Category: Rotor

Danny Maldonado Named President & CEO of Bell

Textron Inc. announced that Danny Maldonado has been named president & CEO of the Bell segment, effective January 4, 2026. Maldonado, currently Bell’s chief commercial officer (CCO), will succeed Lisa Atherton, who was recently appointed as president & CEO of Textron Inc., effective January 4, 2026.

As CCO, Maldonado is responsible for Bell’s global commercial aircraft sales, aftermarket solutions, the Bell Training Academy and new product development. Prior to his role as CCO, Maldonado led Textron Financial Corp. as president & CEO for nine years and, prior to that, served as Bell’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. He joined Textron in 1990 and has held leadership roles encompassing sales, business development, customer support and finance at Textron.

Commenting on the leadership transition, Textron Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly said, “Danny is a proven leader with a long track record of success at Bell. He will lead Bell at an important time as we accelerate activity on the MV-75 program and continue to invest in leading commercial helicopter programs.”

Ex-Change Parts Expands with Greater Focus on Purchasing of Helicopter Airframes and Inventories

Ex-Change Parts, the Swedish-based helicopter parts and component support specialist, has launched a strategic expansion program designed to both strengthen its purchasing operations and also increase the availability of certified components.

With a strong financial base, a proven AAA financial rating and over 26 years of industry experience, Ex-Change Parts is now well positioned to execute on its purchasing-driven growth strategy. In particular, the company is expanding its already robust acquisition program for surplus inventories and helicopter airframes, ensuring sellers continue to benefit from rapid decisions and fair valuations.

Central to the expansion is a recruitment program to reinforce purchasing and operational capabilities worldwide. One of the key appointments is Mark Najman, joining as helicopter purchasing manager, based in Brisbane. With extensive experience in helicopter procurement, sales, and marketing, Najman brings a strong commercial perspective and global insight to drive Ex-Change Parts’ buying strategy.

“Mark’s appointment is a strategic milestone for us. His expertise and proactive approach will help us scale our purchasing operations, as well as ensuring our customers receive the right components at the right time and the right price.” says Göran Enström, head of business development at Ex-Change Parts.

With this expansion, Ex-Change Parts is set to deliver unprecedented availability of certified components, ensuring operators worldwide can keep their fleets flying efficiently.

The company is well known for its stock of over 80,000 line items, primarily for Airbus AS332/EC225 (Super Puma family), AS365/H155 (Dauphin family), BK117, EC145, EC135, and Leonardo AW139.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Dates Confirmed Through 2029

Dates for the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in convention at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, have been confirmed through 2029. Upcoming event dates are:

  • 2026: July 20-26
  • 2027: July 26-August 1
  • 2028: July 24-30
  • 2029: July 23-29

“EAA AirVenture is one of the aviation community’s major highlights each year, so announcing the dates for the next several years is important for enthusiasts around the world to begin planning their trips to Oshkosh,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board. “We also realize that AirVenture’s dates affect the scheduling of many other aviation events, as well as other activities in Wisconsin, so it’s important to have these dates finalized for multiple years in advance.”

The Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention was first held in 1953 and has occurred in Oshkosh since 1970. More details regarding highlights of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 will be announced as they are confirmed.

Veryon AIRE Redefines Aviation Maintenance with AI-Powered Intelligence Across the Entire Fleet

Veryon, a leading provider of information services and software solutions for the aviation industry, today announced Veryon AIRE, a groundbreaking AI-powered data intelligence platform designed to redefine how operators maximize aircraft availability, airworthiness, and reliability.

Veryon AIRE combines the industry’s largest de-identified dataset with proven data science and decades of real-world aviation expertise to power agentic, conversational, and predictive maintenance capabilities. Its applications insights help operators transform unscheduled events into more scheduled, expected outcomes, which means maintenance teams gain efficiency, foresight, and confidence in every decision.

“For more than 15 years, Veryon has been applying AI to aviation problems, and the introduction of Veryon AIRE brings all our capabilities and expertise together to unify and power our portfolio,” said Kris Volrath, senior vice president of product at Veryon. “By combining the power of artificial intelligence with our all-in-one maintenance platform, we’re delivering a next-generation solution that helps our customers reduce costly downtime and maximize time in the air.”

