Jets MRO addresses mechanic turnover to improve service delivery

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Aviation International News | Aviation International News

By Sky Industry News

Jul 1, 2024

The founder and CEO of Jets MRO, Suresh Narayanan, has addressed the issue of mechanic turnover as a primary cause of work delays and late deliveries in business jet maintenance. Contrary to popular belief, Narayanan claims that the shortage of mechanics is not to blame.

Narayanan's experience as an operator of business aircraft led him to investigate why aircraft were consistently delayed and over budget after maintenance. He discovered that high turnover rates among mechanics were a significant factor. "When I was an aircraft operator, we dug into why our aircraft were coming out of maintenance so late and over budget," he said. "We found out it was not due to the mechanic shortage, but an industry issue with retaining mechanics within these maintenance businesses."

To combat this problem, Narayanan focused on understanding why mechanics leave their jobs. Surveys revealed that key factors influencing turnover included leadership engagement, company culture, benefits, and work schedules.

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Jets MRO has implemented several strategies to retain its workforce. Based at Dallas Executive Airport, the company offers free family benefits for full-time employees and includes them in profit-sharing initiatives. Additionally, monthly financial results are shared with employees to promote transparency.

A system for open communication among team members has also been established to preemptively address potential issues and guide business growth from the employees' perspective.

Narayanan believes that while recruiting is often seen as a major challenge in the industry, it is not a concern for Jets MRO. "While most maintenance businesses label recruiting as a main struggle, it is the least of our worries," he stated. He attributes this confidence to their mission resonating well with experienced mechanics eager to join their team.