Category: PRs

Aviator Airport Alliance (Aviator), the largest independent ground handling provider in the Nordic region and part of Avia Solutions Group, has signed a contract with Air France–KLM (AF/KL), a leading European airline group, covering nine airports across Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland.

The renewed stations include Copenhagen Airport (CPH), Helsinki Airport (HEL), and Stavanger Airport (SVG), where Aviator has maintained a long-term partnership with AF/KL. In addition, Aviator will expand operations to six new stations: Bergen (BGO), Trondheim (TRD), Kristiansand (KRS), Ålesund (AES), Tromsø (TOS), and Stockholm Arlanda (ARN).

“Aviator has been a valued and trusted partner throughout our Nordic operations for many years. This expanded agreement demonstrates our continued confidence in their capability to provide consistent and dependable performance,” said Martine Philipps, Regional Station Manager North Europe & CIS, Air France–KLM. “Ensuring reliable and efficient ground handling across our network is essential to maintaining strong on-time performance and a consistent passenger experience.”

In total, the full-scope ground handling and de-icing agreement covers approximately 14,000 annual departures. Operations will support a mixed fleet, including Embraer aircraft operated by KLM Cityhopper, as well as Boeing 737 and Airbus A319, A320, and A321neo aircraft.

“This agreement reflects both the strength of our long-standing partnership with Air France–KLM and our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality ground handling services across multiple markets,” said Casper Olhoff Dons, Chief Commercial Officer at Aviator. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration and supporting smooth and efficient operations across the region.”

As a full-range aviation service provider, Aviator is active at 15 airports throughout the Nordic region, serving major carriers including Norwegian, Lufthansa Group, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Finnair, Air France-KLM, and Turkish Airlines. The company is part of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI provider with operations spanning six continents and over 14,000 aviation professionals worldwide.

Sun European Partners, a private investment firm focused on investing and building lower middle market businesses, announced its affiliate has completed an investment in B&H Worldwide, adding to Sun European’s growing buy and build portfolio.

Founded in 1988, B&H provides comprehensive logistics solutions for the management of aviation & aerospace components of any size and any description, anywhere in the world. Headquartered at London Heathrow, B&H operates across the globe from their strategically located hubs, supported by highly specialized global AOG centers that allow them to be ready to provide industry leading support for all critical service needs, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“B&H has established itself as a trusted global logistics partner to the aerospace and aviation sector. We look forward to partnering with Stuart Allen and his team to execute on an M&A strategy within aviation logistics as well as across other specialist logistics verticals” said Gabriel Danielachvili, principal at Sun European Partners.

“This is an exciting milestone for our company. With the support of Sun European Partners, we will be able to continue investing in our team, our capabilities, and the services we provide to our customers. We’re proud of what we’ve built and look forward to the opportunities ahead.” said Stuart Allen, CEO and shareholder at B&H, who will remain actively involved and invested in the business going forward.

The 7th Aerospace & Defence MRO South Asia Summit 2026, held alongside MRO XPO India, Aircraft Interiors India, and Defence MRO XPO India, concluded on a high note in New Delhi, reaffirming India’s position as one of the fastest-growing aviation maintenance markets globally. The two-day event brought together key stakeholders from civil aviation, defense, global MRO organizations, airlines, lessors, OEMs, and policymakers, creating a powerful platform for dialogue, collaboration, and business engagement.

The event commenced with the inauguration of the co-located exhibitions, followed by a walkthrough of the exhibition floor featuring a diverse mix of domestic and international exhibitors across the MRO value chain. From leading global players to emerging Indian companies, the exhibition highlighted advancements in maintenance capabilities, aircraft interiors, logistics, infrastructure, and digital solutions, reflecting the sector’s transition towards a more integrated and future-ready ecosystem.

The Summit sessions addressed critical themes shaping the future of MRO in India and the region. Discussions on “Strong MRO, Safer Skies” emphasized the importance of regulatory oversight, quality standards, and skilled manpower in ensuring aviation safety amid rapid fleet expansion. Sessions on leasing and Power-by-the-Hour (PBH) models explored the evolving economics of maintenance, highlighting new risk-sharing frameworks and cost management strategies across the aviation lifecycle.

A key focus area was aerospace logistics, where industry leaders underscored the role of efficient supply chains, warehousing, and digital tracking in minimising aircraft-on-ground (AOG) time and improving turnaround efficiency. The Summit also highlighted the growing convergence between civil and defence MRO, with discussions centred on shared infrastructure, capability development, and the need for a unified approach to maintenance across sectors.

Digital transformation emerged as a central theme, with sessions on smart MRO and predictive maintenance showcasing the role of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and integrated software platforms in enhancing operational efficiency and compliance. In parallel, discussions on aircraft interiors emphasized the increasing importance of cabin upgrades, passenger experience, and sustainability in driving airline competitiveness.

