Category: Commercial

VSE Corporation Acquires Turbine Weld Industries

VSE Corporation, a provider of aviation aftermarket distribution and repair services, announced it has acquired Turbine Weld Industries, a specialized MRO service provider focused on complex engine components for business and general aviation (BG&A) platforms.

Founded in 1986, Turbine Weld is a premier provider of high-value engine component repairs, specializing in hot section components for Pratt & Whitney Canada engines—including the PW100, PT6, and JT15D series with approximately 25,000 engines in service. Operating from its MRO center of excellence in Venice, Florida with a team of approximately 60, Turbine Weld has repaired more than 80,000 components and is recognized for its exceptional service and technical excellence.

VSE says the acquisition will help with the following:

  • Expanded Technical and Proprietary Capabilities: Turbine Weld enhances VSE’s position in the B&GA engine aftermarket by delivering specialized MRO services across high-demand platforms. Through collaboration with OEMs, Turbine Weld has developed numerous proprietary repair specifications and serves as the sole-source provider for many flight-critical repairs on two of the most widely used engine platforms in the B&GA market.
  • OEM Alignment: The acquisition strengthens VSE’s collaboration with OEM partners by broadening technical service capabilities and expanding the repair portfolio.
  • Growth and Investment: VSE plans to invest in Turbine Weld’s operational capacity to address increasing demand and accelerate growth opportunities.

“This acquisition marks another important step in the strategic expansion of our aviation services business,” said John Cuomo, president and CEO of VSE Corporation. “Turbine Weld brings industry-leading expertise in complex engine component repair, further positioning VSE as a comprehensive solutions provider to our OEM and aftermarket partners. We are thrilled to welcome the Turbine Weld team and look forward to growing together.”

“Turbine Weld’s proven track record, technical depth, and dedication to quality make them an outstanding addition to VSE Aviation,” said Ben Thomas, chief operating officer of VSE Corporation. “Expansion of Turbine Weld’s highly technical repair capabilities is critical to supporting the tens of thousands of PT6 and PW100 operators in the global fleet. This partnership allows us to significantly increase Turbine Weld’s capacity, broaden our capabilities, and deliver even greater value to our customers.”

“We’re excited to join forces with VSE Aviation,” said Dave Bush, president of Turbine Weld Industries. “Their reputation, customer focus, strong culture, and commitment to technical excellence make this a natural fit for our employees and strengthens our overall service level to our customers.”

Airbus Signs Definitive Agreement with Spirit AeroSystems

Airbus has entered into a definitive agreement with Spirit AeroSystems for the acquisition of industrial assets dedicated to its commercial aircraft programs.

As part of this agreement, Airbus will take ownership of the following Spirit AeroSystems assets:

  • the site of Kinston, North Carolina, U.S. (A350 fuselage sections);
  • the site of St. Nazaire, France (A350 fuselage sections);
  • the site of Casablanca, Morocco (A321 and A220 components);
  • the production of A220 pylons in Wichita, Kansas, U.S.;
  • the production of A220 wings in Belfast, Northern Ireland; and
  • the production of the A220 mid-fuselage in Belfast, Northern Ireland, unless Spirit AeroSystems identifies a suitable buyer for the part of the site where these activities are located.

Airbus will also acquire the production of wing components for A320 and A350 in Prestwick, Scotland.

Spirit AeroSystems intends to sell the site of Subang, Malaysia to a third-party owner.

The compensation amount has been adjusted to reflect this revised transaction perimeter, in line with the provisions of the binding term sheet agreement announced on 1 July 2024. Airbus will be compensated by payment of $439 million from Spirit AeroSystems, subject to certain adjustments at closing.

The conditions and financial impact of this agreement are in line with the EBIT Adjusted and Free Cash Flow before Customer Financing preliminary estimates included in Airbus’ 2025 guidance, as issued on 20 February 2025.

With this operation, Airbus aims to ensure stability of supply for its commercial aircraft programs through a more sustainable way forward, both operationally and financially, for key Airbus work packages.

Closing of the transaction and the official transfer of operations is planned in the third quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory and other customary approvals.

Airbus has also entered into a memorandum of agreement with Spirit AeroSystems, under which Airbus has agreed to, among other things, provide Spirit AeroSystems non-interest bearing lines of credit in an aggregate amount of $200 million, which will be used by Spirit AeroSystems to support Airbus programs.

