Category: PRs

Building a Sustainable Future for Aircraft Teardown in China

By Paul Ashcroft, SVP Asia-Pacific, AerFin

China’s aviation industry is entering a pivotal decade. A younger fleet, progressing towards mid-life, rising operational pressures and a renewed push for sustainability are converging to reshape how airlines think about material use and end-of-life strategies. Nowhere is that shift more visible than in the rapid growth of China’s aircraft teardown and recycling sector.

This momentum isn’t happening in isolation. Airlines across the region are navigating escalating maintenance costs, ongoing shop visit availability issues, and long-term and structural supply chain constraints. New parts remain expensive and, in many cases, are difficult to secure. Geopolitical tensions and tariffs continue to influence material flows. Against that backdrop, operators are looking for lower-cost solutions that keep aircraft flying, protect asset value, and support long-term resilience.

That’s where Used Serviceable Material (USM) is beginning to play a far greater role.

As operators face the realities of cost pressure and supply shortages, USM is increasingly viewed as a strategic tool. Airlines are now actively exploring USM to reduce downtime, manage operational risk, and create more predictable maintenance pathways. Confidence is rising, supported by a maturing supply chain and the assurance that strict Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) controls maintain the highest levels of safety and traceability.

This shift aligns with a broader national focus: On a number of occasions at the recent USM conference in Jinan I heard mention of an ambition in China to reuse or recycle more than 90% of materials from retired aircraft. Achieving that goal requires commitment, scale and collaboration. The country’s teardown capacity is expanding quickly, but meeting future demand will depend on a well-connected ecosystem that can handle both the straightforward and the complex.

Not all components are equal when it comes to recycling. The materials of a typical A320ceo aircraft consist of approximately 70% aluminium and 10% steel, by weight, and these are widely recyclable. However, cabin interiors, carbon fibre composites and other specialised materials still require deeper industry cooperation and, in some areas, new technologies to ensure they can be responsibly recycled.

As fleets mature and retirements accelerate, and with newer fleets having a greater composite composition, these challenges will become more pressing.

International partnerships will be essential. Access to global USM supply is already helping Chinese operators smooth over the gaps created by supply chain volatility. It also provides the quality, documentation, and reliability needed to build long-term confidence. The airlines that succeed will be those that combine strong in-country capacity with relationships that open up the best of the worldwide aftermarket.

AerFin plays an active role in that progress. Our deep experience in complex teardowns and transactions helps customers navigate challenging decisions with confidence, and our meticulous focus on quality ensures they receive material they can rely on. Sustainability sits at the heart of our business model, so our approach to recycling and resource recovery ensures every asset delivers value throughout its life while supporting the circular principles central to China’s aviation strategy.

The way ahead is clear. China’s teardown and recycling market is expanding, and its airlines are recognising the economic and environmental value of USM. With confident, reliable and progressive partnerships in place, the region is well placed to build a highly efficient, resource-conscious ecosystem that supports growth and strengthens resilience.

For operators, this moment represents an opportunity to rethink how assets are managed, how supply limitations are navigated, and how sustainability is embedded into long-term planning. For the aftermarket, it’s a chance to support that transformation with reliable, traceable, and cost-effective material solutions that keep fleets moving forward.

New Zealand – Two Airbus H145 rescue helicopters have arrived in New Zealand, marking a major milestone in the fleet renewal programme for the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust and operator GCH Aviation, with international transportation managed by global aerospace logistics specialist B&H Worldwide.

The helicopters, configured for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operations, were transported from Zurich, Switzerland, to Christchurch, following a carefully coordinated international logistics operation. Once fully commissioned, the aircraft will support emergency medical, accident response, inter-hospital transfer and search-and-rescue missions across the Canterbury, West Coast, Nelson and Marlborough regions, where rescue helicopters respond to more than 1,700 missions each year.

The arrival of the Airbus H145 helicopters represents a significant upgrade in capability and reliability. The aircraft will replace the long-serving BK117 fleet and form part of a standardised H145 fleet operated by GCH Aviation across the upper South Island.

Equipped for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations and night vision compatibility, the helicopters feature advanced avionics, rescue hoists, specialised stretchers and auto-hover technology to support complex winching operations, including over water. Larger cabins, improved flight stability and enhanced medical layouts will further support patient care and crew safety.

