Securing the Future of Aviation Maintenance with AAR Corp. CEO John Holmes

The macro-trends of society are making it increasingly difficult to build a skilled aviation workforce. John Holmes, CEO of AAR Corp., discusses AAR’s leading role in skills development and how trends in aviation will create new opportunities for both airlines and MROs. Takeaways + Tactics By creating programs that serve as career pathways for young people, we can introduce them to the value, benefits and longevity of a career in aviation maintenance. The two main challenges independent service providers have with hiring airplane mechanics are finding people in their markets that meet the requirements, and competing with offers from non-independents like airlines and OEMs. By offering benefits like tuition and A&P license assistance, flexible hours and a healthy working environment, independent service providers can attract and retain a strong workforce despite not being able to compete dollar-for-dollar with non-independent providers. Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/ . Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.