of necessity. While they connected communities and made regional flying affordable, their decline reflects a broader truth, that aviation is continually striving for speed, comfort, and efficiency.

And as sustainability reshapes the industry, the spirit of the turboprop may return, not with propellers, but with quiet, electric motors powering the next generation of short-haul aircraft.

While these technologies are still in development, they align with global decarbonization goals and passenger expectations for modern, eco-friendly travel. Unlike turboprops, electric and hybrid aircraft represent a forward-looking solution rather than a nostalgic return to the past.

ATR BELIEVES THAT TURBOPROPS ARE POISED TO REPLACE 50-SEATER JETS. HERE’S WHY THEY'RE WRONG.

ATR has set its sights on the North American market, positioning its turboprops as the ideal replacement for ‘aging’ 50-seat regional jets. While they weave a good tale, they also reference an ‘imminent crisis’ that is completely made up.  

It’s time to scrutinize the narrative. Here’s why ATR’s vision is fundamentally flawed:

THERE ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH 50-SEAT RJS TO FULFILL MARKET REQUIREMENTS FOR ANOTHER 20 YEARS.

Let’s start by setting the record straight: ATR claims that existing 50-seat Regional Jets are aging and will retire by the early 2030s.

While ATR claims that existing 50-seat Regional Jets are aging and will retire by the early 2030s, implying retirement by 45,000 and 48,000 cycles, most of these aircraft are in fact built for 60,000 to 80,000 cycles. This means that they have more than 15 to 20 years of operational life left.

The regional market today is not constrained by a lack of aircraft capacity, but by factors such as pilot shortages and rising labour costs.

OPERATIONAL REALITIES: RANGE, ECONOMICS AND SPEED

Recently, ATR stated that the 100NM to 400NM market represents an enormous opportunity to convert drivers into passengers, basing their logic on a “point-to-point model mostly seen in Europe. However, the U.S. market operates on a hub-and-spoke model with regional carriers playing a critical role in feeding connection networks.

Operators require flexibility in serving routes beyond 400NM where ATR aircraft are not suitable. Also, Hub-and-spoke means operating out of busy hub airports, where turboprops are usually too slow to intermix with jets, and their climb speed prevents them from using preferred departure routes.

While ATR may claim that they offer a 30% operating cost savings, they only refer to cash operating costs, not direct operating costs that would include the amortization and financing costs of a new aircraft. It is essential to look at the whole picture, as the minimal ownership costs of existing (and paid-off) 50-seat Regional Jets give them a net advantage and superior overall economics.

Moreover, turboprops may be efficient on short routes, but they’re not fast, with a cruise speed of Mach 0.45 versus RJs' 0.78, leading to 20 % longer flight times. Slower speeds mean more aircraft are needed to maintain frequency, increasing complexity and cost.

If operating the same network requires more aircraft, you’re not truly saving money at the network level, even if you were able to save money on an individual trip. It also means needing more pilots, an expensive and scarce resource that can’t be treated as a simple variable in an economic model.

Turboprops’ limited altitude and range restrict route flexibility hence why operators prefer using jets. In addition, ground handling and icing system limitations further weaken the operational case.

PERCEPTION MATTERS: TURBOPROPS STILL CARRY A STIGMA

Despite ATR’s marketing push, only 8 ATR aircraft are in commercial passenger operations in the U.S. Passengers perceive turboprops as noisy, slow, and less comfortable.

The reality for passengers is that ATR’s maximum altitude of 25,000 feet, compared to 41,000 feet for jets, prevents it from flying above weather, resulting in a rougher ride, more turbulence, and longer routes to avoid storms.

Changing that perception will require more than a rebrand; it demands a fundamental shift in experience, which ATR has yet to deliver.

MARKET HISTORY: LESSONS FROM THE Q400 AND SILVER AIRWAYS

History offers cautionary tales; major U.S. regional carriers have shifted toward fleet standardization by replacing turboprops with jets. Despite its impressive capabilities, the Bombardier Q400, later rebranded to De Havilland Dash 8-400, failed to gain traction in the U.S. market.

Silver Airways, a turboprop-heavy operator with a fleet of ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft, filed for bankruptcy in December 2024 and ceased operations in June 2025, citing mounting debt and operational challenges.

These stories underscore the difficulty in scaling turboprop operations in a jet-dominated landscape.

MARKET MOMENTUM: JETS AREN’T DECLINING; THEY’RE EVOLVING

Contrary to ATR’s narrative, regional jet utilization has been steady for the last 20 years, and operators are finding new ways to adapt their fleet as market dynamics evolve. MRO demand is projected to grow, with operators investing in upgrades rather than replacements.

Maintaining on-time performance is critical to airline success, as passengers depend on timely connections and arrivals. The CRJ and ERJ fleets benefit from extensive spare parts availability, established MRO capacity and operational compatibility with mainline jet fleets. They offer superior performance across varied routes, better economics, and an enhanced customer experience. Their reliability and cost-efficiency, especially post-financing, make them the preferred choice for operators and passengers.

