MRO

Bali, Denpasar, 8th July 2026: FL Technics Indonesia, the FAA Part-145 certified MRO provider, has opened a new aircraft painting facility at its Denpasar, Bali facility. The painting booth marks a significant expansion of the company’s full-service maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in Southeast Asia. On 30 June 2026, just days after the painting facility launched, FL Technics Indonesia also received  its first customer, Skyway Airlines, a Philippine air cargo carrier operating Boeing 737-400F freighter aircraft. The project involved repainting the airline’s third aircraft, which was later ferried to Clark International Airport in the Philippines for its inaugural ceremony on 3 July 2026. “The addition of a dedicated painting booth in Bali is part of our commitment to building a truly full-service MRO capability in the region,” said Martynas Grigas, Chairman of FL Technics Indonesia. “We are pleased to welcome our valued customers, Skyway Airlines, as the first to utilize this facility. Several more painting projects have been secured over the next couple of months, and we also received significant further demand as more operators across Southeast Asia are looking for this capability.” The new painting facility adds to FL Technics Indonesia’s existing MRO capabilities across its dual-station network. Currently, the company’s two facilities at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali hold more than 20 approvals from the civil aviation authority, supported by a team of more than 700 aviation experts. Built to the highest industry standards, the Bali painting booth is equipped to handle complex livery projects with precision, efficiency, and full regulatory compliance. The Bali facility’s location is particularly well-suited to serve carriers operating across Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asian region, reducing the need for extended ferry flights or overseas maintenance programs. The launch of the painting booth comes at a time of growing demand for MRO services across Southeast Asia. Extended aircraft delivery backlogs have increased the strategic importance of lifecycle extension and fleet maintenance services, including livery repaints to support rebranding, wet-lease transitions, and return-to-service programs. For cargo operators, maintaining aircraft closer to base reduces operational downtime and associated ferry flight costs.

India, 2nd June 2026: Chapman Freeborn, the global air charter specialist and part of Avia Solutions Group, has supported the ferry of a Seychelles Air Force Dornier 228 from Seychelles to India for maintenance. The movement carried additional significance as it involved Sylvie Tamboo, the first Seychellois woman to fly a Seychelles Air Force Dornier aircraft. Her achievement marks an important milestone for women in aviation in Seychelles and reflects the growing role of women across the wider aviation industry. Chapman Freeborn’s Flight Support team assisted the aircraft from Gan Island onwards, supporting its journey through the Maldives and India before it entered maintenance in Kanpur. The route included stops in Gan Island, Trivandrum International Airport and HAL Bangalore, requiring close coordination across several locations. Throughout the movement, the team coordinated airport slots, Flight Information Clearances, Air Defence Clearances, ground handling, fuel arrangements, crew accommodation, transport, catering, flight planning, weather reports, NOTAMs, crew briefing packs and flight following. The operation required detailed planning across multiple sectors, with the team ensuring that the necessary operational, regulatory and crew welfare arrangements were in place at each stage of the journey. The movement also highlighted the contribution of women across the wider aviation ecosystem, from the cockpit to the operational and communications teams working behind the scenes.Notably, the operation was supported throughout by female duty officers within Chapman Freeborn’s Flight Support team, who played a key role in coordinating the movement across multiple locations. “This was a meaningful operation for our team, not only because of the coordination required across multiple international sectors, but also because of the story behind the flight. Supporting a movement involving the first Seychellois woman to fly the Seychelles Air Force Dornier is something we are proud to have been part of. It reflects the important role women play across aviation, both in the air and behind the scenes. We were also proud to have female duty officers supporting the operation throughout the journey,” says David Selby, Flight Support Commercial Manager at Chapman Freeborn.  

