Category: Commercial

Boeing opened its new Boeing Engineering Center in the Cici & Hyatt Brown Center for Aerospace Technology at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s Research Park. The facility is now operational, expanding the company’s commitment to the region.

“This day represents an important milestone for Boeing, Embry Riddle and the broader Daytona Beach community,” said Dan Gillian, vice president and general manager, Boeing Air Dominance. “This engineering center will accelerate Boeing’s work on critical defense programs and deepen our partnership with Embry Riddle, giving us access to an exceptional talent pipeline and enabling collaboration to drive aerospace innovation.”

The Boeing Engineering Center spans 65,000 square feet and supports engineering design, research, development and prototyping for Boeing Defense, Space & Security Air Dominance programs, as well as advanced technology efforts. The center is anticipated to create approximately 400 high-paying jobs in Daytona Beach and Volusia County as hiring continues.

“In addition to creating high-paying jobs, these collaborations cultivate a dynamic exchange between students, faculty and industry leaders, ensuring innovation thrives at the intersection of education and enterprise,” said P. Barry Butler, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University president. “We are delighted that Boeing’s new facility will draw on the rich pool of local talent and strengthen the vital pipeline between academic achievement and industry success — a partnership forged by the forward-thinking policies and steadfast support of both higher education and aerospace by the leadership of the state of Florida.”

Mori Hosseini, chairman of Embry Riddle’s Board of Trustees, also described the opening of the center as a milestone — not only for Embry Riddle and the city of Daytona Beach but for all of Florida. “We are delighted to welcome Boeing to our community, where their commitment to advancing aerospace technology strengthens our position at the top of the space triangle,” he said. “With Boeing’s partnership, hundreds of talented individuals and their families will now have opportunities to live, work and thrive here, investing in our local economy and supporting the future of aviation and aerospace. The impact — made possible by local philanthropists Cici and Hyatt Brown, Florida governor Ron DeSantis and the legislature — is immeasurable. We applaud Boeing’s vital support in shaping innovation for generations to come.”

The Boeing Engineering Center spans 65,000 square feet and will support engineering design, research, development and prototyping for Boeing Defense, Space & Security Air Dominance programs, as well as advanced technology efforts. The center is anticipated to create approximately 400 high-paying jobs in Daytona Beach and Volusia County as hiring continues.

Boeing is also investing $100,000 to support new STEM programing for the Boys & Girls Club of Volusia/Flagler counties, as well as to provide food for students in need through the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

The Embry Riddle Research Park has been a significant driver of economic activity for the state, creating nearly 2,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs to date and generating more than $372 million in total economic impact in Florida. The addition of Boeing further strengthens the Research Park’s technology ecosystem, which brings university researchers and students together with businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups across aviation, aerospace, cybersecurity, commercial space and other STEM fields.

GE Aerospace has named Craig Higgins as chief mechanic and architect for open fan technology, prioritizing the producibility, durability and maintainability of next-generation engine designs still in development.

In the newly created role, Higgins will lead strategies for a simple, lightweight engine concept that emphasizes durability by leveraging the CFM RISE program’s advanced technologies, architectures and materials. This includes working with technicians and other experts across GE Aerospace’s global assembly and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) shops to incorporate the latest techniques for enabling more on-wing repairs and part replacements.

“With the RISE program, we’re advancing a suite of pioneering technologies to meet our customers’ needs for the future of flight,” Arjan Hegeman, vice president for future of flight at GE Aerospace, said. “This marks the first time we’ve named a chief mechanic during technology development, making durability and maintainability a top priority in engine design with an uncompromising commitment to safety.”

Higgins has more than 40 years’ experience in the aerospace industry, joining GE Aerospace in 1997 as a design engineer. In his most recent role, he was a consulting engineer for the RISE program.

Unveiled in 2021, the CFM RISE program is one of the aviation industry’s most comprehensive technology demonstrators with more than 350 tests and more than 3,000 cycles of endurance tests completed to date, including tests on advanced engine architectures like open fan, compact core and hybrid electric systems. The RISE program prioritizes safety, durability and efficiency, targeting more than 20% better fuel burn compared to commercial engines in service today.