Skilled Hands, Secure Future: How AerFin is Responding to the Technician Shortage in Aviation MRO

James Bennett, Aerfin Chief Commercial Officer

The aviation aftermarket is facing one of its most pressing challenges to date: a global shortage of qualified maintenance technicians. While demand for aircraft services continues to rise, the supply of skilled labour isn’t keeping pace.

It’s a situation that’s been years in the making. Long-term demographic trends and pandemic-related workforce exits have created a critical gap—especially at the experienced end of the technician spectrum. As highlighted in Oliver Wyman’s Not Enough Aviation Mechanics report, the sector’s pipeline of new talent hasn’t been able to replenish the depth of knowledge that’s been lost.

And yet, this is not a crisis. It’s an opportunity — one AerFin is ready to meet head-on.

The impact on MRO — and the way ahead

Aircraft maintenance is high-stakes, highly specialised work. Delays in the shop floor ripple through operations, disrupting schedules, increasing costs, and placing pressure on frontline teams. But for businesses that are equipped to respond, this market shift opens the door to real competitive advantage.

At AerFin, we’ve taken decisive steps to expand our in-house MRO capabilities over the past 12 months — adding capacity in new facilities, extending our Engine MRO Lite programme, and recruiting highly skilled technicians to support our growth. We’ve built a team with deep knowledge and the flexibility to respond to customer needs with speed, precision and care. But we’re not stopping there.

We know the long-term solution lies in developing talent from the ground up. That’s why we’re championing early careers and apprenticeship routes — bringing in new generations of engineers who will form the foundation of tomorrow’s aftermarket.

From our structured apprenticeship schemes to targeted recruitment across our sites, we’re creating a working environment where learning, development and hands-on experience go hand in hand. Our programmes are designed not just to teach the technical basics, but to embed the mindset, values and safety culture that define AerFin’s approach.

And it’s working. The majority of our apprentices move into full-time roles within the business, helping us build a loyal, skilled, and sustainable workforce.

Why the technician shortage plays to our strengths

We believe this workforce challenge is a chance to do things differently. It pushes us, both as an industry and as an individual business, to be smarter and more agile. It also reinforces our focus on investing in people, which sits at the heart of everything we do.

AerFin is already delivering in key areas:

· MRO capabilities that reduce turnaround times and keep fleets flying

· Strategic recruitment of experienced engineers to boost shopfloor capacity

· Apprenticeship and early-career pathways that build long-term resilience

· Collaboration with customers to plan workloads and optimise support

We’re not waiting for the market to adapt. We’re helping to shape the way ahead.

The Way Ahead – A people-first future

At the heart of our response to the technician shortage is the AerFin Promise – our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel supported, empowered and valued. We know that technical excellence starts with human connection. That’s why we’re investing not just in skills, but in a culture where individuals are recognised for their contribution, and where belonging is built into the way we work.

From mentorship schemes to wellbeing initiatives, we’re creating an environment where every team member, regardless of background or experience, can thrive. It’s not just about attracting talent; it’s about retaining it, by building a strong internal community where people feel they belong, are heard, and can see a future. That’s how we make good on our promise, and how we ensure our team is ready to meet the demands of a fast-moving industry.

Aviation is changing. Sustainability, circularity, and digital transformation are reshaping how we operate—and that makes skilled technicians more valuable than ever.

At AerFin, we’re investing in those people. We’re giving them the tools, the training and the trust to grow with us. Because when we support our people, they go on to support our customers — and that’s how we create value beyond the expected.

The technician shortage isn’t just a challenge. It’s a call to lead. And that’s exactly what we’re doing.

CPaT Announces New Contract with Leading Maintenance Provider Across the Philippines, Aviation Partnership Philippines Corporation (Aplus MRO)

 CPaT Global, a provider of distance learning for the airline and aviation industry, announced they have been awarded a new contract with Aviation Partnership Philippines Corporation. CPaT will be providing Aplus MRO with a variety of their products including training for the following fleets, Airbus A320, Airbus A330, ATR 72-500, ATR 72-600, Boeing B737 Classic, Boeing B737 NG, Boeing B737 MAX, Boeing B787, and the Embraer E190. 