Shoolagiri,Tamil Nadu, 30th June , 2026: Merlinhawk Aerospace  in partnership with Italy-based Vega Composites has inaugurated its advanced composites manufacturing facility – Merlinhawk Composites & Engineering at Shoolagiri in the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor, marking a significant step in India’s evolution as a globally competitive aerospace manufacturing hub. The facility was inaugurated by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, PVSM, AVSM, NM, Former Chief of Navy Staff (CNS), in the presence of senior industry leaders, global partners, and key stakeholders from India’s defence and manufacturing ecosystem. This milestone formalises a strategic India–Italy collaboration, bringing together global expertise in advanced materials and manufacturing technologies with India’s growing engineering and industrial capabilities. Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, PVSM, AVSM, NM, Former CNS said, “It is heartening to note that Merlinhawk Aerospace, for the last four decades, has been at the forefront in developing indigenous solutions for high end avionics technology and has indigenised large number of components in line with the nation’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It is also noteworthy that the firm has moved into advance composite material technology with Vega Composites, Italy towards ensuring that the Indian Defence industry absorbs advanced technology into the ecosystem. I’m sure that this facility is going to be of immense importance to our nation in design and manufacturing of advance composite components for defence and aerospace industry.” A Strategic Leap in Aerospace Manufacturing: The Shoolagiri facility is designed to manufacture advanced composite aero structures and high-performance materials that are critical to next-generation aerospace and defence platforms, including aircraft and unmanned systems, radar, and electronic warfare structures & high-performance defence applications. With integrated capabilities spanning cleanroom layup, precision cutting, autoclave curing, and five-axis CNC machining, the facility enables end-to-end composite manufacturing from design to delivery within India. It also reflects a deeper shift in India’s defence ecosystem – from build-to-print manufacturing to design-led, high-value engineering capabilities. Ramachandra Rao, Founder & Managing Director, Merlinhawk Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., said: “This facility marks a defining step in Merlinhawk’s journey from systems engineering to advanced aerospace manufacturing. As global aerospace platforms increasingly rely on high-performance composite materials, it is critical for India to build integrated capabilities in design, materials, and manufacturing. Through our partnership with Vega Composites, we are bringing together global technology expertise and Indian engineering to create a manufacturing ecosystem that not only supports domestic programmes but also positions India as a credible player in global aerospace supply chains.” Global Technology, Indian Manufacturing The facility integrates globally aligned manufacturing technologies and processes, with key equipment and systems sourced from leading European partners, reinforcing its positioning as a globally compliant aerospace manufacturing centre. This collaboration enables technology transfer from Europe, strengthens capabilities in advanced materials, and supports integration into global aerospace supply chains. Commodore (Retd.) Bharat Bhushan Nagpal, CEO, Merlinhawk Composites & Engineering Pvt. Ltd., said, “Advanced composites are at the core of modern aerospace and defence systems. This facility has been built with a clear focus on precision, quality, and compliance with global aerospace standards. Beyond manufacturing, our focus is on building long-term capability – developing skilled talent, strengthening process excellence, and creating an ecosystem that supports sustained growth in India’s high-technology manufacturing sector.” Roberto Lapini, CEO, Vega Composites (Italy), said,“This joint venture reflects a strong and forward-looking industrial partnership between Italy and India. We see India as a strategic manufacturing base for advanced composites, with the potential to serve both domestic and global markets. Through this collaboration, we are enabling technology transfer, co-development, and the creation of globally competitive capabilities that integrate Italian expertise with India’s dynamic industrial ecosystem.”