CFM RISE program technologies are maturing toward ground and flight tests this decade with work underway on aircraft and engine integration in collaboration with partners, GE Aerospace says.

HAECO announced the completion of its 500th aircraft input for All Nippon Airways (ANA) at the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organization’s facility at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport. This achievement marks a milestone in the longstanding collaboration between HAECO and ANA which began in 1997.

HAECO offers airframe maintenance capabilities for ANA’s wide range of aircraft types, including the Boeing 767, 777 and 787 and the Airbus A380, and line services at various airports in the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong.

“We are honored to celebrate this significant milestone with ANA, our valued partner since 1997,” said Ben Scheidel, group director airframe services of HAECO. “This achievement is a testament to nearly 30 years of dedication, innovation and teamwork. We greatly appreciate ANA’s trust and confidence placed in our long-term relationship and industry leading services. We look forward to growing our successful collaboration.”

“As an international airline that is built on security and trust, ANA has enjoyed safe and reliable maintenance services from HAECO over the years. The perseverance and professionalism at HAECO have been a welcoming drive for us to fulfil the hopes and dreams of an interconnected world. We are excited about more aircraft inputs ahead and are dedicated to continuing this journey safely together for many more decades,” said Kohei Tsuji, ANA’s executive vice president, engineering and maintenance center.

Air Niugini has selected Airbus Flight Hour Services (FHS) to support its new fleet of 11 A220 aircraft. The long-term power-by-the-hour contract covers integrated component services, including on-site stock, pool access and repair services.

The agreement was signed in Port Moresby by Anand Stanley, president Airbus Asia-Pacific and Captain Samiu Taufa, officer-in-charge and acting COO, Air Niugini, at a ceremony to mark the arrival of the airline’s first aircraft from the A220 main assembly facility in Mirabel, Canada.

“We are pleased to sign this agreement with Airbus as part of our comprehensive preparations for our new A220 fleet,” said Captain Samiu Taufa. “The arrival of the A220 marks a milestone in our long history and for the whole nation of Papua New Guinea. Working together with Airbus and our other partners, we are working at every level not only to meet but to exceed the expectations of our customers and the nation with the best products and services the industry has to offer.”

“We are delighted to welcome Air Niugini to the Airbus FHS family. This agreement underlines our commitment to provide Air Niugini with world-class maintenance solutions to optimize efficiency and ensure a smooth operation of their new fleet. We look forward to supporting Air Niugini in bringing the full potential of the A220 to their passengers and markets,” said Anand Stanley.

Airbus FHS provides airlines with a flexible, power-by-the-hour model designed to maximize aircraft availability while reducing overall operating costs. Leveraging Airbus’ engineering expertise, predictive maintenance tools, and global logistics network, FHS ensures operators are well placed to achieve best-in-class fleet performance and reliability.

Trax announced Air Europa Express has successfully implemented an expanded suite of Trax’s eMobility applications. Air Europa Express currently uses multiple Trax eMobility apps to access real-time information for line maintenance functions. However, until recently, the airline relied on a paper-based technical and cabin logbook. Expanding the airline’s selection of eMobility solutions to include the apps in Trax’s Electronic Logbook solution has delivered enhancements to Air Europa Express’ operational efficiency, data accuracy and maintenance processes across their fleet of 737 aircraft, Trax says.

The deployment also marks the inaugural operator to implement Trax’s Electronic Logbook under EASA regulations, further signifying regulatory confidence in Trax’s digital solutions and the opportunity for significant adoption of mobile maintenance solutions across European operators. Trax’s Electronic Logbook suite has been in use by FAA and UK CAA-regulated operators for many years.

“The intuitive design of the Electronic Logbook apps has ensured seamless adoption by our crews, bolstering operational safety through real-time, reliable, and accessible data,” said Francisco Borja Mas Boned, head of innovation maintenance department at Air Europa. “By leveraging these advanced tools, we are optimizing and modernizing our maintenance operations, setting a new standard for innovation in the aviation industry.”

