How a commercial pilot’s firsthand experience is driving innovation, customer-first design, and AI-powered aviation logistics at one of the industry’s fastest-growing MRO providers.
John Werner isn’t your typical aviation executive. Before becoming the President and CEO of Pilot John International (PJi), Werner spent years in the cockpit as a commercial pilot. That firsthand experience has shaped every decision he’s made since founding PJi, transforming it from a side business selling ground support equipment (GSE) into a full-spectrum aviation support provider redefining how the industry approaches maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO).
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Today, PJi is known across the aviation sector for its tech-enabled services, real-time e-commerce platform, and unmatched customer responsiveness. From same-day shipping and mobile GSE repairs to a soon-to-launch in-house calibration lab and AI-assisted customer support, the company is setting new industry benchmarks. In an exclusive interview with TechBullion, Werner opens up about his journey, the company’s growth, and his vision for a smarter, faster, and more customer-centric aviation future.
From Flying Planes to Fixing What’s Broken in Aviation Support
“My career started in the cockpit,” says Werner, “but I always had an eye on the bigger picture.” While still flying, he began selling GSE equipment on the side and noticed a glaring gap in how fragmented, outdated, and inefficient aviation support services could be. “It became clear that there was a better way—one that focused on the needs of aircraft technicians, operators, and fleet managers.”
That realization sparked the transformation of PJi into what it is today: a centralized, tech-forward aviation support hub that offers everything from equipment sales and rentals to repairs, parts sourcing, and avionics calibration. What sets PJi apart is not just its comprehensive offerings, but the way those services are delivered—with speed, precision, and customer-first design.
Building an Aviation Support Powerhouse
The evolution of PJi was driven by a series of strategic decisions:
- E-Commerce Innovation: PJi developed a robust, scalable e-commerce platform featuring real-time inventory, instant quoting, and personalized fleet management tools.
- Operational Overhaul: From warehouse layout to software integration, PJi restructured its operations to enable same-day shipping and zero-lag logistics.
- OEM & Customer Collaboration: Werner prioritized strong relationships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and frontline technicians to keep offerings relevant, timely, and effective.
“Customer-centricity isn’t a buzzword here—it’s a design principle,” says Werner. PJi’s website is built around real-world mechanic workflows, enabling fast access to tools, parts, rentals, and documentation. Their online accounts include a “virtual hangar” where users can save preferred equipment, view documents like 8130s and CofCs, and track previous purchases.
AI, Calibration Labs, and the Future of Aviation Support
PJi is also betting big on future-forward technologies. One of the company’s major upcoming launches is an in-house calibration lab, designed to provide faster, more reliable avionics testing and certification. But that’s just the beginning.
“We’re building an intelligent service ecosystem,” Werner says. “We want to use predictive analytics to optimize inventory and anticipate customer needs. We’re exploring generative AI to improve support efficiency while keeping our high-touch approach intact.”
In PJi’s model, technology enhances—never replaces—the human element. Their customer service team uses fleet profiles and purchase histories to deliver tailored experiences. Automation is applied strategically to reduce friction in inventory tracking and logistics, giving staff more bandwidth to focus on complex, human-driven problem-solving.
Addressing Industry Gaps: Speed, Transparency, and Consistency
According to Werner, the aviation MRO industry still struggles with slow turnaround times, manual paperwork, and disconnected services. PJi aims to disrupt that norm with its integrated platform and rapid service model.
“A lot of MROs still operate the same way they did 20 years ago. We’re changing that by being agile, tech-powered, and deeply connected to our customers’ real-world needs,” Werner explains.
By offering equipment rentals, mobile servicing, in-stock parts, and live inventory tools, PJi brings unmatched speed and clarity to a sector where downtime can cost thousands.
Riding the Avionics Wave
PJi’s growth has been especially rapid in the avionics test equipment space, a trend Werner attributes to two forces: regulatory change and rapid aircraft innovation. “As aircraft become more data-centric and automated, the demand for advanced testing and diagnostic tools skyrockets.”
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To meet this demand, PJi collaborates directly with OEMs and continually refreshes its inventory to stay on the cutting edge of aviation technology.
Leadership Grounded in Experience and Innovation
Werner’s leadership style is deeply informed by his Midwestern upbringing and entrepreneurial mindset. “Growing up on a farm taught me hard work and humility. My early ventures in tech taught me to move fast and think big.”
That blend—of Midwest grit and Silicon Valley-style innovation—has shaped a company culture at PJi that values initiative, transparency, and above all, customer success.
“We’re not just here to sell parts. We’re here to fix what’s broken in the system, to bring speed, clarity, and service back to aviation support,” says Werner. “That mission drives every decision we make.”
Final Thoughts
As Pilot John International continues to expand—from avionics to AI, and from warehouses to web platforms—one thing remains central: a deep respect for the professionals who keep aircraft flying. “They deserve smarter tools, faster service, and better support,” says Werner. “That’s what we’re here to deliver.”
About Pilot John International (PJi):
PJi is a leading provider of aviation ground support equipment, parts, avionics test equipment, repair services, and calibration solutions. With a technology-first approach and a customer-centric mission, PJi serves commercial, corporate, and military aviation clients worldwide.
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Tags: aviation support services, MRO services, Pilot John International, aviation ground support equipment, John Werner aviation, AI in aviation, aviation e-commerce, avionics test equipment, aircraft maintenance solutions, aviation logistics innovation
