MRO

Paris Airshow, Le Bourget: At the International Paris Airshow, India based RSR Aviation Services Pvt Ltd and US based Alpha Aircraft Systems have entered into an agreement to get into the MRO sector by opening an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) facility in India by the second quarter of 2026. The project will be conceptualized under the “Make in India” program. RSR Aviation provides aerospace consumables for manufacturing and maintenance to the aerospace and defense sectors. As part of the agreement , RSR Aviation and Alpha Aircraft Systems will jointly set up an APU overhaul and testing centre in India, preferably in a designated aerospace industrial cluster in India. “It is indeed an honour to sign the agreement at the Paris Air Show. Alpha Aircraft System is a pioneer in APU MRO based in the USA and has agreed to handhold our company for setting up of an APU MRO Centre in India under the vision of our Prime Minister Make-in-India. RSR staff would be trained by Alpha Aircraft in the USA, along with transfer of technology to build the APU centre in India,” said Suresh Rahangdale, Director of RSR Aviation Services. “We always wanted to have a strong base in India. Our agreement with RSR Aviation will help in achieving our goal. I am sure this would be an important milestone for us. Cheers to the team who made it happen”, said Israel Leppe, Chief Executive Officer, Alpha Aircraft System. This joint venture between RSR Aviation and Alpha Aircraft Systems will bring the following benefits to the Indian MRO eco-system: Strategic Self-Reliance: Today, a significant portion of India’s APU repair and overhaul needs are met through expensive and time-consuming overseas shipping and repairs. By setting up this local APU MRO centre, RSR Aviation and Alpha Aircraft Systems will help India reduce its dependency on foreign MRO stations, ensuring faster turnaround times and greater fleet availability for both civil and defence operators. High-Skill Employment & Knowledge Transfer: Under the partnership, Alpha Aircraft Systems will impart extensive hands-on training to Indian engineers and technicians at its state-of-the-art facility in Miami, USA, and through onsite programs in India. This will cultivate a skilled workforce proficient in the latest APU overhaul technologies and global best practices, creating sustainable high-value jobs in the country’s aerospace sector. Cost Efficiency and Foreign Exchange Savings: By bringing APU overhaul capabilities to India, airlines and defence operators can significantly cut costs related to logistics, downtime, and foreign repair bills — contributing to substantial annual savings in foreign exchange and operational budgets. Boost to Indigenous Ecosystem: The project will foster the growth of India’s aerospace supply chain by generating demand for local spares suppliers, tooling, calibration services, logistics partners, and other ancillary industries. It aligns with India’s vision of developing a self-sufficient aerospace and defence industrial base. Global Standards and Certification: The facility will adhere to stringent FAA/EASA-approved procedures and quality benchmarks, ensuring that Indian operators receive MRO services matching the highest international standards without the need to send components abroad. Support to Defence Preparedness: Reliable and rapid APU MRO services are vital for military aircraft readiness. The new facility will strengthen India’s defence aviation maintenance ecosystem by providing secure, in-country support for mission-critical systems.

