With the clock running, Boeing mechanics race around grabbing tools, re-checking working instructions and completing final tasks. The jobs were familiar but the competition aspect wasn't normal. It was a chance to show off skills most people don’t get a chance to see.
As part of the Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition held in Orlando, Florida, mechanics from Global Services, Test & Evaluation and Commercial Airplanes competed at the annual event featuring 90 competitors from airline operators, military organizations, aviation students and other aircraft maintenance organizations.
Two Boeing teams represented the company’s technical expertise and collaborated in an environment that simulated real-world maintenance tasks and allowed all participants to exchange best practices.
Why it matters: This event recognizes the contribution of aviation maintenance technicians and raises awareness of the knowledge and skill required to maintain safe, airworthy aircraft.
- The Boeing-sponsored competition highlighted Boeing’s focus on safety, quality and workforce development.
What they are saying: Teammates reflected on teamwork, preparation and the value of cross-unit collaboration.
“I enjoyed collaborating with teammates that I haven’t had an opportunity to work with before. We trained meticulously to be prepared for the different challenges, and I was excited to see how everyone in the team brought their experience and demonstrated the talent we have everywhere at Boeing,” said Edward Willauer, KC-46 electrician from Jacksonville, Florida.
- “During the competition, we had many opportunities to interact with employees from different airlines, and quite a few of them thanked us for the work we do to provide them with a quality product. More than one airline employee said they loved our product. Hearing that made all the extra work and stress involved in competing worth it for the Boeing teams,” said Brian Jacques, technician from the Seattle Delivery Center.