MRO & Manufacturing
NASA Launches 2026 Competition to Advance Aviation Maintenance
NASA invites US student teams to develop innovative aviation maintenance solutions for 2035 in the 2026 Gateways to Blue Skies contest.
NASA Challenges Students to Modernize Aviation Maintenance
We are witnessing a pivotal moment in the aviation industry where the focus is shifting from merely designing new aircraft to sustaining the fleets currently in our skies. NASA has officially launched the 2026 Gateways to Blue Skies competition, inviting collegiate teams across the United States to address one of the sector’s most critical, yet often overlooked, challenges: Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO). Titled “RepAir: Advancing Aircraft Maintenance,” this year’s competition seeks to revolutionize how the industry approaches the upkeep of increasingly complex commercial fleets.
The initiative, sponsored by NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) and managed by the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA), calls upon undergraduate and graduate students to conceptualize innovative systems and practices. The objective is clear: develop solutions that can be deployed by 2035 to enhance the safety, efficiency, and resilience of aviation maintenance. As aircraft technology advances, the methods used to maintain airworthiness must evolve in tandem, moving away from reactive repairs toward predictive and automated solutions.
We recognize that this competition is not just an academic exercise but a strategic response to converging crises within the aerospace sector. From workforce shortages to supply chain disruptions, the pressure on maintenance crews is mounting. By engaging the next generation of engineers, business leaders, and policymakers, NASA aims to inject fresh perspectives into an industry that serves as the backbone of global connectivity.
The “RepAir” Mandate: Solving the MRO Crisis
The theme for the 2026 cycle, “RepAir,” addresses a sector that is projected to grow significantly, with the global MRO market expected to surpass $100 billion by 2030. However, this growth comes with substantial hurdles. Post-pandemic supply chain disruptions have drastically extended lead times for critical parts, in some cases beyond a year. Consequently, airlines are forced to fly older aircraft for longer periods, increasing the burden on maintenance teams to ensure these aging airframes remain safe and operational.
Participating teams are tasked with identifying a specific maintenance problem and proposing a system-level solution. These concepts must address at least one of three core pillars: resilience, safety, or efficiency. Resilience involves the ability to recover quickly from disruptions, such as supply chain shocks. Safety focuses on reducing human error and ensuring continuous airworthiness. Efficiency aims to lower costs and reduce turnaround times, which is vital for keeping commercial schedules on track.
Potential avenues for innovation are vast. We anticipate proposals involving predictive maintenance, where AI (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are utilized to forecast part failures before they occur. Other solutions might include advanced monitoring using sensors or drones for automated fuselage inspections, or the creation of “Digital Twins”, virtual replicas of aircraft that allow engineers to simulate repairs before touching the physical hardware. Furthermore, automated compliance systems could be designed to streamline the heavy regulatory paperwork that currently slows down the repair process.
“The aviation maintenance industry is at the heart of what keeps us all flying. Having our future workforce looking into new technologies, creating, and innovating with a focus on this area of our industry will have lasting impacts on the future of aviation.”, Steven Holz, NASA University Innovation Assistant Project Manager & Competition Lead.
Workforce and Strategic Implications
Beyond the technical challenges, the competition highlights a severe human capital issue. The aviation industry is facing a looming workforce crisis, with projections indicating a potential shortfall of up to 20% in maintenance technicians by 2028. As experienced technicians retire, there is an urgent need to attract new talent and equip them with modern tools that can bridge the skills gap. The “RepAir” theme is designed to expose students to these career paths, showing that maintenance is a high-tech field ripe for innovation.
NASA encourages interdisciplinary teams of two to six students to participate. We see this as a crucial element, as solving MRO challenges requires more than just mechanical engineering; it demands insights from computer science for digital systems, business for cost-benefit analysis, and policy studies for regulatory compliance. This holistic approach ensures that the proposed solutions are not only technically feasible but also economically viable and regulatory compliant.
The competition builds on a history of forward-looking challenges. Previous cycles have addressed aviation solutions for agriculture (AgAir), natural disaster response, and clean energy. By shifting the focus to maintenance, NASA is acknowledging that the sustainability of the aviation ecosystem relies as much on how we fix planes as it does on how we build them. The solutions generated in this forum could very well influence the standard operating procedures of the 2030s.
Timeline and Opportunities for Students
The timeline for the 2026 Gateways to Blue Skies competition is structured to guide students through a rigorous development process. While a Notice of Intent (NOI) is encouraged by November 4, 2025, the critical deadline for submissions is February 16, 2026. By this date, teams must submit a 5-7 page proposal and a 2-minute video detailing their concept. This format mirrors real-world industry bidding processes, providing students with valuable professional experience.
