The past three months have been a trying time for the aviation industry and one that has certainly tested its mettle. However, it has also provided an opportunity for suppliers to rise to the challenge and this is something they have done in spectacular fashion.

Air travel has shown itself to be the only feasible way to get huge amounts of medicinal aid and personal protection equipment to where it is urgently needed in the fastest possible time. Such has been the demand it was often the case that some of the world’s busiest air routes, like the North Atlantic, had more freighters using them than passenger aircraft at times.

In addition, thousands of people have been rescued and repatriated to their home countries, having been cut off abroad by unexpected and hastily implemented government quarantine requirements. While acknowledging the efforts of pilots and cabin crew in carrying out this work, we should also remember that their ability to keep flying was facilitated by equally dedicated and professional maintenance crews.

Of course, there is much less work to be done at present as the business of maintenance is linked directly to flying hours and cycles, but the hard-working individuals involved are looking after both those aircraft still flying and those parked on the ground.

Finally, on a personal note, after 16 years I am handing over editorship of MRO Management to Satu Dahl, an experienced journalist who has been working on other Real Response Media aviation titles. I feel it is time to look for other challenges, although still firmly within aviation. During my time here, I have had the unique opportunity of visiting MRO facilities of all kinds in no fewer than 35 countries.

Aviation rightly sees itself as a close-knit community and I would like to thank all the friends I have made over the years for their help and hospitality. I hope to see you again soon when the current situation is resolved and we can travel freely once more.