In the aviation industry, shorter turnaround times depend on both effective preparation and strong collaboration between airlines and MRO providers. Flexibility, transparent communication, and a focus on quality, rather than speed alone, result in more reliable maintenance and improved fleet availability.
Facing rising competition from global airlines, US carriers are pressuring maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers to minimize turnaround times (TaT) for scheduled repairs. Efficiency in maintenance management is more than a cost consideration, as shorter aircraft downtime also means higher fleet availability and higher revenue.
Achieving ideal turnaround management is a complex challenge, which depends on cooperation and mutual responsibility between MROs and their airline customers. A clear understanding of each party’s role and shared priorities is essential for meeting operational goals in the aviation industry.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution
No two maintenance projects are the same. Each aircraft’s turnaround time depends on factors like age, environmental usage, maintenance history, and even last-minute changes in operational plans. While quick turnarounds help keep fleets in the air, unforeseen technical issues, supply chain shortages, or regulatory considerations can extend the process.
“Transparency and reliability matter more than getting an aircraft back into service at any cost. Airlines value openness and accurate updates, for the sake of safety and continuous performance — even if it means the process sometimes takes longer,” says Vilius Grigas, Head of Sales at FL Technics, a global provider of aircraft MRO services.
As FL Technics enters the American market with the opening of the first independent heavy maintenance base in Punta Cana, delivering competitive turnaround time is essential to staying competitive and meeting the expectations of airline customers.
Factors on the MRO side that shape turnaround times
Proper turnaround management starts with detailed planning and preparation on the MRO side. Workforce readiness, accurate scheduling, supply chain coordination, and the availability of spare parts all influence how quickly and reliably a hangar team can complete maintenance. Organized logistics ahead of each job reduces the risk of delays caused by missing equipment or parts.
“The difference between a smooth or delayed check often comes down to MRO preparation,” says Andrejus Nikiforovas, CPO at FL Technics Dominican Republic. “For example, if an aircraft is coming in for a 12-year check, an MRO that already has the zero-stress jacking equipment will be prepared for any defects during wing skin inspection, overhead panel inspection, or even frame four inspection. If an MRO doesn’t even have a hydraulic cart in their hangar, and they’re selling 12-year checks, they may show the capability on paper, but in reality, they are not prepared. In the end, preparation saves time and money and avoids negligence.”
Ongoing investments in team training, equipment, and internal workflow improvement set the foundation for dependable turnaround. It is also common practice at top-performing MROs to review procedures based on learnings from previous cases, share best practices with global peers, and stay ready to act quickly when tasks turn out more complicated than anticipated.
The customer’s role in effective turnaround
Faster turnaround times do not depend on the MRO alone. Customers play an important role in making sure maintenance work stays on track. Clear and timely communication from the airline representatives helps identify key priorities, streamline decision-making, and address new findings before they cause delays.
Responsiveness matters throughout the entire maintenance process, from approving repairs to providing timely parts decisions. “Some customers have such a complicated command chain that it can take weeks to reach a decision, which leaves the aircraft waiting unnecessarily and reduces overall productivity,” says Nikiforovas. “On the other hand, quick, clear decision-making can keep the project moving. Strong airline-MRO collaboration also motivates the maintenance team to handle challenges efficiently and even work extra hours to release an aircraft on time.”
The most productive relationships are based on shared responsibility and a commitment to partnership. Customers who assign experienced representatives, support swift decision-making, and take a long-term approach to communication not only protect fleet availability but also make it easier for MRO teams to deliver safe, cost-effective, and reliable results.
The edge independent MROs bring to the table
As airlines look for the best ways to manage turnaround times, some are choosing to work with independent MROs instead of solely relying on in-house teams. Independent providers offer flexibility and can better account for specific customer expectations. They adapt quickly, set up custom processes, and match internal standards to those of their clients, all of which support quicker and more reliable downtime targets.
“As an independent MRO, we regularly tailor our approach for different airlines and share best practices between sites in Europe, Asia, and now our new operation in Punta Cana,” says Grigas. “This helps our teams stay agile while meeting both the regulatory demands and the unique expectations of carriers in each region.”