The market isn’t shrinking; it’s shifting toward more efficient jet configurations rather than turboprop substitutions.

ATR’s ambition to replace 50-seat RJs with turboprops is bold but misaligned with market realities. Limited support infrastructure in North America, scope clauses, operational limitations, historical failures, and entrenched perceptions form a formidable wall.

The future of regional aviation in North America lies not in reviving turboprops, but in evolving jets to meet new demands.

At the Regional Airline Association’s 50th Anniversary, we spoke with Timothy Wang, President and CEO of Endeavor Air, to discuss the state of regional aviation and where it’s headed next. From industry-wide alignment to modernization, Wang shared his perspective on both the challenges and the opportunities shaping this pivotal moment in aviation.

MHIRJ: Hi Timothy, tell us about the event and what you're here to talk about.

Timothy: It is the RAA's 50th anniversary, representing years and decades of great work advancing the interests of our industry and of our regional community. 

MHIRJ: What's top of mind this year?

Timothy: For the first time in quite a while, we have a lot of momentum, and we have the entire industry aligned on what we need to do to move forward. The ATC Modernization Project, which has been funded to the tune of $12.5 billion, is a great start. It's a great down payment of where we need to go. We've heard this time and time again. It's no secret that the technology that's employed at ATC today is quite dated. A lot of it from 80s and 90s. It's inconsistent and we need to bring that well into the 21st century.

MHIRJ: How do you feel about the commitments so far?

Timothy: I'm extraordinarily optimistic. I think for the first time in quite a while, we have a secretary who is laser focused on air travel, understanding the need in this country for that essential service. We have an administrator who many of us in this community know very well. Until very recently, in his confirmation, Bryan Bedford was CEO of Republic Airways, right here in the RAA. So, he's a great member, great friend, great ally for us. And we know that they understand exactly what they need to do to propel this industry forward. 

MHIRJ: Why do regional airlines matter?

Timothy: I grew up in a smaller community. A lot of people who live in big hubs don't quite know this, but the majority of the geography of this country is served by regional airlines and regional airports only. It is an essential lifeline, not just for people who have to get to the most important moments of their lives, whether it's a wedding, it's a graduation, it's visiting a friend, taking their families on vacation. But also, a necessary lifeline for economic development. That's how we create jobs. 

I worked in the economic development field many, many years ago down in Alabama. And one of the things that the executives of companies looking to open up new facilities and create jobs in Alabama asked was, how do we get our people and our products and our parts in and out of the community? We're very proud to be part of that ecosystem. 

MHIRJ: Celebrating 50 years of RAA, what’s your message to the team?

Congratulations. It's an incredible milestone, an incredible achievement. This group does such a great job of advocating on behalf of all of our members on advancing our cause, which ultimately isn't an industry cause. It's a cause for the people of this country. I'm very excited to be here. I'm excited to see how the rest of this week unfolds and appreciate RAA and everybody involved in it and the support they give us.

 

Despite predictions of decline, regional aircraft continue to play a critical role in aviation. Shifting market conditions, delayed retirements, and rising utilization are all contributing to the extended lifespan of regional fleets, keeping maintenance demand strong for many years to come.

While some industry forecasts predicted a drop in regional jet maintenance demand, expecting retirements to outpace renewals, the reality has been very different. Operators are holding onto their existing fleets longer—a decision driven by market volatility, and the lack of a compelling replacement. The result? Maintenance demand is trending positively, not shrinking.

Utilization has climbed significantly across North America, the world’s largest regional jet market, which accounts for 55% of the global regional fleet. Aircraft that were once predicted to get phased out are being taken out of retirement to meet the demand of new or reinstated regional routes, driving additional demand for MRO support.

This trend is especially noticeable with the CRJ Series fleet. While some jets are starting to retire, they are not exiting as quickly as some reports suggest. In fact, the CRJ remains a hot commodity in the trading market. Each time ownership changes hands, it sparks a new wave of MRO work, from preparing aircraft for redelivery to reconfiguring cabins, installing Wi-Fi, and aligning with the new operator’s specifications. So instead of a sharp drop in fleet size, we’re seeing more of a plateau and a steady stream of ongoing maintenance needs.

UTILIZATION DRIVES DEMAND

Data shows that regional jet utilization has fully recovered from the COVID-era slowdown and is now trending higher. Increased flight hours and utilization are driving up the need for aircraft maintenance, product support, and parts.

Oliver Wyman’s latest outlook projects regional MRO demand to grow from $5.7B in 2025 to $6.1B by 2035. While not explosive growth, it is steady, and most importantly, positive. This incremental climb reinforces the fact that regional aircraft remain an essential and profitable segment of the market.

Ross Mitchell, MHIRJ's Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, comments that operators are making strategic decisions that keep their fleets in service longer, maximizing fleet longevity.

A RESILIENT FUTURE FOR REGIONAL AVIATION

Far from fading, regional aviation is proving its resilience. The majority of CRJ aircraft are owned by the airlines with no ongoing financing obligations, making them cost-efficient to operate and maintain. Combined with proven reliability, lower direct operating costs, and strong customer commitment, they remain highly valuable.

