Category: BizJet

ITT Aerospace Controls Showcases Aftermarket Solutions to Drive Greater Efficiency for Aircraft Operators at MRO Europe 2025

ITT Inc.’s Aerospace Controls brand will present its custom-tailored aftermarket solutions designed to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs for commercial, business and civil aircraft operators at MRO Europe 2025,taking place Oct. 15-16 in London. 

Visitors to booth #2548 will have the opportunity to explore ITT Aerospace Controls’ aftermarket service portfolio, including test and recertification, repairs, upgrades, modifications and overhaul capabilities, along with its engineering and supply chain support. Business leaders will be available onsite to discuss the benefits of predictive maintenance to prevent operational disruptions and unscheduled removals.

Products to be presented include pumps, rotary actuators, linear actuators and gate-, ball- and butterfly-valves, all of which help ensure highly reliable control of fuel, hydraulic, oxygen, water, and air flow throughout the aircraft. The brand will also showcase its line of pressure, temperature and vacuum switches that are used in various critical aircraft system applications within commercial transport, regional and business aircraft.

“Our products and solutions play a vital role in ensuring the safety, efficiency and comfort of aircraft operators and passengers,” said Art Lewis, Aftermarket Business Leader, ITT Aerospace Controls. “We remain committed to delivering highly engineered, custom solutions quickly and reliably, helping customers minimize downtime and manage their costs. With our expanded capacity and continued investment in materials and capital improvements, we’re able to meet demand peaks and keep turnaround times short. We look forward to connecting with our industry peers at MRO Europe 2025 to share how we’re supporting the aftermarket with the speed and reliability they require.”

Elliott Aviation Promotes Rick Rogers to Vice President of Operations

Elliott Aviation, a leader in aviation MRO services, announced today the promotion of Rick Rogers to vice president of operations. Rogers, who has served as general manager at the company’s Moline headquarters since January 2024, will now expand his leadership responsibilities across Elliott’s nationwide operations.

In his new role, Rogers will oversee general managers at Elliott Aviation’s facilities in Atlanta (PDK), Minneapolis (FCM), and Des Moines (DSM), while continuing to lead day-to-day operations in Moline. He will also serve as the leader for the company’s satellite shop general managers, ensuring alignment and consistency across all locations.

“Rick’s leadership and customer-focused approach in Moline have been instrumental in building a strong culture of excellence,” said Michael Parrish, president of Elliott Aviation. “As we continue to grow, our priority is to provide customers with the same exceptional experience and our employees with the same level of engagement at every Elliott location. Rick’s proven track record, passion, and deep industry expertise make him the right leader to ensure a consistent level of excellence across the organization, no matter the site.”

Rogers brings more than 25 years of aviation and engineering experience to the role. Prior to joining Elliott Aviation, he served as head of program management for Comlux, manager of programs at StandardAero, and spent 10 years in senior positions at Associated Air Center. Earlier in his career, Rogers held several mechanical engineering positions that strengthened his technical foundation in the industry.

Rogers’ promotion reflects Elliott Aviation’s continued commitment to growth, consistency, and delivering world-class customer experiences across all service centers.

Sonic Launches “Pimp My Toolbox” Program, Offers Eight Unique Wrap Designs for Professional Technicians

Sonic, a leading provider of professional-grade tool solutions and equipment, today announced the “Pimp My Toolbox” customization program, empowering professional technicians and automotive enthusiasts to personalize their workspace with uniquely wrapped toolboxes that reflect their individual style without sacrificing superior functionality.

The new, limited time offering, exclusively features the Gen 1 S12 XD Toolbox, Sonic’s extra-deep and wide storage solution designed for advanced technicians who demand maximum capacity and organization. Each toolbox is professionally wrapped in high-quality film of choice and includes an exclusive 25 percent discount on comprehensive pre-configured tool sets from Sonic.

“Today’s professional technicians want organization and lots of storage – they also want their toolbox to reflect their personality, Sonic offers them both,” said John Basso, marketing director, Sonic USA. “The ‘Pimp My Toolbox’ wrap will use premium wrap materials to ensure that each wrapped toolbox meets our standards for both appearance and durability.”

