MRO

Gurugram, 22nd March 2025: Thales has opened its new avionics MRO facility in Gurugram, near the New Delhi airport. Aligned with the vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, this centre will provide a wide range of services, including the maintenance & repair of avionics components, to prominent Indian airlines such as Air India and IndiGo. This new repair hub draws on Thales’s expertise as a global leader in the aerospace industry, providing premium support and services to airline customers in India. The inauguration was done by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in the presence of Damien Syed, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of France in India, along with senior Government officials and eminent dignitaries from the French Embassy and the industry. The Thales team was led by Yannick Assouad, Executive Vice President, Avionics, Thomas Got, Vice President, Aviation Global Services and Gilles Bono, Vice President, India. This occasion marks a milestone in Thales’s continued investment strategy in India’s rapidly expanding aviation market. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said, “My heartfelt appreciation goes to Thales for setting up this dedicated facility in India to provide onshore MRO services to our airlines. Taking a tour of the facility and seeing it firsthand, I must say that I am deeply impressed by the meticulous planning and innovation that have gone into creating this centre. I believe the inauguration of this advanced avionics MRO centre marks a significant milestone for Indian aviation and a proud moment for Thales in India. This facility exemplifies our collective commitment to building a self-reliant India and a self-reliant aviation ecosystem.Thales stands out as a shining example of Indo-French collaboration, we must together leverage India’s vast talent pool and facilitate India’s rapidly growing aviation market.” Thomas Got, Vice President Aviation Global Services, Thales, said, “India’s MRO industry is set for significant growth, becoming a key region for airlines. We are proud to inaugurate our Thales Maintenance and Repair Centre in India. This highlights our localisation efforts to bring our technological and avionics repair expertise closer to airline customers. The Gurugram centre is backed by the power of a global support and services organisation, and aligns with Thales’s strategy to expand its presence in India.”

Mumbai, 29th January 2025: Air India, is set to showcase its premium cabin product and in-flight offerings at the upcoming Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2025, scheduled to take place from 30 January to 1 February 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai. Taking inspiration from Air India’s signature design philosophy, the exhibition booth has been conceptualised with ‘The Vista’ as an integral part of its structure, blending aesthetics with immersive digital experiences. The pavilion will showcase various aspects of Air India’s transformation journey, captivating audiences with a live demonstration of Business Class and Premium Economy seats that are today available on Air India’s newly retrofitted A320 family aircraft. These aircraft come with subtle cabin mood lighting, spacious legroom and wider pitch, and modern features, like portable electronic device (PED) holders and USB ports to charge mobile phones, laptops and other gadgets, among others. Visitors will be able to experience the seats in real-time while also getting a glimpse of Air India’s brand new A350 product at the Virtual Reality (VR) experience zone. In addition, Air India will also display a selection of in-flight meals to showcase its refreshed menus and enhanced dining experience onboard. “OTM 2025 presents a significant platform for Air India to engage and deepen ties with more than 40,000 key trade visitors from across the globe while highlighting the milestones of our transformation journey. With the Air India pavilion featuring unique activations and immersive experiences, including our Business Class and Premium Economy seats, we are set to demonstrate our commitment to delivering world-class product and services to our customers,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India. At the VR experience zone, visitors will embark on a virtual journey of the state-of-the-art A350 aircraft that have recently been deployed between Delhi and London Heathrow, New York (JFK), and Newark. The booth will also give visitors a chance to sign up for Maharaja Club, Air India’s all-new frequent flyer program that offers a host of privileges and exclusive benefits.

Dubai, 8th Jan 2025: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East’s facility at Dubai’s Al-Maktoum International Airport (DWC) to perform line and base maintenance on Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft. This certification comes in response to growing customer demand and reflects ExecuJet’s commitment to meeting the needs of a rapidly expanding fleet in the region. “We are excited to extend our support to the Bombardier Global 7500 with EASA certification for our state-of-the-art DWC facility,” says Nick Weber, Regional VP for the Middle East at ExecuJet MRO Services. “With years of experience maintaining the Challenger and Global series, our team is committed to delivering the highest standards of quality, safety and craftsmanship. Whether it’s scheduled maintenance, unscheduled repairs or mobile repair team (MRT) requirements; ExecuJet is dedicated to providing expert service that exceeds our customers’ expectations.” The DWC MRO facility is a purpose-built 15,344m2 air-conditioned facility with wide ranging MRO capabilities to support various aircraft and engine models. The facility also houses workshops for non-destructive testing (NDT), sheet-metal and composite repair capabilities,painting, touch up and so on. The MRO provider’s longstanding reputation for excellence is underscored by its record of Service Excellence Awards, including Bombardier’s Business Aircraft Authorised Service Facility overall and international rankings for 2011-2015 and 2018-2020. These awards, based on key performance indicators, highlight ExecuJet’s dedication to exceptional customer service, aircraft reliability and on-time performance. “We understand the importance of aircraft availability and on-time departures for our customers. We continue to focus on improving aircraft reliability and operational efficiency,” says Weber. “ExecuJet is well-positioned to support the growing Global 7500 fleet with the same level of professionalism and expertise our customers have come to rely on,” he adds.