With Veryon AIRE, operators can expect:

  • Smarter, Faster Fixes: It recommends most likely fixes to boost first-time fix rates and enables technicians to ask publication-specific questions and jump directly to troubleshooting steps.
  • Intelligent Fleet Management: It automates routine work, reduces maintenance expenses, and optimizes critical maintenance tasks and inventory management
  • Enhanced Reliability: It surfaces chronic patterns, rogue components and short-life parts, and trend degradation early, before they escalate into unexpected AOGs.

How AIRE Powers the Veryon Portfolio

Veryon AIRE brings generative AI to life across the product suite in three distinct ways: conversational intelligence, predictive analytics, and decision support. Together, these capabilities enhance efficiency and deliver insights for every operator.

  • Veryon Diagnostics: Veryon AIRE functions as an advanced analytics engine that mines logbook data and aircraft manuals to deliver insights such as global versus operator fix rates for each make and model, quick references to troubleshooting steps, and detailed defect history tied to the initial symptom.
  • Veryon Tracking: VeryonAIRE acts as a conversational AI interface that allows operators to interact directly with their maintenance and inventory data, including viewing aircraft maintenance status, managing inventory and planning for maintenance, and staying continuously compliant.
  • Veryon Publications: Veryon AIRE enhances technical publications with a conversational AI interface that makes complex information instantly actionable by enabling inquiries about work instructions for specific work orders or maintenance tasks and identifying the exact parts required for maintenance.

Experience Veryon AIRE in Action

Operators and industry leaders can see Veryon AIRE firsthand at upcoming events:

  • NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (BACE) |October 14–16 | Las Vegas, NV | Booth #825
    • Education Session: Less Data, More Action: How to Use Maintenance Insights to Reduce Downtime & Improve Troubleshooting | October 14 | 1 p.m. PDT | Room W231
  • MRO Europe|October 14–16 | London, UK | Booth #546
  • Airline & Aerospace MRO & Flight Operations IT Conference APAC| October 15–16 | Bangkok, Thailand | Booth #41
    • Vendor Showcase: October 15 | 14:00-15:30 | Wasukri Room

Visit Veryon at these shows to see live demonstrations of Veryon AIRE across Tracking, Diagnostics, and Publications, and discover how predictive maintenance, intelligent fleet management, and smarter fixes are reshaping aviation reliability. Pre-book your demo to see Veryon’s new AI-powered features and secure your entry into our raffle to win a pair of Beats headphones.

Celebrating Innovation in Surface Engineering: Indestructible Paint Ltd is a Finalist in the Surface Engineering Awards 2025

Birmingham-based high-performance paints and coatings manufacturer Indestructible Paint has been shortlisted in two categories for the Surface Engineering Association (SEA) Awards 2025.

The shortlisting recognizes the pioneering work the company has done to develop more environmentally sustainable, chromium-free coatings for demanding applications in the aerospace industry, preparing for proposed changes to REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restriction of Chemicals) legislation in the UK and EU.

In the SEA Awards’ Environmental category judges will explore Indestructible Paint’s research and development program to replace chromium trioxide and chrome salts in high-performance aerospace coatings to reduce their impact on the planet. The company now produces chrome-free primers, sacrificial coatings (CFIpcote) and diffusion coatings (CFIPAL).

These same innovations have won a place in the awards program’s Process Innovation category. This is because the new products offer improved performance against exacting aerospace industry specifications. Indestructible Paint has enhanced both oxidation resistance and stability at high temperatures, and users can also now achieve cleaner diffusion layers, which allows clean, thin film and multi-layer coatings to be produced, creating the best coating structure for protecting the component in service. The pure aluminide scale formed in service provides the protection. The cleaner structure ensures there is no opportunity for oxidation to penetrate the coating.

“We’re proud that the dedication and talents of our team are being recognized in this year’s SEA Awards program,” said Brian Norton, CEO at Indestructible Paint.

“Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do at Indestructible Paint. We’re looking forward to bringing together our team, customers and industry partners to celebrate our success in improving essential surface coatings — and to cheer on the other finalists, who are all making important advances in their respective specialisms.”

