De Havilland Canada and Avincis have signed an agreement for customer-focused initiatives in support of the CL-215, CL-215T, CL-415 and the De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515) aircraft in Europe and Morocco, where Avincis will be one of De Havilland’s key suppliers and partners available to customers for MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) services in those regions.
The agreement means that De Havilland will be able to leverage Avnicis’ engineering and certification expertise to develop supplemental type certificates (STCs) design and obsolescence modifications for the family of CL aircraft. In addition, Avincis-led modification opportunities will be developed in partnership with De Havilland Canada for waterbomber aircraft for customers, which will subsequently be included in De Havilland’s aftermarket parts catalogue.
In preparation for this increased activity, Avincis is designing a new dedicated hangar precinct on its site at Albacete airport in Spain where there will be additional capacity for De Havilland Canada De Havilland Canada aircraft maintenance and modification work.
John Boag, Avincis group chief executive officer, said: “We are proud that De Havilland has chosen us as a partner for MRO and modifications in Europe and Morocco. This is a testament to our robust MRO network and capability in Europe where we are the largest provider of emergency aerial services. It also reflects the experience we have built up over 20 years of operating and maintaining the world’s largest fleet of 23 Canadairs.”
“We are very pleased to be working more closely with Avincis. They bring deep experience with the CL aircraft and have a strong presence in Europe, making them an excellent fit for us,” said Brian Chafe, CEO of De Havilland Canada. “This partnership strengthens our global network while helping us better support operators, advance our waterbomber fleet, and accelerate the introduction of select DHC-515 solutions to our CL-415 operators through this STC process.”
The platform helps airlines and MROs reduce costly aircraft-on-ground delays and excess inventory by using specialized AI to optimize sourcing across global aviation supply chains.
Estonian-founded SkySelect, an AI-powered procurement platform transforming how airlines and maintenance providers source aircraft parts, has secured $9 million in funding.
Airlines face mounting pressure to modernize legacy procurement systems that leave them holding approximately $50 billion in excess parts inventory globally.
When aircraft are grounded due to missing components, airlines scramble to procure parts through manual, fragmented processes that can take days or weeks. Aircraft-on-ground (AOG) incidents, where a plane is grounded waiting for parts, cost airlines around $30 billion each year. Airlines also carry more than $10 billion in excess inventory.
Advancements in procurement technology are enabling airlines and maintenance, repair, and overhaul organizations (MROs) to reduce the number of shipments by up to 30 per cent while keeping fewer parts in stock. This minimizes logistics costs and reduces carbon emissions, making operations more sustainable.
SkySelect pioneered the application of AI to aviation parts procurement before AI became ubiquitous in marketplace technology. Unlike generalized large language models, SkySelect’s platform employs specialized AI to match aircraft part requests with optimal suppliers across its network of thousands of vendors worldwide, providing real-time market visibility. This targeted approach enables just-in-time procurement, building operational resilience while reducing the need for costly safety stock.
The company also partners with major ERP solution providers to streamline the end-to-end part procurement process through seamless integrations.
Since its launch, SkySelect has processed over $6 billion in transactions, with $1.3 billion completed in 2025 alone.
The company is currently landing approximately one new major client per month, with recent additions including JetBlue, Sun Country Airlines, Air Transport Services Group, Widerøe, and Vueling.
Verb Ventures and RockCreek co-led the round, with participation from SmartCap Green Fund, funded by the European Union NextGenerationEU, and existing investors Bain Capital Ventures and Lux Capital.
Erkki Brakmann, chief executive officer and co-founder of SkySelect, shared: “Legacy procurement systems and processes are fundamentally broken. Airlines invest over $40 billion annually in aircraft parts while simultaneously carrying $50 billion in excess inventory — a massive inefficiency that our AI-driven platform directly addresses. This growth funding validates both our early-mover advantage in applying AI to aviation procurement and the tangible value we’re delivering to customers.”
Alexander Chikunov, founding partner at Verb Ventures, says: “SkySelect exemplifies the kind of B2B platform we back: a platform that brings transparency to opaque supply chains through data and automation. This new funding positions SkySelect to capture a larger share of the $40 billion aircraft materials market.”
Anahita Smeets, managing director at RockCreek, says: “RockCreek invests in AI and innovative companies that deliver both economic value and operational resilience. SkySelect addresses a critical bottleneck in aviation by using AI to match supply and demand for parts. With airlines facing billions in losses from aircraft-on-ground delays and excess inventory, we believe SkySelect’s platform offers a compelling solution at scale.”