The program offers eight carefully curated wrap designs to suit diverse tastes and professional environments:

  • Blue Hot Rod Flames: Classic automotive styling with dynamic blue flame graphics
  • Camo: Military-inspired camouflage pattern for rugged professionals
  • Hot Pink: Bold, eye-catching design that makes a statement
  • ‘Merica: Patriotic theme celebrating American craftsmanship
  • Orange Hot Rod Flames: The iconic and classic hot rod design
  • Right Tighty: Industry theme celebrating mechanical expertise
  • Skull and Wrenches: Edgy design combining automotive and rebellious aesthetics
  • The Crusader: Medieval-inspired design for those who view their craft as a noble pursuit

The foundation of the “Pimp My Toolbox” program, the Sonic Gen 1 S12 XD Toolbox, is specifically engineered for technicians who require comprehensive storage solutions. With 18,062 cubic inches of total storage space, the toolbox can accommodate up to 735 Sonic tools in the Sonic Foam System across its deep drawer system, making it ideal for technicians who need to be prepared for any job scenario.

Despite its robust capacity, the S12 XD remains highly maneuverable thanks to its four high-quality rubber casters – two swivel casters with brake functionality and two fixed casters. A steel side handle further increases mobility, allowing technicians to easily reposition their storage solution as needed. Each toolbox also features one-piece steel construction to maximize strength and rigidity, ensuring long-term durability even in the most demanding work environments.

Tbe Sonic “Pimp My Toolbox” progam is also covered under warranty.

Magma Aviation Introduces a New Aircraft to Its Growing B747F Fleet

Magma Aviation has experienced consistent growth over the past few years, with its global expansion evident in the addition of new routes, a global team, and the expansion of both its narrow-body and wide-body fleets.

At the onset of 2025’s last quarter, Magma Aviation announced a new addition to its growing B747F fleet, supporting its ambitious growth in the upcoming years.

“With a new B747F aircraft added to our fleet, this increases our overall capacity. It will give us the ability not only to service current clients, but also allow us to fly new routes and expand services that clients are looking for,” Peter Kerins, CEO of Magma Aviation, mentioned.

Magma Aviation has positively expressed its ambition to build its fleet dramatically over the next couple of years, noting that this new aircraft is part of its long-term growth plan.

“Our network performance in general is exceptionally high, and with the addition of this aircraft, it will allow us to offer more services to customers with absolute confidence in our service delivery,” Kerins added.

B747F Freighters Play an Important Role in Service Delivery and Expansion

With the new generation of freighter aircraft being introduced into the market, offering more energy and operational efficiency, the B747F still stands out as one of the most formidable aircraft ever introduced in the air cargo industry.

With its ability to carry a large volume of cargo, approximately 100+ tons per flight, this gives Magma an added advantage to handle a wide variety of sensitive and specialized cargo types.

“In the past, we have successfully transported outsized and specialized cargo loads – anything from mining equipment to full-size helicopters, boats, and more. With a new B747F aircraft in our fleet, this gives our team a great advantage to diversify the products we offer,” Kerins added.

Magma can meet unique demands quickly without straining existing fleet resources. Global clients will have more flexibility in scheduling and will have easier access to markets that were previously underserved. At the same time, blue-chip companies from industries such as automotive, pharmaceutical, and technology, which often move high-volume cargo, would benefit from improved supply chain resilience. 

Fleet Expansion Aligns with Magma Aviation’s Long-Term Strategy for Global Growth, Supported by Globally Competent Operational Standards

Magma reiterated that fleet expansion is key to its consistent growth but should be implemented in a very controlled manner. As aircraft lease rates continue to become inflated, it’s important to get the business formula right to maintain optimal operational standards.

“Magma’s operations team is the best in the business. All standard operating procedures and service level agreements are in place. Additionally, all route planning, handling arrangements, and ULD provision are set, and with the use of our own bespoke planning system, we have planned every step of the introduction meticulously,” Kerins said when asked how the team prepared internally for the introduction of the new aircraft and how it will impact day-to-day operations.

Magma’s fleet growth ambition is expected to continue from 2026 and beyond, with a vision to triple its fleet size with the right mixture of wide-body aircraft, including the B777F and BB747FFF, by 2030.

ADI Expands AAR’s Growing New Parts Distribution and Accelerates the Company’s Strategy to Expand Market Share

AAR CORP. announced it has acquired American Distributors Holding (ADI), a distributor of components and assemblies, for $146 million in an all cash transaction funded using the company’s existing revolving credit facility. The acquisition immediately expands AAR’s new parts distribution activity with new additional product lines and extensive OEM relationships. The business will become part of AAR’s parts supply segment.

Founded in 1983, ADI distributes to a broad set of commercial and defense customers across the aerospace and defense industry. The company’s approximately 400 team members provide value-added distribution services, including parts and assemblies, to its OEM partners. ADI serves its customers from six locations across the US, UK, and India. For the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2025, ADI generated $149 million in revenue and $15.2 million in EBITDA.