The Summit also addressed one of the sector’s most pressing challenges, workforce development, with industry leaders calling for stronger training frameworks, industry-academia collaboration, and targeted initiatives to address the growing shortage of skilled engineers and technicians.

The event culminated in a prestigious Gala Awards Night, recognizing excellence across the MRO ecosystem. Key honors included the Training & Skill Development Excellence Award for GMR School of Aviation, MRO Infrastructure Support Partner of the Year for Gandhi Automation, and Aerospace Logistics Provider of the Year for DHL. Air India Group was recognized for Innovation in Passenger Experience, while Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) and SkyPulse Solutions IFSC Pvt Ltd were honored in the leasing categories.

Global recognition included Lufthansa Technik Middle East as International MRO Partner of the Year, alongside awards for HEICO Aerospace, Fokker Services Group, and HAECO for their contributions to component support, engineering, and aftermarket solutions. At the national level, AI Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) was named Best MRO of India 2026, while Safran received MRO of the Year (Commercial Aviation).

Special recognitions included the Champion of Civil–Defence Convergence Award for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Lifetime Achievement Award – Defence for Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia, and the Lifetime Achievement Award for Saket Chaturvedi. The prestigious Diamond in the Sky Award was conferred upon Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Hon’ble Governor of Goa, for his contribution to India’s civil aviation sector.

The event concluded with strong industry participation, active business discussions, and renewed commitment from stakeholders to accelerate the development of a globally competitive MRO ecosystem in India.

As India continues to expand its aviation footprint, the Aerospace & Defence MRO South Asia Summit 2026 has reinforced the need for coordinated efforts across policy, infrastructure, technology, and talent to position the country as a preferred global destination for MRO services.

Direct Maintenance to provide contracted line maintenance support for Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft at Dublin Airport from 1 January 2026.

Direct Maintenance, operating under the brand name Magnetic Line, has secured a line maintenance agreement with American Airlines to support the airline’s Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 operations at Dublin Airport (DUB) from 1 January 2026.

The agreement includes full technical handling services with ETOPS support. American Airlines operates approximately one to two daily flights to Dublin during winter, increasing to up to five daily flights in summer.

“As the largest independent Part-145 maintenance provider in Dublin, American Airlines represents a strategic addition to our client portfolio,” said James Dyer, station manager at Direct Maintenance Dublin. “Supporting up to five daily wide-body operations during peak season requires significant technical capability and operational flexibility.”

To support the contract, Dublin’s station will relocate to a larger facility at the airport, with expanded storage and office spaces. The local engineering team will be increased to meet operation requirements.

“American Airlines operates one of the most demanding schedules in the industry, and we’re proud to have been entrusted to perform line maintenance that directly impacts their operational performance,” said Getter Kägu, commercial representative at Direct Maintenance. “This agreement validates our technical capabilities and represents a significant milestone in our growth.”

Liebherr-Aerospace is planning to expand its site in Lindenberg (Germany) in order to meet the continuing upward trend in the aviation industry. The company will create more space for the assembly of its products and customer service activities. The plan also includes a new office building on the factory premises. Liebherr-Aerospace is also looking for qualified employees to strengthen the team.

Liebherr-Aerospace is planning to invest again in its site in Lindenberg. The expansion, which was planned years ago, is set to begin in 2026. The company sees the need to meet the rapidly increasing demands of the aviation market and is therefore preparing to expand its customer service and assembly areas by around 6,000 m². The current administration building, the oldest building on the site, is to make way and provide the necessary space for the extension. The plan also includes the expansion of the company’s employees’ restaurant.

The expansion project also includes a new office building. With an area of approx. 10,000 m2, Liebherr-Aerospace is planning to create a correspondingly large complex in order to be able to react flexibly to future space requirements.

As usual, Liebherr is planning its buildings according to the latest standards – e.g. heat recovery as a heating method and a green roof with photovoltaic systems. “We are working on solutions for more environmentally friendly aviation, and this consequently includes more environmentally friendly production and state-of-the-art ecological construction measures,” emphasized Martin Wandel, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS.

Increasing repair orders due to Airbus A350 fleet

In addition to the constantly growing demand for new aircraft and state-of-the-art technical solutions, the demand for MRO services (maintenance, repair, overhaul) is also increasing in the aviation industry. Overhauls are carried out regularly in all aircraft programs according to defined conditions – depending on the respective product and the associated operation route or duration of use.

In the case of the Airbus A350 fleet, the ramp-up of these MRO activities is scheduled for the next few years. In addition to the slat actuation system, Liebherr-Aerospace also developed and is manufacturing the nose landing gear for this aircraft. It is the largest landing gear produced in Lindenberg and therefore also requires the most space for carrying out customer service activities.

“There is currently a lot of positive movement in our industry, and we respond for the benefit of our customers. We consider ourselves lucky that we have so much work to do – and we need the space to do it,” explained Gerd Heinzelmann, Managing Director at Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH.