Florida, 25 June 2026: Ontic, manufacturer to the world’s civil and military aircraft, has signed a long-term lease for a 100,000-square-foot facility in Weston, Florida. The new site, Ontic’s tenth worldwide, expands its South Florida footprint and adds significant manufacturing capacity. Weston sits less than 20 miles from Ontic’s 65,000-square-foot Miramar facility, which opened in 2025. It adds further space for Original Equipment (OE) production, complementing the dedicated maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) work at Miramar. Together, the two South Florida sites give the company the room and flexibility to scale as customer demand increases. The new capacity supports Ontic’s rapidly expanding portfolio of licensed product lines. As Ontic acquires more licences, its need for manufacturing space rises in step, making sites like Weston central to handling new work. The new lease is the latest in a run of investments spanning both sides of the Atlantic, following hot on the heels of Ontic’s acquisition of a new MRO facility in Tewkesbury, UK, which is set to be fully operational by September 2026. “As our business continues to expand, we are proactively securing the capacity to support our operational requirements today and for the foreseeable future,” said Brian Sartain, Chief Operating Officer at Ontic. “Weston gives us an additional dedicated site for OE production and the room to keep taking on new lines, all while maintaining the availability and reliability our customers depend on.  “South Florida continues to be a center of aviation manufacturing for the entire sector and we will benefit from the highly skilled workforce that resides there.  This site had everything we needed to invest for the long term.” The Weston facility will undergo significant enhancements ahead of operations beginning in 2027. Planned upgrades include expanded power capacity, full-building air conditioning and a range of high-end finishes tailored to the specialized requirements of aerospace manufacturing and the product lines it will support. The investment reinforces Ontic’s ability to support customers worldwide, increases operational capacity and positions the company to capitalize on future opportunities as it continues delivering critical aerospace products and services to the global market.

25th June 2026: FL Technics, provider of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, has officially integrated Sensus Aero into its group structure, strengthening its aviation technology capabilities. Sensus Aero develops Sensus MRO, a software platform for MRO organizations focused on base and heavy airframe maintenance operations. The platform replaces fragmented systems and manual processes with a single connected solution, helping aviation organisations improve operational efficiency, increase visibility across maintenance activities, and make better decisions through real-time data. As part of FL Technics Group, the Sensus MRO platform will now be further developed and offered to external aviation organisations seeking to digitalise and optimise their maintenance operations. The integration marks the next stage in the development of Sensus Aero, which has already been supporting aviation maintenance operations within the broader Avia Solutions Group ecosystem. “Having worked closely with FL Technics from the very beginning, Sensus Aero has developed a deep, practical understanding of the challenges aviation maintenance organisations face in a competitive market. Joining FL Technics Group allows us to build on that experience and bring proven, industry-focused technology solutions to a wider market,” said Paulius Cegis, CEO of Sensus Aero. The aviation MRO sector is facing increasing pressure to improve operational efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and gain greater visibility across operations. As maintenance organisations continue investing in digital transformation initiatives, demand is growing for integrated platforms that can streamline processes and provide real-time operational insights. “Sensus Aero combines deep aviation expertise with technology capabilities developed specifically for the needs of the MRO industry. Integrating the platform into FL Technics Group allows us to further develop its capabilities while creating additional value for customers both within and outside our organisation,” said Žilvinas Lapinskas, CEO of FL Technics.

