Partnership Highlights Aviation Leadership and MRO Opportunity at MRO Americas

The Wichita region’s aviation industry will take center stage at this year’s MRO Americas, where the Partnership will showcase the area’s deep expertise in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and its expanding opportunities in the space and defense sectors.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, MRO Americas is the world’s largest gathering focused on aircraft MRO. This is the critical work that keeps commercial and military aircraft safe, reliable and mission-ready throughout their service life. The event is expected to bring together more than 17,000 industry professionals, 1,000 exhibitors and airline decision-makers from 93 countries in Orlando from April 21–23.

For the Wichita region, the event presents an opportunity to share why the Air Capital of the World remains one of the most competitive and capable aviation hubs in the United States.

A Growing Opportunity in Aircraft Maintenance

MRO represents one of the fastest-growing segments of the global aviation industry. As aircraft age and air travel demand continues to climb, airlines and operators are investing heavily in maintaining, upgrading and extending the life of existing aircraft.

“The Wichita region is uniquely positioned to grow its MRO footprint,” said Jeff Fluhr, President of the Partnership. “With our skilled workforce, strong supplier base and decades-long aviation legacy, Wichita offers companies the ability to scale quickly and operate efficiently. MRO Americas allows us to tell that story to a global audience.”

Known as the Air Capital of the World, the Wichita region is home to more than 350 aerospace suppliers and one of the most cost-effective, highly skilled MRO markets in the country. Its proximity to original equipment manufacturers, engineering expertise, and training institutions provides companies with a strong competitive advantage as global demand for MRO services expands.

Regional Partners Showcase Industry Strength

The Air Capital of the World booth (No. 2150) will highlight several regional partners that represent the depth and diversity of Wichita’s aviation ecosystem, including:

• Jet AirWerks
• Davcon Aviation (Cushman & Wakefield)
• LGM Aviation
• Mid-State Aerospace
• National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University

To further strengthen industry connections, the Partnership will also host a networking happy hour in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Investing in Talent and the Future Workforce

In addition to business development, talent development will remain a major focus at MRO Americas.

A member of the Partnership’s Talent Team will be on-site to lead “Wichita Works: Career Conversations with Ricki,” a targeted engagement designed to connect directly with aviation maintenance professionals and emerging talent, specifically participants in the Aerospace Maintenance Council (AMC) Competition.

Scheduled one-on-one conversations will provide individuals with a personalized pathway to explore career opportunities in Wichita while gaining insight into the region’s growing aerospace and manufacturing ecosystem.

Representing the Wichita region in the AMC Competition will be students from WSU Tech, reinforcing the region’s commitment to hands-on training, workforce readiness and aviation innovation.

Continuing Wichita’s Aviation Leadership

For more than a century, Wichita has been a global center for aviation innovation, manufacturing and maintenance. As industry needs evolve, the region continues to build on that legacy by strengthening its workforce pipeline, expanding its supplier network and supporting companies across the entire aircraft lifecycle.

Events like MRO Americas provide an opportunity to demonstrate why the Wichita region remains a premier location for aviation companies looking to grow, innovate and compete on a global stage.