“Trax appreciates Air Europa Express’ continued enthusiasm for our solutions, including the recent expansion of their selected eMobility apps. We are proud to continue to collaborate with the airline by replacing their previously paper-intensive flight deck and cabin-based processes with a fully digital approach,” said Nelson Perea, regional director of EMEA at Trax. “It is incredibly rewarding helping customers implement additional Trax solutions to magnify the benefit we provide to their operations.”

Safran Electrical & Power and Singapore Airlines have signed a seven-year (with an option to extend another five years) component maintenance contract for the airline’s Airbus A380 fleet. The two companies say the agreement underscores Singapore Airlines’ continued confidence in Safran Electrical & Power’s technical expertise, global support network and commitment to operational excellence “This agreement is a strong testimony to the depth of our relationship and reflects the trust we have built with Singapore Airlines over many years,” said Amans Defossez, vice president customer support & services at Safran Electrical & Power. “Safran Electrical & Power is proud to continue supporting one of the world’s most prestigious airlines with tailored solutions that enhance operational performance and optimize lifecycle costs.”

Alvin Liew, vice president strategic sourcing at Singapore Airlines said, “We are pleased to continue working with Safran Electrical & Power under this renewed agreement that will provide component support services for Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A380 fleet to help maintain safe and reliable operations.”

Acron Aviation announced the launch of its new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center in Bangalore, India, reinforcing its commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.

Strategically located in Bangalore, the company says the new facility will offer regional operators faster turnaround times and localized support, reducing dependence on overseas repair channels. The center launches with repair and test capability for the SRVIVR25, a critical onboard safety system, and will expand over the next three years to include recorders, TCAS, and advanced display systems.

The company is currently in the process of securing DGCA CAR 145 approval, with plans to pursue FAA, EASA, and CAAC certifications. These approvals will enable the Bangalore site to serve both regional and global customers with the same level of compliance and quality that Acron Aviation’s repair stations and licensed centers are known for.

“Our Bangalore facility is fully integrated with Acron Aviation’s global repair network, ensuring consistent standards, processes, and IP protection across every location,” said Ronald Nye, VP and GM aftermarket, Acron Aviation. “This investment is a direct response to our customers’ need for lower logistics costs, faster repair cycles, and enhanced local support.”

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) will offer a new Gas Turbin Technician certificate with support from Lufthansa Technik Canada’s (LTCA) Fuel the Future initiative.

Through a collaborative approach to diversifying Alberta’s skilled workforce, the two organizations say they hope to transform the journey from education to employment. As SAIT launches a new opportunity for hands-on training, LTCA is opening new doors for students passionate about aviation yet facing financial barriers.

Set to launch May 2026, the new certificate program will prepare graduates with the technical skills and regulatory awareness needed to meet increasing demand for gas turbine expertise. Elevating the program through its Fuel the Future initiative, LTCA will offer at least 10 students in each 32-student cohort an unprecedented sponsorship opportunity.

“Built as a direct response to industry needs for specialists in this field, this certificate is another indicator of the value of applied education,” says Dr. David Ross, president and CEO, SAIT. “By offering practical, hands-on education, we’re addressing the need for a higher education credential achieved through enhanced training and aligned with emerging industry trends.”

As Alberta’s first post-secondary institution to offer a program of this kind, SAIT will be positioned to meet the needs of a growing aviation sector across Calgary, Alberta, and western Canada, and create a skilled talent pipeline. Students entering the program through Fuel the Future will receive financial support to cover tuition costs and tools, a salary during their studies and be guaranteed job placement with LTCA following completion of the program — ensuring equitable access to training in aviation maintenance. “Fuel the Future is about opening doors to possibilities. For those students selected, there are no program costs — everything is covered,” says Max Schramm, president and CEO of Lufthansa Technik Canada. “At LTCA, creating opportunity is at the heart of this first-of-its-kind initiative for the Alberta aviation industry that removes barriers, so every student has the chance to build a lasting career. Our partnership with SAIT also reflects our wider commitment to Calgary, to Alberta and to Canada’s leadership in global aviation. We’re creating pathways for generational jobs that strengthen families, communities, and the future of the sector.”