Pune, 22nd June 2026: Jamco Interiors, the global aircraft cabin interiors company has inaugurated its brand-new Center of Excellence (COE) in Pune, India. The engineering facility marks a significant milestone in Jamco Interiors’ global expansion strategy and positions India as a key pillar of its worldwide engineering network. Located in one of the country’s most established manufacturing and engineering corridors, the facility will contribute to the continued growth of Maharashtra’s aerospace and advanced engineering ecosystem. The Center of Excellence (COE) will undertake end-to-end aircraft cabin product engineering, spanning concept development, system architecture, detailed design, certification support, drawing release, and configuration control. This is not a support or outsourcing function; it represents full product ownership, seamlessly integrated into Jamco Interior’s global engineering organisation. The facility will also provide opportunities for highly skilled engineering talent from Maharashtra to contribute directly to globally certified aerospace programs and advanced product development initiatives. Jamco Interiors is the world’s foremost supplier of high complexity widebody aircraft cabin systems, holding dominant global positions in lavatories and galleys. The company supplies approximately 50% of the world’s widebody lavatories, including 100% on the Boeing 787 and 777, and approximately 40% of the world’s widebody galleys, including 100% on the Boeing 787, along with 100% ICE Galleys on the Airbus A350. Jamco Interiors also has galleys, lavatories & business class seating products on all Airbus widebody platforms. It’s product portfolio spans lavatories, galleys, business class seating, branding panels, window shades, and galley inserts, serving virtually every major airline and OEMs such as Airbus and Boeing globally. Backed by Bain Capital, one of the world’s leading institutional investment firms with $225 billion assets under management. The scope of work for the engineering team at Pune covers the complete product engineering lifecycle for complex cabin systems, from preliminary design and architecture through detailed engineering, certification documentation, and in-service support. Kate Schaefer, Executive Chair & CEO, Jamco Interiors, said, “Aircraft interiors have become a critical part of how airlines differentiate their brands, improve operational performance, and enhance the passenger experience. As demand for increasingly sophisticated cabin solutions continues to grow, engineering excellence is becoming a decisive competitive advantage. Our investment in Pune reflects a long-term belief in India’s ability to contribute at the highest levels of aerospace engineering. This Center of Excellence will play an important role in how Jamco Interiors develops products, supports global programs, and delivers innovation for airlines and aircraft manufacturers worldwide.” Sanjeev Sen, Chief Operating Officer, Jamco Interiors, said, “India’s aviation story is entering a more important chapter. The next stage will not be defined only by aircraft orders or passenger growth but by the depth of capability India builds to support aviation at global standards. That means full engineering ownership, certification discipline, manufacturing readiness, supply chain maturity, and lifecycle support.”

Bengaluru,June 11, 2026: Honeywell has delivered three TPE331‑12B engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) HTT‑40 basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force.The delivery extends Honeywell’s decades-long collaboration with HAL and advances India’s efforts to expand in-country aerospace manufacturing and long-term support. The TPE331‑12B engine has long record of performance in global military training fleets, including extensive service with Britain’s Ministry of Defence on the Short Tucano. Its selection for the HTT‑40 brings a proven propulsion system to India’s newest trainer aircraft and supports the Air Force’s requirement for reliable, responsive performance in a demanding training environment. “The TPE331’s single-shaft design delivers immediate throttle response, which is critical for pilot training,” said Thandava Edara, Vice President of engineering and head of aerospace engineering, India, Honeywell Technology Solutions. “Our work with HAL and the Indian Air Force underscores our shared commitment to strengthening local manufacturing, assembly and long‑term support capabilities in India.” HAL and Honeywell have collaborated for decades on the TPE331 engine family, including Transfer of Technology (ToT) for manufacturing and repair of TPE331-5 engines used on the Do-228 aircraft, and the supply of key components across HAL programs.The HTT-40, HAL’s indigenously developed basic trainer aircraft, is now in production for the Indian Defence Forces and is powered by Honeywell’s TPE331-12B engines. “These deliveries mark a significant milestone for the HTT-40 program, and we are confident future engine deliveries will continue on schedule,” said Mr. Ravi K, chairman and managing director, HAL.“We look forward to deepening this partnership.” Honeywell will supply the first 16 engines for the fleet, after which HAL will begin local engine assembly and expand in-country repair and overhaul capabilities. Over the coming years, more than 80 engines are planned to support the HTT‑40 program, further building India’s expertise in engine sustainment. HAL’s experience with the TPE engine family will support long‑term operation and maintenance of the HTT‑40 aircraft. Developed for multiple applications within military, regional airline, agricultural and general aviation aircraft, TPE series engines now include 18 engine models and 106 configurations. To date, more than 13,000 engines have been delivered with more than 122 million hours of flight time, making the TPE331 one of the most reliable and proven turboprop engines in the world.

