Category: Commercial

Aircraft modifications may look simple from the outside, but every interior upgrade or structural change follows a tightly controlled, highly regulated process. Engineering, compliance, and production work closely together to turn designs into certified, airworthy solutions.

Donaldas Barkauskas, Head of Design & Production, and Pavel Olenskij, Head of Airworthiness, oversee how their Design Organisation Approval (DOA) and Production Organisation Approval (POA) teams manage these processes.

How design and production work together

In aviation, interior design and production are not separate field. At FL Technics, they operate as a single, certified end product.

“The Design Office develops the engineering solution – whether it’s a small interior modification or a more complex aircraft refurbishment – and prepares the full technical documentation package,” explains Pavel Olenskij. “Once this phase is complete, production manufactures the part itself. The customer receives not only the physical component but also a single installation document that clearly explains how that part must be installed on the aircraft.”

This integrated DOA–POA cooperation simplifies the process for operators, leasing companies, and ACMI providers. Instead of coordinating multiple suppliers, customers receive a complete, compliant solution – from concept to installation – delivered under one roof.

Evaluating customer requests

Aircraft operators naturally want solutions tailored to their operational and commercial needs. However, not every idea can be safely or legally implemented.

“A customer comes with their needs, and that’s completely natural,” says Donaldas Barkauskas. “Airlines usually work with a small number of trusted design organizations. Their engineers come to us to discuss their ideas and check whether those ideas can realistically be materialized on the aircraft.”

Meeting safety and regulatory requirements

Compliance with safety and regulatory requirements is non-negotiable in aviation. But many operators go further.

“Regulations differ between regions, such as Europe and the United States,” Pavel notes. “Some aircraft owners and operators prepare in advance for potential transitions between jurisdictions. That forward planning saves both time and money later.”

Above regulatory alignment, there is another group of customers focused on high-value, creative solutions. “These operators invest in solutions that improve the working environment for crews and create a better experience for passengers,” Pavel continues. “Compliance keeps you safe. Smart choices create value. The real advantage comes from combining both.”

Choosing the right DOA or POA partner

Choosing a DOA or POA partner isn’t about finding a “one-size-fits-all” organization. Only a limited number of design and production organizations can handle a broad range of aircraft modifications, which is why FL Technics combines its certified capabilities with a trusted partner network to deliver end-to-end solutions.

“Operators don’t want requests rejected – they want a partner who can take care of all requested work scope,” says Donaldas Barkauskas. “We work with trusted partners for different scopes and processes, so when a customer comes to us, they know we can manage the entire project quickly and reliably. For airlines, leasing companies, or ACMI providers, having one partner who can solve all the headaches is essential.”

Understanding client expectations and being upfront about what’s possible saves time, reduces costs, and accelerates delivery – all without compromising safety or compliance. The real advantage lies in choosing a partner who doesn’t just say “yes,” but one who says, “we know how to get it done.”

Will AI reshape aircraft design and production?

Aviation design and production have always balanced two worlds: the technical and the managerial. AI already shows strong potential on the managerial side – from process optimization and workflow management to customer support and improving the passenger experience. When it comes to technical decisions, however, progress will inevitably be slower. Aviation remains a conservative, heavily regulated industry, and every new technology must pass rigorous oversight before it can be applied to an aircraft.

That said, major industry players are steadily moving toward AI adoption. While these early steps may seem modest, they point to a future where design, production, and aircraft engineering become more efficient, more data-driven, and increasingly optimized – without compromising safety or compliance.

From design to certification

Aircraft design and production demand forward-looking engineering, regulatory awareness, and disciplined execution. Success in this field depends on more than technical capability alone. It requires open communication with customers, honest evaluation of feasibility, deep regulatory expertise, and seamless cooperation between design and production teams. By combining all these elements, FL Technics ensures every approved idea – from a minor interior update to a major modification – reaches the aircraft as a safe, certified, and fully documented solution.

Heston MRO, the largest independent MRO organization in the Australasian region, is proud to announce the opening of its newest international line station at Auckland Airport (AKL), New Zealand.