Dubai,09 December 2024: flydubai has received the GCAA CAR 147 Approved Maintenance Training Organisation certification, enabling it to run its in-house maintenance and engineering training and certification. The CAR 147 training certification is a regulatory framework established by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in the UAE, which allows the airline to provide approved training for aircraft maintenance engineers and technicians. The certification ensures that the training programmes meet specific standards and requirements set by the GCAA, aligning with international aviation standards and recommended practices. His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), said: “granting flydubai a maintenance training organisation approval represents a major advancement in the educational infrastructure to train and qualify skilled professionals in the civil aviation sector. This initiative also strengthens our national capabilities in this field, aligning with the highest international standards.” Al Suwaidi continued: “it is essential for organisations to keep pace with rapid changes in the aviation industry by updating their training programmes and enhancing their capabilities. By enabling the airline to prepare highly qualified engineers and technicians, flydubai will significantly contribute to the aviation sector in the country and provide the necessary competencies in this vital field.” Commenting on receiving the new certification, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “we are very proud to receive the CAR 147 approval which represents another milestone in flydubai’s journey. Underscoring our continued commitment to investing in our in-house capabilities, the certification will also help in building a solid foundation for further growth as part of our role in supporting Dubai’s economic and aviation vision.” The certification will enable flydubai to cultivate and grow its skilled maintenance and engineering workforce and support its growing fleet over the coming years. The airline has also announced its first purpose-built maintenance facility which is set to open in Dubai South by 2026. Obtaining the CAR 147 certification enables flydubai to tailor the curriculum to its specific operational needs, aircraft types and the highest safety standards. This enhances in-house capabilities and streamlines the onboarding process, enabling the airline to quickly scale its workforce to meet growing operational demands. Khalid Alhumaidan, Senior Vice President of Compliance, Safety and Sustainability at flydubai, added: “I would like to thank the teams at flydubai and the GCAA for all their hard work in laying the foundation for this certification. Our focus is to develop new talent through a structured programme that trains candidates to become qualified engineering and maintenance professionals, trained to the highest safety and quality standards and enabling them to support and sustain flydubai’s future plans.”

BALI,November 29, 2024: FL Technics Indonesia (PT Avia Technics Dirgantara), a subsidiary of global aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) leader FL Technics, proudly unveils its new 17,000-square-meter MRO facility in Bali. Strategically located at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), this cutting-edge facility will serve the fast-growing MRO needs for narrowbody aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family aircraft. The grand opening ceremony gathered esteemed aviation leaders, government representatives, and FL Technics’ parent company, Avia Solutions Group, to mark this milestone event. “This facility is a testament to our commitment to Asia and Australia’s aviation growth. It will empower airlines to uphold the highest safety and efficiency standards,” said Zilvinas Lapinskas, Chief Executive Officer of FL Technics Group. “These three hangars represent a triumph for the region and our group, unlocking opportunities and driving progress for businesses and communities in Asia, Australia, and beyond.” The new six-bay maintenance hub is purpose-built to support classic and next-generation models of the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320 family, including current and new engine options. Designed to meet the growing regional demand for these aircraft types, the facility is equipped with dedicated production shops and offices, creating over 500 new jobs for the local economy. FL Technics Indonesia operates under Part-145 AMO certifications issued by the Indonesian Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and its services are also planned to achieve CASA, FAA, and EASA certificates of approval in the coming months. “This expansion comes at a crucial time for the Asian aviation market,” said Martynas Grigas, CEO of FL Technics Indonesia. “With our advanced infrastructure and the presence of other Avia Solutions Group companies like BBN Airlines Indonesia, SkyTrans, and Thai SmartLynx, we’re poised to strengthen supply chains, bolster growth, and support airlines across the region and beyond.” FL Technics’ new facility in Bali joins its extensive MRO network, which includes base maintenance hangars in Lithuania (Vilnius and Kaunas International Airports), the UK (Prestwick International Airport), Indonesia (Jakarta International Airport), and an upcoming location in the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana International Airport).

