Inside MRO News Briefs And Contracts, January-February 2025

Highlights

GKN Aerospace Unveils Dedicated U.S. MRO Facility

GKN Aerospace is transitioning to a new purpose-built engine-parts repair facility in San Diego as part of its strategy to meet increasing demand for popular platforms and to expand its capabilities.

The 150,000-ft.² shop sits next to the GKN facility that performed both new-build and aftermarket work. The new shop will be dedicated to MRO, leaving the existing facility as a stand-alone original equipment production operation.

GKN expects the new facility to ramp up steadily to the same capabilities as the existing one, under the same regulatory certifications. While some tooling is to make the short trip between facilities, the new repair station will feature state-of-the-art machines and other advanced technology where possible.

GKN expects the entire San Diego aftermarket operation to be set up in the new facility by year-end.

GA Telesis To Acquire AAR’s Landing Gear MRO Business

AAR has divested its landing gear repair to GA Telesis for approximately $51 million. The deal is expected to close during the first quarter.

Once closed, the deal is expected to  strengthen GA Telesis’ landing gear repair capabilities in both commercial and military aviation segments as it takes on a portfolio composed of Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer aircraft. GA Telesis will take over the AAR landing gear overhaul site in Miami that provides MRO services to commercial and government customers.

As part of the deal, which is still subject to regulatory and customary conditions, AAR is to remain the prime contractor on the U.S. Air Force landing gear performance-based logistics contract. GA Telesis will continue maintenance services in Miami as a subcontractor.

GA Telesis also is slated to add capability in the form of high-velocity oxygen fuel coating, which will enable it to offer advanced surface treatments supporting longevity and durability of aircraft components.

AAR and AFI KLM E&M Pursue Asia-Pacific Nacelle Joint Venture

AAR and AFI KLM E&M have announced a joint venture for new-generation nacelle maintenance out of AAR’s facility in Chonburi, Thailand.

The joint venture will perform nacelle MRO services, including on-wing or on-site inspections, and ensure parts availability.

“Our joint venture will be positioned with strong capability to meet the needs of the largest fleets in the [Asia-Pacific] region, and we plan to continue to cover additional engine nacelle types in the future,” says Jim Berberet, AAR senior vice president of component services.

Contracts

Adani Defense and Aerospace agreed to acquire a majority of Air Works Group, valued at $47 million.

Boeing Shanghai secured a five-year Air Premia contract to provide base maintenance, including C checks, for its Boeing 787s.

Embraer won an Air Serbia contract to provide its component Pool Program for two E195s that are joining the airline’s fleet.

Epcor was selected by Philippine Airlines as its partner to maintain 131-9A auxiliary power units for its Airbus A320s.

GMF AeroAsia was selected by Pelita Air Service for phase-in maintenance and painting of an ex-Air Cairo Airbus A320-200.

Lufthansa Technik won a 12-year TAAG Angola Airlines contract to provide 787 Total Component Support and its Aircraft Production Inspection Program for 787s and Airbus A220s.

StandardAero was tapped by US-Bangla Airlines to provide Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M MRO services at its Summerside, Prince Edward Island, facility.

TAT Technologies secured a five-year, $17 million contract with an unidentified North American cargo carrier for Boeing 757 and 767 auxiliary power unit MRO.

TP Aerospace was chosen by Malaysia’s MJets Air to provide Boeing 737 wheel and brake support through its Cycle Flat Rate Program.

SpiceJet selected Standard­Aero to restore CFM Inter­national Leap 1B engines to return three grounded Boeing 737-8s to service. The deal follows successful arrangements with CFM International, which will supply material and support services for the project.