Four H145 helicopters have been purchased with three now delivered. The first of these helicopters, delivered in August, entered service on 15 December 2025, with the remaining aircraft expected to become operational progressively through 2026, following reassembly, testing and commissioning.

The international movement of the aircraft was managed by B&H Worldwide, specialists in aerospace logistic services. The helicopters were transported by road from REGA – Schweizerische Rettungsflugwacht Rega-Center at Zurich Airport to Frankfurt, before being flown via Hong Kong to Auckland. Following customs clearance, the helicopters were transported by road to Christchurch, with final delivery to the GCH Aviation Air Rescue Base completed on schedule.

Christine Prince, Chief Executive Officer of the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, said: “Bringing these helicopters into service has been an enormous undertaking, but our communities deserve a world-class rescue helicopter service. These new aircraft will significantly enhance the care and support we can provide to people in their most critical moments.”

Declan Smiddy, Chief Executive Officer of GCH Aviation, said: “The H145 helicopters represent a major advancement for our operations. Their IFR capability and advanced avionics will allow crews to fly more often, in more challenging conditions, improving both safety and service availability.”

Lee Hedges, Branch Manager of B&H Worldwide New Zealand, said: “The transportation of emergency response aircraft requires precision, coordination and absolute reliability. We are proud to have supported the Trust and GCH Aviation by delivering these helicopters safely and on time, helping to enable vital life-saving services.”

The helicopter acquisition has been supported by community fundraising, Principal Sponsor Westpac New Zealand, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, ACC, and government contractor HEMS New Zealand, with ongoing fundraising continuing to support commissioning and advanced crew training.

Broomfield, CO./ 29 December 2025 – Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO) has successfully completed flight testing and validation of its 5G air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity network for North American customers. The test teamcompleted more than 30 hours of flying across almost 20 routes to confirm that the full capabilities of the first ever 5G tower network are ready to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity to operators flying in contiguous North America and Southern Canada in January 2026.  

The comprehensive test campaign optimized well-established techniques to confirm the network’s resilience and potential. As the flight tests rolled out several trials, the 5G network delivered high-speed broadband speeds of more than 80Mbps download and 20Mbps upload which allowed streaming, and internet browsing simultaneously. 

With the network meeting and exceeding expectations, Gogo has onboarded its first paying customer, with a further 450 pre-provisioned aircraft poised to take advantage of the highly anticipated service in January of 2026 and onwards. 

Chris Moore, CEO, Gogo, explains, “We talk a lot about milestones, and this is really an exceptional one for Gogo. While we have had delays, we are now focused on delivering a brand-new broadband ATG service to our customers that will satisfy data-hungry flyers within North America as they access streaming services on the new ATG service. I’m extremely proud of the Gogo team who have worked very hard for this achievement, and I’m delighted we can begin to roll out the service to our customers immediately.”

December 8, 2025, Hudson, Wisconsin—Airworthy is pleased to announce that it has sold its Monuments Division in Anaheim, California to Phoenix Engineering Technologies, LLC. (PET). Terms of the sale remain confidential.

Airworthy, founded in 2000, has become a global leader in the Rail and Aerospace Industries. The sale of the Monuments Division will allow Airworthy to focus on its core businesses in flooring and interior maintenance. This sale will have an immediate impact to increase cash flow and allow Airworthy to grow its market share through strategic organic growth opportunities.

According to Jim Rouleau, Airworthy CEO, “We are pleased that PET will continue to grow and nurture the Monuments business as we have done in the past. Also, I am very excited to continue to work with the incredible Airworthy team to take advantage of the many growth opportunities that we have and will continue to pursue. That is very positive for both businesses.”

Airworthy is a family-owned business founded in 2000 with its headquarters located in Hudson, Wisconsin, with other locations in Coral Springs, Florida and Grand Prairie, Texas. Airworthy is a global leader in the transportation industry, specializing in Rail and Aerospace. The products they offer are Carpet, Nontextile Flooring, Repair and Overhaul of: Galleys, Lavotories, Overhead Bins, Sidewall Panels, Seats, Floor Panels, Coffee makers, Ovens, Wheels and many other Interior Components.

