In the business aviation world, trust is paramount—and few things establish trust faster than a solid referral. Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) companies are in a unique position to benefit from word-of-mouth growth. When operators, brokers, or aircraft owners recommend an MRO, it’s not just a vote of confidence—it’s a valuable business opportunity.
While some referrals happen organically, the most successful MROs build systems to earn and amplify them. Here’s how to make referral marketing a central, consistent part of your business growth strategy.
Why Referrals Matter for MROs
According to Nielsen, 88% of people trust recommendations from people they know more than any other form of marketing. In the aviation maintenance space—where safety, reliability, and professionalism are critical—this trust is even more essential.
Referrals are especially powerful in the MRO sector because:
-
Aircraft owners and operators are highly risk-averse. They are more likely to choose a shop that comes with a personal recommendation.
-
The cost and complexity of service make buyers cautious. A referral reduces perceived risk.
-
The buyer pool is small and tightly networked. Aviation professionals often talk to one another about good (or bad) service experiences.
Step 1: Deliver an Unforgettable Experience
The foundation of any successful referral system is operational excellence. A client will never refer you just because you asked—they will refer you because you’ve made a positive impression worth sharing.
To earn this level of advocacy, focus on:
-
On-time delivery and clear communication.
-
Professional presentation—well-documented work orders, clean hangar space, and polished customer touchpoints.
-
Unexpected service add-ons—such as post-service inspections, quick turnaround diagnostics, or a courtesy aircraft wash.
These small touches are often what customers remember and mention to others.
Step 2: Ask—But Ask at the Right Time
Many MROs miss out on referrals because they simply don’t ask. But timing and tone are crucial. Don’t make your first request when the customer is rushing to depart or in the middle of a service complaint.
Instead, ask when:
-
A job has just been successfully completed
-
A customer has given positive feedback (either verbally or via a survey)
-
The client is placing a repeat order or booking a follow-up service
Example language:
“Thanks for trusting us with your aircraft. If you know anyone else who’s looking for reliable MRO support, we’d appreciate a referral. We’ll take great care of them.”
Keep it conversational—not transactional.
Step 3: Create Referral Tools and Reminders
Help your advocates help you. Equip your customers with tools they can easily share:
-
A referral card they can hand to another operator or pilot
-
A follow-up email template they can forward
-
A custom landing page with a short intro video and contact form
Tip: A simple “Refer a Friend” button in your email signature can serve as a daily passive nudge.
You can also incorporate these tools into a formal referral program—but beware of overcomplicating it. Often, the best incentive is a sincere thank-you or a small gesture, not necessarily a discount.
Step 4: Leverage Brokers, Consultants, and Pilots
In many cases, the decision-maker is not the aircraft owner. Referrals may come from:
-
Aircraft brokers advising clients on airworthiness
-
Management companies looking to reduce downtime
-
Part 91 or 135 operators recommending trusted maintenance partners
-
Pilots who’ve seen what it’s like to work with you firsthand
Keep these professionals in your network warm. Send them updates, offer a tour of your facility, or invite them for coffee when they’re in town. Be top-of-mind when their client asks: “Where should I go for this?”
Step 5: Highlight Testimonials and Case Studies
Referrals aren’t just one-to-one. They also happen passively through your marketing materials:
-
Testimonials on your website and Google reviews
-
Case studies detailing specific MRO projects, with photos
-
Shout-outs on LinkedIn from happy clients
Aviation Business Consultants Inc. (ABCI) helps many MROs collect, structure, and publish these assets. Third-party validation carries weight—especially in a highly technical field like aviation maintenance.
Sidebar: Referrals Should Be Systematic
Marketing expert John Jantsch, in his book The Referral Engine, explains:
“Referrals don’t just happen—they must be baked into your business process.”
ABCI recommends creating a monthly checklist that includes:
-
Calling a recent customer to thank them and ask for a referral
-
Posting one referral-friendly case study or testimonial
-
Sending an email update to your referral partners
Just one or two steps like these can generate compound momentum.
Step 6: Track, Measure, and Reward
Keep track of where new business is coming from. Use a CRM system, spreadsheet, or even a notes app—but do it consistently. You want to be able to see:
-
Who refers the most
-
Which channels bring in the best customers
-
What messages and materials are working
When you know who your champions are, recognize them. That could mean:
-
A thank-you note and branded gift
-
A social media mention
-
An early heads-up about new services
People love to be appreciated—and they’ll be more likely to refer again.
Final Thoughts: Make Referrals a Habit
The best MROs aren’t just known for their wrench-turning—they’re known for their relationships. Referral marketing, when executed consistently, transforms happy clients into your most effective sales team.
At ABCI, we specialize in helping aviation businesses—including MROs—build sustainable, referral-driven marketing systems. If you’re looking to grow your client base without chasing likes or running massive ad campaigns, this is the place to start.