Istanbul Aviation Forum 2027 Set for 27–28 April, With Panels on Engine MRO Capacity and Smart Hangars

The Istanbul Aviation Forum will bring together aviation industry stakeholders on 27–28 April 2027 to discuss operational and aftermarket challenges, including engine maintenance capacity, spare engine availability, longer turnaround times and the adoption of automation in aircraft maintenance. Registration is open. The event is expected to attract more than 800 attendees, including 400 buyers, over 70 speakers and more than 50 exhibitors. It is aimed at airlines, airports, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) providers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), aircraft lessors, and technology companies.

Two of the forum's ten panel discussions focus on the maintenance sector. The session "Keeping Engines Running: Turnaround Times & Spare Capacity" will examine engine shop capacity constraints, extended turnaround times, spare engine availability, parts shortages, and rising maintenance and replacement costs. It will also look at collaboration between airlines, MRO providers, OEMs and lessors, as well as forecasting and capacity-planning strategies. The panel "Next-Generation MRO: Automation, Robotics & the Smart Hangar" will examine how automation, robotics, connected hangars and predictive maintenance are changing the sector.

Gabriel Hanot, senior aviation consultant at GH Aviation Consulting, will chair the forum. Other discussions will cover digital aviation, practical applications of artificial intelligence, airport capacity, passenger experience, workforce recruitment and training, aviation safety and compliance, and the future of air travel beyond 2040. The forum will include an exhibition area and a matchmaking application for arranging one-to-one meetings between delegates and technology providers, suppliers and service companies, alongside networking sessions and a cocktail reception.