In addition to a large variety of fleets, CPaT will be providing Aplus with their full library of Aviation Specialty Courses (General Subjects) and CPaT Invent which will empower them to create and modify content specific to their training needs.

“CPaT is proud to partner with Aviation Partnership Philippines Corporation to support their comprehensive training needs,” said Capt. Greg Darrow, vice president of sales. “By providing our extensive fleet training courses, Aviation Specialty Courses, and CPaT Invent, we are equipping Aplus with the tools to enhance their training programs and maintain the highest standards in aviation maintenance. This partnership underscores our commitment to delivering flexible and innovative training solutions that meet the evolving demands of the MRO industry.”

Aplus added, “CPaT has achieved its goal and vision, providing state-of-the-art design training solutions.”

Dassault Systèmes and Airbus Extend Strategic Partnership to Use Virtual Twins for Next-Generation Programs

Dassault Systèmes and Airbus have extended their long-term strategic partnership, putting the 3DEXPERIENCE platform at the heart of lifecycle management of all new Airbus programs for civil and military aircraft and helicopters.

This deployment will support the entire development chain for all Airbus civil and military aircraft and helicopters. More than 20,000 users from every business area, as well as Airbus suppliers, will be able to collaborate more effectively and use virtual twins — on premise or on a sovereign cloud — to shorten development cycles, anticipate and improve production efficiency, and enhance aftersales support — all while reducing costs.

“Digitalization is a key enabler that we are leveraging to support our core priorities, whether it is ramping up the production of our commercial aircraft, preparing the next generation of platforms that will further contribute to the decarbonization of our sector, or pioneering the defense and security solutions of tomorrow,” said Guillaume Faury, CEO, Airbus. “This renewed partnership with Dassault Systèmes will play an important role in accelerating our progress towards these goals, while ensuring the highest levels of quality, safety and security throughout the lifecycle of our products and solutions, from design to in-service operations.”

“Our long history of collaboration with Airbus embarks on its next chapter, enabling the entire enterprise and its value chain to innovate globally, efficiently and virtually for decades to come. Airbus can take full advantage of AI-powered generative experiences, and scientific advances in material science, modeling, simulation, production and operation systems efficiency with our 3DEXPERIENCE platform. This will open new possibilities to imagine, create and produce the experiences that will define the future of the aerospace industry,” said Bernard Charlès, executive chairman, Dassault Systèmes.

Dassault Systèmes will provide Airbus with seven industry solution experiences based on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform:  “Program Excellence,” “Winning Concept,” “Co-Design to Target,” “Cleared to Operate,” “Ready for Rate,” “Build to Operate,” and “Keep Them Operating.”  

Lion Air Selects StandardAero for CFM56-7B Engine MRO Support

StandardAero announced that it has been selected by leading Southeast Asian airline Lion Air to provide maintenance, repair & overhaul (MRO) support for its CFM International CFM56-7B turbofan engines. Lion Air and its subsidiaries operate over 100 Boeing 737-800 and -900 narrowbody aircraft powered by the CFM56-7B turbofan.

Under the new agreement, StandardAero is supporting Lion Air with CFM56-7B performance restoration shop visits (PRSVs) from its CFM-authorized facility in Winnipeg, MB, Canada, with the first engine inducted last December. The Winnipeg location has provided a comprehensive range of engine services to the global CFM56-7B operator community since 2010, and StandardAero last year celebrated its 1,000th CFM56-7B shop visit, highlighting the company’s experience with the engine.

Commenting on the announcement for Lion Air, Angga Darvinda, head of commercial & powerplant management, said: “Lion Air is pleased to extend its long-running relationship with StandardAero through this new agreement. StandardAero has been a reliable MRO partner on our PW127M engine fleet for many years, and we are confident that they will provide a similarly high level of service in support of our CFM56-7B fleet. This collaboration marks a milestone in our long-term partnership and is expected to deliver mutual benefits for both parties,”

“The team of dedicated engine support professionals here at StandardAero is delighted to expand our existing relationship with Lion Air through this new CFM56-7B agreement,” commented Will Pitcher, senior vice president – sales, marketing & customers for StandardAero’s Airlines & Fleet business unit. “Lion Air is one of the fastest growing airlines, in one of the industry’s fastest growing regions, and StandardAero is therefore proud to TEAM with Lion Air to provide the airline and its subsidiaries with reliable, high quality engine services for many years to come.”

