Aviation Week Network Observes AMT Day 2025

Aviation Week Network Observes AMT Day 2025 Amid Industry Challenges

As Aviation Week Network commemorates Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Day 2025, attention is drawn to the evolving dynamics within the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) workforce. Despite intensified recruitment efforts and revamped training initiatives, the sector continues to confront significant challenges. Boeing projects a demand for more than 700,000 new technicians over the next decade, highlighting the intense competition for skilled labor in this critical field.

Demographic shifts and changing workplace expectations are compelling companies to reconsider their strategies for attracting and retaining talent. The growing emphasis on sustainable aviation introduces additional complexity, with potential funding reductions threatening progress in this area. Concurrently, some industry players remain committed to traditional maintenance approaches, underscoring an ongoing debate about the future trajectory of MRO practices.

Honoring Aviation Maintenance Technician Day

In recognition of AMT Day on May 24, Aviation Week Network engaged with three professionals whose varied experiences exemplify the diverse opportunities within aviation maintenance.

Antonique Greenslade, a recent graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, became only the third woman from the Bahamas to earn an FAA airframe and powerplant certification. Greenslade highlighted the unique challenges faced by international students and women in aviation, emphasizing the importance of dismantling barriers and enhancing visibility for underrepresented groups.

Kenny Parker transitioned from a 30-year career maintaining aircraft engines in the U.S. Navy to training technical operations staff at Hawaiian Airlines. Reflecting on his shift from hands-on work to mentorship, Parker underscored the vital role experienced technicians play in cultivating the next generation of MRO professionals.

Phil Bathurst began his career working on avionics for Cessna 150s and progressed to senior leadership roles across MROs, original equipment manufacturers, and software companies. Now leading Aspire MRO, a passenger-to-freighter conversion startup, Bathurst shared insights on career development and urged industry leaders to reconsider company culture as a means to enhance recruitment and retention.

Navigating a Shifting Market

As the industry contends with labor shortages and uncertainties surrounding sustainable aviation funding, the demand for skilled AMTs has never been more acute. Market responses increasingly emphasize the urgency of attracting qualified professionals, while companies deliberate on how best to adapt to technological advancements and evolving workforce expectations.

The experiences of Greenslade, Parker, and Bathurst offer both inspiration for those contemplating careers in aviation and a call to action for companies seeking to secure the talent essential for the industry's future. As Aviation Week Network marks AMT Day 2025, the imperative to address workforce challenges remains central to sustaining growth and innovation in aviation maintenance.