The investment will be used to enhance its AI sourcing and procurement optimisation tools, helping airlines and MROs build a more reliable, predictable, and sustainable supply chain. SkySelect plans to hire across product development, data science, and customer success in its offices in the USA, India, and Estonia.
Nottingham, U. K.-based engineering firm Scintam is bringing its FastEDR technology to DPRTE 2026 in Farnborough, offering live demonstrations of a machine that’s modernizng how engineering teams deal with one of the most persistent challenges in maintenance: the safe removal of seized fasteners.
Powered by electrical discharge machining technology, FastEDR removes seized fasteners without heat, force or chemicals. CEO Duncan Kerr and CTO Pete Woodsmith will run the demonstrations and will be available to answer questions.
The Problem
Seized fasteners are a constant — and costly — challenge across defence platforms. Current removal methods, such as hand-drilling and pneumatic tools, are unpredictable, risk damaging high-value components, and can lead to extended downtime — grounding assets that are needed in service.
The Solution
FastEDR is portable, non-destructive, and works in situ, delivering consistent processing times regardless of fastener condition.
Traditional removal methods also pose a direct risk to the technicians that carry them out, exposing them to vibration, repetitive strain, swarf hazards, and long-term conditions such as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), commonly known as white finger.
Steven Maclaren, a former Royal Navy aircraft engineer with 22 years’ service across rotary-wing platforms and now a Board Advisor at Scintam, has experienced these risks first-hand.
“Twelve-hour shifts holding pneumatic drills at awkward angles, with continuous vibration and cold air exposure — over time, these conditions can lead to lasting injury,” says Maclaren. FastEDR, Maclaren notes, “significantly reduces that exposure and improves efficiency while protecting the next generation of maintainers.”
At the Stand
Visitors can watch live demonstrations of seized screws being removed using the FastEDR machine, and speak directly with Duncan Kerr and Pete Woodsmith about specific maintenance challenges.
“The feedback we’ve had is that the live demonstrations are far more impactful than a video – people are struck by how easy and simple it is,” says Kerr. “But we also want to listen and learn about the problems people are dealing with and where we can help.”
Vision and Ambition
Scintam is a small business with big ambitions. “In the next few years, I see hundreds of FastEDR machines all around the world,” says Kerr, “in both commercial and defense applications.” The company is also looking to partner with prime contractors and defense organizations to develop tailored solutions for their specific maintenance challenges.
Astronautics Corporation of America is providing its AeroSync Mission internet connectivity system and cellular data plan to Life Link III as an aftermarket solution for their AW119 helicopters. Life Link III delivers critical care air medical transport for patients requiring immediate access to advanced medical facilities across Minnesota and Wisconsin and across the Upper Midwest.
Designed specifically for mission-critical operations, Astronautics’ AeroSync Mission enables in-air, air-to-ground, and on-ground Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, transforming airborne connectivity from a limitation into a clinical and operational advantage. The system delivers a secure wireless hotspot designed to meet OEM-level standards for cybersecurity, quality, and reliability.
For air ambulance operators, AeroSync Mission supports faster decision making, improved coordination, and better preparedness upon arrival by enabling seamless data transfer between air medical crews and receiving trauma teams. By providing uninterrupted access to clinical information during transport, the system helps ensure that hospitals are prepared before the aircraft touches down—when minutes matter most.
With always-on connectivity enabled by AeroSync Mission, Life Link III leverages Playback Health, a next-generation clinical scribe platform that offers ambient dictation designed to streamline the clinical documentation process. AeroSync also opens the door to endless possibilities including patient data exchange, telehealth, and an added layer of communication in the event of communications failure.
“For air ambulance operators, reliable connectivity isn’t a convenience — it’s a critical enabler of patient care,” said Matthew Frei, director of Connected Aircraft Solutions at Astronautics. “Installing AeroSync Mission on Life Link III’s AW119 fleet removes one of the biggest barriers to digital care in the air, delivering continuous, secure connectivity without adding complexity for flight crews or maintenance teams. This installation also marks the expansion of our small, lightweight, all-in-one connectivity system from an OEM-only offering to a flexible aftermarket solution for operators seeking to modernize existing aircraft.”