In addition to its existing Winnipeg capabilities, StandardAero now also provides CFM56-7B MRO support from its DFW International Airport location in TX, USA, which is seeing strong demand from Boeing 737NG operators and asset owners. These newly introduced capabilities offer operators the confidence and convenience of a second CFM56-7B engine line, enabling StandardAero to accommodate the MRO requirements of its customers around the world while also providing the assurance of test cell capability redundancy.

The company provides an extensive range of additional services for the CFM56 family, including component repair and overhaul capabilities through StandardAero’s Component Repair Services (CRS) segment; engine, module and used serviceable material (USM) asset management support through PTS Aviation; and engine health monitoring (EHM) data analysis services.

StandardAero also provides support for the next-generation CFM International LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engine family from its 810,000 sq. ft. facility in San Antonio, TX, as a CFM LEAP Premier MRO provider, having signed the first non-airline CFM Branded Service Agreement (CBSA) in the Americas for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B in March 2023.

Arnold Magnetic Technologies Announces New CEO, Effective March 31, 2025

Arnold Magnetic Technologies Corporation (Arnold), a manufacturer of high-performance magnets, electric motors and precision thin metals, announces a significant leadership transition. Matthew Blake has assumed the role of chief executive officer effective March 31, 2025. Blake succeeds Dan Miller, who held the position for the past nine years.

During his tenure, Dan Miller made substantial contributions to Arnold’s growth and success, the company says. Under Miller’s leadership, the company strengthened its position as a leading solutions provider, successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, and oversaw a recent facility relocation. Miller’s strategic vision was instrumental in spearheading the launch of the world’s strongest Samarium Cobalt magnet grade, RECOMA 35E, and instilling a culture that fosters teamwork, communication, and operational excellence.

Matthew Blake brings his extensive global operations experience across various industrial end-markets to his new role as CEO. His career includes leadership positions at DwyerOmega, Alpha Packaging, Cleaver-Brooks, and ESAB Welding & Cutting Products. Blake holds a Master of Science in Engineering and Global Operations Management from Clarkson University, as well as an MBA from Webster University.

As CEO, Blake will leverage his substantial industrial experience and strategic acumen to drive Arnold into its next stage of growth and innovation. His strong track record in driving expansion, operational excellence, and strategic execution positions him well to build upon the strong foundations laid by his predecessor.

“I’m thrilled for the privilege to lead the exceptional team at Arnold Magnetic Technologies as CEO,” Blake stated. “The opportunity to build on our rapid growth while partnering with customers to scale technology solutions that will reshape industries, is one I simply could not refuse. I was further impressed by the Company’s remarkable 130-year history of innovating, engineering, and manufacturing world-class products with the highest standards for quality, reliability, and performance.”
To ensure a smooth transition, Dan Miller will continue to serve in an advisory role until April 30, 2025.

B&H Worldwide Completes Helicopter Transport Project for Pacific Aircraft Services

Auckland, New Zealand – B&H Worldwide, the global leader in aerospace logistics, has successfully completed its first helicopter transport project for Pacific Aircraft Services, based in Christchurch, with the delivery of an Airbus H125 helicopter into New Zealand.

The complex international operation saw the new helicopter transported from Oslo, Norway (OSL) to Auckland, New Zealand (AKL), with expert coordination from B&H Worldwide’s Branch Manager in New Zealand, Lee Hedges. The aircraft was ultimately destined for Christchurch after reassembly and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) certification.

The journey began with ground transportation from Oslo to Brussels (BRU) where the helicopter was prepared for air freight. B&H Worldwide secured a PGA pallet with Singapore Airlines in Brussels to manage the freight booking. The helicopter was then flown on two Singapore Airlines freighter flights consecutively.

To ensure full compliance with international aviation safety standards, the helicopter was loaded and secured using B&H Worldwide’s proprietary helicopter transport guide. Following rigorous procedures and in collaboration with key stakeholders, the shipment was processed through multiple customs regimes before arriving safely in Auckland.

Due to strategic planning and real-time logistical coordination, the team secured an earlier flight connection in Singapore. This unexpected development resulted in the helicopter arriving in Auckland four days ahead of schedule, avoiding costly delays and enabling swift reassembly.

