4 min read
Hear directly from Veryon CEO Bethany Little and Pete Bunce, former President & CEO of General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), as they unpack the biggest trends impacting aviation maintenance today — from predictive technology to workforce strategy and artificial intelligence (AI).
👉 Click play below or keep reading for key highlights from this standout session at the Veryon Ascend 2025 Conference.
Bethany and Pete’s conversation explored the biggest factors impacting aviation maintenance today, including AI, predictive tech, workforce gaps, integrated platforms, and global trade pressures.
Whether you're an MRO, fleet manager, OEM, or operator, this conversation delivered a clear message: aviation is transforming, and now is the time to lead that change.
Here are the top takeaways, plus what they mean for your organization.
Predictive maintenance in aviation: A shift from reactive to proactive
One of the central themes of the discussion was the rise of predictive maintenance in aviation. For years, maintenance planning has operated on a cycle of react-fix-repeat. But with the rise of sensor technologies, AI, and rich maintenance history databases, that cycle is changing.
“We’re helping our customers move from reactive to predictive,” said Bethany. “With over 86 million maintenance events and 2 million chronic issues logged across our systems, we’re using historical data to reduce unscheduled downtime and optimize aircraft availability.”
Pete added that modern aircraft, especially those with sensor-rich engines, are generating actionable data that can detect part degradation early, before it becomes a failure.
“Each engine is like a fingerprint,” Pete explained. “AI can now detect patterns at the component level, helping us forecast failure points and align maintenance with operational schedules.”
This isn’t just theoretical. Real-world applications are already delivering cost savings, improved dispatch reliability, and better resource planning for both business and commercial aviation operators.
The hidden cost of siloed systems
As the conversation progressed, the topic shifted to software silos in aviation — a common issue many operators face.
“Operators often have disconnected platforms,” Bethany said. “Maintenance records, inventory management, and flight scheduling are all housed in separate systems. It creates inefficiencies and missed opportunities.”
This lack of integration not only wastes time but makes true predictive maintenance impossible. Without centralized data, patterns remain hidden, and teams are left reacting rather than planning.
Pete offered a broader perspective, noting that even the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suffers from siloed processes.
“There are parts of the FAA still relying on paper-based workflows,” he said. “It slows down everything — from compliance checks to safety reporting.”
Integrated aviation maintenance software can streamline workflows, increase data visibility, and ultimately improve fleet safety and compliance. As the digital transformation accelerates, breaking down silos isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
Aviation technician shortage: The crisis everyone's talking about
One of the most sobering parts of the keynote was the discussion around the aviation maintenance technician shortage. According to Veryon’s 2025 Aviation Benchmark Report:
44% of aviation professionals say technician shortages are their #1 operational challenge.
Pete described how the problem is being compounded by aging workforces, lower wages compared to other trades, and a lack of visibility around aviation as a career path.
“In some regions, auto mechanics are earning more than A&P-certified aviation mechanics,” Pete noted. “That just doesn’t make sense given the complexity and stakes involved in aviation.”
But there’s hope. Apprenticeship programs, military transition pipelines, and digital training systems are showing promise. Companies like Duncan Aviation, for example, use software to track technician progress in real-time, mapping work to FAA certification requirements.
Bethany emphasized the importance of purpose-driven recruitment.
“Young professionals want to make a difference,” she said. “If we position aviation as a high-tech, mission-critical field with sustainability at its core, we can attract the next generation.”
Artificial intelligence in aviation maintenance: Real results, right now
When it comes to AI in aviation, many still see it as futuristic — or at best, experimental. But both Bethany and Pete made it clear: AI is already here, and it’s already driving real ROI.
“We’re working with operators who are using AI to analyze repair history, predict part failures, and even assess the effectiveness of previous fixes,” Bethany said.
Pete added that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Pratt & Whitney are leveraging generative AI tools to assess millions of flight hours and make smarter supply chain decisions.
“They had to re-source over 5,000 parts post-pandemic,” Pete shared. “Now AI is helping them anticipate part needs and align inventory with production schedules.”
Despite this progress, adoption remains limited. According to Veryon’s Aviation Benchmark Report:
- 30% of aviation organizations currently use AI
- 17% are in early-stage implementation
- Over 50% are not using AI at all
The takeaway? AI isn’t hype here. And it’s a competitive advantage waiting to be seized.
Aviation and tariffs: A new wildcard
Another critical issue discussed was the impact of shifting international trade policy on aviation operations.
“We operate in a global industry,” Bethany said. “Parts are manufactured in one country, assembled in another, and serviced in a third. Tariffs threaten that ecosystem.”
Pete agreed, noting that new tariffs could disrupt the availability of key components, drive up costs, and create regional disadvantages.
“If tariffs hit engine components made in Canada or Mexico, we could see uneven pricing, reciprocal tariffs, and supply bottlenecks,” he said. “It’s a delicate balance, and we need policy that reflects aviation’s global nature.”
The industry is closely watching Washington and Brussels for signs of how trade policy could affect aircraft parts sourcing and maintenance schedules in 2025 and beyond.
Why community matters for the aviation community
From the rise of predictive maintenance technologies to the looming technician shortage and the promise of aviation AI, the landscape is changing. Fast.
Bethany summed it up perfectly:
“This is a time of transformation. At Veryon, we’re building the tools to help operators not just adapt — but lead.”
Pete agreed:
“It’s the most exciting time in aviation since the dawn of the jet age.”
For operators, fleet managers, and maintenance directors, that means rethinking how technology, talent, and data fit into your operation — not in the future, but right now.
Where innovation meets action: Let's move forward
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