Building the Future of Aviation Maintenance:

UTED’s Global Vision 2025

“Connecting knowledge, shaping futures:

UTED’s global commitment to aviation excellence.”

From Dubai to Atlanta, from cutting-edge MRO technologies to the future of technician training, UTED’s active participation in global aviation platforms throughout 2025 highlights its unwavering commitment to elevating Türkiye’s aviation maintenance sector to international standards. By embracing digital transformation, supporting competency-based training, and fostering global collaborations, UTED strengthens its role as a catalyst for innovation and excellence. With a vision focused on empowering Turkish aircraft maintenance professionals, UTED continues to shape the global narrative of aviation safety, sustainability, and technical leadership.

As the Aircraft Technicians Association (UTED), we are committed to actively participating in globally recognized aviation industry events to closely monitor industry advancements, forge strategic partnerships, and enhance the professional growth of Turkish aircraft maintenance technicians. Our consistent presence at major international forums such as Aviation Week MRO Middle East, Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME), MRO Americas, and the World Aviation Training Summit (WATS) reflects our dedication to promoting Turkey’s aviation maintenance capabilities, fostering innovation, and sharing best practices across global platforms.

Our primary objective through these participations is to strengthen Türkiye visibility and influence within the international aviation community. By engaging directly with industry leaders, exploring cutting-edge technological solutions, and embracing evolving trends such as digitalization, sustainability, and workforce development, UTED aims to elevate the standards and competencies of Turkish technicians to align with international benchmarks.

Participation in these events provides invaluable opportunities for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration, laying a solid foundation for future strategic alliances and business developments. These efforts are crucial not only for enhancing our members’ professional expertise but also for positioning Turkey as a competitive and innovative player within the global aviation maintenance landscape.

In the following sections, we detail our recent engagements at these prestigious events, highlighting key insights, significant developments, and strategic initiatives that underscore our vision and continuous pursuit of excellence within the aviation maintenance industry.


Global AvIatIon Leaders Gather at AvIatIon Week MRO MIddle East and AIME 2025

Global aviation supply chain leaders convened at Aviation Week MRO Middle East and Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) 2025, held on February 10–11, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The event showcased cutting-edge technologies, innovations, and solutions shaping the future of commercial aviation. Representing UTED, President Ömür Caninsan and Board Member Hakan Kurt attended the exhibition, emphasizing the critical role of technicians and promoting UTED International to an international audience.

This record-breaking edition brought together over 260 exhibitors, more than 100 airline operators, and 60+ qualified airline buyers under the dedicated Buyer Program. More than 7,000 visitors from around the world attended, highlighting the growing influence of the Middle East in the global aviation landscape.

Throughout the event, strategic discussions were held in the Go Live! Theater, covering workforce and supply chain challenges, sustainability initiatives, fleet management optimization, and emerging technologies. Special sessions also focused on regional markets, including India and the cargo sector. Meanwhile, AIME discussions emphasized cabin innovations, AI-driven technologies, inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC), cabin modernization, and sustainability challenges.

The event provided exceptional networking opportunities, with industry leaders sharing insights, case studies, and practical strategies to overcome current challenges. Notably, Turkish companies such as Turkish Technic, myTECHNIC, Be Aero, Aviation Parts and Services, Total Technic, MakroAero, LogoSky, Aldis, OMS Aero Group, and Contempo Carpets marked their growing presence in the Middle Eastern market, showcasing Türkiye expanding influence.

Significant agreements were announced during the exhibition.

Turkish Technic signed a comprehensive component maintenance agreement with Air India Express, covering 190 Boeing 737-8 and 737-10 aircraft. Furthermore, a maintenance agreement was signed between Turkish Technic and IndiGo for the redelivery maintenance of over ten Airbus A320neo aircraft, further strengthening Turkish Technic’s footprint in the region.

Current Trends and Future Outlook of the Middle East MRO Market

Following the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, global commercial aviation is entering a new growth phase. The worldwide fleet is expected to surpass 29,000 aircraft by 2025 and reach 38,300 aircraft by 2035, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8%.

