I’m on the ground at NBAA 2025 — the largest business aviation event in the world.
Everyone here is talking about aircraft, innovation, and AI.
But the real story?
Workforce and operational efficiency — and how they’ll decide who wins the next cycle.
While the industry chases shiny tech, the quiet conversations behind closed doors are about labor relocation, consolidation, and role architecture.
That’s where the future of margin expansion is being written — not in the press releases.
Over the past 48 hours in prep, I’ve spoken with OEM reps, maintenance executives, and consultants.
Here’s the pattern emerging — and how leaders and investors can turn it into advantage:
Efficiency → Role Density Advantage.
The best-run companies aren’t just cutting — they’re compressing layers and redeploying capability.
Teams that used to require seven people are now running with three — and still outperforming.
You really can unlock 12–18% productivity gains before automation tools even land.
Supply Chain → Labor Leverage.
The new supply constraint isn’t parts — it’s qualified, mobile talent.
Whoever can redeploy skilled labor across facilities in days, not weeks, will control timelines, pricing, and client confidence.
Labor liquidity is totally the next moat. Build it before Q2 2026 supply volatility hits.
Talent → AI Task Architecture.
Everyone’s hiring “for AI,” but few can define what those roles do.
Leaders mapping workflows — not job titles — are already cutting 20–25% of cycle time.
Let’s convert your org chart into a task map before your competitors figure it out.
The next earnings divergence in aviation won’t come from jet orders or backlog headlines —it’ll come from which firms restructured early enough to capture AI-driven operational lift.
Companies that get workforce architecture right will:
Compress SG&A faster than peers
Capture margin from predictive maintenance and AI scheduling
And quietly reposition as higher-efficiency, higher-multiple platforms
Early signals already show concentrated hiring in predictive maintenance, AI route optimization, and multi-skill engineering clusters — especially around Bombardier and Textron ecosystems.
That’s where capital should be watching.
The Executive Brief (Limited Access)
I’m assembling a 2-page Executive Intelligence Brief for investors, consultants, and strategy teams who can’t be here in person — but need the inside workforce signals before post-show coverage drops.
Only a few copies available — $500 each to keep it exclusive and actionable.
Delivered by Friday, so you can translate insights into Q4 strategy decks and 2026 planning cycles.
Optional: focus tailored to a company or segment (Bombardier, Textron, Embraer, Clay Lacy, Phillips 66 Aviation, Magnifica Air, operators, or MRO networks).
If you want one of the copies email me directly at amanda@thejobchick.com or secure it here:
Everyone’s watching the jets.
The smart money’s watching the jobs.