STRATEGIC RATIONALE

  • Expands AAR’s new parts Distribution offerings: ADI’s complementary electronics product lines broaden AAR’s new parts Distribution offerings. This represents a large total addressable market with significant fragmentation and high growth opportunities.  
  • Grows partnerships and revenues: The acquisition adds new OEM partnerships to AAR’s offerings and deepens AAR’s existing OEM relationships. The Company plans to leverage its existing market position to significantly grow ADI revenues.
  • Positions ADI for margin improvement: AAR expects incremental margin improvement through sales growth, operational efficiency, and business optimization.

Omniseal Solutions Strengthens Aviation Solution Portfolio With Certified AS1895-7 & -23 Metal Seals

Omniseal Solutions, a design engineering and manufacturer of precision sealing solutions and wear and friction control materials for over 60 years, continues to support their aviation customers with the addition of certified AS1895-7 and -23 metal seals in their solution portfolio.

Engineered for extreme conditions, AS1895 metal seals are used in both commercial and military aircraft, ensuring mission-critical sealing performance. The metal sealing solutions are considered the SAE standardized benchmark for safety, reliability, and quality in aerospace components and systems.
Aviation remains one of the most demanding industries in terms of regulatory compliance, safety assurance, high performance, and global standardization, which are non-negotiable among customers and OEMs. Certified AS1895 metal seals stand out as a trusted choice in critical aerospace sealing applications for several reasons:

1. They are engineered to withstand extreme pressures and temperatures.
2. They are specifically customized to provide high performance for rigid coupling applications.
3. They are designed for robust construction, ensuring a secure, leak-proof seal under conditions where even minor failure can compromise mission success or safety.
4. They are rigorously tested to guarantee consistent performance under extreme requirements: wide temperature swings (cryogenic cold to high engine heat), pressure fluctuations, and exposure to aggressive fluids (e.g., fuel, oil, hydraulic fluids, and de-icing chemicals).

Nicolas Schirmer, Omniseal Solutions’ Metal Seals Product Manager, said, “The AS1895 metal seals are built for long-term reliability in environments where temperatures can reach +1200°F (+650°C) and pressures are extreme. The aviation industry has put their trust in these certified seals for bleed air management applications where failure is not an option.”

Providing aerospace-grade performance, the AS1895 metal seals offer the following technology advantages:
• High-temperature resistance for thermal cycling and combustion zones
• High-pressure sealing in aircraft bleed air systems
• Extended service life, reducing maintenance and downtime
• Precision manufacturing to comply with aerospace specifications, including AS standards

Along with the certified AS1895 metal seals, Omniseal Solutions delivers sealing solutions for many critical aerospace applications, ranging from turbine shrouds to fuel nozzles and combustion chambers, as well as precision boss seals for AS5202 fittings. The metal sealing solutions are complemented by a broad range of advanced coatings such as tin, silver, gold, nickel, and proprietary NCCM coating. Their aerospace solutions portfolio also includes polymer seals and components, which are often used in jet engine, flight control, and APU systems.

Archer’s Midnight Flight Test Program Reaches Record Heights

Archer Aviation announced that its Midnight aircraft successfully completed its highest altitude flight to
date, reaching altitudes of 7,000 feet. The flight took off from Archer’s test facility in
Salinas, Calif., and represents the latest milestone in Midnight’s envelope expansion
testing program.

This flight marked one in a series of upcoming aircraft performance test flights designed
to test and showcase Midnight’s operational range. eVTOL aircraft, like Midnight, are
primarily intended to operate in and around cities at altitudes between 1,500 and 4,000
feet. However, having the operational capability to operate at higher altitudes provides
flexibility for managing air traffic in high-density environments and allows these aircraft to
be able to operate in certain cities at elevation.

During this flight, Midnight’s test pilot conducted a steady climb after takeoff, leveled off at
altitude, then continued to fly for 45 miles in total at speeds in excess of 120 mph. The
achievement follows last month’s record-setting flight in which Midnight covered
approximately 55 miles in 31 minutes at speeds exceeding 126 mph.

Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer, said: “I’m proud of the team for consistently
proving Midnight’s performance capabilities while maintaining the highest safety
standards. Our test pilots will continue to safely and methodically test Midnight’s speed,
duration and mission profiles to prepare for early commercial operations.”

Together, the company says these accomplishments underscore the aircraft’s readiness as Archer
advances toward FAA certification in the U.S. and near-term commercialization in the
UAE.

