The global commercial aviation fleet is rapidly growing. It is estimated that the number of aircraft in use will increase from 28,400 today to 36,400 in 2034. The global rise in flight activity is increasing the need for heavy maintenance that ensures faster turnaround times (TaT) while upholding uncompromised quality.

In this context, independent MRO providers are gaining momentum. Their competitive advantage lies in the ability to ensure the shortest viable TAT, streamlined documentation, and client relationships based on responsiveness and trust, something bureaucracy-tied government- and airline-operated players struggle to deliver.

Independent MROs as collaborative ecosystems

According to Žilvinas Lapinskas, CEO of FL Technics Group, a global aircraft MRO provider currently building the first independent heavy maintenance hangar in the Dominican Republic, airlines are looking for MRO partners with the ability to be quick and adaptable. This includes not only work processes but also contractual obligations.

Direct access to management teams means faster decision-making, reduced waiting times for slot confirmations, and quicker green lights for repairs, modifications, or parts sourcing.

“Aircraft MRO worldwide faces maintenance overload. By delaying maintenance, airlines created a massive backlog. Bureaucracy often slows down timely service, as major airline-owned MROs must follow extensive procedures and prioritize their own fleets. Independent MRO providers, by contrast, have no home fleet to serve, allowing them to prioritize external clients equally and deliver faster, more responsive maintenance solutions,” says the CEO of FL Technics Group.

Independent MROs are often referred to as more open and collaborative ecosystems. When their own facilities reach capacity, even major airlines increasingly rely on independent MROs to provide fast, flexible, and reliable maintenance support.

“What we can offer our clients is human-centered service and flexibility. Being independent allows us to adapt faster to client needs and seasonal demand,” says Mr. Lapinskas. “Our new facility in Punta Cana will provide heavy maintenance services for a targeted range of Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 family aircraft. By constantly deepening our knowledge in the repair of those specific models, we’re able to bypass the ‘one-size-fits-all’ attitude and offer more bespoke solutions.”

Optimizing workforce for shorter TaT

Reducing TaT is the key objective for aviation MRO providers, but achieving this is far from simple. Success requires not only having all parts ready at the kitting gate, but also ensuring a skilled workforce and precise time planning. Independent MROs are often better prepared to meet this task, as they don’t have to juggle between internal and outside orders. This allows them to ensure more efficient, well-planned operations.

For example, FL Technics plans to dedicate up to 500 man-hours per bay daily in Punta Cana, applying their globally proven strategies to prepare and upskill the workforce, maximize maintenance efficiency and deliver shorter, more predictable TaT.

“We have developed a maintenance planning system that delivers real added value by making our operations more efficient and our processes smoother. We chose Punta Cana for our next independent MRO hangar because it offers a strategic combination of proximity for clients, excellent airport infrastructure, and legal stability — factors essential for any independent MRO aiming to remain competitive,” says CEO of FL Technics Group.

About FL Technics

FL Technics is a global provider of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. The company specializes in base and line maintenance, spare parts and component support, engine, APU, and landing gear management, full aircraft engineering, and technical training. Certified under EASA Part-145, Part-CAMO, Part-147, Part-21, and FAA-145, FL Technics operates facilities in Lithuania, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom, with line stations worldwide.

FL Technics is a member of Avia Solutions Group. It is the world’s largest ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) provider with more than 180 aircraft fleet, and a parent company of SmartLynx, Avion Express, BBN Airlines, KlasJet, Magma Aviation and more operating on all continents in the world. The Group also provides various aviation services such as MRO, pilots and crew training, ground handling and other interconnected solutions. Avia Solutions Group is backed by over 11,500 highly skilled aviation professionals worldwide.

Featured image credited to FL Technics