As expected, this year’s event was substantively subdued as a result of the still stagnant and unclear economy. Also not helping is Washington’s refusal to acknowledge the importance of business aviation to our financial system and its lack of support. I attended a Cessna press conference and heard Jack Pelton, Cessna’s president, reiterate an ongoing invitation to President Obama to visit Wichita and see first hand the seriousness of the problem. Certainly, what Wichita represents to our economy, while not of an equal magnitude as the gross Detroit numbers, is as important … jobs, families, significant balance-of-trade dollars, technology leadership, the entrepreneurial spirit, etc. Pardon me for letting politics slip through.
Of significance at this year’s event was the not-exhibits from Cessna and Beech on the show floor. First time in my memory this occurred. I applaud their decisions. To my mind it is difficult to rationalize the significant show floor expenses while laying off thousands of workers. Other OEMs notably reduced their show floor exhibits.
Despite the restrained conditions, the atmosphere was positive. All see a return to a positive market some time by 2012. In the meantime all of us must do what we can in our limited ways to get past this malaise and contribute where we can to improving performance and safety in the maintenance end. Revivals of the bottom line of maintaining aircraft will add to the other gains needed to help the business recover; however, I suspect I am already speaking to the choir.
I attended the maintenance committee meeting held the morning the show opened. There were quite a number present. The meeting divided the several subset committees that have been formed by the current leadership of Brad Townsend and Eli Cotti. I sat in on the communication group led by Kevin Smith of Progress Energy. Kevin and his group are preparing for the annual maintenance management conference that is going to be held in San Diego, April 6 to 8 next year. They expect to announce the agenda and speakers soon. Suffice to mention the talks will focus on improving management skills and maximizing performance and safety in the workplace. Please consider attending if your schedule and budget allow.
Another great option for maintenance personnel is the Aviation Industry Expo to be held in Las Vegas March 16, 17 and 18. This conference features more than 200 exhibitors, IA renewal seminars hosted by AMTSociety and my particular favorite, the Maintenance Skills Competition where more than a dozen maintenance teams from all over the country vie for the honor of being named “best” in maintenance proficiency.
Finally, as I write this, I note that American Airlines will be closing several of its maintenance facilities, laying off some 700 personnel. In a statement the person in charge of MRO ops stated …”Our goal with these changes is to move toward a more flexible, cost-efficient operation that improves flow and takes into account the long-term impact of the recession on travel, deep capacity cuts across the industry, and a corresponding decline in the MRO business, along with the changes to our network and corresponding fleet size.” I have emphasized certain words in the statement for obvious reasons if you have read my previous blogs. The domestic MRO business would not be declining if we were not moving much of this work overseas and to Latin American countries; another example of why we need to press for more oversight of these foreign repair stations. Do I make my point!
