MRO

MRO

Asia Digital Engineering seals agreement with Air France for Airbus A330 fleet maintenance

Kuala Lumpur, 10 September 2025: Asia Digital Engineering (ADE), the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) subsidiary of Capital A, has signed a long-term agreement with Air France to provide heavy maintenance and aircraft modification services to the airline. Under the agreement, ADE will commence heavy maintenance checks on Air France’s Airbus A330-200 aircraft with the first induction scheduled for October 2025, followed by additional checks on a phased basis. These initial aircraft mark the beginning of a broader collaboration, with additional inductions expected in the coming years as the partnership between ADE and Air France continues to expand and deepen. The agreement was formally signed by Mahesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Asia Digital Engineering and Géry Mortreux, Executive Vice President of Air France Industries. The document exchange was witnessed by YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry of Malaysia, and His Excellency Axel Cruau, French Ambassador to Malaysia. Tengku Zafrul said, “UN Tourism shared that global international visitor arrivals in 2024 had already reached 99% of pre-pandemic levels. For the same period, Asia Pacific alone registered 627.8 million visitors, which is forecast to increase to 801 million by 2027. Malaysia’s aerospace industry – with our clear growth policies, well-established ecosystem and rule of law – is well-poised to capture that growth. To that end, we welcome partnerships with foreign aircraft providers who see Malaysia’s value proposition as regional services and MRO hub to support their client servicing in this growing region.” Géry Mortreux, EVP of Air France Industries, said: “We are pleased to enter this partnership with Asia Digital Engineering, whose EASA-certified facilities and highly skilled workforce make them an excellent partner for maintaining our Airbus A330-200 fleet. As Air France expands its network and modernises operations, ADE’s expertise ensures efficient, world-class maintenance that minimises downtime and maximises performance. We look forward to a strong and enduring collaboration with ADE.” Mahesh Kumar, CEO of ADE, said: “We are delighted to welcome another world-class airline into our growing portfolio of customers. This partnership with Air France marks a historic milestone not only for ADE but also for Malaysia and the wider Asean aerospace industry. Being entrusted with their aircraft maintenance is a strong testament to the capabilities and competitiveness of our region’s MRO services. We are proud to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a hub for aerospace excellence while supporting Air France’s continued operational reliability.” Since its establishment in 2020, ADE has built the confidence of airline partners across the region by delivering exceptional MRO services, pioneering digital innovations, and maintaining an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. In less than five years, the company has completed over 180 base maintenance checks — a track record that highlights both its efficiency and quality. In May 2025, ADE achieved two of the highest international certifications in aviation: Maintenance Organisation Approval (EASA.145.0967) from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Repair Station Certificate (ADNY458E) from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Beyond these, ADE is also recognised as an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) in 10 countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, India, Nepal, Thailand and Myanmar — reinforcing its position as a trusted MRO provider across Asia.

MRO

India’s DGCA certifies ExecuJet MRO services Middle East for heavy maintenance on Falcon 6X

Dubai, 1st Sept. 2025: ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, has received approval from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to perform heavy maintenance checks on Dassault Falcon 6X aircraft.This milestone coincides with the delivery of India’s first Falcon 6X later this month, with a second aircraft scheduled to arrive before the end of the year. The Falcon 6X is a long-range, ultra-large cabin business jet gaining popularity in India for its spacious interior, short runway capabilities, and exceptional range. With a range of 5,500 nautical miles (10,186 km), it can fly non-stop from Mumbai to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. In addition to its new DGCA approval, ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East is already certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to maintain the Falcon 6X. Approvals from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) are also in progress. “We are delighted to extend our support for Falcon 6X operators in India,” said Nick Weber, Regional Vice President for the Middle East at ExecuJet MRO Services. “These additional certifications strengthen our position as a leading MRO centre in the region.” Under the DGCA approval, ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East is authorised to perform heavy maintenance on Indian-registered Falcon 6X aircraft, including 36-month checks, at its facility at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport. “As a Dassault factory-owned MRO facility, we are able to carry out work under manufacturer warranty on behalf of our customers,” Weber added. “We support all current Falcon models and have a highly experienced workforce trained directly by Dassault. India is an important market for us, accounting for around five per cent of our total business.” According to Asian Sky data, India is Asia Pacific’s fastest-growing and third-largest business jet market, with 168 aircraft as of the end of 2024. In a further expansion of its capabilities, ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East has gained DGCA approval to conduct 3C heavy maintenance inspections on Indian-registered Falcon 2000/900 and 7/8X aircraft. “We applied for this additional approval in response to increasing demand in India,” Weber noted. “As more customer enquiries come in, we will continue to expand the range of aircraft we can support in the country.” ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East operates a 15,500 m² state-of-the-art facility at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai. Its team is internationally certified, with training from Dassault Aviation and other leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Services include airframe and component maintenance, engine support, cabin refurbishments, avionics upgrades, satcom installations, and more.