The Middle East, with its ambitious fleet expansion strategies and rising passenger demand, is poised to be a major contributor to this growth. Narrow-body aircraft production is projected to reach 2,400 units in 2025, significantly boosting demand for MRO services in the region. Maintenance needs for new-generation engines, along with the complexity of modern maintenance operations, are increasing MRO provider workloads. As airlines in the Middle East expand, the regional MRO market is expected to witness robust growth.


Technological Innovations and Digitalization

Between 2025 and 2035, the MRO sector will experience major transformation driven by technological advancements.

Key trends include:

• Digital Twin technologies for predictive maintenance,

• Big Data analytics for operational optimization,

• AI-supported maintenance systems to enhance reliability and reduce downtime.

Leading airlines like Emirates and Etihad are adopting IoT-based health monitoring solutions and predictive maintenance algorithms, enhancing operational efficiency. Moreover, blockchain-based maintenance record systems are gaining traction, providing secure and transparent maintenance histories for aviation components. Middle East’s Rising Role in the Global MRO Industry

By 2025, the Middle East is strengthening its position as a competitive player in the global MRO landscape.

Key drivers include:

Expansion of large-scale MRO facilities,

Adoption of sustainable maintenance solutions,

Strong investments in digital transformation.

Leading players such as Emirates, Turkish Technic, Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries, and Etihad Engineering are set to compete with the world’s largest aviation maintenance hubs.

The Middle East is rapidly emerging as a global center for aviation maintenance and repair, offering significant opportunities for future aviation technicians and industry professionals.


MRO AmerIcas 2025 & World AvIatIon TraInIng SummIt (WATS) 2025

As the Aircraft Technicians Association (UTED), we participated in prestigious international events such as MRO Americas 2025 and World Aviation Training Summit (WATS) 2025 in April 2025. Our aim was to closely follow the global developments and transformations in the aviation maintenance sector, establish strong relations on behalf of our sector, engage in knowledge exchange, and promote our association’s international publications.

The continuously evolving and dynamic structure of the global aviation ecosystem makes active visibility at international events more crucial than ever. In this regard, UTED has set itself the primary goal of taking an active role in such organizations to promote Türkiye aviation maintenance competencies, foster sectoral collaborations, and discover innovative practices that will contribute to the professional development of Turkish technicians.

Our presence on such international platforms provides our members with the opportunity to stay updated on the latest developments that enhance their knowledge and technical skills, while also representing Türkiye quality human resources in the aviation sector on the world stage. Thus, it creates an important opportunity for our sector to reach its deserved place in global competition.

UTED’s participation not only increases the visibility of the Turkish civil aviation maintenance sector on international platforms but also plays a critical role in laying the foundations for future strategic collaborations.

In this context, the visits carried out with the participation of our Vice President Mr. M. Murat Baştürk and our Financial Secretary Mr. Cenk Can represented a significant step both in terms of the association’s representation and in shaping the future professional careers of our members and guiding our sector. As a result of these initiatives, we continue to take firm steps to support Turkish technicians in achieving international competence by sharing the knowledge and experiences gained during these events with our members.


MRO Americas 2025 & AMC (Aerospace Maintenance Competition)

Held between April 8-10, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia, MRO Americas 2025 is one of the largest global gatherings where companies, suppliers, technicians, engineers, and decision-makers in the maintenance and repair sector come together.


The event hosted more than 17,000 industry professionals and over 1,000 participating companies.

Key presentations covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Sustainability and Carbon Footprint Reduction

• Digital Transformation and Data Analytics

• Supply Chain Management and Logistics

• Workforce Development and Training

• Regulations and Compliance

• Innovative Maintenance Technologies

• New Maintenance Techniques, Tools, and Equipment

As UTED, we attended the relevant presentations, contacted many important MRO companies, promoted our association and our international publication UTED International, and conveyed both our profession and our country’s aviation maintenance capabilities to international stakeholders.

We were honored to visit leading organizations in our country’s maintenance and repair sector, such as Turkish Technic Inc. and myTECHNIC. This strengthened our belief that many more Turkish companies will participate in such major organizations in the coming years.