The SEA Gala Dinner and Awards will take place on Friday, 17 October at Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London.

Sonic Launches “Pimp My Toolbox” Program, Offers Eight Unique Wrap Designs for Professional Technicians

Sonic, a leading provider of professional-grade tool solutions and equipment, today announced the “Pimp My Toolbox” customization program, empowering professional technicians and automotive enthusiasts to personalize their workspace with uniquely wrapped toolboxes that reflect their individual style without sacrificing superior functionality.

The new, limited time offering, exclusively features the Gen 1 S12 XD Toolbox, Sonic’s extra-deep and wide storage solution designed for advanced technicians who demand maximum capacity and organization. Each toolbox is professionally wrapped in high-quality film of choice and includes an exclusive 25 percent discount on comprehensive pre-configured tool sets from Sonic.

“Today’s professional technicians want organization and lots of storage – they also want their toolbox to reflect their personality, Sonic offers them both,” said John Basso, marketing director, Sonic USA. “The ‘Pimp My Toolbox’ wrap will use premium wrap materials to ensure that each wrapped toolbox meets our standards for both appearance and durability.”

The program offers eight carefully curated wrap designs to suit diverse tastes and professional environments:

  • Blue Hot Rod Flames: Classic automotive styling with dynamic blue flame graphics
  • Camo: Military-inspired camouflage pattern for rugged professionals
  • Hot Pink: Bold, eye-catching design that makes a statement
  • ‘Merica: Patriotic theme celebrating American craftsmanship
  • Orange Hot Rod Flames: The iconic and classic hot rod design
  • Right Tighty: Industry theme celebrating mechanical expertise
  • Skull and Wrenches: Edgy design combining automotive and rebellious aesthetics
  • The Crusader: Medieval-inspired design for those who view their craft as a noble pursuit

The foundation of the “Pimp My Toolbox” program, the Sonic Gen 1 S12 XD Toolbox, is specifically engineered for technicians who require comprehensive storage solutions. With 18,062 cubic inches of total storage space, the toolbox can accommodate up to 735 Sonic tools in the Sonic Foam System across its deep drawer system, making it ideal for technicians who need to be prepared for any job scenario.

Despite its robust capacity, the S12 XD remains highly maneuverable thanks to its four high-quality rubber casters – two swivel casters with brake functionality and two fixed casters. A steel side handle further increases mobility, allowing technicians to easily reposition their storage solution as needed. Each toolbox also features one-piece steel construction to maximize strength and rigidity, ensuring long-term durability even in the most demanding work environments.

Tbe Sonic “Pimp My Toolbox” progam is also covered under warranty.

ADI Expands AAR’s Growing New Parts Distribution and Accelerates the Company’s Strategy to Expand Market Share

AAR CORP. announced it has acquired American Distributors Holding (ADI), a distributor of components and assemblies, for $146 million in an all cash transaction funded using the company’s existing revolving credit facility. The acquisition immediately expands AAR’s new parts distribution activity with new additional product lines and extensive OEM relationships. The business will become part of AAR’s parts supply segment.

Founded in 1983, ADI distributes to a broad set of commercial and defense customers across the aerospace and defense industry. The company’s approximately 400 team members provide value-added distribution services, including parts and assemblies, to its OEM partners. ADI serves its customers from six locations across the US, UK, and India. For the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2025, ADI generated $149 million in revenue and $15.2 million in EBITDA.

STRATEGIC RATIONALE

  • Expands AAR’s new parts Distribution offerings: ADI’s complementary electronics product lines broaden AAR’s new parts Distribution offerings. This represents a large total addressable market with significant fragmentation and high growth opportunities.  
  • Grows partnerships and revenues: The acquisition adds new OEM partnerships to AAR’s offerings and deepens AAR’s existing OEM relationships. The Company plans to leverage its existing market position to significantly grow ADI revenues.
  • Positions ADI for margin improvement: AAR expects incremental margin improvement through sales growth, operational efficiency, and business optimization.

Aviation Institute of Maintenance Hosts Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance’s First National Conference

–The Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) is proud to host the upcoming Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM) 2025 Conference, taking place September 26–28 at AIM’s Irving campus. This marks AWAM’s first large-scale national conference and underscores AIM’s commitment
to advancing women in aviation and the trades.