Up to eight finalist teams will be selected in March 2026 to present their concepts at the Blue Skies Forum, scheduled for May 2026 at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. To facilitate their participation, each finalist team will receive a $9,000 stipend. This financial support underscores NASA’s commitment to removing barriers to entry and ensuring that talented students from diverse backgrounds can compete on a national stage.
The stakes are high, with the winning team members receiving offers for internships at one of NASA’s Aeronautics centers for the following academic year. This direct pipeline from university to NASA provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to launch their careers. We view this competition as a vital incubator for the next generation of aerospace leaders, ensuring that the workforce of tomorrow is ready to tackle the complexities of a modernizing global fleet.
FAQ
What is the theme of the 2026 competition?
The theme is “RepAir: Advancing Aircraft Maintenance.” It focuses on modernizing Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) to enhance safety, efficiency, and resilience.
Who is eligible to participate?
The competition is open to teams of 2 to 6 undergraduate or graduate students from accredited U.S. colleges and universities. Team members must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
What is the submission deadline?
Final proposals and videos must be submitted by February 16, 2026. A non-binding Notice of Intent is encouraged by November 4, 2025.
What are the prizes?
Up to 8 finalist teams receive a $9,000 stipend to attend the forum at NASA Langley. Members of the winning team are offered internships at NASA Aeronautics centers.
Sources: NASA
Photo Credit: NASA
MRO & Manufacturing
CFS Aero Selects Ramco Systems for Engine and APU MRO
CFS Aero deploys Ramco Aviation Software across UK facilities to digitize engine and APU MRO shop visit operations.
UK-based aerospace engineering firm CFS Aero has selected Ramco Systems to digitize its engine and auxiliary power unit (APU) maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations, implementing a comprehensive software suite to manage shop visits from initial contract through final invoicing.
Announced in a press release on July 29, 2026, the agreement will see CFS Aero deploy Ramco Aviation Software across its facilities in Warwick and London. The implementation aims to replace legacy processes with a unified platform, providing real-time visibility into costs, revenues, and maintenance execution for the company, which holds the type certificates for Honeywell ALF502 and LF507 turbine engines.
Digitizing the MRO workflow
The Ramco software suite will integrate multiple facets of CFS Aero’s operations. The deployment includes modules dedicated to engineering, planning, maintenance, supply chain logistics, customer management, and accounting. By consolidating these functions, the system allows technicians and managers to track cost accruals and monitor budget caps throughout the lifecycle of an engine or APU shop visit.
On the shop floor, the transition introduces digital maintenance execution tools. Mechanics will utilize mobile task cards and electronic sign-offs, reducing reliance on paper-based tracking and streamlining regulatory compliance documentation. The software also supports multi-stage invoicing, aligning billing cycles with specific maintenance milestones.
CFS Aero Chief Executive Officer David Newhouse stated that the company sought a technology partner capable of supporting long-term growth and complementing its workforce.
“Ramco’s strong understanding of the complexities of Engine and APU MRO operations, combined with the capabilities of its Aviation Software to help our skilled teams perform at their best, were key factors in our decision,” Newhouse said.
Ramco’s expanding aviation footprint
The CFS Aero contract adds to a growing portfolio of aerospace MRO providers utilizing Ramco’s enterprise software. According to the company, its aviation platform currently manages more than 4,000 aircraft and supports over 24,000 users globally.
Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Customer Officer for Aviation, Aerospace and Defense at Ramco Systems, noted that the partnership reflects industry trust in the company’s domain expertise. He added that Ramco continues to invest in next-generation capabilities, including artificial intelligence, to modernize the aviation maintenance ecosystem.
The UK agreement follows other recent milestones for the software provider. On April 15, 2026, Ramco announced the successful implementation of its Aviation Suite at Korean Air’s Engine Maintenance Center in South Korea. Subsequently, on July 2, 2026, the company appointed Sandesh Bilagi as Chief Executive Officer to steer its transition toward AI-native enterprise software solutions.
AirPro News analysis
We view CFS Aero’s selection of Ramco as indicative of a broader industry push to eliminate siloed legacy systems in engine MRO environments. Engine shop visits are highly complex, capital-intensive events where poor visibility into parts availability or labor accruals can rapidly erode profit margins. By adopting an end-to-end digital platform, mid-sized engineering firms like CFS Aero are equipping themselves with the same data-driven oversight tools utilized by major airline maintenance divisions, ensuring they remain competitive in a tight global supply-chain.
Sources: Ramco Systems
Photo Credit: Ramco
MRO & Manufacturing
Syensqo Signs Multi-Year Composite Supply Deal With Airbus
Syensqo secured a multi-year agreement to supply Airbus with composite materials across commercial, defense, space, and helicopter programs.
