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First Vertical MRO Conference Draws Strong Attendance

First Vertical MRO Conference Draws Strong Attendance and Industry Insights
More than 500 rotorcraft industry professionals convened last week in Kelowna, British Columbia, for the inaugural Vertical MRO Conference, a landmark event for helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) specialists. Hosted at the architecturally notable KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence at Kelowna International Airport, the conference offered over 30 educational sessions, all eligible for recurrent training credit. Many of these sessions were approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for inspection authorization (IA) renewal, underscoring the event’s professional rigor.
The venue’s expansive glass and wood design, featuring panoramic views of the airport, two hangars, and an aviation museum, provided an inspiring setting. The conference utilized the entire upper floor for breakout sessions, while one hangar was transformed into an exhibit hall housing 42 exhibitors, a stage, and additional session spaces.
Comprehensive Program and Industry Engagement
The first day centered on technical presentations from leading aircraft and engine manufacturers, including Airbus, Bell, Leonardo, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and Safran. The evening’s opening reception featured remarks from MHM Publishing co-owners Mike and Linda Reyno, who emphasized the conference’s collaborative and growth-oriented vision. “This is your conference,” Linda Reyno told attendees, setting a tone of community engagement.
Over the following two days, the agenda was filled with educational sessions and panel discussions tailored to all levels of the MRO sector, from frontline maintainers to senior executives. Notable presentations included “Leadership in Helicopter Maintenance” by Elevate Aviation’s Emily Kutryk and Krishna Mann, “Hardwired for High Performance” by Autonomic’s Jamie Wood, which explored the neuroscience behind safer maintenance practices, and “I Love It Here” by retention expert Clint Pulvar, focusing on cultivating workplaces that employees are reluctant to leave. Todd Reicher of Leading Edge Aerospace also delivered a session on helicopter maintenance best practices.
Additional topics covered a broad spectrum of technical and operational issues, such as corrosion prevention, human factors, borescope care, component efficiency, electronics and automation, health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS), turbine engine hygiene, non-destructive testing (NDT), and pilot-mechanic communication to enhance safety.
Addressing Industry Challenges and Future Trends
Throughout the conference, industry challenges were a recurring theme. Attendees engaged in discussions about ongoing supply-chain disruptions, reflecting broader aviation sector trends exemplified by Air Astana’s ambitious fleet expansion amid global shortages. The interoperability of MRO software emerged as a critical concern, with many participants highlighting the need for seamless integration as digitalization accelerates within the industry.
The event also spotlighted growing market interest in emerging technologies, particularly the significant investments required to certify next-generation aircraft such as the VX4 eVTOL. Recent labor developments, including GE Aerospace workers ratifying new union contracts, were noted as factors likely to influence operational dynamics and competitive positioning within the MRO sector.
The conference concluded with optional facility tours and hands-on training sessions hosted by local companies AEM and Alpine Aerotech, further fostering industry connections.
Attendees and exhibitors alike praised the event for its educational value and networking opportunities. Maryn Otto, a contract aviation maintenance engineer with 18 years of experience, remarked, “This has been a really valuable conference. I’ve been in aviation maintenance for 18 years and I got something out of these sessions. It’s also been really great to get the industry together.”
With strong attendance and a focus on both current challenges and future opportunities, the first Vertical MRO Conference established a new benchmark for the helicopter maintenance community.

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