Liebherr-Aerospace is looking for employees

Parallel to the growth of the aerospace industry, the need for space is increasing, as well as for motivated employees. “Lindenberg is the cradle of our aerospace and transportation technology product segment. We have been working for the aviation industry for just over 65 years, and we want to continue to strengthen our local footprint – to do this, we need more employees. We live in a very attractive region where we can work and develop, manufacture and support cutting-edge technology for aviation – whether for aircraft, helicopters or advanced air mobility. An ideal combination,” said Philipp Walter, Managing Director at Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH. The company is looking for skilled employees, particularly in the production and assembly areas as well as in customer service, with around 270 vacancies.

ATEQ Aviation, a global leader in aeronautical test equipment, today announced the strategic acquisition of the T-RX avionics testing solution (formerly owned by CCX Technologies). This move significantly expands ATEQ’s offering to the sector, merging world-class air data testing with advanced avionics diagnostics to better serve the aircraft maintenance industry.

The T-RX is a compact, highly reliable tester widely recognized for its performance in radio, pulsatory, and GPS testing. By integrating this technology, ATEQ Aviation now offers a unified testing environment that pairs its renowned ADSE series Air Data Test Sets with a versatile avionics testing platform.

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A Unified Solution for Regulatory Compliance

This integration allows Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organizations to perform comprehensive 14 CFR 91.411 and 91.413 compliance testing within a single, streamlined workflow. These critical inspections are essential for aircraft certification and ensuring continued airworthiness.

The combination of ATEQ’s ADSE series and the T-RX tester delivers several key advantages:

•          Comprehensive Testing: Simultaneous pitot-static and avionics verification.

•          Operational Efficiency: Accelerated timelines for scheduled inspections and certifications.

•          Reduced Footprint: Fewer individual tools required on the hangar floor, simplifying logistics.

•          Proven Accuracy: Reliable data from a globally trusted manufacturer with a deep pedigree in aviation safety.

“Integrating the T-RX solution into our range of products represents a natural evolution of ATEQ Aviation’s strategy,” said Gabriel Nativel, ATEQ Aviation Global Director. “By combining our industry-leading Air Data Test Sets with a high-performance avionics tester, we provide maintenance professionals with a more complete, efficient, and confident solution for their daily operations.”

This acquisition reinforces ATEQ Aviation’s mission to deliver innovative, reliable testing solutions that help operators maintain the highest safety standards while optimizing operational costs.

AerFin, the aviation asset specialist that buys, sells, leases and repairs aircraft, engines and parts, has completed the sale of an Airbus A330 airframe to the parts trading arm of an airline, supporting the availability of used serviceable material across the global aftermarket.

As airlines and parts traders look to secure dependable sources of material, A330 airframes continue to play an important role in sustaining fleets and managing cost pressures. AerFin’s experience across widebody platforms enables it to place airframes where they can deliver the greatest operational value.

Auvinash Narayen, Chief Investment Officer at AerFin, said: “Widebody airframes remain an important source of material for the industry, particularly for platforms with a long operational life ahead of them. This sale reflects our ability to place assets with customers who understand how to maximise their value.”

The transaction demonstrates AerFin’s ability to support the full asset lifecycle and its continued focus on keeping aircraft and parts in use.

Fokker Services Group has been awarded “STC Provider of the Year” at MRO XPO 2026, presented during MRO XPO India, which took place in Delhi on March 11–12. The award recognizes outstanding contribution and performance in the development and delivery of Airbus and Boeing Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) solutions for airlines in the South Asia region.

The award is particularly meaningful as the winners are selected through voting by airlines operating in the region. It reflects the trust Airbus and Boeing operators place in Fokker Services Group’s engineering expertise and the successful completion of STC projects supporting fleet performance, compliance and operational efficiency.

As an independent engineering and certification specialist, Fokker Services Group provides airlines with a flexible and competitive alternative to OEM solutions. The company continues to expand its STC portfolio with technologies addressing emerging aviation challenges, including solutions designed to mitigate GNSS jamming and spoofing, an increasingly critical issue affecting aircraft navigation and operational safety.

Vincent Jansen, Sales Manager at Fokker Services Group, commented:
“Receiving the STC Provider of the Year award is a strong recognition of the work our teams have delivered for airlines in the South Asia region. The fact that this award is based on votes from operators makes it especially meaningful, as it reflects their satisfaction with the projects we have successfully completed together. We see this as an encouraging foundation to further expand our presence in the region with new STC solutions, including technologies addressing challenges such as GNSS jamming and spoofing. We would like to thank the airlines who voted for us and the organizers of the MRO XPO South Asia Awards for making this recognition possible.”

Fokker Services Group remains committed to supporting the global aviation industry with high-quality certification expertise and innovative aircraft modification solutions.