Many significant collaborations and supply agreements were announced at the event.


Boeing renewed its distribution agreement with ExxonMobil for aviation lubricants and signed a contract with Virgin Atlantic for the supply of 17 repaired and certified landing gear sets starting from 2026.

Satair made a strategic supply agreement with HAECO Group to improve expendable material supply processes, expanded its cabin parts distribution agreement with Collins Aerospace, and assumed the distribution of crew oxygen systems for Boeing platforms for Eaton.

AJW Group signed a long-term “power-by-the-hour” support program for Air Transat’s Airbus A321ceo and A320neo fleet and collaborated with Inter-Tec Aero on Part 21J engineering services (avionics and structural repair solutions).

Some major trends highlighted at MRO Americas 2025 can be summarized as follows:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: Predictive maintenance, inventory management, and workforce support systems saw the integration of AI applications. Companies like Microsoft, AAR Digital Services, and Pratt & Whitney emphasized the potential impact of generative AI on operational efficiency.

Workforce Development: The “Welcome the Apprentice” session highlighted the importance of internship programs and in-house training practices. Organizations like United Airlines, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the Aviation Institute of Maintenance shared their initiatives for attracting young talents to the sector.


Sustainability Initiatives: Lufthansa Technik, in collaboration with BASF, introduced AeroShark, a sharkskin-inspired surface film technology aimed at optimizing airflow and saving fuel consumption.

Digital Transformation: Applications such as drone-supported aircraft inspections stood out, with HAECO Americas beginning to test drone-supported inspection applications in the United States.

According to the Aviation Week Network 2025 Fleet and MRO Forecast presented at the event, the MRO market is expected to experience strong growth in the coming period.

The main driving forces behind this growth include:

• Continued recovery in global air travel,

• Integration of emerging technologies into maintenance processes,

• Acceleration of fleet growth, especially in emerging markets.


Additionally, we closely observed the Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC) 2025, one of the prestigious competitions in the sector.

This year, 87 five-person teams competed across 27 different maintenance skill areas.

The competition provided an international platform for aviation maintenance technicians to showcase their knowledge, skills, and speed.

Organized in five categories commercial aviation, general aviation, military, MRO, and educational institutions each team competed in events within a 15-minute time limit.

As UTED, we completed the preliminary registration process to form a team representing Turkey at AMC 2026.

This initiative is of great importance for showcasing the international competencies of Turkish aircraft maintenance technicians and contributing to the elevation of professional standards.

MRO Americas 2025 was an event where technological innovations leading the sector’s transformation, sustainability projects, and workforce development efforts were at the forefront.

The new agreements signed and technological solutions presented showed that the future of the MRO sector will be increasingly digital, sustainable, and human-centered.

World Aviation Training Summit (WATS) 2025

Held between April 7–10, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, the World Aviation Training Summit (WATS) 2025 is the world’s largest international event focused on aviation training.

The summit comprehensively addressed global standards, innovative approaches, regulations in pilot, cabin crew, and maintenance technician training, and showcased the latest educational technologies such as AR and VR.

Some major trends highlighted at the event were:

Artificial Intelligence and Simulation Technologies:

The use of AI-supported simulations in pilot and maintenance technician training is increasing, making training processes more effective and efficient.

eVTOL and AAM Training Requirements:

Studies were conducted on the training needs for Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) platforms.

Sustainability and Green Training Practices:

Training programs aimed at reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainable practices were emphasized.


Digital Transformation and Remote Training:

E-learning platforms, augmented reality, and virtual reality technologies are increasingly being integrated into training processes.

During the maintenance training session on the second day of the summit, the following key topics were presented:

• Rethinking Entry-Level Training to Attract and Retain the New Generation

• Evaluating Technician Performance in Competency-Based Training Programs

• A Modern Data Approach to Training Needs Analysis

• Challenges Faced in CBTA Applications for Maintenance Training

• Designing a Smart Technology Infrastructure for AI and Machine Learning

• Developing Training Content Using Generative AI

• Leveraging Human Performance Data and AI to Strengthen Competency-Based Training

• The Competency Dilemma: Training the Technician in Front of You

• Evolution of Live Training: Enhancing Engagement in Maintenance Technician Training Through Storytelling

WATS 2025 outlined important expectations for the future of aviation training:

Increased Global Demand for Training:

The growth of the aviation sector is raising the demand for qualified personnel such as pilots and maintenance technicians.