Astronautics supports AeroSync Mission operators with a subscription-based cellular data plan, offering global connectivity through partnerships with internet service providers across numerous international markets. This approach provides operators with a streamlined and cost-effective way to maintain connectivity both in the air and on the ground, while simplifying IT management across the fleet. AeroSync wireless devices have achieved regulatory certification for cellular and Wi-Fi operation in the United States and many countries worldwide.
Optional AeroSync Mission features include video streaming, video storage, aircraft data collection and export, and engine data diagnostic services. Astronautics specializes in customizing connectivity solutions to meet specific operator requirements, enabling scalable digital health and operational initiatives across air medical fleets.
Kontron, provider of IoT/Embedded Computer Technology (ECT), announces the availability of the Kontron HARAKAN-F2-2 mission computer. Integrating the latest generation of Intel Xeon-D processors, Kontron’s new defense platform delivers VPX server-class performance, reliability and scalability for the most demanding defense use cases. These include AI, sensor fusion, cyber secure Tactical Gateways and real time analytics. The HARAKAN will be on display at Embedded World 2026, held from March 10–12 in Nuremberg, Germany.
Designed and manufactured in Europe, with full control over design, production and long-term support at a single site, HARAKAN-F2-2 benefits from a controlled and transparent supply chain, strong configuration management and long-term program continuity. The system is ITAR- and BAFA-free, enabling broader deployment flexibility across international defense programs.
Built on a modular architecture integrating VPX building blocks aligned to the SOSA® technical standard, HARAKAN-F2-2 allows systems integrators to develop VPX-based defense applications faster with reduced risks.
Sébastien Vitre, Kontron product manager, Rugged Systems, said: “With the latest HARAKAN variant, defense integrators can run multiple mission-critical applications at the edge –securely and reliably – even in the harshest environments. The platform combines high-performance compute with configuration flexibility, allowing customers to address evolving mission requirements – from tactical edge processing to complex, virtualized sensor fusion environments – while maintaining upgrade paths across the program lifecycle. With additional configurations under development, including GPU variants, the HARAKAN family is expanding into a complete portfolio for edge AI, multi-sensor fusion and accelerated analytics.”
The SWaP-optimized VPX form factor includes two 3U VPX slots, providing the flexibility to adapt processing, networking and I/O capabilities to evolving mission needs. Integrated cybersecurity features –including hardware root of trust, secure boot and system monitoring tools –help ensure mission integrity from power-on through operational deployment.
The Kontron HARAKAN-F2-2 is available now and offers a minimum product lifecycle of 10 years. Services are available to notify customers of significant changes to monitored frozen configurations and to ensure production beyond the product end‑of‑life date. Warranty extensions of up to five years are also available.
Platinum Tooling, an importer and master distributor of live tools, angle heads, Swiss machine products, knurling tools and marking tools manufactured by various international suppliers has a new sales representative firm. Located in Conway, South Carolina, Sellers Marketing offers high quality cutting tools, work holding and tool holding solutions in the Southeastern United States.
Founded in 2014 as a technical firm with engineers from job shops, the addition of Application Sales Engineers has been key to its success. These team members include David Sellers (key accounts and Georgia), John Huggins (Western North Carolina and Tennessee), Justin Sellers (Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia), Lee Sellers (Northeastern Georgia, Eastern North Carolina and Eastern South Carolina) and John Paquette (Alabama).
David Sellers said that the company serves all industries in the Southeast, “as we consider the region a ‘mixed bag’ of all industries, predominantly featuring job shops and privately owned production shops.”
Regarding its working relationships, Sellers highlighted that, “Our team engages all sectors of the channel. We work from OEMs down and from end users up.”
Lastly, Sellers expressed his excitement at working with Platinum Tooling, stating, “Platinum Tooling brings to our firm tooling that we did not have with our other product offering. Additionally, the diverse offering at Platinum allows my engineers to feel confident that they have an added solution to success.”
Embraer and the Mahindra Group today announced plans to work towards establishing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capability in India for the C-390 Millennium upon selection in the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. The two companies signed a strategic cooperation agreement (SCA) in October 2025 to produce the C-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft in India. This collaboration aims to support the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, with plans to establish local manufacturing strengthening the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The C‑390 Millennium is the most modern military transport aircraft in its class, offering a payload capacity of up to 26 tons and higher speed and range compared to other medium‑sized military transport aircraft. It is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, airdrop operations, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions. The aircraft can operate from temporary or unpaved runways and may be configured for air‑to‑air refueling, both as a tanker and as a receiver. The in‑service fleet has demonstrated a mission completion rate above 99 percent, highlighting its productivity and reliability.
