IATA Launches Global Forum to Tackle Aviation Supply Chain Challenges

IATA Director General Willie Walsh said supply chain instability, engine maintenance bottlenecks and delivery delays are reducing efficiency across the sector and adding financial pressure on operators.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the launch of the World Maintenance & Engineering Symposium (WMES), a new global event designed to bring aviation leaders together to address mounting challenges facing the aircraft maintenance and engineering sector.

Scheduled to take place in Madrid, Spain, on 24–25 June 2026, the inaugural symposium will focus on the theme "Reviving the Supply Chain." Industry experts, manufacturers, airlines and technical specialists are expected to discuss practical solutions to problems that continue to affect aircraft operations worldwide.

The aviation industry has faced growing pressure from supply chain disruptions in recent years. Delays in aircraft deliveries, shortages of critical parts and maintenance backlogs have created operational difficulties for airlines, making it harder to meet increasing passenger demand while controlling costs.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh said supply chain instability, engine maintenance bottlenecks and delivery delays are reducing efficiency across the sector and adding financial pressure on operators.

Industry leaders to explore solutions for reliability and resilience

The symposium will feature keynote presentations from some of the aviation industry's most influential figures. Among the speakers are Willie Walsh, Airbus Head of Engineering and Maintenance Andre Schneider, Boeing Director of Systems Service Engineering Aman Sandhu, IATA Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security Nick Careen, and IATA Director of Flight and Technical Operations Stuart Fox.

Discussions will be organized around two major tracks that focus on some of the most pressing issues affecting aerospace maintenance.

The Supply Chain Track will examine ongoing aircraft and engine delivery delays, challenges surrounding the availability of spare parts, maintenance planning strategies and approaches to managing rising costs. Participants will explore ways to improve coordination across suppliers, manufacturers and operators while reducing disruptions that impact airline schedules.

The Operational Efficiency Track will concentrate on improving maintenance performance and reliability. Sessions will look at how digital technologies can streamline maintenance activities, enhance operational visibility and improve decision-making throughout the aircraft lifecycle.

Emerging technologies expected to play a major role

Artificial intelligence and digital transformation are expected to feature prominently throughout the event. Industry experts will discuss how AI-driven tools can support predictive maintenance, allowing airlines and maintenance providers to identify potential technical issues before they result in costly delays or aircraft downtime.

Additional sessions will focus on maintenance information systems, electronic technical logbooks, digital records management and data-driven approaches that can improve efficiency while helping operators maintain high safety standards.

The symposium will also address broader industry issues that extend beyond technology. Topics such as Used Serviceable Materials, the removal of disabled aircraft and future workforce requirements will highlight the diverse challenges facing maintenance and engineering teams around the world.

As airlines continue to modernize fleets and respond to growing travel demand, the need for skilled technicians, reliable supply networks and efficient maintenance processes is becoming increasingly important. Industry leaders attending WMES are expected to share best practices and examine how collaboration can help strengthen resilience across the aviation ecosystem.

By bringing together experts from airlines, manufacturers, maintenance organizations and regulatory bodies, IATA hopes the new symposium will serve as a platform for developing practical solutions that support a more reliable, efficient and sustainable future for global aviation maintenance and engineering.