MRO News

FlightGlobal

High activity

Asia-Pacific airlines expand long-term MRO partnerships across A350, 787 and CFM56 fleets

China Airlines, Aircalin, Hebei Airlines and Japan Airlines have selected Safran, Airbus, ST Engineering, Lufthansa Technik and FTAI Aviation for multi-year maintenance agreements covering A350 landing gear and flight-hour services, CFM56-7B engine shop visits, and 787 component support—underscoring continued demand for localized aftermarket capacity in the region.

FlightGlobal

Changi cargo operations expand as SATS pilots autonomous vehicles and DHL renews five-777F deal with SIA

SATS is piloting autonomous cargo vehicles carrying up to 800 kilograms between Changi terminals and freight forwarders’ warehouses, while Singapore Airlines and DHL Express renew an agreement covering five Boeing 777 freighters. SIA will continue providing crews and maintenance for DHL’s Singapore-based intercontinental network.

ch-aviation

Avianca secures $300 million to expand MRO services in Brazil

Colombia’s Avianca has secured $300 million in financing for an MRO service in Brazil. The investment gives the airline additional capacity to develop its maintenance, repair and overhaul activities in the country, although the available reporting does not specify the facility, partners or implementation timeline.

Aviation Week

High activity

United receives first A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney’s more durable GTF Advantage

United Airlines has taken delivery of the first Airbus A321XLR equipped with Pratt & Whitney’s GTF Advantage turbofan, making it the engine’s launch airline customer. The upgraded PW1100G variant is designed to deliver greater thrust, longer range and up to twice the time on wing of earlier versions.

ch-aviation

ASKY targets 30-aircraft fleet, European routes and $100 million Lomé MRO facility by 2028

Togo-based ASKY Airlines plans to expand to 30 aircraft and 40 destinations within five years, including the launch of intercontinental services to Europe. The carrier also intends to establish a $100 million maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Lomé, strengthening its planned regional infrastructure footprint.

FlightGlobal

Chromalloy targets surging airfoil demand with another FAA-approved PMA part

Chromalloy is pursuing growing demand for replacement engine airfoils as shortages continue, securing another FAA approval for a Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) component. The move expands its ability to offer approved alternatives in an aftermarket where constrained supply is creating additional opportunity for parts manufacturers.

FlightGlobal

TSB links 2023 Dash 8-400 engine fire to PW150A compressor-blade fracture

Canada’s Transportation Safety Board found that a fractured low-pressure compressor rotor blade caused the 2023 inflight failure and fire involving a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW150A. Investigators cited mechanical resonance and identified 13 similar incidents in their review.

Flying Magazine

Textron Aviation STC Enables All-Garmin Avionics Upgrades for Early CitationJets

A new supplemental type certificate gives owners of Textron Aviation’s earliest CitationJet aircraft a path to modernize their cockpits with an all-Garmin avionics suite. The approval expands upgrade options for operators seeking to bring legacy business jets’ avionics systems up to current standards.