Developed in collaboration with the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) as an adaption of their successful industry-aligned program, the new certificate program is modified to reflect the credential framework and institutional strength and expertise held by SAIT’s School of Transportation “Gas turbines are a crucial component in both aviation and industrial energy production sectors, powering everything from commercial airplanes to power plants and natural gas facilities,” says Lynda Holden, dean, School of Transportation and School of Manufacturing and Automation, SAIT. “An aging workforce and fewer younger workers entering the skilled trades means the gap between available talent and industry demand is widening. SAIT is ready to train skilled technicians to maintain and repair these sophisticated engines.”

From positions with aerospace maintenance organizations and gas turbine repair facilities to jobs in the energy sector with companies utilizing industrial gas turbines, the new program’s curriculum will prepare learners for employment in and across sectors where gas turbines are integral to operations.

Turkish Technic and Garuda Indonesia signed two multi-year agreements covering the landing gear overhaul services of several Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 aircraft of Garuda Indonesia at MRO Asia Pacific 2025 held in Singapore.

The two say this agreement will enable Garuda Indonesia to benefit from Turkish Technic’s decades of expertise and know-how in landing gear overhaul services, enhancing the carrier’s operational efficiency and reliability. It also further strengthens the partnership the two established with component pool service agreements last year.

“We are pleased to strengthen our collaboration with Garuda Indonesia,” said Fikret Koç, SVP of sales of Turkish Technic.

“Our close cooperation in recent years has paved the way for new agreements, which not only expand the scope of our partnership but also create greater value for both companies moving forward. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership and remaining a trusted partner to Garuda Indonesia in the years ahead.”

Regarding the continuation of the partnership, Mukhtaris Aris, director of maintenance at Garuda Indonesia, said: “Garuda Indonesia is delighted to expand the longstanding partnership with Turkish Technic. … This collaboration aligns with the flag carrier’s ongoing efforts to uphold the highest level of safety standards while also increasing the operational efficiency to maintain the customers’ satisfaction.”

ST Engineering’s commercial aerospace business officially opened a new engine MRO facility in Singapore recently. The ceremony was officiated by Singapore’s deputy prime minister and minister for trade and industry Gan Kim Yong.

The new multimillion-dollar facility, an expansion of ST Engineering’s engine MRO operations, is located within its existing aerospace compound in Paya Lebar, Singapore. The expansion will allow its commercial aerospace business to progressively double its capacity for CFM56 and LEAP engine maintenance to over 300 engines annually by 2027. When combined with its engine MRO facility in Xiamen, China, the planned capacity across both locations will exceed 400 engine shop visits a year.

Concurrent with capacity expansion, ST Engineering is broadening its services to include performance restoration and full overhaul shop visits for both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines to better meet growing demands.

Through this expansion, ST Engineering is expected to create over 300 new jobs for its engine MRO operations in Singapore, while leveraging advanced technologies such as AI-enabled hardware sorters and automated cleaning systems to boost the efficiency of its engine MRO operations.

“This expansion reflects our commitment to staying ahead of industry demand and delivering the highest standards in engine MRO, supporting both airline customers and engine OEMs,” said Jeffrey Lam, president commercial aerospace, ST Engineering. “As airlines expand and renew their fleets, and with more new-generation LEAP engines entering into service, our new capacity and technology-enabled workforce will position us well to support airline and operator customers worldwide.”

“ST Engineering’s expansion of its MRO activities for aircraft engines along with the deployment of AI and automation in its facilities will further Singapore’s status as Asia’s leading aerospace hub. ST Engineering’s partnership with local enterprises is also a good example of how leading industry players can leverage Singapore’s vibrant and growing aerospace ecosystem to drive innovation as well as to enhance their business resilience and competitiveness,” said Jermaine Loy, managing director, Singapore Economic Development Board.