The ability to turn challenges into opportunities is what sets successful leaders apart. Wilmer Lopez, the newly appointed Managing Director for AJW in Latin America, explores the challenges and constraints in the Latin American Aviation sector and provides fresh insights into the trends reshaping the market. This conversation with MRO Business Today not only sheds light on the current state of Latin American aviation but also offers a glimpse into how AJW is positioned to lead in this ever-evolving landscape. 

MRO Business Today: First and foremost, I would like to congratulate you on your promotion for taking over AJW Latin America front. Can you take us through your career path, highlighting some of the major challenges that you overcame, which turned out to be instrumental in shaping your career?  

Lopez: I hold a bachelor’s degree in business and have over 24 years of experience in the aviation industry, with a strong background in airline operations. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the best professionals in the field, which has helped me build an extensive network based on collaboration, trust, empathy, and understanding. 

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been operating in one of the largest and most diverse regions in the world, with its unique economic constraints. Airlines in Latin America often have to work twice as hard to deliver the highest safety and quality standards while keeping costs to a minimum. Navigating this environment, where every cent matters, has shaped my approach to work. I’ve carried this mindset into my daily responsibilities, ensuring that we maximize every resource and make every effort count. This focus on efficiency and profitability has been instrumental in driving success for both our customers and the business. 

What are the key trends you’re seeing in the aviation market in Latin America? 

Lopez: We’re seeing a strong focus on tailored maintenance solutions, such as AJW’s Power-By-the-Hour program, which addresses the specific needs of our customers. Sustainability is also a major trend, with more eco-friendly practices becoming integral to airline operations. Additionally, the use of predictive maintenance, driven by advances in AI and technology, is growing as airlines look to improve their efficiency and reduce unnecessary and costly downtime. Cost and availability of spare parts remain key considerations as operators strive to maintain fleet reliability amidst evolving demands. 

Where do you see the biggest growth opportunities for AJW in this region? 

Lopez: Latin America and the Caribbean are key growth regions for the Group. Our recent award wins and major support contracts demonstrate our strong position as a market leader for end-to-end supply chain solutions.  

There’s a growing demand for tailored MRO services, and AJW is uniquely positioned to meet that need with our comprehensive capabilities. AJW Technique, our MRO facility in Montreal, further enhances our ability to deliver rapid, high-quality maintenance solutions, ensuring we support the region with both efficiency and expertise. 

What are some of the biggest challenges AJW faces in Latin America, and how are you addressing them?
 

Lopez: The challenges AJW faces in Latin America are much like those affecting the global aviation industry. Delivering tailored maintenance programmes in an environment with high demand, labour shortages, and ongoing supply chain disruptions poses many challenges. To navigate this, we place a strong emphasis on understanding our customers’ unique needs, working closely with them to align our services with their operational priorities. 

In Latin America, where the presence of major suppliers and MROs is limited, our new hub in Mexico City plays a key role in strengthening the local offering. This expansion ensures that AJW’s expertise and inventory are readily available to support our customers in the region, further enhancing our ability to meet their needs efficiently. 

How does AJW tailor its services to meet the unique needs of the Latin American aviation market? 

Lopez: AJW offers highly flexible and customised solutions, such as our Power-by-the-Hour (PBH) contracts, which allow operators to optimize their maintenance programmes based on specific operational needs, improving efficiency, and reducing downtime.  

As an independent company, we have the agility to make quick decisions and respond proactively to customer requirements, offering bespoke service levels, contract terms, and pricing structures. This enables operators to align maintenance with their business objectives and quickly adapt to changes in their operations. 

What steps is AJW taking to promote sustainability in Latin America? 

Lopez: AJW is actively promoting sustainability in Latin America by incorporating eco-friendly practices across our operations. A key part of our strategy is our component repair services, which help extend the lifecycle of aircraft parts and reduce waste. In 2023, we reinforced our commitment by signing the UN Global Compact to reduce carbon emissions and support a cleaner aviation sector. 

Our MRO facility in North America, which is perfectly located to service the Latin America region, uses sustainable cleaning solutions and continuously explores greener materials and technologies. Additionally, we’ve implemented rainwater harvesting systems and extensive solar panels at our headquarters in West Sussex, UK, and our teams work tirelessly to minimise our carbon footprint across all operations. 

How is AJW leveraging technology to enhance its regional operations and customer service?  

Lopez: We’re leveraging technology to enhance our operations and customer service in Latin America by embracing innovations like AI, predictive maintenance, and AR across our global locations. AI-driven predictive maintenance allows us to analyse aircraft data, anticipate maintenance needs, improving efficiency and reducing costs for airlines. AR further boosts maintenance accuracy by providing real-time guidance to technicians, streamlining processes, and enhancing productivity. 

Additionally, automated fulfilment solutions and real-time tracking optimise inventory management and component visibility, reducing inefficiencies and ensuring timely interventions when needed. By digitising processes and adopting these advanced technologies, AJW enhances agility, reduces costs, and delivers a superior, more reliable service to our customers. 

Your take on the supply chain woes across the industry. How are you tackling this issue? 

Lopez: AJW is tackling the industry’s supply chain challenges through a strategic and multifaceted approach. We’re investing heavily in inventory and strengthening collaboration with stakeholders to ensure smoother operations. By expanding global facilities and growing our regional support hubs such as in Mexico City, we’ve reduced turnaround times and improved efficiency, even amid the geopolitical uncertainties affecting the industry. 

How do you tailor your MRO programs to meet the specific needs of different clients? What are some key factors you consider during this customization process? 

Lopez: We tailor our MRO programmes by closely collaborating with each client to understand their unique operational needs, constraints, and priorities. Key factors we consider during this customisation process include fleet size, operational schedules, and budgetary requirements, ensuring we deliver solutions that maximise efficiency and minimise downtime. 

Customer feedback is invaluable! Can you share a story of how customer input has led to a significant change or strategy at AJW? What was the outcome? 

Lopez: Customer feedback is absolutely invaluable to us, and one particular instance stands out in demonstrating how it can shape our strategy. The aviation industry has changed significantly over the past five years, and recent events have shown that adaptability is crucial for survival. With over 90 years in the industry, AJW has always prioritised innovation and flexibility, ensuring we can evolve alongside our customers’ needs. 

One of the leading airlines in the Latin American region required a level of flexibility that the market wasn’t fully offering. AJW was able to step up, adjust our approach, and restructure our contracted services to meet their specific demands. This adaptability not only helped us secure a major, long-term agreement but also reinforced our position as a trusted and innovative partner in the region. It’s a great example of how customer input can directly influence our approach and drive success for both parties. 

 

Looking for a trusted partner in the Latin America region? Contact AJW Latin America today.