“This milestone project showcases B&H Worldwide’s capability and commitment to precision logistics in the aerospace sector,” said Lee Hedges, Branch Manager of B&H Worldwide in New Zealand. “From navigating international customs procedures to working closely with the customer and airline partners, our team executed this project with the highest level of detail and care. We’re proud to be supporting the growth of aviation in New Zealand with our Best-In-Class aerospace logistics services.”

Jack Murdoch, General Manager of Pacific Aircraft Services, added: “The timely arrival of this helicopter was crucial to our operations. Thanks to the expertise and responsiveness of the B&H team, we were able to move straight into the reassembly and certification phase without delay.”

B&H Worldwide continues to grow its specialist aerospace logistics capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region with this latest success marking a significant step in its operations in New Zealand.

Precision Aviation Group (PAG) Announces Peter Farley as Chief Legal Officer

Precision Aviation Group, Inc. (PAG), a global leader in aerospace and defense products and value-added services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter N. Farley as chief legal officer (CLO). In this capacity, Farley will oversee all legal and compliance matters across PAG’s worldwide operations.

Farley brings over three decades of legal expertise, having advised companies on complex legal and regulatory issues. He joins PAG from McGuireWoods, where he was a partner in the firm’s Atlanta office. His extensive legal background encompasses corporate governance, compliance, and risk management. Farley has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America and The Legal 500 United States for his legal excellence.

Prior to his tenure at McGuireWoods, Farley served as Vice President and General Counsel for Beaulieu Group LLC, one of North America’s largest privately held flooring manufacturers. During his 12-year tenure, he reduced the company’s federal and state litigation by more than 80 percent and managed a wide range of complex legal matters, including corporate finance, tax, product liability and compliance, employment and benefits, and intellectual property. He also oversaw the company’s code of ethics, compliance program, and internal audit department.

“We are thrilled to welcome Peter to the PAG leadership team,” said David Mast, president & CEO of PAG. “His expertise in corporate governance and regulatory compliance, along with his ability to serve as a strategic legal advisor, will be instrumental as we continue our global expansion and face increasing complexity in our operations.”

Farley holds a Bachelor of Arts from North Carolina State University and earned his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame Law School, where he served as executive articles editor for the Journal of Legislation.

“I’m honored to join PAG and look forward to contributing to its next phase of growth,” said Farley. “PAG’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and sound corporate governance aligns with my professional values. I’m excited to support the leadership team as we advance the company’s global initiatives.”

Boeing to Sell Portions of Digital Aviation Solutions to Thoma Bravo for $10.55 Billion

Boeing has entered into a definitive agreement to sell portions of its Digital Aviation Solutions business, including its Jeppesen, ForeFlight, AerData and OzRunways assets, to Thoma Bravo, a leading software investment firm. This all-cash transaction is valued at $10.55 billion.

Boeing will retain core digital capabilities that harness both aircraft and fleet-specific data to provide commercial and defense customers with fleet maintenance, diagnostics and repair services. This digital expertise will continue to provide predictive and prognostic maintenance insights.

“This transaction is an important component of our strategy to focus on core businesses, supplement the balance sheet and prioritize the investment grade credit rating,” said Kelly Ortberg, Boeing president and chief executive officer.

“This enables all parts of the digital portfolio to focus on their strengths,” said Chris Raymond, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Global Services. “Our commitment to meeting our customers’ needs is unwavering as we move forward with our core products and services to support their fleets.”

“We are proud to be investing in such an important technology platform in the broader aerospace and defense industry,” said Holden Spaht, a managing partner at Thoma Bravo. “With a heritage dating back to the 1930s, Jeppesen has been at the forefront of technological innovation for nearly a century. We are excited to build on this track record and power its next phase of growth.”

“The business has been through an impressive growth transformation in recent years and has strong momentum,” said Scott Crabill, a managing partner at Thoma Bravo. “Thoma Bravo has a long track record of backing leading technology companies in partnership with existing management. We look forward to supporting the company’s standalone growth objectives through strategic investments, operational best practices and a shared commitment to innovation and long-term value creation.”

Approximately 3,900 employees around the globe work in Boeing’s Digital Aviation Solutions organization, which includes elements of the business remaining within Boeing and those included in the sale. Boeing is working with Thoma Bravo to help ensure as seamless of a transition as possible for employees while continuing to meet the needs of customers in accordance with all obligations.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025 and is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.