Advanced materials manufacturer Syensqo has secured a multi-year agreement to supply Airbus with composite materials across its commercial, defense, space, and helicopter programs.
Announced in a press release on July 29, 2026, the contract secures a critical supply chain for the European aerospace manufacturer amid sustained industry demand for lightweight aircraft components. The agreement covers the provision of prepregs, Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) resins, adhesives, and primers.
Farnborough finalization and product scope
Representatives from both companies finalized the details of the agreement during the Farnborough International Airshow earlier in July 2026. The materials supplied under this contract will support manufacturing across the entire Airbus portfolio, from commercial aircraft to specialized defense and rotary-wing platforms.
Rodrigo Elizondo, President of Syensqo Composite Materials, stated that the contract reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to the aerospace sector and reinforces its position as a trusted partner to major manufacturers.
“Syensqo is proud to continue supporting Airbus programs through this new supply agreement,” Elizondo said in the release. “We look forward to deepening our commercial and technical collaboration with Airbus as we work together to support the future growth of aerospace manufacturing.”
Broader aerospace footprint
The Airbus agreement solidifies civil aviation as a primary growth driver for Syensqo, which employs approximately 13,000 associates across 30 countries. The company has been actively expanding its presence in next-generation aerospace markets alongside its traditional manufacturing contracts.
During the Farnborough International Airshow, Syensqo also highlighted its partnership with Vertical Aerospace. The materials supplier is providing proprietary technology for the development of Vertical Aerospace’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, indicating a dual focus on traditional original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and emerging advanced air mobility platforms.
AirPro News analysis
We view this multi-year agreement as a strategic stabilization move for Airbus. As aerospace manufacturers continue to ramp up production rates to meet record backlogs, securing long-term commitments for specialized composite materials is essential to prevent supply chain bottlenecks. Syensqo’s concurrent investments in both legacy OEMs like Airbus and emerging eVTOL developers position the materials supplier to capitalize on the industry’s broader transition toward lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft architectures.
Sources: Syensqo
Photo Credit: Syensqo
MRO & Manufacturing
GetJet Airlines Names Dakar Rally Winner MRO Brand Ambassador
GetJet Airlines and Airhub Aviation appoint Dakar Rally winner Vaidotas Žala to recruit for 200 MRO roles in Lithuania.
GetJet Airlines and Airhub Aviation have appointed 2026 Dakar Rally Truck category winner Vaidotas Žala as their brand ambassador to help recruit technical talent for the companies’ expanding maintenance operations in Lithuania.
In a press release issued on July 20, 2026, the GetJet Group subsidiaries outlined the long-term partnership. The initiative aims to draw parallels between elite motorsport and commercial aviation maintenance, specifically targeting automotive professionals to fill approximately 200 new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) positions at bases in Vilnius and Šiauliai.
Bridging motorsport and aviation maintenance
The collaboration highlights shared operational values between rally racing and aircraft maintenance. Both sectors require strict adherence to safety protocols, rapid problem-solving, and precise mechanical execution. By aligning with a three-time Lithuanian Rally Champion, GetJet Group intends to raise the profile of aviation maintenance careers among mechanics and engineers outside the aerospace industry.
As part of the agreement, the aviation companies will provide support for Žala as he prepares to compete in the 2027 Dakar Rally.
“Vaidotas is preparing for one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges – the Dakar Rally. The technology and environments are different, but the principles remain the same: success depends on preparation, precision and the ability to respond quickly when conditions change. We are proud to support Vaidotas on this journey and look forward to being part of his future Dakar journey,” said Inga Duglas, CEO of GetJet Airlines.
MRO expansion and workforce recruitment
Earlier in 2026, GetJet Group announced a significant expansion of its MRO capabilities in Lithuania. The company is actively recruiting for roles including aircraft maintenance engineers, technicians, supply chain managers, and logistics specialists to support its growing fleet and third-party maintenance services.
The operator noted that several of its current technical employees successfully transitioned into aviation from the automotive sector. The ambassador program with Žala is designed to accelerate this cross-industry recruitment pipeline to meet the staffing demands of the new Vilnius and Šiauliai facilities.
AirPro News analysis
We view this cross-industry recruitment strategy as a practical response to the persistent shortage of qualified aviation maintenance personnel. With GetJet Group securing US$31 million in external financing from Volofin Capital Management Ltd in April 2026 to fund aircraft renewal and asset management expansion, capital is available to grow the business. Executing that growth requires a robust technical workforce. Targeting high-performance automotive technicians provides access to a labor pool already accustomed to strict tolerances and complex mechanical systems, potentially reducing the training burden required to transition them into certified aviation roles.
Sources: GetJet Group
Photo Credit: GetJet Airlines
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