MRO

Mahindra Aerostructures to manufacture Airbus H125 helicopter fuselage

Bengaluru, August 28, 2025: Mahindra Aerostructures has been awarded a contract by Airbus Helicopters to manufacture and assemble the main fuselage of its H125 light single-engine helicopter — marking another major milestone for India’s ‘Make in India’ vision and further cementing Mahindra’s position as a trusted partner in the global aerospace supply chain. This contract is an addition to the already awarded contract to build the fuselage for another helicopter H130, which was announced earlier in 2025 and is progressing very well. The contract was announced in the presence of Wouter van Wersch, Executive Vice President International, Airbus, Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus in India and South Asia, and Arvind Mehra, Managing Director and CEO of MASPL. According to the contract, Mahindra Aerostructures will manufacture H125 main fuselage at its Bangaluru facility which is being expanded to accommodate this new awarded programme. Industrialisation of this significantly important contract will begin immediately, and the first fuselage delivery is targeted for 2027. This contract further fortifies Airbus’ association with Mahindra Aerostructures, who are already supplying a variety of components, sub-assemblies and complex aerostructures to Airbus for other global programmes. “This new contract with Mahindra Aerostructures is a testament to the strong capabilities of our partners in India and our shared vision for the country’s aerospace sector,” said Jürgen Westermeier, President and MD of Airbus in India and South Asia. “This significant H125 work package, along with our existing H130 partnership and the under-construction H125 FAL, demonstrates our confidence in India as a critical hub for global aerospace manufacturing. We are not just building helicopters in India; we are building an entire ecosystem that will contribute to developing and maturing the rotorcraft market in India.” Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, said, “We are delighted to partner with Airbus on its ‘Make in India’ plans. This contract strengthens our long-term partnership and reflects Mahindra Group and Airbus’ role in building India’s aerospace ecosystem. At Mahindra, we are committed to supporting the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and look forward to deepening our collaboration with Airbus.”

MRO, Recent News

Air India commences retrofit programme for widebody fleet and accelerates retrofit of narrowbody fleet

New Delhi, 10th August 2025: Air India has announced updates on its US$ 400 million fleet retrofit programme reinforcing its commitment to delivering a world-class flying experience and enhancing operational reliability across its legacy fleet. Widebody Retrofit Programme Underway Air India has commenced the widebody retrofit programme for its legacy B787-8 aircraft, with the first of 26 aircraft (VT-ANT) having flown to a Boeing facility in Victorville, California (United States) in July 2025. A second aircraft is scheduled to depart for the same facility in October 2025, with both expected to return to service in December 2025. The retrofit programme for Air India’s B787-8s, now on a steady schedule for completion by mid-2027, will introduce brand-new interiors featuring a three-class configuration with Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class seats. This includes the installation of brand-new seats in each cabin, advanced inflight entertainment (IFE) systems, new carpeting, curtains, upholstery, lavatories, galleys and more – all aligned with the new Air India product and customer experience standards. Starting in early 2027, Air India will additionally retrofit 13 of its legacy Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, aiming for completion by October 2028, with the timeline having shifted due to supply chain delays. Reliability Enhancement Programme for Legacy B787-8 As part of a Reliability Enhancement Programme, Air India will be upgrading the avionics and other critical components of the 26 legacy B787-8 aircraft up to the latest industry standards, thus improving their reliability. The programme entails the analysis of maintenance and configuration records for these aircraft, followed by the implementation of recommended modifications based on Boeing’s service information bulletins. This is intended to reduce operational disruptions for both, Air India and its customers. Additionally, seven of the 26 B787-8s will undergo heavy, scheduled maintenance (D-checks) at Victorville, ensuring the fleet’s long-term operational excellence.