Technology-Based Training Models:

The use of AI, simulation, and digital platforms in training will become more widespread.

Sustainability-Focused Training Programs:

Educational content aimed at reducing environmental impacts will be developed.

Diversity and Inclusion:

The integration of women and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds into the sector will be encouraged.

WATS 2025 emphasized the importance of technological innovations, sustainable practices, and diversity in aviation training.

The insights and discussions shared at the event provided important clues about the future of the sector.

As UTED, our participation in this event aimed to closely follow new global education trends and contribute to the development of maintenance technician training in Turkey.

We were also proud to visit HAVELSAN, one of Türkiye pioneers in simulation and software technologies, and to see the interest shown in our firm.

The information and observations gathered at WATS 2025 will serve as a guide for adapting new applications, digital platforms, and methodologies to maintenance technician training in our country.

UTED’s StrategIc Takeaways from 2025 AvIatIon Events

UTED’s active engagement in Aviation Week MRO Middle East, AIME, MRO Americas, and the World Aviation Training Summit (WATS) 2025 stands as a testament to our strategic commitment to elevating Türkiye aviation maintenance sector to a globally recognized standard of excellence.

These prestigious gatherings offered invaluable opportunities to observe firsthand the rapid technological, operational, and educational transformations reshaping the aviation industry.

Through our participation, UTED not only strengthened its international visibility but also identified critical pathways to foster innovation, competency, and sustainability within the Turkish aviation maintenance community.

Key Strategic Insights Gained:

Accelerating Digital Transformation:

The events underscored the pivotal role of digitalization in maintenance operations. Emerging technologies such as predictive maintenance through AI, digital twin applications, and blockchain-based maintenance records are revolutionizing efficiency, safety, and traceability in aviation MRO services.

UTED recognizes the necessity of integrating these advancements into technician training and operational standards to ensure our workforce remains future-ready.

Embracing Sustainability as a Core Priority:

Sustainability was a dominant theme across all events, with initiatives aimed at reducing aviation’s environmental impact through green maintenance technologies, carbon footprint reduction programs, and fuel efficiency innovations.

UTED is committed to supporting eco-friendly practices and promoting a culture of environmental stewardship among Turkish maintenance professionals.


Reinforcing Competency-Based Education and Training:

The growing emphasis on competency-based training (CBTA) frameworks, particularly at WATS 2025, highlighted the industry’s move toward measurable, performance-driven education models.

UTED will continue to advocate for modernized training approaches, incorporating augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and AI-supported simulators to enhance technician preparedness and adaptability.

Strengthening Global Collaboration Networks:

Establishing direct connections with global industry leaders, airlines, OEMs, and training institutions revealed critical collaboration opportunities.

UTED aims to build on these relationships to facilitate cross-border knowledge exchange, joint projects, and strategic alliances, ultimately contributing to Türkiye positioning as a hub for high-quality aviation maintenance services.

UTED’s Forward-Looking Vision:

Moving forward, UTED will translate the insights and connections gained from these international engagements into actionable initiatives that will:

• Enhance the global competitiveness of Turkish aircraft maintenance technicians by aligning education and operational practices with international standards.

• Accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies across the national maintenance sector.

• Support sustainable aviation initiatives in collaboration with domestic and international stakeholders.

• Strengthen Türkiye reputation as a dynamic, innovative, and reliable contributor to the global aviation maintenance and training community.

Through these strategic efforts, UTED reaffirms its dedication to shaping the future of aviation maintenance and training, both nationally and globally, and to empowering the next generation of Turkish aviation professionals with the skills, knowledge, and vision necessary to lead in an increasingly complex and competitive world.