Evaluating the Impact of Maintenance Personnel Competencies on Aircraft Safety and Maintenance Efficiency

Abstract

Aircraft maintenance is highly regulated field where safety and efficiency are paramount. Taking in account that maintenance and ground handling accounting for approximately 23% of direct operational costs and to remain competitive, airlines prioritize performance-driven maintenance management. In other hand, as the technicians are important pillar of the system, this paper examines the correlation between the quality of maintenance technicians—and maintenance performance, considering factors such as compliance with safety standards, timely responses, and cost efficiency. The analysis draws on a survey of 90 respondents within key maintenance roles, assessing technician experience, morale, skills, stress, communication, and adherence to safety protocols. Through canonical correlation analysis, results suggest that communication, experience and morale have a statistically significant effect on maintenance effectiveness; whereas stress or safety perception do not affect performance noticeably. The study contributes to literature by highlighting the role of technical and non-technical skills in optimizing maintenance operations. However, further research with expanded sample sizes is needed to solidify these findings and refine best practices for workforce development in aeronautical maintenance.