Aviation Institute of Maintenance Hosts Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance’s First National Conference

–The Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) is proud to host the upcoming Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM) 2025 Conference, taking place September 26–28 at AIM’s Irving campus. This marks AWAM’s first large-scale national conference and underscores AIM’s commitment
to advancing women in aviation and the trades.

“AIM is dedicated to training women technicians to support the aviation industry pipeline, and this conference represents an important step toward creating a more equitable work environment for these skilled professionals,” said Jason Pfaff, chief executive officer of the Aviation Institute of Maintenance. “It is our privilege to welcome AWAM members to our Irving campus as they continue building a community where women technicians feel empowered in their workplaces.”

The conference will bring together industry leaders, students, and professionals to share knowledge, foster mentorship, and create pathways for more women to enter and thrive in aviation maintenance careers. Stacey Rudser, AWAM president and the first female graduate from AIM’s Orlando campus, will lead this landmark event, showcasing the lasting impact of AIM’s alumni community on the aviation industry.

StandardAero Announces Component Repair Services Leadership Succession

StandardAero, an independent provider of aerospace engine aftermarket services, including engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and engine component repair, announced the appointment of Gregory Krekeler as resident of its component repair services (CRS) business. Krekeler succeeds Kimberly Ashmun, who will remain with the company through the end of the year to support the leadership transition. Krekeler will be based in Cincinnati, OH, and report to Kim Ernzen, chief operating officer of StandardAero.

Krekeler brings to the position more than 20 years of aerospace and defense experience. Most recently, he served as vice president and general manager of StandardAero’s facility in Maryville, TN. In addition to the past three years with StandardAero, he spent nearly two decades in various global engineering, supply chain and procurement leadership roles with Boeing, both within the United States and in the United Kingdom. He also held roles in engineering and program leadership with McDonnell Douglas. Krekeler holds Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering degrees.

“Greg is well positioned to lead our component repair services business into the future,” said Kim Ernzen, chief operating officer of StandardAero. “He has a strong track record of operational excellence and customer focus, combined with deep experience in the industry and with StandardAero. Working closely with the senior leadership team across our Engine Services divisions and with the CRS team, Greg will drive our strategy to accelerate the growth of CRS.”

Ernzen added: “We are grateful to Kim for her leadership and dedication to shape and advance CRS over the last three years and following this transition wish her well in her future endeavors.”

Airshare Celebrates 25 Years in Private Aviation

Airshare — one of the nation’s largest private aviation companies — celebrates its 25th anniversary this week, marking a quarter century of innovation, best-in-class service and industry leadership.

Founded in 2000, Airshare has evolved from a regional operator to a nationwide provider of aircraft management, fractional ownership, jet cards and charter services. Over the past 25 years, the company has expanded its fleet, grown its employee base and consistently delivered value to its customers through its diverse service offerings and commitment to safety.

“Reaching our 25th anniversary is a testament to the hard work of our employees, the loyalty of our customers and the strength of our vision for private aviation,” said John Owen, CEO of Airshare. “From our founding in Wichita to becoming a nationwide operator across all of our services, we’ve remained focused on delivering exceptional experiences when flying with us. While today we celebrate our previous accomplishments, we’re even more excited about what’s ahead and grateful to all who have been part of our journey.”

A Timeline of Growth

Airshare’s journey over the past 25 years has been marked by bold decisions and steady growth. Founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 2000, the company quickly gained traction by offering a fresh approach to fractional ownership through its revolutionary days-based model. Just four years later, Airshare relocated its corporate headquarters to Kansas City, positioning the company to expand its growing base of customers throughout the Midwest.

Through a strategic acquisition in 2008, Airshare began offering whole aircraft management, complementing their fractional program and charter services. Over the next 15 years, Airshare continued its rapid expansion, entering into new markets within South Florida and the Upper Midwest. This momentum accelerated in 2023 with the acquisition of Wheels Up’s Aircraft Management Business, significantly increasing the size of the fleet they operate and doubling the number of employees. 

In 2024, Kompass Kapital acquired controlling ownership of Airshare, with its strategic investment leading to nationwide expansion of the company’s fractional program. Airshare is now the 8th-largest private jet operator in the country.  

This year, Airshare celebrates not only its 25th anniversary but also a marquee partnership with the PGA of America, featuring its designation as the Official Private Aviation Provider of the Ryder Cup. The partnership underscores its elevated position in both aviation and the world of premier sporting events.

Airshare will mark this milestone with an employee celebration at its Kansas City headquarters on Sept. 19, as well as events taking place throughout the country at its other locations.