Episode 93: Issues Facing MRO Suppliers Panel Conversation at Kelowna MRO Conference

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus.

Recorded live at the Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna and hosted by Jon Gray, this panel brings together voices from across the helicopter maintenance ecosystem to unpack the real issues facing MRO suppliers today—and how those challenges are reshaping the industry.

Panelists include Marc Leduc of VIH Aerospace; Jasen Gerein of Heli-Welders Canada; Ketan Desai of Precision Aviation Group; Jeff Denomme of Alpine Aerotech; and Maria Aguirre of Airbus—representing operators, suppliers, distributors, and maintenance leadership from across the MRO community.

The panel dives into the growing unpredictability of the supply chain, where shortages of even basic hardware and sudden manufacturing disruptions can derail maintenance events. When helicopters are already torn down, small missing parts can quickly become major operational and customer challenges.

Communication emerges as a recurring theme, with panelists stressing the importance of transparency—whether coordinating with OEMs, planning maintenance further ahead, or managing customer expectations in an uncertain environment.

Labor shortages and recruitment also take center stage, particularly the challenge of attracting and retaining the next generation of AMEs. Panelists discuss how investment in facilities, technology, culture, and work-life balance has become essential—not optional—for long-term competitiveness.

Additional discussion touches on predictive maintenance, inventory strategy, tariffs, part-outs, and the role of technology in forecasting needs. The takeaway is clear: collaboration across the MRO ecosystem is no longer a nice-to-have, but a requirement for navigating today’s supply and labor realities.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alpine Aerotech, Precision Aviation Group and Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing.