Suresh Narayanan - Elevating the Mechanic Experience in the Aviation Industry

By Nancy Coll

In an ever-evolving aviation industry, where the demand for skilled mechanics is higher than ever, one entrepreneur is on a mission to revolutionize the way these professionals are treated and valued. With a rich background in aviation, entrepreneurship, and leadership, Suresh (often called “SoFresh”) is not just focused on meeting the growing needs of the industry but is committed to elevating the standards for the people who keep aircraft in the sky. In this insightful interview, Suresh shares his journey, the inception of Jets MRO, and his vision for a more engaged and appreciated workforce in aviation maintenance. Through transparency, employee ownership, and a culture-first approach, Suresh is setting a new benchmark in the MRO sector, proving that a successful business is built on the foundation of its people.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got started in aviation?

Suresh: I was born and raised in Miami, with aviation being a significant part of my life from the beginning. My father, an immigrant, had been in aviation his entire life and started a repair station in South Florida. Growing up, I was immersed in the aviation sector, especially in maintenance, engineering, and manufacturing, including rotorcraft. After completing my undergraduate degree at Florida State, I intended to return to work in the family business. However, due to the tough market conditions post-9/11, my dad decided to close the business, which led me to Dallas in 2009. My brother, an avid engineer with experience in the aviation industry, had a unique vision for independent engineering services for operators, which eventually became AQRD, a company I helped scale up.

Q: What is AQRD, and how did it evolve under your leadership?

Suresh: AQRD started as an engineering service company focused on providing independent solutions for operators who didn’t want to rely on OEMs for repairs and alterations. We began with a strong emphasis on composites, metals, and structures. The company grew to manage engineering functions for major carriers, providing a fast, hands-on service model that operators loved. We then expanded into component repairs with our repair station, where we could write our own engineering and execute repairs live. A significant part of our culture was built on the promise of avoiding layoffs, which led us to diversify into military projects, modifying older supersonic jets with modern technology.

Q: What motivated you to start Jets MRO, and how does it differ from other maintenance organizations?

Suresh: After stepping away from AQRD to focus on mergers and acquisitions, I noticed a significant need in the industry, particularly in the maintenance sector. Post-COVID, the demand for maintenance, especially in the business jet and military markets, skyrocketed as older jets were flown more frequently due to a lack of new aircraft. The existing MRO infrastructure wasn’t keeping up with this demand, creating an opportunity to establish a professional MRO business. I started Jets MRO with the goal of elevating the standard of how mechanics are treated, offering profit sharing, family benefits, and a transparent culture from day one. My aim is not just to meet the demand but to create a workplace where mechanics feel valued and can thrive.

Q: How do you plan to address the mechanic shortage in the industry?

Suresh: The shortage of A&P mechanics is a significant challenge. Right now, I could hire 30 experienced mechanics if I could find them. We’re looking for experienced mechanics who can help define the culture at Jets MRO from the ground up. Although we’re currently focused on experienced hires, we’re also exploring partnerships with local schools to develop apprenticeship programs for future mechanics. The key is to offer a workplace where mechanics are truly engaged and valued, which we believe will help us attract and retain the best talent.

Q: What sets Jets MRO apart from other companies in the aviation maintenance sector?

Suresh: What sets us apart is our commitment to putting employees first. Many companies talk about being people-first, but we are actively implementing it. Our mechanics are part owners of the business through profit sharing, and we offer full financial transparency. We’re building a new, state-of-the-art facility at Dallas Executive Airport, designed with our employees’ comfort in mind. We want to create an environment where mechanics don’t just come to work; they feel like they are part of something bigger, with a culture that values their contributions and offers them the opportunity to grow.

Q: With the rise of new markets like air mobility and drones, how do you see the future demand for mechanics evolving?

Suresh: The demand for mechanics is only going to increase as new markets like air mobility and drones continue to grow. Unfortunately, the supply of new mechanics isn’t keeping pace with the demand, leading to a projected shortage that could reach nearly 10% in the next five years. This will make the market even more competitive, and it’s crucial that we not only attract new talent but also retain experienced mechanics by offering them a supportive and rewarding work environment.

Q: How can the industry better support the development and retention of mechanics?

Suresh: It’s about more than just offering higher pay. Through extensive feedback from mechanics, we’ve identified that the top priorities are benefits, engaged leadership, and a positive culture. It’s essential to address these “soft” aspects of the job because paying someone to be miserable doesn’t work long-term. By focusing on creating a supportive environment where mechanics feel valued and have opportunities to grow, we can reduce turnover and build a more stable and skilled workforce.

Q: What’s next for Jets MRO, and how can the industry support your mission?

Suresh: We’re just getting started, but we’re already looking at expanding our operations and acquiring new facilities. Our immediate focus is on building our team and spreading the word about what we’re doing differently. We welcome any support in raising awareness about our approach to mechanic culture. By sharing our story, we hope to attract more mechanics who are looking for a better work environment and to inspire other companies to elevate their standards as well.