Podcast: MRO BEER—Is The Aftermarket’s Glass Half Full Or Half Empty?

James Pozzi and Daniel Williams break down the headlines from MRO BEER 2026, talking airline perspectives, workforce development, engines and more.

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AI-Generated Summary

This episode, recorded in Istanbul during MRO BEER 2026, delves into the current trends and challenges within the aviation industry. The discussion begins with an overview of the event’s highlights, focusing on workforce shortages and supply chain issues that continue to impact the sector. The conversation emphasizes the importance of training pipelines to address the talent gap, with companies like Ryanair prioritizing in-house maintenance for older aircraft while relying on third-party providers for flexibility.

The episode explores the strategic decisions of airlines such as TAP Air Portugal, which is expanding its fleet but facing infrastructure constraints. The airline is actively building new hangars and enhancing maintenance capacity to keep pace with growth. Turkish Technic’s ambitious plans to double their maintenance bays and introduce new engine capabilities are highlighted, showcasing long-term investments in the industry. The importance of transparency and realistic commitments in supplier relationships is underscored, along with a focus on sustainability efforts. 

The conversation also touches on the regional advantages of Eastern Europe for MRO activities, noting its cost-effectiveness and strategic location for global aviation companies. The episode concludes with reflections on the industry’s future, expressing optimism about upcoming events.

Key Topics:

1. Workforce shortages and training pipelines
2. Ryanair’s maintenance strategy
3. TAP Air Portugal’s fleet expansion challenges
4. Turkish Technic’s investment in maintenance bays
5. Importance of transparency in supplier relationships
6. Sustainability efforts in aviation
7. Regional advantages for MRO in Eastern Europe
8. Future outlook and industry optimism