Ireland,25th Nov 2024: Alliance Aerospace, as part of the Alliance Aviation Group, has been awarded EASA Part 145 approval from the Irish Aviation Authority. The accreditation bolsters capabilities at its 3000m2 FBO Hangar facility located at Westlands Apron, Dublin Airport (EIDW), Ireland. The process of approval was completed within six months. With helpful assistance from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), Alliance Aerospace was able to establish the required procedures, equipment and personnel required to attain the approval. It can now provide MRO/AOG Support services from its Dublin base to General Aviation customers. Initially targeting the Gulfstream family of aircraft, this EASA Part 145 approval augments Alliance Aviation Group’s extensive portfolio of services, which includes CAMO support, aircraft management, aircraft charter, hangarage, ground handling and trip support services, plus technical assistance, all whilst operating to the highest quality safety standards. Brendan McQuaid, Alliance Aviation Group CEO commented: “We are delighted to achieve this Part 145 approval which usefully extends our range of capabilities to our base clients. It enables us to expand our offering to other GA customers also from our base here in Dublin. I am most grateful to our stellar team at Alliance Aerospace who worked so hard to achieve this approval.” Mick Conlon, Technical Director Alliance Aerospace, commented: “This latest approval will strengthen and enhance Alliance Aerospace’s services from our facility in Dublin. In attaining this we have become the first engineering business here to offer line maintenance on Gulfstream type aircraft. Whilst we are currently Gulfstream G650 approved, we are planning to add additional Gulfstream, Bombardier and Dassault Falcon type ratings to our approvals in the near future. We look forward to offering first class, quick and efficient scheduled and unscheduled line maintenance support to all our customers.” Liam Murphy, FBO Regional Manager Alliance Aviation Group, stated: “This approval is another milestone achievement for our ever-expanding facility in Dublin. Having developed our FBO and Ground Handling capabilities over the last 18 months, achieving this Part 145 status permits us to expand further and position ourselves to deliver a full service FBO package to existing and potential new clients.”

Astana, 7th Nov 2024: Air Astana has become the first Kazakh carrier to carry out a heavy maintenance 12-Year C-check, which was conducted on an Air Astana Airbus A321 aircraft. “Our successful completion of the first heavy maintenance 12-Year C-check on an Airbus A321 serves to confirm the sophisticated and growing capability of Air Astana’s engineering resource and staff” said Robert Dando, Director Astana Technical Centre and C-Check maintenance. “The ongoing commitment to develop in-house maintenance strength has significantly reduced costs previously incurred when heavy maintenance tasks were undertaken outside Kazakhstan.” During the 12-Year C-check, comprehensive in-depth inspections and tests were conducted on all parts of the aircraft. The aircraft is systematically stripped down and a full inspection of the aircraft structure and components is performed, including inside the fuel tanks. The use of non-destructive testing methods are used to achieve some of these inspections. Major components such as the engines were removed for the inspection of their attachments and structure. After completing these tasks, the aircraft was rebuilt, and then extensive system tests were carried out. After all maintenance is complete, a maintenance check flight is performed to ensure everything if functioning correctly, from flight controls to in-flight entertainment, and then the aircraft can be released for passenger operation. The Airbus A321 that underwent the 12-Year C-check has been flying in Air Astana’s fleet since 2012. The company plans to perform another 12-Year C-check by the end of this year. Air Astana was approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency to conduct 12-Year C-checks on Airbus A320/A321 aircraft in 2023. Air Astana performed its very first 1C-check in 2019, the first 2C-check in 2022 and the first 6-Year C-check in 2023, and in total Air Astana has now completed 32 C-checks in-house.

Gurugram, 28th October 2024: Air India has received the Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) designated as CAR 21 approval. A significant milestone, this will enable Air India to independently make design changes in-house and implement modifications to its aircraft interiors more efficiently. Air India is the first airline in India to attain this level of authorisation, accelerating its ability to execute restoration tasks for continuous improvement of its fleet. The approval was handed over to Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Air India by D.C. Sharma, Director General, DGCA on 25 October 2024 in the presence of other senior officials of Air India and DGCA, the civil aviation regulator. Air India had earlier entered a collaboration with Tata Technologies, a global engineering and product development digital services company, to enhance aircraft interiors in its fleet aligned with the CAR 21 approval for aircraft modifications. The DOA is a transformative step towards enhancing Air India’s in-house capabilities, which has been bolstered by decisions to set up its own engineering, maintenance and training facilities. This will enhance operational efficiency and make the airline more self-reliant. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India said, “India’s aviation sector is on a growth trajectory and Air India is playing a leading role in it. The approval reaffirms our capabilities to maintain our fleet and commitment to enhance customer experience of our aircraft interiors. The collaboration with Tata Technologies will help us meet customer expectations, aligning with our broader goals of operational excellence and self-reliance.” Warren Harris, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Technologies, speaking on the collaboration with Air India, said: “Our partnership with Air India represents a significant step forward in redefining air travel experiences through innovation and strategic engineering. By leveraging our global aerospace expertise, we are committed to delivering next-generation aircraft interiors that not only meet the highest standards of functionality and safety but also enhance customer satisfaction. This collaboration is a testament to our dedication to engineering a better world and supporting the advancement of the Indian aviation sector.” The partnership will streamline Air India’s operations by integrating innovative digital thread solutions and smart Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services. This will improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and ensure that Air India’s fleet remains fit to fly, further enhancing passenger safety, comfort and operational reliability.