JSfirm.com (Booth 11244) found that 51 percent of the aviation companies that participated in their hiring trends survey believe that the presidential election will have a positive impact on the aviation industry. Overall, 358 aviation companies specializing in MRO and OEM services as well as aircraft operators, training centers and others in different sectors of the aviation industry participated in the survey
The survey found that 88 percent of companies feel that they will hire in 2017, with maintenance and avionics technicians as well as pilots in high demand followed closely by sheet metal/machine operators and customer service representatives. Of those who participated, 71 percent did not cut jobs in 2016. The companies, however, cited a decrease in qualified professionals as one of the biggest challenges along with candidates’ high pay expectations.
The survey also asked companies about growth projection, aircraft support and services offered. A majority of the companies that participated worked with corporate aircraft such as the Learjet, Citation, Hawker and Gulfstream (31 percent) while others worked with general aviation single and light twin engine aircraft (22 percent), helicopters (15 percent) and commercial/transport wide body aircraft (15 percent). Ultimately, these companies believe they will see moderate growth in 2017.
“The survey results indicate a thriving aviation job market,” JSfirm operations manager Jeff Richards said. “We are busy! New companies are posting jobs and job seekers are creating memberships to stay up to date on new opportunities.”