Ultimately, the message is clear: regional aircraft are here to stay. And with them, a growing demand for the critical services that keep them flying.

Aéromart Montreal is a leading international business convention held every two years, bringing together professionals from the aerospace industry, including suppliers, manufacturers, and key decision-makers. Held in Montreal, a global hub for aerospace innovation, the event provides a platform for B2B meetings, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

The Palais des Congrès de Montréal welcomed 800 companies and 1,400 participants representing 26 countries at the event. Over the course of three days, approximately 13,300 B2B meetings were held to foster innovation and collaboration in the aerospace sector.

MHIRJ was proud to be a vendor represented alongside Airbus, Pratt C Whitney Canada, and Bombardier, amongst many others.

Global Reach

Other events include Aéromart Toulouse—a similar convention in France, and various regional Aéromart events around the world. Each event is supported by the local community and organized by volunteers and industry professionals to support the cause.

“My first [event] was last December in Toulouse. But it is an absolute pleasure to be here in Montreal in our home base,” said Simon Sztrajt, Manager Procurement at MHIRJ. “We get to see suppliers we’re already working with who we want to continue to build our relationships with, and this is a place we can start some very important new relationships,” said Sztrajt.

Growth and Importance of the Aerospace Community

Aéromart Montreal began as a small event in 2008 to bring together aerospace professionals. Today, it has grown into a successful international convention built from the ground up with the help of its volunteers, partners, sponsors, and industry allies. 

“It’s super important to have a show like Aéromart in Montreal because we’re the epicenter of aerospace in Canada. Actually, 70% of all aerospace RCD in Canada is takes place within the Greater Montreal Area,” said Mélanie Lussier, President of Aéro Montréal.

Turnout and Success

The day was filled with insightful discussions, networking, and success with an impressive turnout of people.

“41,700 people passionate about the aerospace industry work in the region. So, events like these are very important. We represent 230 companies from the smallest startup to the biggest OEM. We're very proud to host events like this in our region,” said Lussier.

Looking Ahead

Aéromart Montreal continues to serve the aerospace community and benefit its sponsors with the pride of knowing they are helping to advance an important industry. The next event, Aéromart Toulouse, will take place in France in 2026. For more information about Aéromart Montreal, please visit Aeromart Montréal 2025 - Home.

Culture serves as the foundation for all meaningful achievements. Our team recently took the opportunity during an All-Employee Conference call to celebrate the progress of our Carry the Culture initiative, a cornerstone of our midterm business plan that emphasizes the values and behaviors that define who we are as a company.

Together, across all our facilities, we are forging a high-performance, unified environment where everyone feels valued and engaged, paving the way for our shared success.

What Is Carry the Culture?

Carry the Culture is more than just a campaign; it’s a company-wide movement designed to embed our values into our everyday actions. As we say, “culture doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built with intent.”

Our values are the driving force behind how we operate and grow as a company. They inspire us to show up every day with purpose, collaborate effectively, and be accountable for our contributions toward our collective success. By actively incorporating these values into everything we do, we not only strengthen our internal culture but also set a benchmark for excellence in the industry.

Conversations That Drive Culture

We’ve engaged in meaningful dialogues with our leaders to ensure that our values are not just talked about but actively upheld.

Natalie Piccinin, Vice President of Human Resources, explained that these conversations are essential for fostering a culture that lives and breathes throughout the organization. Leaders are equipped with the tools to discuss our values with their teams, empowering everyone to embody these values and translate them into their roles effectively.

These discussions are not one-time events; they are part of a continuous journey to keep our culture evolving and relevant. Leaders will also bring these conversations into mid-year reviews, reinforcing the importance of our values in shaping our goals and daily actions.

The Symbolism Behind One Unified Team

A key visual element of our cultural initiative is the Enso circle, a powerful symbol rooted in Japanese tradition. Drawn as a single, continuous line, the Enso represents unity, yet its open end symbolizes our willingness to embrace new ideas and diverse voices. We view this openness as essential to our growth and innovation. Each bar along the Enso circle represents our individual team members, highlighting the unique contributions we all make while being part of one unified team.

Celebrating Our Culture in Action

We’re proud to witness how actively our values are being embraced across the organization. We showcased the Carry the Culture video, which captures the voices and experiences of employees who live these values every day. The video is a powerful reminder of the collective spirit we share and the dedication of our team members to uphold our values.

As part of the celebration, we’ve distributed Carry the Culture t-shirts at various locations, with more distributions scheduled.

Looking Forward: Building a Lasting Impact

Culture isn’t built overnight. It flourishes through continuous effort, intention, and the active participation of every team member. As we move forward, we’re deeply committed to sustaining the momentum of the Carry the Culture initiative. This includes ongoing discussions, celebrating successes, and ensuring that our behaviors align with the values we hold dear.

The Carry the Culture initiative is a testament to our commitment to a high-performance, unified team. It’s about more than just workplace behaviors; it’s about creating a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging, purpose, and pride in being part of MHIRJ.

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