LAUNCH Appoints Archie Vega as Vice President of MRO Services
Oak Brook, IL — May 13, 2026 — LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions today announced the appointment of Archie Vega as Vice President of MRO Services, based at the company’s Modification & Training Center in Wichita, KS.
Vega brings more than four decades of aviation maintenance, MRO, and operational leadership experience to the organization, with a strong background in technical operations, maintenance program leadership, workforce development, and large-scale maintenance operations.
Most recently, Vega served as Director of Line Maintenance and Planning at Horizon Air, where he provided executive oversight of line, base, and MRO hangar maintenance operations supporting a fleet of Q400 and Embraer E175 aircraft across multiple maintenance bases and hangar facilities. In this role, Vega held direct accountability for hangar production, work scope execution, manpower planning, budget management, and regulatory compliance within Part 121 operations.
During his tenure at Horizon, Vega led heavy maintenance coordination, scheduled base checks, recovery planning, and hangar induction and out-of-hangar work transitions. He also maintained authority over Maintenance Operations Manuals, Business Resiliency Plans, and audit readiness initiatives involving FAA, IOSA, and CASS requirements. Additionally, Vega directed key operational programs tied to hangar performance, including tool control, material accountability, FOD prevention, safety stand-down initiatives, staffing strategy, shift coverage, overtime controls, and productivity balancing between line and base maintenance functions.
Prior to Horizon Air, Vega held a series of regional and general manager positions within Technical Operations at JetBlue Airways and earlier served in multiple maintenance roles at United Airlines. He began his aviation career in the United States Marine Corps, serving in aircraft-related leadership positions including Power Plant / Line Non-Commissioned Officer.
An industry-recognized leader, Vega is known for building strong safety cultures, developing sustainable technician pipelines, and delivering maintenance performance aligned with business objectives. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Aviation Technician Education Council, collaborating with airlines, MROs, Part 147 schools, and policymakers to strengthen the future aviation maintenance workforce.
“Archie’s extensive operational leadership experience combined with his passion for developing people and aviation education make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said David Campbell, Chief Operating Officer. “We are excited to welcome him to LAUNCH as we continue expanding and strengthening our MRO capabilities.”
Vega has been highly active in aviation education and workforce outreach initiatives throughout the Pacific Northwest. He launched Horizon’s Maintenance Technician Development Program, helping mentor aircraft maintenance technician students and establish career pathways into Alaska Airlines. He also maintains partnerships with numerous colleges and universities offering aviation maintenance programs and has supported initiatives promoting technical education, internships, and workforce development.
“I’m honored to join LAUNCH at such a pivotal time,” said Archie Vega. “With my experience in aviation maintenance and MRO leadership, I’m excited to help build scalable, safety-driven maintenance operations that support our customers, our people, and LAUNCH’s long-term vision.”
As Vice President of MRO Services, Vega will oversee LAUNCH’s MRO operations and strategic growth initiatives from the Wichita facility.
About LAUNCH
At LAUNCH, our mission is to partner with clients to deliver innovative technical service solutions for the aviation industry, with an unwavering commitment to safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Additionally, operating under our Part 145 Repair Station Certificate, we provide expert technicians and leadership for project-based maintenance and modification programs. Our strong industry alliances and talent pipeline ensure the future of aviation maintenance. Learn more at www.launchtws.com.
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