MRO

AirExplore Partners with FL Technics Wheels & Brakes

Slovakia, 25th July 2025: AirExplore, Slovakia’s largest airline, has signed a strategic agreement with FL Technics Wheels & Brakes for the maintenance of landing gear components. The long-term contract will cover part of AirExplore’s fleet, which has grown from 9 to 16 Boeing 737-800 aircraft in 2024. Both companies are part of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider. The partnership leverages FL Technics’ extensive European network of four specialised Wheels and Brakes facilities located in Vilnius, Budapest, Hanover, and Bergamo. Such wide coverage ensures timely support and reduced turnaround times for AirExplore’s operations across the continent. “We were looking to increase cost efficiency and reliability in our wheels and brakes maintenance and FL Technics’ solution has proven more suitable for our type of operation than our previous provider,” said Martin Stulajter, CEO of AirExplore. “The power-by-the-hour (PBH) agreement introduces a risk-sharing approach, which should deliver reliable service at a lower cost than before.” According to Mr. Stulajter, for AirExplore, which operates on an ACMI principle and has all of its passenger fleet leased out for the 2025 summer season, reliability is of utmost importance. The airline’s recent rapid expansion across both passenger and cargo segments necessitated an MRO partner capable of supporting its growth trajectory while maintaining cost effectiveness. The collaboration aligns with both companies’ commitment to efficiency and sustainability. The presence of FL Technics in key locations reduces transportation distances, helping clients lower emissions and costs associated with component maintenance. Zilvinas Lapinskas, CEO of FL Technics, commented: “AirExplore’s trust in our Wheels and Brakes services validates our strategy of building Europe’s most comprehensive MRO network. Their rapid growth and operational demands perfectly match our capabilities to provide flexible, cost-effective maintenance solutions across multiple strategically located hubs.” AirExplore is Slovakia’s largest airline operating a fleet of 16 Boeing 737-800 aircraft for ACMI and cargo services. FL Technics is a global aviation MRO leader with 23 subsidiaries worldwide.

MRO

FL Technics expands continuing AMC with part-CAMO Certification for Airbus A350 and ATR 42/72

London, 15th July 2025: FL Technics has been granted the extended Part-CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization) certificate, enabling it to additionally manage Airbus A350 and ATR 42/72 aircraft types. This brings the total number of aircraft types that the company is authorized to support to 13. CAMO is responsible for ensuring that an aircraft remains airworthy and safe for operation. Continuing airworthiness management includes a range of tasks such as managing the Aircraft Maintenance Programme, overseeing mandatory airworthiness data, maintaining records, and more. To achieve this capability extension, FL Technics undertook all the necessary steps, including organizing specific training sessions and passing the regulatory audit.“This step is consistent with our overall growth strategy. The certification is expected to support our expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, where CAMO capabilities can serve as a competitive advantage, and some of our clients have already expressed interest in these new capabilities,” said Oleksandr Kulyk, Deputy CEO for Engineering at FL Technics.

MRO

Akasa Air signs three-year C-Check maintenance agreement with GMR Aero Technic

Hyderabad,7th July 2025: Akasa Air has signed a three-year agreement with GMR Aero Technic for base maintenance support of its Boeing 737 MAX fleet. Under the agreement, GMR Aero Technic will undertake scheduled base maintenance checks for Akasa Air’s fleet at its state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, located within the GMR Aerospace & Industrial Park in Hyderabad. Commenting on the partnership, Ashok Gopinath, President and Accountable Manager, GMR Aero Technic, stated,“We are delighted to embark on this partnership with Akasa Air for their C Check maintenance requirements. This collaboration stands as a testament to the confidence that forward-looking airlines place in our technical proficiency, operational integrity, and customer-centric approach. At GMR Aero Technic, we are driven by a commitment to excellence—delivering dependable, cost-efficient, and cutting-edge maintenance solutions that empower our partners to achieve peak operational performance. This agreement not only reinforces our reputation as a trusted MRO provider but also highlights our agility and readiness to support the rapidly evolving needs of today’s aviation landscape.” Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Akasa Air, said, “At Akasa Air, we place utmost importance on the safety and reliability of our fleet. Partnering with GMR Aero Technic for base maintenance aligns with our commitment to maintaining the highest technical standards as we scale rapidly. Their proven expertise and world-class infrastructure provide us with the confidence that our aircraft are in capable hands. This collaboration is also a testament to our support for the growing MRO ecosystem in India, and we look forward to a productive and seamless partnership.”

