WICHITA, Kan. April 3, 2024 - The Greater Wichita Partnership will promote the Air Capital of the World's advanced manufacturing capabilities and robust talent pipeline, joining nearly 1,000 global exhibitors at the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Americas April 9-11 in Chicago.
The greater Wichita region is distinguished as the most cost-effective MRO market in the world for workforce and operating costs. It’s home to world-renowned OEMs, a network of more than 450 world-class suppliers and an extensive collection of FAA-certified repair sites.
“The Partnership is eager to lead a delegation to MRO Americas. This is a strategic opportunity to highlight the nation’s No. 1 skilled aviation workforce to the largest gathering of aviation maintenance professionals in the world. It also serves as a platform to leverage the region as a prime location for business and investment,” said Partnership President Jeff Fluhr.
Jet AirWerks, NIAR WERX, Mid Continent Controls, Valence Surface Technologies and Aircraft Covers Unlimited will exhibit with the Partnership at the Air Capital of the World booth. The Wichita Airport Authority will also come alongside. Representatives from the businesses and organizations will have the chance to network and engage with more than 16,000 industry professionals including airlines, OEMs, MRO service providers, leasing companies and supply chain experts.
“Jet AirWerks is honored to coordinate its resources with the Partnership and showcase our expertise at MRO Americas for the ninth year. This event is an exceptional platform to highlight our company’s unparalleled aircraft and jet engine repair and maintenance services to a broad MRO audience. We have witnessed remarkable success at MRO Americas in the past and we look forward to another prosperous event,” said Jet AirWerks President and CEO Keith Humphrey.
Aligning forces with Aviation Week’s MRO Americas is the 2024 Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC), featuring more than 90 teams comprised of current and future maintenance professionals from across the country. A team from WSU Tech will compete in the AMC and demonstrate the region’s strong MRO skills.
The Air Capital of the World exhibit booth is strategically positioned near the AMC competition floor. It will feature a distinctive refueling station, provided by Bombardier. The refueling station will be stocked with a variety of snacks and drinks, catering to the competitors.
The Partnership will also have a state-of-the-art Smart Rover robotics kit on hand, courtesy of The Smart Factory by Deloitte @ Wichita. The kit is an integral component of The Smart Factory Believers Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education program. The program aims to empower STEM education opportunities for underserved communities to inspire the manufacturing and technology workforce of tomorrow.
The refueling station and Smart Rover are deliberate workforce attraction initiatives aimed at recruiting and actively engaging with potential job seekers while spotlighting the Wichita region’s robust aviation ecosystem, abundant employment opportunities and unwavering industry support.
Space Symposium
Concurrently, the Partnership will highlight the Air Capital of the World’s growing space and defense expertise at the Space Symposium April 8-11 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The 39th annual event gathers global leaders from commercial, government and military space, providing a forum to discuss, address and plan for future space achievements.
The Partnership’s attendance at the premier event aligns with the organization’s Regional Growth Plan, aiming to amplify the 10-county region’s economy through business attraction, retention and diversification.
“While aviation remains the cornerstone of our economy, it is imperative that we continue to diversify our industries. The Wichita region has witnessed substantial growth in the space and defense sector in recent years,” explained Fluhr. “The Space Symposium is an opportunity to strengthen relationships and make new connections with companies looking to invest in our region and supply chain.”
###
About the Greater Wichita Partnership
The Greater Wichita Partnership is dedicated to fast-forwarding regional economic growth in Wichita and South-Central Kansas. The organization works within three key priorities – jobs, talent and quality of place – to accelerate this objective. For more information, visit https://greaterwichitapartnership.org/home.