Projecting Ideas for Domestic Manufacturing Opportunities in the Civil Aviation Sector By Rishikesh Mishra Indian aviation is on the trajectory of fast development. After implementation of Open Sky Policy in the year 1990, this industry has crossed through various ups and downs. It is settled in last 10 years taking a stable path. The Indian aviation market is poised to be the third largest in the world. Moreover, the recent announcements made by Indian carriers for induction of aircraft rose to over 1200 plus. Our strength in trained human resource and skilled management has reached to its optimum level. Now we can say that we can explore other areas to be self-reliant in this sector and reduce overseas dependency. Component and aircraft manufacturing is such arena where still there is dominancy of developed countries. But gradually we have been entering into the marketing sector of components including engines. 1. A prioritised list of civil aviation products that can be made in the country Tier 1 (0–2 years): immediate localisation (high volume, low airworthiness friction) A. Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and MRO Tools • Tow bars, wheel chocks, jacks/axle stands, and docking platforms • Stands for moving engines, APUs, pallets, and shipping equipment • Tool kits that have been calibrated and special tools like rig pins and alignment tools B. Cabin interiors (parts that are not structural or safety-critical) • Panels for the ceiling and sidewalls, PSU panels, trim parts, ducts, and shrouds • Hardware for storing things, signs and placards, and plastic parts inside • Seat covers, cushions, rugs, and curtains C. “Standard” parts made of sheet metal and CNC machining (not critical) • Simple fittings, brackets, clamps, clips, covers, spacers, and shims • Fairings and non-primary panels; door hardware (chosen) D. Connecting and using electrical wires • Bonding leads, wiring harnesses/looms, and ground straps • Junction boxes, clamp kits, cable trays, and relay panels E. Common spare parts and things that run out • Insulation blankets, seals, gaskets, and O-rings (qualified elastomers) • Sleeving and tapes, protective covers, packaging, and kitting [Adopting AS9100D, FAI (AS9102), traceability, workmanship standards, and basic environmental verification when needed are the main things that make this possible.] Tier 2 (2–5 years): Medium complexity (needs process qualification and testing) A. Composite and bonded assemblies (chosen scope) • Honeycomb/sandwich panels (not the main ones to start), composite fairings • Covers for radomes and antennas, access panels, and certified interior monuments B. Chosen parts for hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel, and ECS • Chosen qualified rigid tubing, flexible hoses, fittings, filters, and manifolds • ECS ducting and insulation systems (not in the hot part) C. The ecosystem of landing gear (some of its parts) • Chosen: pins, bushings, bearings, spacers, and torque links • Brake wear indicators, hoses and fittings, and ground locks D. Hardware for avionics mechanics, enclosures, and integration, such as EMI/EMC gaskets, avionics racks/trays, cooling ducts, and antenna subassemblies. • Sensor mounts, brackets, and housings [Important Factors: Special process control, the ability to do non-destructive testing (NDT), cleanliness and pressure testing, support for DO-160 aligned testing, and configuration control.] To be in Tier 3 (5+ years):Need to have a strategic ability (high criticality + deep certification). A. LRUs for avionics that are safety-critical and high-integrity electronics • Certified flight/safety-critical LRUs (hardware and software) and advanced power electronics B. Main structures and big structural assemblies • Structures that hold up the load of the wing and fuselage, as well as big composite primary assemblies C. Advanced parts for the engine and APU, such as the hot section and long horizon • Materials, coatings, and important rotating parts that can handle high temperatures (with OEM/authority approval) [The main things that make this possible are DO-178C/DO-254 programs, high-end environmental and EMI labs, fatigue and endurance rigs, metallurgical labs, mature Part-21 style oversight, and working with OEMs.] SUPPORT REQUIRED FROM GOVERNMENT: The government needs to help this industry for big changes that will have a big effect. 1. A shared national infrastructure for certification and testing for DO-160 environmental, EMC/EMI, vibration, thermal, humidity; materials and fatigue testing; and metrology/calibration hubs. 2. Quick regulatory paths for localisation: clear ways for parts made in the country to be accepted through processes that follow DGCA rules (conformity, traceability, FAI, approved data). 3. Helping MSMEs improve their quality: subsidised adoption of AS9100D, auditor pools, supplier development programs, special-process training, and support for getting qualified. 4. Long-term procurement visibility and demand aggregation: airline/MRO pooled demand forecasting, rate contracts, and localisation targets with clear part families. 