Singapore – B&H Worldwide, a global leader in aerospace logistics, has further expanded its rotary-wing logistics capabilities with the successful handling of a Bell 429 helicopter movement from India to Singapore, supporting the aircraft’s return to Bell Textron’s regional hub for maintenance and inspection.

The helicopter was transported on a B747F freighter in seven cargo pieces, with the shipment awarded by Continental Carriers Pvt. Ltd., B&H Worldwide’s long-standing partner in India. While technical activities at origin, including helicopter teardown, pallet build-up and loadmaster coordination, were managed by the origin team, B&H Worldwide’s Singapore station led the destination logistics and import phase of the project.

As part of its expanding rotary-wing service offering, B&H Worldwide Singapore coordinated import customs clearance, arranged a suitable air-ride suspension transporter, confirmed consignee site limitations such as maximum vehicle and load height; and ensured the availability of appropriate tie-down and securing expertise to support safe unloading and onward delivery.

“Helicopter logistics demand a different level of planning and coordination, particularly at destination,” said Terry Ooi, Operations Manager, B&H Worldwide Singapore, who oversaw the unloading of the aircraft and its transfer onto the air-ride suspension trailer. “By identifying site limitations and handling requirements early, we can eliminate unnecessary risk, prevent delays and ensure a smooth handover to the MRO facility.”

Highlighting the strength of collaboration on the project, Anuraag Maahrotra, Vice President – Aerospace & Defense at Continental Carriers Pvt. Ltd., said:

“This Bell 429 movement is a strong example of the value created through close coordination between trusted partners. B&H Worldwide’s expertise in aerospace logistics, particularly at destination, played a key role in ensuring a seamless operation. We value this continued partnership and look forward to supporting many more complex helicopter movements together in the future.”

B&H Worldwide is seeing increased demand for rotary-wing logistics driven by maintenance and lifecycle support, as operators increasingly rely on regional MRO hubs such as Singapore. These repeat aircraft movements are expanding the scope of helicopter logistics beyond initial delivery, reinforcing the need for specialised providers with deep aviation and project cargo expertise.

This Bell 429 movement further demonstrates B&H Worldwide’s continued investment in specialised rotary-wing logistics solutions for helicopter operators, OEMs and MROs worldwide.

Combined expertise simplifies and modernizes regulatory compliance for aircraft owners, mechanics, and operators worldwide.

Columbus, OH — November, 2025 — Two of the most trusted names in aviation compliance—Tdata and The AD Toolbox—have officially merged to form TBX (Airworthy.com), the next-generation platform designed to simplify and streamline regulatory compliance and maintenance activities for general aviation.

For decades, both Tdata and The AD Toolbox have served as industry leaders in providing accurate, accessible, and user-friendly tools to manage airworthiness directives (ADs) and maintenance tracking. Now, with their combined expertise, data, and technology, TBX delivers a smarter, faster, and more cost-effective compliance solution—without the complexity.

“This merger is about making life easier for maintainers,” said Jon McLaughlin, CEO of TBX. “By bringing together Tdata’s heritage of accuracy and AD Toolbox’s modern capabilities, we’re creating a unified platform that saves time, reduces risk, and supports the entire maintenance community.”

TBX is engineered for everyone from independent IAs to A&Ps, maintenance shop owners and aircraft operators. The new platform provides enhanced capabilities, intuitive software, and world-class support—all built around a single goal: helping the GA community stay compliant, efficient, and safe.

“This isn’t just about combining two great companies,” added Dave Long, CTO of TBX. “It’s about elevating aviation compliance to an entirely new level and setting a higher standard for how maintainers manage their work.”

With over 4,500 customers in more than 50 countries, TBX brings together decades of experience, trusted FAA data integration, and a modern, cloud-based architecture to serve the next generation of aviation professionals.

AkzoNobel is investing €50 million to upgrade its Waukegan, Illinois, facility in the US – the company’s

biggest aerospace coatings production site.

As well as increasing capacity, installing new machinery and introducing more automated processes, the two-phase project will also include creating a new warehouse space just across the state border in Wisconsin.