Selangor, Malaysia, 24th June 2025: Aircraft Propeller Service (APS), global aircraft propeller maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) opened its state-of- the-art MRO facility in Malaysia to serve the country and Asia Pacific region. This new, world-class MRO center reinforces APS’ long-term commitment to the Asia Pacific region, the world’s largest market for turboprop aircraft. The facility, in the Malaysian state of Selangor, is APS’ first in Asia and adds to its existing global footprint in the United States and Brazil. APS is the only MRO company in Asia and the Americas licensed to perform original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-proprietary 568F propeller repairs under an agreement with Collins Aerospace, the propeller manufacturer. The US FAA and Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia have both certified the new facility with EASA and other country approvals to follow soon. The Chief Minister of Selangor, YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin bin Shari, was the guest- of-honor who officially opened the new MRO facility today along with APS CEO, Daniel Colbert; and APS Asia Pacific Managing Director, Fergus Lopez. “I am delighted that APS has chosen Selangor to be its home in Asia Pacific. This will be music to the ears of companies in the industry of airlines and airports in the region, especially the likes of ATR, Airbus, and Embraer operating short-haul routes. APS’ decision to set up shop in Selangor has taken the state’s goal of being the gateway to ASEAN to a whole new level, representing their belief that Selangor has the economic landscape and dynamic talent to take up these jobs, and I’m confident that young Selangorians will stand to benefit through the many job opportunities this MRO facility will offer,” said Chief Minister of Selangor, YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin bin Shari. The new 30,096 square-foot facility includes a temperature- and humidity-controlled factory floor and a three-story administrative office. It will provide full in-house MRO capabilities for ATR 42/72 and Airbus C295 propellers, with plans to introduce further MRO capabilities over time. Daniel Colbert, CEO of APS, noted: “This MRO center represents more than a geographic expansion. It is a strategic investment in workforce development and technical excellence, and a commitment to be close to our customers. By combining our proprietary expertise with Malaysia’s skilled talent pool, we are building a center of excellence in Asia Pacific for propeller MRO to support operators in this part of the world.” Twenty of APS Malaysia’s 30 employees have already completed APS’ rigorous training in the US and Brazil, gaining certifications in complex inspections and OEM-authorized repair techniques. In addition, each of these trainees has completed 31 mandatory technical courses to ensure compliance with global performance standards. Fergus Lopez, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, said: “Our Asia Pacific operation meets the same world-class standards as our facilities in Brazil and the US. This achievement reflects the dedication of our Malaysian team, who have gone through very comprehensive technical training.” Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), remarked, “APS’s decision to establish its first MRO facility in Asia-right here in Malaysia-, underscores our nation’s growing role in the global aerospace ecosystem. This strategic investment aligns perfectly with our New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and marks another step forward in Malaysia’s transformation into a high-tech, innovation-driven economy. Beyond strengthening our domestic supply chain and enhancing industry resilience, APS’s commitment to knowledge transfer and talent development will equip Malaysians with specialised, future- ready skills. This is exactly the kind of high-value, tech-driven investment that MIDA champions — one that uplifts our local capabilities and reinforces Malaysia’s standing as a leading aerospace hub.” Asia-Pacific accounts for 37% of the global ATR fleet and is projected to require nearly 1,000 additional 50-70 seat commercial turboprop aircraft over the next two decades. By establishing this facility in Malaysia, APS is strategically positioned to support this growth while reducing turnaround times and improving service efficiency for regional customers.

Singapore, 3rd June 2025: ST Engineering has announced that its Commercial Aerospace business has secured a five-year maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) contract with Air Cairo, a new customer, to support the LEAP-1A engines that power its Airbus A320neo fleet. Under this contract, ST Engineering will provide quick-turn repair and Performance Restoration Shop Visit (PRSV) services at its engine MRO facility in Singapore. The first engine is expected to be inducted in mid-2025. Captain Ahmed Shanan, Chairman and CEO of Air Cairo, said, “We are pleased to form a partnership with ST Engineering, the globally recognised leader in engine overhaul, to support the maintenance of the LEAP-1A engines powering our Airbus A320neo. This agreement underscores our commitment to operational excellence, reliability and the highest standards of safety for our growing fleet.” “As Air Cairo continues to expand its network and modernise its operations, having a trusted and experienced engine MRO provider like ST Engineering ensures that our engines receive world-class maintenance, minimising downtime and optimising performance. This collaboration will play a key role in supporting our mission to deliver seamless and efficient air travel for our passengers across the region. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with ST Engineering as we continue to strengthen our fleet capabilities and enhance our service offerings in the competitive aviation market.” Tay Eng Guan, Head of Engine Services at ST Engineering, said, “This latest contract demonstrates increasing confidence in our expertise as a Premier MRO provider for the LEAP engines, while marking another significant step in expanding our LEAP engine support for Middle Eastern operators. As we continue to grow our LEAP engine MRO capacity and parts repair capabilities, we look forward to supporting Air Cairo – and more operators in the region – with high-quality, value-added LEAP engine services.” ST Engineering is the first independent MRO provider in Asia to be designated a Premier MRO provider in CFM International’s LEAP open MRO ecosystem. It achieved testing capabilities for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines at its Singapore facility in 2024, and is currently expanding its capabilities to include PRSV and full MRO services to better support airlines’ growing LEAP engine maintenance demands.