The proposed MRO facility will provide comprehensive in‑country maintenance and sustainment for the C‑390 fleet, supporting high levels of operational readiness and availability. The initiative reinforces the companies’ joint commitment to positioning the C‑390 Millennium as a strong solution for India’s future medium transport aircraft requirements.
“Embraer is committed to delivering not only a world‑class aircraft, but also a robust, long‑term support ecosystem tailored to India’s operational and industrial requirements,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
“A state‑of‑the‑art C‑390 Millennium MRO capability in India would ensure high aircraft availability, enhanced operational autonomy and a comprehensive local sustainment solution for the Indian Air Force throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle,” said Vinod Sahay, member of the group executive board, Mahindra Group.
The proposed MRO capability is expected to deliver a full spectrum of services, including base and heavy maintenance, structural inspections and testing, component repair and overhaul, avionics support, and training.
“Embraer and Mahindra, intends to expand collaboration with Indian Aerospace companies to drive higher localisation of C-390 Millenium and also to support MRO activities, reinforcing our commitment to the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat’,” said Carlos Naufel, president and CEO of Embraer Services & Support of Embraer. “In addition to fleet support, this new facility could create high‑skill employment and further contribute to the integration of Indian companies into Embraer’s global supply chain.”
While the primary objective of the MRO is to support the Indian Air Force fleet, Embraer is also evaluating the potential for India to serve as a regional MRO hub, providing sustainment services for other C-390 Millennium operators in the future.
The C-390 Millennium has been selected by the air forces of Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania.
Embraer has a longstanding presence in India, with nearly 50 aircraft across 11 different types currently in operation in the country in commercial, defense, and business aviation roles. In the defense segment, the ERJ145 platform serves as the basis for the Indian Air Force’s “Netra” AEW&C aircraft, while the Legacy 600 is operated by the Indian Air Force and the Border Security Force (BSF) for the transportation of government officials and VIPs.
Dedienne Aerospace announced that they have signed a five-year pricing agreement to provide maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade support with Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems.
Dedienne Aerospace is a participant in the Lockheed Martin Product Support Provider network (PSPn), supporting F-35 non-air vehicle products such as aircraft ground support equipment, pilot simulators and information technology equipment in Belgium.
The Boeing Company announced a contract award from the U.S. Air Force that will keep the C‑17A Globemaster III flying and mission-ready for decades to come.
The contract provides for the design, manufacture, integration, qualification and military certification of a modernized flight deck for the C‑17A. The program replaces critical avionics and mission essential equipment with modern, modular open systems architecture (MOSA) that enables plug‑and‑play enhancements and ensures the fleet can adopt new capabilities rapidly and affordably.
“The C‑17A has been the backbone of global air mobility for over three decades,” said Travis Williams, Vice President of United States Air Force Mobility & Training Services, Boeing. “With the U.S. Air Force requirement to keep the C-17A viable through 2075, we already have a clear and achievable roadmap to support their needs, and the needs of our international partners around the globe. By resolving avionics obsolescence and introducing MOSA, we’re preserving a proven, highly dependable, heavy airlifter and keeping it at the forefront of performance and efficiency for decades to come.”
Boeing delivered 275 C‑17A aircraft between 1993 and 2015. The Air Force received 222 and our international partners received 53, forming what is now a well-established fully integrated virtual fleet support system across nine partner nations.
Aviation safety equipment maintenance is the backbone of pilot safety and overall mission success. There is no room for errors in military aviation, since the entire team relies on the aircraft for missions. Ejection seats, life support systems, seatbelts and other types of equipment are essential to the pilot’s safety and success, so finding the best maintenance service provider is crucial.
The Importance of Military Aviation Safety Equipment Maintenance
The pressure on military aviation safety equipment maintenance has increased in recent years. With the rise of new technology, technicians are experiencing significant shortages and skill gaps. New technology also clashes with legacy systems, hindering the integration of both machines. External factors also disrupt the supply chain. Maintenance is even more crucial as teams try to remain up to date with new technology and adapt to the current military aviation environment.
How to Maintain Aviation Safety Equipment
Maintaining aviation safety equipment is essential as pilot safety and mission success remain at the forefront. Proactive maintenance is the key factor because it goes beyond following the necessary procedures. Managing risks and optimizing availability improve overall safety, helping limit accidents during missions by addressing potential problems.