MRO

flydubai to open new Aircraft Maintenance Centre at Dubai South

Dubai,2nd July 2025: flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has broken ground on its new Aircraft Maintenance Centre at Dubai South. The multimillion dollar facility, set to complete construction in the last quarter of 2026, will ensure an increased level of control and quicker maintenance turnaround for the carrier’s growing fleet. Spread over 32,600 square metres, the maintenance centre will house an aircraft hangar, support workshops and office buildings. The construction of the Aircraft Maintenance Centre underscores flydubai’s dedication to strengthening its inhouse capabilities and reflects the carrier’s growing maturity as it expands its fleet and network. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by a senior delegation led by His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, who joined Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai, as well as representatives from the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH). His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, said: “we are proud to witness the groundbreaking of flydubai’s new aircraft maintenance centre at Dubai South, a key milestone that reflects the airline’s continued growth and operational advancement. This facility reinforces our commitment to supporting the aviation sector through state-of-the-art infrastructure and to further positioning Dubai as a leading global hub for aviation.” Commenting at the ceremony, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “this investment marks a significant milestone for flydubai. Since launching operations in 2009, we have made great strides in enhancing connectivity and driving innovation, and the development of our new Aircraft Maintenance Centre will play a key role in the next chapter of our growth journey. This is a strategic step towards supporting our growing maintenance requirement and capacity as we take delivery of more aircraft, and reaffirms our long-term commitment to innovation, operational efficiency and supporting Dubai’s position as a global leader in aviation and business excellence.” The carrier signed an agreement with MBRAH for its first purpose-built Aircraft Maintenance Centre at the 2023 Dubai Airshow. Located in Dubai South, the district offers an aviation and logistics ecosystem that makes it an ideal location for the carrier’s facility. The maintenance centre will be situated near Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), set to become the world’s largest airport upon completion. Tailored to support flydubai’s ambitious growth plans, the new maintenance centre will be home to the carrier’s expanding team of more than 600 skilled engineers working in Line Maintenance, Technical Services, Materials and Workshops, tasked with guaranteeing the safety and airworthiness of flydubai’s fleet. flydubai has partnered with Group AMANA, a leading regional company that specialises in the design-build of industrial and commercial facilities, to deliver a modern facility built to the highest international standards in the heart of Dubai South.

MRO

FL Technics to acquire Czech MRO JOB AIR Technic

Prague, 30th June 2025: FL Technics,aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) leader and part of Avia Solutions Group, has agreed to acquire JOB AIR Technic a.s., a Czech MRO provider, subject to fulfilment of agreed closing conditions, including statutory approvals. The acquisition includes a 17,000 square-meter MRO facility at Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava, Czech Republic, securing access to significant maintenance capacity at a prime location in Central Europe. Established in 1993, JOB AIR was previously part of the Czechoslovak Group (CSG), a Czech industrial and technology group active in development, manufacturing, and trading. Employing more than 400 specialistsJOB AIR provides base maintenance across two hangars comprising eight bays for narrow-body and wide-body aircraft maintenance operations and operates a Part 147 maintenance training centre, offering comprehensive services including avionics, structural repairs, composite work, emergency equipment servicing, non-destructive testing, and interior refurbishment. The company services the Airbus A320 (including A320NEO) and A330 families, as well as the Boeing 737 NG and MAX aircraft for major European and international airlines.JOB AIR also holds regulatory approvals from multiple international civilaviation authorities including EASA, FAA, Transport Canada, Bermuda CAA, and others, enabling it to service aircraft registered across diverse global jurisdictions. “JOB AIR adds significant capacity to our group network and services portfolio,” said Zilvinas Lapinskas, CEO of FL Technics. “It enables us to immediately serve our clients with eight fully operational aircraft maintenance bays, eliminating a few years typically required for construction and certification. This acquisition also introduces us to an established client roster, while the strategic geographical location enables coverage of all Europe, North Africa, and Turkey within a three-four-hour flight radius.” Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava is the largest regional airport in the Czech Republic. Situated 20km southwest of Ostrava in Mošnov, near the Polish and Slovak border, it is an important hub for leisure travel and cargo operations and features the country’s longest runway. In 2024, the airport achieved an unprecedented result, processing more than 22,000 tons of cargo and handling over 493,000 passengers – a remarkable 44% increase in passenger traffic compared to 2023. FL Technics’ parent Avia Solutions Group is active at Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava through its subsidiary company Baltic Ground Services (BGS), who provide into-plane fuelling services at the airport. FL Technics’ new Czech facility joins an extensive MRO network spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas. FL Technics operates five hangars worldwide specialising in heavy maintenance checks, located in the UK (Prestwick International Airport), Indonesia (Jakarta International Airport, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali), Lithuania (Vilnius and Kaunas International Airports), and an upcoming heavy maintenance hangar at Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republic. The Czech acquisition represents a strategic expansion that helps FL Technics strengthen its presence in Central Europe. Avia Solutions Group has been expanding its portfolio via strategic acquisitions of airlines and other aviation services companies. Recent acquisitions include the UK-based airline Ascend Airways, Slovakia’s largest airline AirExplore and Australian-based airline Skytrans.

