With the aviation industry facing a growing demand for skilled talent, the event provided high school and college students from southern Florida with hands-on exposure to STEM careers in aviation. More than 250 students attended, engaging with professionals and exploring career pathways in aircraft maintenance, technology, and operations.

AAR team members presented A Day in the Life of an Aircraft Mechanic, offering insights into the profession and the company’s career opportunities. Meanwhile, Trax showcased Mobilizing Aviation Maintenance, highlighting how digital solutions are transforming MRO operations. The event also featured flight simulators and introduced students to soFLY’s Women in Aviation International Mentor Connect programme.

“Enthusiasm for this event and the overwhelming participation demonstrates that youth are interested in the role of technology in the future of aviation,” said Shannon Egan, AAR’s Leadership Development Trainer in Miami and Vice President of the company’s female-focused employee resource group, Ascend. “This is encouraging from a workforce pipeline perspective and supports AAR’s interest in growing the Best Team in Aviation to meet current and future demand.”

Jessica Matthews, President and Co-Founder of soFLY Southern Tropics Inc., emphasised the importance of fostering industry connections for young talent. “The future of aviation depends on cultivating a skilled, dynamic, and inspired workforce. Through collaborative efforts with industry leaders like AAR and Trax, soFLY is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and career readiness. By providing exposure to aviation MROs and emerging technologies, we’re preparing young people to step confidently into high-demand roles, driving innovation and ensuring the long-term success of the industry.”

The soFLY Girls in Aviation Tech Day Powered by AAR & Trax is the flagship annual event of the partnership. Together, AAR, Trax, and soFLY continue to invest in recruitment initiatives, training, and education to inspire and equip the next generation of aviation professionals.