New Delhi, 28th May 2025: SriLankan Engineering, the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) division of SriLankan Airlines, has been certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) as a Foreign Repair Station and Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO). This milestone certification paves the way for SriLankan Engineering to provide high-quality, cost-effective MRO solutions directly to Thai-registered operators and global leasing companies. The accreditation authorises SriLankan Engineering to offer a wide range of MRO services including base maintenance and heavy checks, as well as component repair and overhaul for Airbus A320 family aircraft; line maintenance for Airbus A320 family and A350 aircraft, as well as Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft; and non-destructive testing (NDT). This certification places SriLankan Engineering in a strong position to collaborate with Thai carriers and aircraft lessors by offering customised maintenance solutions aimed at enhancing operational performance, reducing Aircraft On Ground (AOG) time and optimising cost efficiency. SriLankan Engineering has been already certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, and many other National Aviation Authorities.

Malaysia, 26th May 2025: Asia Digital Engineering (ADE), the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) subsidiary of Capital A has been awarded two key international recognitions: Maintenance Organisation Approval (EASA.145.0967) from the EASA and Repair Station Certificate (ADNY458E) from the FAA. ADE is now officially recognised by both EASA and the FAA as an organisation that upholds the highest global standards to maintain and release aircraft, parts, and components back into service under their respective regulations. YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Malaysian Minister of Transport, said “Congratulations to Asia Digital Engineering on attaining certifications from EASA and the FAA—two of the most prestigious aviation authorities in the world. These landmark achievements mark a major leap forward not only for ADE but also for Malaysia’s aerospace sector as a whole. It reaffirms our nation’s capability to meet and exceed international standards, and positions Malaysia as a rising global hub for high-quality, dependable aircraft maintenance. I am confident that ADE’s continued growth and excellence will further elevate Malaysia’s standing in the global aerospace industry and inspire other local players to aim higher.” Mahesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Asia Digital Engineering, said “These milestones reinforce our position as a leading MRO in the region and underscore Malaysia’s growing role as a major hub for aviation maintenance. While we remain the primary MRO for AirAsia, we now support a growing portfolio of airlines across the region and beyond — delivering world-class, safe, and high-quality, value-driven maintenance on a global scale. These certifications enable us to offer our services to even more airlines internationally. None of this would be possible without the unwavering dedication, discipline, and expertise of our Allstars. The credit truly goes to them.” Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer of Capital A, said “We are incredibly proud of Asia Digital Engineering’s accomplishments, which are consistently reaching new heights. The certification from EASA and the FAA isn’t just a win for ADE—it’s a win for Malaysia and the Asean aviation industry. It shows that once again, our homegrown talent can take on the best in the world.” Since its establishment in 2020, ADE has earned the trust of airline partners across the region by delivering exceptional MRO services, pioneering digital innovations, and maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction. The company has completed over 180 base maintenance checks in under four years, an impressive track record that underscores both speed and quality. In addition to its EASA and FAA approvals, ADE is an approved maintenance organisation (AMO) in 10 countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, India, Nepal, Thailand and Myanmar. In October 2023, ADE received its EASA Part 145 Maintenance Organisation approval. Last year, ADE launched its state-of-the-art 14-line MRO hangar — the largest and most advanced facility in Malaysia. Building on this momentum, ADE RedChain 2, a dedicated workshop and training centre is set to be launched in Q3 this year, further strengthening ADE’s ecosystem and talent development efforts.

