Industry Insights
U.S. Airlines Soar Every Day Thanks to Aviation Maintenance Technicians
May 23, 2025
U.S. airlines rely on one million employees every day to fly 27,000 flights, transport 61,000 tons of cargo and safely deliver 2.7 million passengers to their destinations. But this logistical and technical marvel would not be possible without our aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) who dedicate themselves 24/7 to ensuring each flight is safe and each aircraft maintained properly.
This tradition of safety and maintenance began with the first aircraft mechanic — Charles Edward Taylor, born May 24, 1868 — who built the engine used to power the Wright Brothers’ history-making first flight at Kitty Hawk, N.C.
That’s why every year, U.S. airlines celebrate May 24 as Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Day. This date commemorates the essential and valued roles AMTs fill to ensure the maintenance required of powered flight is performed safely and in compliance with federal regulations every single day.
When you book a flight or board a plane, it may be difficult to imagine the AMTs behind the scenes, but our planes would not fly without them. Safety is always the top priority of AMTs and U.S. airlines.
AMTs are responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft. Duties range from conducting scheduled inspections to troubleshooting and maintaining increasingly high-tech aircraft. AMTs are in high demand and must complete specialized training and obtain FAA certification to ensure they possess the required knowledge and skill to keep airplanes safely flying.
Earlier this year, A4A joined Aviation Week’s MRO Americas conference, the largest gathering of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organizations employing AMTs across the industry.
In an Aviation Week interview with Justin Madden, A4A’s managing director of engineering and maintenance, he explained how starting his career as a mechanic can open up a world of opportunity: “When I was a mechanic and started out in the field, I didn’t think my career would end up where it is today. So there’s a ton of opportunities.”
Madden started his career as a technician in the U.S. Marine Corps and now works with carriers on A4A’s Engineering Maintenance & Material Council (EMMC) to develop engineering and maintenance data analysis and best practices, contributing to the industry’s safety record. In his current role, Madden’s experience helps carriers resolve challenges like electromagnetic spectrum effects on aircraft, interpreting and implementing FAA regulations and rolling out industry-wide safety initiatives.
“That’s what I would tell somebody, expose yourself to as many opportunities as you possibly can. Work hard, and when the right opportunity comes, take it,” Madden said.
As part of A4A’s effort to support AMTs, this year’s Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Forum, Sept. 22-25, 2025 at the Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, is targeted to technicians interested in learning more about the current trends, issues, and successes in aviation maintenance inspection.
We are currently accepting abstracts from AMTs and other fields on the latest successes and learnings regarding nondestructive inspection. Confirmed presenters at this year’s event can receive complimentary registration, so submit your research today.
This fall, A4A is also hosting the joint ATA e-Business Forum and S1000D User Forum Oct. 6-8, 2025, at the Le Westin Montreal. The joint forum is the industry’s premier event to learn about the latest developments in information exchange to support engineering, maintenance, materiel and flight operations.
For more information, including details on our exhibit hall, which includes the industry’s latest software and hardware solutions, click here.
For information about how to become an FAA-certificated AMT, click here for testing and other requirements necessary to pursue this in-demand career path.