The new station is established and operated in a strategic partnership with Fieldair, a New Zealand MRO provider. This expansion marks Heston MRO’s first permanent footprint in New Zealand, directly responding to the needs of its international customer base that operates flights into both Australia and New Zealand. By expanding its geographical offering, Heston MRO is strengthening existing customer relationships with a broader regional reach and expanded capabilities.

The Auckland station provides a comprehensive range of capabilities for both wide body and narrow body aircraft, ensuring seamless support for long-haul and regional carriers. The partnership combines Heston MRO’s extensive Australasian presence with Fieldair’s local expertise to offer:

Part 145 Engineering: Full line maintenance support and aircraft certification for international fleets;

Part 147 Technical Training: Localized technical training solutions to support the regional aviation workforce;

Joint NDT Services: Advanced Level 2 Non-Destructive Testing capabilities provided through the collaborative resources of both Heston MRO and Fieldair, covering Australia and New Zealand.

“The opening of the Auckland station is a natural evolution of our customer relationships,” said Asta Zirlyte, CEO of Heston MRO. “Many of our existing airline partners who rely on us across major Australian airports also fly into New Zealand. By expanding our geographical offering to Auckland, we can now provide them with the same high-quality, ‘Total Technical Care’ solutions across their entire Pan-Tasman network.”

“We are excited to partner with Heston MRO to bring this international line station to Auckland,” said Brett Richmond, CEO of Fieldair. “Fieldair has a long history of keeping New Zealand’s aircraft flying, and this collaboration allows us to combine our deep local knowledge with Heston MRO’s global customer reach. Together, we are providing a unique,full-service capability that will benefit international carriers and strengthen the local aviation sector.”

Oak Brook, IL and Exeter, UK — January 14, 2026 — LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions, a leading provider of technical workforce solutions and services to the aviation industry, today announced the acquisition of JMC Aviation, a global engineering solutions and aviation recruitment specialist headquartered in Exeter, United Kingdom. JMC Aviation provides a wide range of technical solutions across the UK, European Union and Canada, among other geographies.

The acquisition brings together two highly complementary organizations and creates the largest specialized provider of technical aviation solutions, globally. By combining LAUNCH’s U.S. market leadership with JMC’s established international presence, the acquisition establishes a global leader of workforce solutions and technical services to manufacturing and MRO/aftermarket customers within the commercial aerospace, business & general aviation, defense and rotary end markets. In combination, LAUNCH will now be able to offer a broader range of capabilities, including an expanded suite of modifications and a mobile repair team, furthering its commitment to creating a global technical services offering. The transaction also expands LAUNCH’s pool of technical talent, deepening its ability to deliver comprehensive workforce solutions on a global scale.

LAUNCH is a portfolio company of Capitol Meridian Partners, a private equity firm with deep expertise in the aviation sector. Equity financing in support of the transaction was provided by Capitol Meridian Fund I, L.P. and its affiliates, with participation from members of both management teams. Debt financing for the transaction was provided by LAUNCH’s existing lenders, MidCap Financial and Marathon Asset Management. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

In connection with this transaction, LAUNCH’s Executive Chairman, Jeff Martin, will add the title of CEO of both organizations. Jeff brings more than 33 years of aviation experience, along with extensive senior executive and board leadership. His depth of expertise uniquely positions him to guide LAUNCH through the Company’s next chapter of innovation, growth, and expansion while continuing to shape its strategic vision.

“This acquisition represents a significant milestone in LAUNCH’s evolution,” said Jeff Martin, Executive Chairman and CEO. “JMC Aviation is a respected global organization with a strong reputation for technical excellence and customer partnership. Together, we are building a platform that allows us to support our customers wherever they operate, while staying true to our shared commitment to quality, safety, and long-term relationships.”

Hollie Prendergast, Managing Director of JMC Aviation, added, “Partnering with LAUNCH is a natural next step for JMC. From the very beginning, it was clear that our companies share the same values and customer-first mindset. This acquisition strengthens our ability to support clients globally, while preserving the culture, leadership, and service standards our customers rely on every day.”