MROs and Completion Centers

Comlux has broken ground on a new large hangar at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub at Dubai South. The hangar once completed will be able to house up to two ACJ or BBJ family aircraft at the same time. The new ACJ TwoTwenty will also be able to be housed. That aircraft is expected to soon enter into service with Comlux Aviation in a few months. The new large hangar is expected to be finished by the end of 2023. Tahnoon Saif, CEO of Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, commented: "We are pleased to attend the ground breaking of Comlux’s new facility, which will present an added value for VIP clients across the region and the overall business aviation sector. At Dubai South, our mandate is to foster our wise leadership’s vision of making the emirate becoming a leading global aviation hub. We will spare no effort in attracting top companies towards that end by supporting companies, such as Comlux, with their needs to complete and operate the new facility."

A look at what that hangar will look like when completed.this is the back side of it.

Execujet MRO will open its new MRO facility at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in the first quarter of the new year (2023). The massive new facility will encompass some 161,500 sq feet of space which will translate into the ability to host 18 to 14 business jets at the same time. “We have been preparing for entry into service of the Falcon 6X, with tooling and spare parts already identified and on their way,” said Nick Weber, regional vice president, Middle East, ExecuJet MRO Services. He said that initially four engineers will be sent to Dassault Aviation to train for the maintenance of the Falcon 6X, which is expected to be in service mid-2023.

With growing competition and marketshare to be had in the Middle Eastern region MRO providers are trying to cash in and JetAviation is not to be left out. The recently completed the renovation and expansion of their facility in Dubai at (DXB). Hardy Bütschi, vice president, regional operations, Middle East and Dubai, Jet Aviation said the expansion was driven by demand in the region. "Over the past year we have seen more requests for larger cabin refurbishment, structural repair projects, avionic modifications, and upgrades at our fixed-wing maintenance site in Dubai and have adapted and expanded our capabilities to match," he said. It has also expanded its line maintenance and on-site support services in the region. JetAviation is not finished with this expansion. At the Al Bateen Airport it has further expanded its line maintenance capabilities there and there are plans afoot for the company to expand into Saudi Arabia.

Metrojet Engineering Clark which is a Philippines-based MRO station of the main company Metrojet has recently received its certification from the FAA to work on the airframe, aircraft batteries and aircraft wheel assemblies of the Bombardier Global 7500.

Eagle Creek has been approved as a Pilatus PC-12 service provider. With the new approval Eagle Creek will now be able to perform maintenance on all variants of the Pilatus' turboprop single lineup which naturally includes the latest edition of the PC-12, the PC-12NGX. "The addition of Eagle Creek as a Pilatus-authorized PC-12 service center demonstrates our commitment to delivering top-quality service throughout our territory," said KCAC general manager Tony Mateer. "It was important for us to partner with a center that shares our commitment to providing excellent customer service. We’re excited to welcome Eagle Creek to the Pilatus Authorized Service Center Network."

Good news coming from ASG where they have gained EASA approval for line and base maintenance of the Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet. The type is now added to the aviation services company Part 145 certificate.
"The addition of this aircraft to our EASA Part 145 capability along with our existing Williams International line-maintenance service center status is an exciting achievement and a natural step following on from our vast experience with the SR series," said ASG head of technical services Gary Phillips. "We look forward to providing European SF50 operators OEM-trained and approved maintenance and service to their SF50 aircraft alongside our established SR series offering."

Blackhawk Aerospace acquired by New State Aviation Holdings. Blackhawk CEO Jim Allmon said: "We are very excited to join New State Aviation Holdings and partner with the folks at AVEX. Our family of companies shares a singular focus: to increase an aircraft's capabilities to unrivalled heights while maintaining the highest level of safety possible. We look forward to working with Chad and the rest of the New State Aviation team to further expand our services." Headquartered in Waco, TX, with more than 60 employees, Blackhawk provides engine upgrades for a broad range of turboprop planes, improving an aircraft's speed, safety, and climb capabilities, while extending engine life. The Company serves customers worldwide in the commercial and government markets. Blackhawk was founded in 1999 as Blackhawk Modifications, Inc, and added divisions for government support, maintenance, avionics, composites, and aircraft sales. The composites business is not included in the transition and will remain independent.

A look inside Gulfstream's Farnborough service center.

Standard Aero has not completed the acquisition of Western Jet Aviation at the Van Nuys Airport in California. Standard Aero makes a return to California with this acquisition. They previously operated an MRO station at the Los Angeles International Airport but they closed that in 2018. "When we departed LAX, we’d been looking for a location on the West Coast," said Colleen Back, StandardAero senior commercial director, airframe.

Gulfstream has received a lucrative contract for maintenance of the USAF's C-20 and C-37 (Gulfstream G3, 4, 5 and 550 derivatives). It involves 124 million dollars for modification work.

Gulfstream Service Center in Palm Beach.

