In the latest exclusive interview with AeroTime, Toma Matutytė, CEO of Locatory.com, and Hanna Lavinskaja, Head of EngineStands.com, shared their perspectives on the current hurdles facing the aviation industry. As demand rises and airlines rush to keep their fleets operational, supply chain disruptions and engine maintenance challenges remain top concerns. Matutytė and Lavinskaja offered insights into how the industry is adapting, balancing aging fleets with newer models, and finding ways to stay resilient amidst ongoing material shortages.
In a dynamic discussion with AeroTime, Toma Matutytė, the CEO of Locatory.com, and Hanna Lavinskaja, Head of EngineStands.com, dove into the pressing issues reshaping the aviation supply chain and the intricate challenges of engine upkeep.
“The demand is still climbing rapidly,” Matutytė observed. A statement like that might have once hinted at a period of prosperity, but today, it comes with a note of caution. The aviation industry, still grappling with its post-pandemic recovery, is facing a surge in requests—from airlines eager to maintain their fleets to MRO providers seeking critical parts. As one of the top marketplaces for aircraft parts, Locatory.com is at the center of this increased activity.
The swift rebound in passenger travel has airlines scrambling to keep their planes operational, just as part shortages grow more severe. “With air travel demand outpacing supply, we’re seeing a bottleneck,” Matutytė explained. The delays in new aircraft deliveries have led many airlines to hold onto their older fleets longer than anticipated, creating additional strain.
While supply chain challenges are nothing new to the industry, the landscape is shifting. The MRO sector is feeling the strain acutely, with a surge in demand for engine repairs far exceeding available capacity. Lavinskaja is no stranger to these pressures. “Repair shops are struggling to manage the influx of aging narrowbody engines,” she shared. As airlines look to extend the lifespan of their trusty older models, repair facilities find themselves overwhelmed, even as newer engines arrive for their initial servicing.
Both industry leaders agreed that finding a middle ground is essential. Operators and lessors are juggling the needs of older engines with the prospects of newer, more efficient models. Lavinskaja highlighted that the market for spare engines and leasing solutions has flourished, bridging the gap where downtime meets urgency. “MROs are warning that costs might increase due to supply chain challenges,” she noted, pointing out a tough reality: the shortages that emerged during the early pandemic days haven’t disappeared but have shifted, presenting fresh obstacles for both airlines and maintenance providers.
Yet, she remains optimistic about innovative leasing strategies that can keep airlines moving. With the option to lease spare engines during maintenance, airlines can dodge prolonged delays and keep their schedules intact. “It’s all about striking that balance, helping our clients adapt to an unpredictable landscape,” she concluded.
To read more from this conversation, including further insights from Toma Matutytė and Hanna Lavinskaja, check out the full interview.
