In a recent Inside MRO article for Aviation Week, Louis Philippe Mallette, CEO of AJW Technique, discusses what this means for independent repair providers and the airlines that rely on them. The article examines the barriers facing the sector as newer aircraft systems become more dependent on proprietary repair information. 

OEMs naturally need to protect their intellectual property and ensure work is completed to approved standards. However, airlines also need repair choices. Without them, operators risk becoming dependent on a single provider, with little room to respond if costs rise or capacity becomes constrained. Louis explains: 

“AJW’s preference, as with airlines, is to have multiple options to avoid the challenges that a monopoly brings.” 

Access to current OEM repair data is fundamental to safe and compliant maintenance. It also gives independent MROs the confidence to build new capabilities and support a broader customer base. 

“The wider the access to approved repair information, the greater the opportunity for independent MROs like AJW Technique to invest in capability, develop repair solutions, and provide competitive support to our customers,” says Mallette. 

 

That access must be backed by the right expertise and continued investment. At AJW Technique, this includes advanced testing capabilities such as ATEC automated test systems, which support the repair of increasingly complex components. 

 

Strong OEM relationships are equally important. The article explains how AJW Group works with key manufacturers and, where appropriate, enters into licensing agreements that allow AJW Technique to offer an independent repair option while maintaining the required levels of quality and reliability. 

 

The independent MRO sector has always evolved alongside aircraft technology. Its future role will depend on its ability to keep pace with that change while working constructively with OEMs to preserve meaningful repair choices for operators. 

 

Read Aviation Week’s article, OEM Control Over Repair Data Challenges Independent MROs, to see Louis’ contribution alongside perspectives from across the industry.