New Delhi, 29th April 2025: AI Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) organised its annual conference with the theme,“Aviation Horizon 2025” in New Delhi on 28th April 2025. The conference was graced by Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, where he mentioned that India is the fastest-growing MRO market and is expanding three times faster than the global rate offering limitless opportunities. He said, “AIESL, the country’s largest MRO service provider, stands at the forefront of our MRO growth, backed by the transformative policies of the Government. It is a symbol of Indian aviation’s ambition, innovation and Atmanirbharata.” The Aviation Horizon 2025 conference had a series of impactful sessions highlighting India’s journey towards becoming a global MRO hub, with AIESL leading the transformation. Mr. Sharad Agarwal, CEO of AIESL, presented AIESL’s expansive capabilities across all segments of aircraft maintenance, emphasizing the organization’s world-class facilities spread across India. He assured that AIESL is fully equipped to offer comprehensive, end-to-end MRO services within the country, aligning with the vision of strengthening India’s self-reliance and reducing dependency on overseas maintenance services. Mr. R.S. Thakur, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, highlighted the significance of the conference, which witnessed the presence of a wide spectrum of stakeholders including airlines, lessors, OEMs, MROs, DGCA and FAA representatives, and government officials from around the globe. He emphasized that AIESL’s customer-centric and collaborative approach has built a strong global presence. Looking ahead to year 2030, Mr. Thakur stressed that only through deeper collaboration among stakeholders can India unlock much higher MRO revenue potential than currently projected. Aviation Horizon 2025 conference had also various panel discussions where Industry experts shared their thoughts citing real time examples and had engagements with the delegates. * Airline-domestic MRO partnerships: drivers of sustainable business * Civil military MRO: opportunities for civil MRO in the defence sector * Component MRO: challenges and the road ahead * Workforce challenges: bridging the skills gap and attracting talent to the aviation MRO sector. * India as a global MRO hub, opportunities, challenges and the road ahead. Aviation Horizon 2025 was attended by CEOs & top executives from airlines, senior leadership from global OEMs, MoCA, DGCA and other key regulatory bodies.

Gurugram,22nd April, 2025: AIR WORKS Group, one of India’s oldest and biggest MRO and aviation services major, has recently completed 75 years of its presence in India. It was on 16th April 1951, that Air Works’ founders – (Late) Mr. BG Menon and (Late) Mr. PS Menon, laid the foundation of what has today become the “Indian MRO industry” – by commencing operations at the Mumbai International Airport. Beginning with maintenance of Douglas DC-3s and DC-4s on behalf of leading industrialists and international airlines flying to India, Air Works eventually established a powerful and comprehensive portfolio of aviation Engineering and Maintenance services that spanned over 50 different types of aircraft (General Aviation) at a time, including forging strong and meaningful relationships with several global OEMs. During the journey, Air Works founders’ also established a specialized Academy to train and produce highly skilled aircraft maintenance professionals in the early 80s, ahead of time. Air Works also set up the first EASA-approved, private Commercial aircraft maintenance facility at Hosur, Tamil Nadu, diversifying its business to include maintenance of Commercial aircraft within Indian shores, boosting indigenous MRO capabilities significantly. In 2011-12, Air Works also entered the Defense MRO business by forging a strategic partnership with Boeing for maintaining BBJ aircraft for Heads of State.As one of the key player in the Indian Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) industry, Air Works has an enviable customer mix that includes Indian and regional airlines, lessors, airlines and cargo operators, OEMs and Defense forces. “The entire company is thrilled to celebrate this momentous and record-breaking, once-in-a-lifetime milestone,” said D Anand Bhaskar, MD & CEO, Air Works Group. He further added, “Our journey has been one of passion, perseverance, and professionalism, driven by the commitment of our founding fathers’ to continue serving the evolving needs of our customers and those of the overarching aviation industry. None of this would however be possible without the support and dedication of every one of our 1600+ employees, our customers and partners. Turning 75 isn’t just a company achievement – but a collective tribute to the faith and commitment of every member of the Air Works family.” Sharing his experiences with young colleagues, Ravi Menon, Director, Air Works Group, remarked, “We never imagined surviving such a long journey in this dynamic industry, or of ever growing from 50-100 member team to become a family of 1600+ today. Our greatest advantage is our culture and family values that foster collaboration, trust, and transparency, together with the unique opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the finest, most passionate and sought after minds in the field of aviation engineering & maintenance, across our pan-India network. The developments over the past year at Air Works have made us even more agile, and we’re raring to go.” Echoing Ravi’s sentiments, D Anand Bhaskar said, “Air Works’ ability to continually adapt and transform has been our greatest strength. 75 is an inflection point, and we stand re-vitalized and busy, re-inventing for tomorrow. Even as it has been a personal honor to have led Air Works Group while reaching this ground- breaking milestone, I strongly believe that with the host of initiatives in our pipeline, Air Works will undoubtedly remain at the center of aviation and MRO opportunities for those desirous of being in the thick of action, with many more exciting stories to be told. In closing, and on behalf of every Air Works family member, I remain indebted to everyone who has been part of our exciting yet arduous journey, including our customers, regulators, the government, our partners, and aviation OEMs who’ve believed in us.”