Since launching in 2016, the company’s 1CALL team has supported customers with unscheduled maintenance needs around the globe from the company’s headquarters in Wichita, Kansas. Now, Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker customers can also work with 1CALL team members located in Europe, in addition to the team in the U.S. Robin and Claudia bring extensive knowledge of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), as well as experience with the Textron Aviation Service Center network to their role. This team can be reached by dialing +34.960.131.969.

When it comes to service and support, Textron Aviation is focused on taking care of its customers and their aircraft. The company's commitment to an excellent customer experience has led to repeat Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Diamond Awards, the organization’s highest level of recognition for aircraft maintenance professionals. This award is a testament to the high level of trust that customers have in Textron Aviation. The company’s dedication to providing the best possible experience for customers sets it apart from the competition. When customers choose Textron Aviation, they can be confident that they’re working with a team that supports them throughout their ownership journey. "Textron Aviation Service Centers focus on providing the highest-quality support to our customers from the very beginning," said Brian Rohloff, senior vice president, Customer Support. "That’s why we prioritize continuous in-depth training and improvement for our team members – so that they are equipped to provide customers with the expert service and support they deserve." Textron Aviation Service Centers focus on providing the highest-quality support to our customers from the very beginning," said Brian Rohloff, senior vice president, Customer Support. "That’s why we prioritize continuous in-depth training and improvement for our team members – so that they are equipped to provide customers with the expert service and support they deserve." Textron Aviation’s commitment to quality service is evident in every customer interaction, from initial contact through delivery and beyond. In addition to its Service Centers, Textron Aviation's ProOwnership team also received the prestigious recognition.

A look at Jet East's new MRO area in Statesville at the Statesville Regional Airport (KSVH) in North Carolina. "The opening of a new location in North Carolina provides customers with more options for their maintenance. The facility is conveniently located and offers the full spectrum of services," said Dan Podojil, COO of retail operations at Jet East. "We have combined an experienced team of individuals and a strong leadership team who collectively possess the desire to be a preferred solution for aircraft maintenance. Our commitment to providing the best service will be reflected throughout the new hangar, and we are confident that we will deliver on the promise of high quality that is expected in our line of work."

Gulfstream Aerospace is expanding its service center by investing nearly 100 million dollars to its Hilton Head site. Some $98.5 million for the second stage expansion of its MRO facility at its customer support center at Georgia's Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (KSAV) will be enroute shortly. They are excited about adding 250 jobs and 200,000 sq ft of hangar space and back shops to enhance its own array of MRO services in Savannah. The works should be completed in 2024. "We are excited to announce the latest development in Gulfstream’s support of the growing demand for our fleet around the world," said Gulfstream’s president Mark Burns. "Continued investments in products, modern customer support facilities, and our communities set Gulfstream apart in our industry, and we are grateful to our partners at Savannah/Hilton Head Airport, the Savannah Economic Development Authority, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, among others, for their support for our growth in the region."

“Owners and operators who visit our facility can expect to receive expert and convenient maintenance and modification services for their aircraft,” said Luca Cavalleri, general manager, Textron Aviation Zürich Service Center. “We are proud to provide factory-direct support and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers.” The Zürich and Düsseldorf Service Centers joined the Textron Aviation global service network following the company’s acquisition of Jet Aviation in 2013. During the 10 years since, Textron Aviation has further expanded and strengthened its support to customers operating throughout Europe. Today, the company operates a total of five service centers, three line stations, mobile service units and a parts distribution center in the region.

More hangar space is coming to the Chicago Executive Airport. Hawthorne Global Aviation Services (HGAS) recently broke ground on the Hangar 22 project. Previously the HGAS presented concept review plans for a proposed 30,000-square foot hangar and 6,900 square-feet of office space at Chicago Executive Airport (CEA) at the Village of Wheeling’s regular board meeting. The Hangar 22 project has support from CEA and is in line with the airport’s Master Plan, which is approved by both the Village of Wheeling and the City of Prospect Heights. The project is now expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

West Star has commenced significant expansion work at St. Louis Regional Airport. The company expects to complete the project in the second quarter next year. The new work will add some 75,700 sq ft to the facility. Once completed the expansion project will boost the facility’s area to more than 500,000 sq ft. The expansion will include 40,000 sq ft of new hangar capacity, 22,300 sq ft of additional back shop space, and add 13,400 sq ft of storage space.

Big news is that Flexjet has acquired MRO specialists, Flying Colours. This move instantly improves Flexjet's MRO capability and reach. "Unlike other companies in our space that rely on third-party providers for their MRO needs, Flexjet now fully controls its maintenance and product support needs, and this aligns with our strategic vision of differentiating ourselves from the competition at every level and in every way," said Flexjet chairman Kenn Ricci. "We’re thrilled to welcome the talented Flying Colours team to Flexjet with their 40-plus-year history of excellence as a global leader in aircraft completions."