From cockpit to corporate leadership, John Werner’s journey from commercial pilot to President of Pilot John International (PJi) is reshaping aviation support. In this exclusive TechBullion interview, Werner shares how first-hand flying experience inspired a customer-first approach, driving PJi’s transformation into a one-stop aviation support powerhouse. With innovations like real-time inventory, an AI-optimized service platform, and an in-house calibration lab, PJi is leading the charge in modernizing MRO services. Werner’s blend of Midwest grit and tech-forward thinking is redefining how the aviation world keeps aircraft, and operations, flying smoothly.
Please tell us more about yourself?
My name is John Werner, and I’m the CEO and President of Pilot John International (PJi). Pilot John International is a leading aviation partner specializing in aviation parts, ground support equipment (GSE), and avionics test equipment sourcing, service, and more.
Aviation has been both a passion and a profession for me. I began my career as a commercial pilot, and that experience continues to shape my approach to leading PJi. I’m driven by a commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and above all, serving the people who keep the aviation world moving – pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, operators, and fleet managers.
You started your career as a commercial pilot and now lead one of the most innovative aviation equipment and service providers. What inspired your transition from flying planes to transforming how the aviation industry supports them?
While I was still flying, I started selling GSE equipment on the side and quickly realized how much more could be offered to support aircraft maintenance all under one company. I took the time to truly understand the needs and pain points of aircraft maintenance teams. That insight drove me to expand our product offerings and services to build PJi into a one-stop solution designed to streamline support, eliminate pain points, and deliver the reliability the industry was missing.
Pilot John International has grown from a parts sourcing business into a full-spectrum aviation support provider. What were the key decisions or innovations that fueled that evolution?
A few pivotal choices drove our evolution. First, we wanted to offer comprehensive solutions for aircraft maintenance in one place. Second, we built a highly scalable e-commerce platform with real-time inventory and quoting capabilities. Finally, we invested in relationships with OEMs, aviation manufacturers, and our customers so we could anticipate and adapt to their changing needs.
Customer-centricity is at the heart of PJi’s model. Can you share how you’ve embedded this philosophy into everything from your e-commerce platform to service offerings?
At PJi, customer-centricity isn’t a buzzword, it’s a design principle. Our website, for example, is engineered around aircraft mechanic workflows: intuitive search, one-click quoting, and knowledgeable aviation sales support via phone, email or chat. We also provide rental solutions in addition to our new and used equipment offerings. On the service and repair side, we can take customer requests for mobile service, GSE repairs and overhauls. PJi will also soon be opening our in-house calibration lab to better serve our customers.
PJi is known for balancing cutting-edge technology with high-touch customer service. How do you ensure technology enhances, rather than replaces, personalized support?
Technology should extend the human touch, not replace it. Our customer support team uses tech-enabled insights like a customer’s fleet profile or purchase history to tailor every interaction. We do this through a free online account, enabling customers to save equipment in their virtual hangar. Customers can also access vital documents such as 8130s and CofCs directly from their online account in addition to many other features. We’ve also integrated automation where it matters most, such as inventory management and shipping logistics, to free up our people to focus on directly supporting customers and finding solutions for their specific operations.
With same-day shipping for in-stock items and real-time inventory visibility, PJi is setting new service benchmarks. What operational challenges did you face implementing this level of responsiveness?
Building this capability required synchronizing multiple systems – inventory and warehouse management, e-commerce, and logistics, all in real time. We had to rethink everything from warehouse layout to software integrations to ensure zero lag. Staffing was another factor; we built a cross-trained fulfillment team that can flex with demand. It was a heavy lift, but the payoff in customer satisfaction has been worth it.
You’re launching an in-house calibration lab and exploring AI for service optimization. What’s your vision for how technology will shape PJi’s next phase of growth?
The calibration lab is just the beginning. Our vision is to create an intelligent service ecosystem, where predictive analytics can also guide maintenance, optimize inventory. We’re also looking at generative AI to assist with customer support. Technology will be the backbone of our next leap forward, but always in service to the customer.
You’ve spoken about wanting to “fix what’s broken” in aviation support. In your view, what are the biggest industry gaps, and how is PJi uniquely positioned to address them?
The biggest gaps are speed, transparency, and consistency. Many aviation MROs (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) still operate through paperwork and do not fully utilize technology. PJi addresses this by offering a one-stop shop experience, with integrated sourcing, repair, and calibration backed by digital tools that make transactions seamless. Our agility, combined with deep aviation expertise, allows us to respond faster and smarter.
PJi’s growth in avionics and test equipment over the past two years has been significant. What’s driving demand in that area, and how is your team staying ahead of it?
Both regulatory changes and rapid innovation drive the demand for avionics. Aircraft are becoming more data-driven, which increases the need for advanced testing and diagnostic tools. We stay ahead by partnering closely with OEMs, investing in internal expertise, and continuously updating our inventory and support offerings to match the latest industry standards.
Your background is uniquely diverse, from your Midwestern roots to your early ventures in tech. How have those personal experiences influenced your leadership style and the culture you’ve built at PJi?
Growing up on a farm in the Midwest taught me the value of hard work, humility, and follow-through. My passion for technology and tech ventures instilled a bias for innovation and agility. At PJi, those values come together in a culture that rewards initiative, cares deeply about customer outcomes, and isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. I lead with trust and transparency, and I encourage my team to think like the customers.