New Delhi, April 9, 2025: Mahindra Aerostructures,a part of the Mahindra Group, has been awarded the contract by Airbus Helicopters to manufacture and assemble the main fuselage of its H130 light single-engine helicopter — marking a 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. The contract was signed in the presence of Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director of Airbus in India and South Asia, and Dr Anish Shah, Group CEO and Managing Director of the Mahindra Group. Under this agreement, Mahindra will produce the H130’s main fuselage assembly, which will then be shipped to Airbus Helicopters’ facilities in Europe. Industrialisation will commence immediately, with the first cabin assembly scheduled for delivery by March 2027. Dr Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, said, “We are delighted to deepen our longstanding partnership with Airbus through this pivotal aerostructures contract. As a global leader, Airbus has played a transformative role in nurturing India’s aerospace ecosystem and showcasing it on the world stage. It is an honour for us to build on our proven track record with Airbus, harness our industrial process excellence, and embark on this new initiative. This collaboration highlights our commitment to supporting the Government of India’s flagship ‘Make in India’ program.” Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus in India and South Asia said, “We have a strategic plan for India and we are implementing it to develop a holistic aerospace ecosystem across all dimensions: assembly, manufacturing, engineering, innovation, digital and training. The H130 fuselage manufacturing contract underscores Airbus’ confidence in the growing industrial excellence of the Indian supply chain, which offers the right mix of competencies and competitiveness. We are glad to extend this bond with India through our latest association with our partner Mahindra Aerostructures.” Mahindra already supplies a variety of parts and sub-assemblies for Airbus’ commercial aircraft programmes. The latest contract marks a significant milestone for Mahindra as it continues to expand its portfolio of capabilities from parts and sub-assemblies to larger and more complex aerostructures. For Airbus, India is both a major market and a strategic resource hub. Today, every Airbus commercial aircraft has components and technologies made in India. Currently, Airbus’ annual procurement of components and services from India stands at $1.4 billion. The H130 is an intermediate single-engine helicopter tailored for passenger transport, tourism and private and business aviation, as well as medical airlift and surveillance missions. It has a wide, unobstructed cabin, which accommodates the pilot and up to seven passengers, providing outstanding visibility through a large wrap-around windscreen and wide windows. Its state-of-the-art technologies, materials, systems and avionics make it a quiet and powerful helicopter.

Saline, Michigan,22nd March 2025: Liebherr-Aerospace Saline and SkyWest Airlines have signed agreement for landing gear overhaul and systems maintenance on a defined portion of SkyWest Airlines’ Embraer 175-E1 fleet. Program overhauls will commence in 2025 and undergo complete “restoration” in accordance with Embraer’s requirements for continuing intervals of 30,000 flight hours or 12 calendar years. From the first entry into service in 2004, the Embraer 170/175-E1 family aircraft have proven highly successful with over 950 deliveries and current production backlog. Mr. Will Dew, Managing Director Commercial at Liebherr-Aerospace Saline, Inc. noted: “We initiated induction lines for the first Americas region overhauls in 2012 and have continuously operated active lines for the complete Embraer E170/175/190/195-E1 family since that time. Over the course of the prior three years, we have undertaken a structural transformation of our MRO activities to establish additional capacity, mature efficiencies, and anchor supply chain resilience within the landing gear product line. In this upcoming phase of overhauls, we welcome SkyWest Airlines as a lead customer that will benefit from this achievement”. The complete landing gear system for the Embraer E1 generation of E-Jets was developed and is manufactured by Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH (Germany), Liebherr’s center of competence for flight control and landing gear systems.