“AIM is dedicated to training women technicians to support the aviation industry pipeline, and this conference represents an important step toward creating a more equitable work environment for these skilled professionals,” said Jason Pfaff, chief executive officer of the Aviation Institute of Maintenance. “It is our privilege to welcome AWAM members to our Irving campus as they continue building a community where women technicians feel empowered in their workplaces.”

The conference will bring together industry leaders, students, and professionals to share knowledge, foster mentorship, and create pathways for more women to enter and thrive in aviation maintenance careers. Stacey Rudser, AWAM president and the first female graduate from AIM’s Orlando campus, will lead this landmark event, showcasing the lasting impact of AIM’s alumni community on the aviation industry.

Aviation Specialties Unlimited Hires Retired Army Aviator Keye Perry

Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU), a provider of night vision solutions, announced that the company has hired retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Keye Perry as their Eastern United States USG territory manager. 

Perry, a decorated 20-year United States Army Veteran, brings with him a depth of experience that includes more than 1,100 flight hours as a test pilot, facility management, project management, aircraft maintenance, supply chain management, strategic planning, operational management, and business development skills. He has a master’s degree in information technology from Webster University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering from the United States Military Academy and is currently a Doctoral student at Liberty University.  

In addition to more than 20 years of military experience, Perry has more than 14 years of civilian aviation experience working with industry leaders in various capacities, including business development and project management around the world. 

“Keye has an outstanding reputation and a wealth of experience in the military and civil aviation industry,” said ASU vice president of business development, Chad St. Francis. “His knowledge of government programs, aviation initiatives, and program requirements will greatly enhance ASU’s ability to serve clients.”

Perry also obtained a dozen certifications, including  ITAR compliance and project management. He has completed certifications from Homeland Security, FEMA, and other military-based training. 

“ASU works with numerous government agencies that require a definitive understanding of how procurement, project management, and maintenance work within their programs,” said Dan Meyer, ASU vice president of sales and armketing. “With the sales growth in our E3 line of NVGs and growing demand, we needed someone who possessed the ability to help agencies throughout the entire purchasing process. Keye will not only be able to help with initial sales but also assist with the proper maintenance of products. Whether agencies are in the infancy of starting a program or are in the middle of retooling their fleets of aircraft, his knowledge will be invaluable. He will be a tremendous addition to the team.”

TAT Technologies Launches FutureWorks

TAT Technologies, an aerospace thermal management and MRO solutions provider, announced the establishment of FutureWorks, TAT’s Center for Aerospace Innovation, located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

TAT says FutureWorks marks a bold step forward in TAT’s mission to advance next-generation aerospace technologies. TAT Technologies has secured its first customer partnership for its next-generation universal thermal management systems, marking a significant milestone in its journey. This partnership validates TAT’s innovative approach to delivering lightweight, high-efficiency, and ultra-reliable solutions for the evolving needs of NextGen aircraft.

To support this progress, TAT’s FutureWorks, is designed to drive cutting-edge advancements in sustainable aviation, focusing on the research, testing, and development of thermal management systems and heat exchangers to support both today’s aircraft and the next generation of all electric, hybrid-electric, and hydrogen platforms. Building on this momentum, additional partnerships are in progress, with more OEMs and aircraft developers turning to TAT for integrated thermal systems that meet the demands of tomorrow’s aviation.

“FutureWorks represents our commitment to shaping what’s next for aerospace,” said Igal Zamir, CEO of TAT Technologies. “This lab is more than a building—it’s a proving ground for ideas, a collaboration hub for our global partners, and a launchpad for technologies that will define the skies of tomorrow.”
Key Highlights of FutureWorks:

• A state-of-the-art high voltage testing lab for aerospace thermal systems
• Advanced capabilities to accelerate product validation and development
• A collaborative space supporting OEM customers and U.S. growth
• A cornerstone in TAT’s investment in sustainable aviation and engineering excellence

FutureWorks strengthens TAT’s industry leadership and reinforces its role as a trusted partner to OEMs and operators navigating the next era of aerospace. While full operational capacity will come online in the months ahead, the facility is now officially open and preparing for a full grand opening this November.