“This investment will increase our comprehensive North American supply capability and solidify our position as a frontrunner in the aerospace coatings industry,” says Patrick Bourguignon, Director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business. “Demand for air travel is expected to grow significantly over the next few years and we want to make sure our customers are able to meet that demand with aircraft of the highest quality.”

The Waukegan site covers 11 acres and employs around 200 people. It produces a wide range of aerospace coatings, including primers, basecoats and clearcoats, and pre-treatment coatings. It also has its own color center.

Ongoing improvements will include setting up a liquid pre-batch area, installing high-speed dissolvers and creating a rapid service unit to help provide faster turnaround for delivering coatings to the maintenance, repair and operations market.

Moving the warehousing to Pleasant Prairie in Wisconsin will also free up space in Waukegan, enabling the company to produce more customized coatings and respond faster to customer needs.

“Our customers demand – and deserve – top-of-the-line coatings,” adds Martijn Arkesteijn, Global Operations Director, AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings. “We’ll be able to provide current and future customers with even more flexibility through the delivery of large batch sizes, better responsiveness to market needs and shorter lead time for color development.”

The investment is part of AkzoNobel’s Industrial Excellence program, which is designed to improve operations and reduce complexity. By focusing on anchor sites that offer greater scale and improved efficiencies, the company aims to lower operating costs and optimize its industrial network to enhance competitiveness and drive sustainable growth.

Magma Aviation takes pride in completing the rollout of its new digital transformation strategy with the debut of its fully-customized Cargo Management System (CMS), designed specifically to meet the unique operational needs of the air cargo industry. As a customer-focused organisation, this development demonstrates Magma Aviation’s dedication to creating modern and efficient internal processes that align with its long-term goal of providing its customers with a seamless experience.

Optimising daily operations throughout the organisation

As part of its digitalisation vision, Magma Aviation recognised the need to centralise operational data and eliminate the fragmentation that often affects freighter airlines. To date, many organisations still rely on multiple spreadsheets and fragmented systems, resulting in duplicated work, data inconsistencies, and internal misalignment.

To address this issue, Magma Aviation prioritised the creation of a single, connected environment allowing every department, from Commercial, Financial to Operations, to work from the same information source. This ensures that teams are more internally aligned and are capable of operating with more clarity, accuracy, and real-time visibility.

“As a customer-centric organisation, a CMS customised to our business model helps us to seamlessly coordinate internally as a team, and that it reflects the service quality we offer to our customers,” Paul Hoatson, Magma Aviation’s Head of Network Planning & Alliances reiterated.

Why a customised CMS matters in Air Cargo?

Air cargo operations in general require a specific level of speed, accuracy and data consistency. Despite this, some segments of the industry still rely on manual spreadsheets that restrict them from achieving their organization’s full operational efficiency

Off-the-shelf CMS often fail to meet the depth required for complex cargo environments. When Magma Aviation explored available CMS solutions in the market, it was evident that no existing software solution could meet the needs of their operational model or the level of integration the organisation required.

Following the successful implementation of the CMS across its organisation, its value has also been recognised by a key industry partner. In partnership with Forward Momentum, Magma has now been able to license the system for third-party use, extending the benefits of the platform to organisations that control their own freighter capacity without holding an AOC.

“As a technology partner, we are proud to be instrumental in helping freighter companies reach their full operational potential through a system solution designed for their business and able to grow with them as they scale in the future,” said Barry Zigner, CEO of Forward Momentum.

The CMS will continue to drive Magma Aviation’s growth ambitions while also supporting partners who can benefit from Magma’s digitalisation efforts. As the solution continues to undergo system developments, partners can expect future enhancements, including AI and machine learning capabilities, to further strengthen operational efficiency and decision-making.

Setting a new standard for digital operations in Air Cargo

Magma Aviation’s customised CMS is a long-term investment in the company’s support system, especially in an era where automation and collaboration are more prevalent than ever.

As customer experience continues to be its top priority, Magma Aviation remains fully committed to staying ahead of the competition by building tools and solutions that match its operational standards and its ambition for future growth.

Air cargo companies looking to explore a customised CMS solution to improve their operational efficiency and internal alignment can contact Jacek.Lechocki@magma.aero for further information.