A specific way to improve proactive maintenance is by collecting more nuanced metrics. Conducting studies of operational availability and risk assessment frameworks involves more complex data that alerts technicians to areas of improvement right away. Beyond that, performing scheduled, routine and overhaul checks greatly improves safety equipment as well. Airline maintenance directors want to avoid unscheduled fixes caused by errors, so regular checks are necessary.
While maintaining aviation safety equipment, it is essential to comply with regulations. Proactive maintenance should involve checking the FAA’s guidelines if the director operates in the United States. There are aviation regulations for other countries, too. Rules are there for the pilot and team’s safety, as well as to ensure the mission’s success. A maintenance provider can help ensure compliance.
Who Are the Top Maintenance Providers for Military Aviation Safety Equipment?
To perform maintenance accurately and safely, it is a good idea to hire a maintenance provider. The provider must demonstrate robust, specialized knowledge of military aviation safety equipment to enhance efficiency. Below are the top maintenance providers for military aviation safety equipment.
1. HRD Aero Systems
HRD Aero Systems is the top maintenance provider for military aviation safety equipment. It offers 24-hour Aircraft on Ground (AOG) service that is rapid and reliable. The partner adheres to FAA, EASA and DOT standards. Its services include overhaul and repair of fire extinguishers, oxygen system servicing and PMA parts.
2. Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace provides global services of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) quality. Its services include conducting repairs, providing repair parts and testing equipment calibrations. The provider offers support numbers for its various services on the website.
3. Gables Engineering
Gables Engineering performs repairs from several offices and headquarters. It provides AOG support 24 hours a day and features global warehouses. The provider also offers a fixed-repair contract option to enhance turnaround time.
4. SCHROTH
SCHROTH manufactures safety products for the aviation industry, including several different seatbelts. Its products meet many safety standards, and its technicians continually stay up to date with the latest technology. For making replacements during a repair, SCHROTH is a great option.
5. Martin-Baker
Martin-Baker offers maintenance, repair and overhaul services. It has a customer-first approach, featuring customer training for aviation equipment. The partner has several global facilities and service centers to reach a broad customer base. Some of its products include ejection technology, safe seats and crashworthy items.
6. Safe Flight Instrument
Safe Flight Instrument makes safety products for aviation machinery. It performs in-house repairs for customers, using its original parts, procedures and drawings to provide the best solution. When the partner completes repairs, it ensures the final product aligns with the current regulatory requirements and the latest technology.
7. AmSafe
AmSafe delivers repair and overhaul services to its clients. The technicians are highly trained and experienced in dealing with aviation safety equipment. Its products include restraints and seat belts. The partner utilizes the latest technology to ensure reliable repairs.
Selection Methodology
The partners were selected according to careful research of their website, services and specific contributions to aviation safety equipment maintenance. The ranking is based on a comparison between their key features, including each provider’s services, standards and support systems.
Comparing Top Maintenance Providers
To help maintenance directors and decision-makers quickly compare providers, the following table summarizes key features.
Provider
Services
Standards
Support
HRD Aero Systems
Overhaul and repair of fire extinguisher, oxygen system serving and PMA parts
FAA, EASA and DOT standards
24-hour AOG service
Collins Aerospace
Repairs, repair parts and test equipment calibration
OEM quality
Support numbers for different services
Gables Engineering
Repairs and fixed repair contracts
Simple and fast
AOG support 24 hours a day
SCHROTH
Safety products
Many safety standards
Developing constantly to improve
Martin-Baker
Maintenance, repair and overhaul
Crashworthy items
Customer-first approach with training
Safe Flight Instrument
Safety products and in-house repairs
Current regulations
Many numbers and emails to contact the repair station
AmSafe
Repair and overhaul
High-quality
Experienced technicians
Safety Maintenance in the Future
Looking ahead, the future of safety maintenance may rely more on technology than it already does. Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics will work together to transform maintenance scheduling and diagnostics, catching issues before human counterparts do. Pilots may also start wearing suits that monitor their health and performance. Smart technology, like these inventions, represents the future of safety maintenance.
Safety Is the Top Priority
Military aviation safety equipment maintenance is crucial to mission success and pilot safety. Airline maintenance directors, military equipment procurers and any other authorized personnel should be meticulous about which provider they choose to partner with for repairs and other services. Safety should always be the top priority, especially in aviation.
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