5. Making customs and logistics easier for aviation parts: faster clearance lanes for AOG and critical parts, bonded logistics support, and easier loops for re-exporting and fixing parts. 6. Tier-2 and Tier-3 R&D incentives: money for testing rigs, composites, sensors, avionics, and other things; tax breaks for qualified tooling and certification costs. 7. A structured partnership framework between OEMs, lessors, and airlines that gives them incentives to share technology, get licenses to make things, and improve their repair skills in India. 8. Skill development has taken centre stage with tailor-made training and vocational courses that create industry-ready workers who owe demand for skilled MRO professionals. This focus on skill development ensures a steady supply of qualified technicians and engineers for the industry. 9. Introduction of Aerospace and Aviation Sector Skill Council (AASSC) under Skill India Mission(NSDC) in the specialized skill training arena, GOI can plan to produce maximum number of specialized trained professionals(Aircraft Maintenance and Aircraft Manufacturing) to meet the requirement of such professionals in the fast-expanding aviation industry. 10. Under the current rules to approve AME Training Centre, aircraft and engine MROs approved under CAR 145 are only be eligible. Status of old /existing AME Colleges has been just asked to continue with basic changes incorporated in the course design and on job training requirements. In this process, CAR 145 Organizations who have approvals in the component/Parts category and follow the same regulation as of aircraft and engine MROs and enjoys the same privileges except permission to develop

Germany,22nd May 2026: Liebherr-Aerospace has been selected by Finland’s flag carrier Finnair to perform the overhaul of the nose landing gear systems for Airbus A350 aircraft.Leveraging on its extensive experience as both theOriginal Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and a specialized center for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of landing gear systems, Liebherr-Aerospace’s facility in Lindenberg (Germany) will perform all overhaul activities inhouse. “The industry is moving now into the next global landing gear overhaul wave, entering a decisive planning phase for anticipating and securing future slots,” said Alex Vlielander, Chief Customer Officer at Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS. “We are delighted and grateful to Finnair for this agreement, which marks a significant step forward in our partnership and highlights the strong mutual trust between our companies. It further strengthens our role as a key support partner for Finnair’s A350 fleet.” The nose landing gear system for the Airbus A350 has been developed, manufactured and certified by OEM Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH, Liebherr’s center of competence for flight controls, landing gear systems, gears, gearboxes as well as electronics.

Bengaluru, May 12, 2026: Bodo Möller Chemie, a global supplier of specialty adhesives, sealants, and advanced materials, inaugurated its new AS 9120 certified aviation-grade warehouse facility in Bengaluru. The new facility has been designed to support the increasing demand for high-quality aerospace materials and supply chain excellence from leading aviation and industrial OEMs across India, especially in Bengaluru to meet the growing demand from civilian & military manufacturing and MRO units. Frank Haug CEO, Bodo Moller Chemie at the inauguration in BengaluruSpeaking on the occasion,the CEO of Bodo Möller Chemie, Frank Haug said, “Bengaluru and India is expected to witness a major growth in aviation and electronics in the next five years.The warehouse will further strengthen our logistics supply chain in technical support & material availability for critical applications.” He further added,“India continues to emerge as a strategic hub for aerospace and advanced manufacturing. This investment reflects our confidence in the Indian market and our commitment to providing world-class infrastructure, technical expertise, and supply chain reliability to our customers. Across the globe, our turnover is expected to touch €100 million each in aviation and electronics in the years to come.” The event also featured the launch of the AS 9120 certified warehouse located strategically on the outskirts of Bengaluru off Madavara and the release of a corporate video showcasing Bodo Möller Chemie’s capabilities and vision for the Indian aerospace ecosystem. The leadership team presented the emerging opportunities in India’s aerospace, defense, electronics, and industrial manufacturing sectors, along with the growing need for advanced adhesive and material technologies. Bodo Möller Chemie serves global aviation and industrial leaders with high-performance solutions and continues to expand its footprint across key international markets through innovation, technical partnerships, and customer-focused service excellence.