MRO

Frontier Airlines selects RTX’s P&W GTF engines to power 91 Airbus A321neo aircraft

Paris Airshow, Le Bourget: Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, and Frontier Airlines announced the selection of Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to power 91 Airbus A321neo aircraft, with the first of these aircraft currently scheduled for delivery in Q4 2026. Pratt & Whitney will also provide Frontier Airlines with engine maintenance through a long-term EngineWise Comprehensive service agreement. This latest order will bring the airline’s total commitment to 235 GTF-powered A320neo family aircraft, including already delivered aircraft. “Four years ago, we welcomed Frontier Airlines to the Pratt & Whitney GTF family and this selection demonstrates the airline’s confidence in the GTF engine,” said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines, Pratt & Whitney. “With this latest order, Frontier will continue to realize the benefits of the most fuel-efficient engine for single-aisle aircraft, and we will continue to support Frontier and their operations in the coming decades.” Frontier Airlines has the largest and youngest A320neo family fleet in the U.S. “We are pleased to collaborate with Pratt & Whitney to power these 91 new aircraft that will join the rapidly growing Frontier fleet in the coming years,” said Barry Biffle, CEO, Frontier Airlines. “Our modern, highly fuel-efficient fleet is integral to The New Frontier, our customer-centric brand transformation that is proving affordable prices and an exceptional travel experience can fly hand in hand. The GTF engine also plays an important role in our continued commitment to being America’s Greenest Airline*.” The next evolution of the GTF engine, the GTF Advantage, provides higher take-off thrust capability, better fuel efficiency and longer time on wing. The GTF Advantage will power Frontier Airlines’ A321neo aircraft deliveries as the engine becomes the production standard over the next few years.

FOREWORD

Dear Reader’s,

 

The current edition of Aviation World has covered many areas of Aerospace & Defence based on the latest development in the sector. The front cover highlights three different images, first for the Union Civil Aviation Minister ….. who is leading from the front to steer Indian Civil Aviation sector to witness one of the most interesting phases. He is also facing most tumultuous timing due to the ongoing financial stress in the Aviation sector due to ATF rising cost and long airspace restrictions resulting in mounting losses for Indian carriers. Despite of all the ground level challenges,the minister is addressing new things on regular basis which keeps the sector motivated. We have featured many such developmental works in this edition done under his guidance which will be interesting to read.

Our lead story on “ The West War” is another important feature which covers the ground level reality of the challenges faced by the Aviation sector. Its though time ahead and we believe it will pass soon .

There are features on Regional connectivity and MoCA revised rules on the UDAN 2.0 and how its going to transform the flying experience within India.

In this edition, we have covered topics on MRO,Various Policy changes,Sea Plane Operations by SkyHop Aviation, TATA-Airbus joint project on C295 military aircraft under Make In India which is expected to roll out soon and many other interesting contents which will be good to read.

We are covering Farnborough International Airshow 2026 from 20-24July 2026 in London and our next edition will be based on the same event.For features, you may contact our team on priority basis.

 

Happy Reading!

NEWSLETTER

Aviation World Magazine is India’s premier aviation magazine and has been actively supporting the development of the Indian and global civil aviation sector. We started our journey in year 2015 and its been 12 years now and the response and acceptance is really encouraging. Thanks to all our associates and writers who remained with us in our progressive journey.

We have started 2026 on a very positive note and we look forward to increase our footprints to more locations and induct many more new companies in our campaign.. Do write to us at : editor@aviationworld.in

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