MRO & Manufacturing
Liebherr Aerospace Brasil Expands with €45M Investment
Liebherr Aerospace Brasil Expands Operations with €45 Million Investment
The aerospace industry is witnessing a significant transformation as companies ramp up production to meet the growing demand for modern, efficient aircraft. Liebherr Aerospace Brasil, a key player in the sector, has announced a major expansion of its production facilities in Guaratinguetá, Brazil. This €45 million investment over the next decade underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening its global production capabilities and addressing the industry’s steep production ramp-up.
Liebherr Aerospace Brasil, a subsidiary of the Liebherr Group, has been a cornerstone of the aerospace manufacturing sector since 2005. The company specializes in producing high-tech components for flight control systems, landing gear, and aircraft engines. With this expansion, Liebherr aims to enhance its machining and surface treatment capabilities, ensuring it remains competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
The decision to expand in Guaratinguetá was influenced by strong support from local and state authorities, including a competitive taxation framework. This collaboration highlights the strategic importance of the region and its potential to drive economic growth through advanced manufacturing. The expansion is expected to create hundreds of new jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
Expansion Details and Strategic Importance
The new facility will add 8,000 square meters to Liebherr Aerospace Brasil’s existing production site. The expanded facility will specialize in machining and surface treatment of high-precision aluminum and steel components, which are critical for aircraft manufacturing. Additionally, the expansion will enable the transfer of work from Liebherr’s European manufacturing sites in Lindenberg, Germany, and Toulouse, France, further optimizing the company’s global production network.
Rogério Gimenez, Managing Director at Liebherr Aerospace Brasil, emphasized the significance of this expansion: “We are very happy and looking forward to extending our already well-established aerospace activities in Guaratinguetá. The new building will help us to cope with the steep production ramp-up currently experienced by the aerospace industry and to strengthen our long-term competitiveness.”
The ceremonial groundbreaking for the new facility is scheduled for next month, with production ramp-up expected to begin in 2026. This timeline aligns with the industry’s growing demand for aircraft components, driven by the recovery of global air travel and the need for more efficient, sustainable aircraft.
“The work that you have been doing here and spreading all around the world in the aerospace sector is a source of pride for the state of São Paulo.” – Felicio Ramuth, Governor of São Paulo
Economic Impact and Government Support
The expansion is not just a win for Liebherr Aerospace Brasil but also for the local economy. The creation of hundreds of new jobs will provide a significant boost to Guaratinguetá and the surrounding region. This investment reflects the growing importance of Brazil as a hub for aerospace manufacturing, leveraging its skilled workforce and favorable business environment.
Lázaro Silva, another Managing Director at Liebherr Aerospace Brasil, highlighted the role of government support in making this expansion possible: “Since the beginning of the discussions, the Mayoralty of Guaratinguetá has supported us in the approach with the State of São Paulo Government, which resulted in the commitment of the São Paulo Governor in applying the most competitive systematic in terms of taxation.”
This collaboration between Liebherr and local authorities demonstrates how public-private partnerships can drive industrial growth and create economic opportunities. The competitive taxation framework provided by the São Paulo State Government has been instrumental in attracting and retaining high-value investments like this one.
Global Context and Industry Trends
The expansion of Liebherr Aerospace Brasil’s facilities is part of a broader trend in the aerospace industry. As global air travel demand recovers and grows, manufacturers are under pressure to increase production capacity and improve efficiency. Liebherr’s decision to transfer work from its European sites to Brazil reflects a strategic shift towards optimizing global production capabilities and leveraging regional advantages.
The aerospace sector is highly competitive, with companies constantly seeking ways to enhance their manufacturing processes and reduce costs. Investments in advanced facilities, like the one in Guaratinguetá, enable companies to maintain their competitive edge while meeting the increasing demand for aircraft components.
Moreover, the expansion aligns with the industry’s push towards sustainability. By modernizing its production processes and incorporating advanced technologies, Liebherr Aerospace Brasil is well-positioned to contribute to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft.
Conclusion
Liebherr Aerospace Brasil’s €45 million expansion in Guaratinguetá marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy. By enhancing its production capabilities and creating hundreds of new jobs, Liebherr is not only strengthening its position in the aerospace industry but also contributing to the economic development of the region. The support from local and state authorities underscores the importance of collaboration in driving industrial growth.
Looking ahead, this expansion positions Liebherr Aerospace Brasil to meet the growing demand for aircraft components and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. As the aerospace sector continues to recover and grow, investments like this will play a crucial role in shaping the future of global aviation.
FAQ
Question: What is the total investment for Liebherr Aerospace Brasil’s expansion?
Answer: The total investment is €45 million over the next decade.
Question: When will the new facility become operational?
Answer: The facility is expected to be operational within two years of construction commencement, with production ramp-up beginning in 2026.
Question: How will the expansion impact the local economy?
Answer: The expansion will create hundreds of new jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy in Guaratinguetá.
Sources: AviTrader, AeroMorning, Liebherr Group
MRO & Manufacturing
ExecuJet Belgium Earns EASA and FAA Approval for Falcon 6X
ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium secures EASA and FAA certification for Falcon 6X line and heavy maintenance plus AOG support.
ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium has secured regulatory approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to perform line and heavy maintenance on the Dassault Falcon 6X.
Announced in a company press release on July 13, 2026, the dual certification allows the Brussels-based facility to service the growing global fleet of the 5,500-nautical-mile range business jet. The approval also expands the company’s Dassault MRO GoTeam capabilities to include aircraft-on-ground (AOG) support for the Falcon 6X.
Expanding global support for the Falcon 6X
In addition to EASA and FAA certification, the Brussels facility received maintenance approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bermuda, the Department of Civil Aviation of Aruba, and the Office of the Director of Civil Aviation in Guernsey. These combined authorizations enable ExecuJet Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Services to support a wide registry of international operators.
Matthijs Hutsebaut, Regional Vice President for Europe at ExecuJet MRO Services, highlighted the operational impact of the new certifications.
“EASA and FAA are the world’s two most internationally recognised civil aviation regulators. This approval is significant as it means we are now internationally certified to do line and heavy maintenance on all in-production Falcon aircraft types,” Hutsebaut stated.
According to the company, there are currently more than 30 Dassault Falcon 6X aircraft operating worldwide. Hutsebaut noted that demand for maintenance and support services is scaling alongside the active fleet. He added that the combination of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) expertise and AOG capabilities positions the facility to provide comprehensive support to operators.
Broader network growth and recent milestones
The Falcon 6X approval in Belgium follows a series of recent capability expansions across the ExecuJet MRO Services global network, which operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation.
On June 11, 2026, the Belgium facility completed an extensive heavy maintenance project on a Dassault Falcon 7X. That project included an engine change, avionics upgrades, and the installation of a Starlink satellite communications system.
The company is also expanding its heavy maintenance footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. On June 3, 2026, ExecuJet MRO Services Australasia announced the expansion of its Dassault Falcon 7X heavy maintenance capabilities at its Sydney facility, with C-checks scheduled to commence in October 2026.
AirPro News analysis
As new clean-sheet aircraft designs like the Dassault Falcon 6X enter service and build flight hours, the availability of certified maintenance infrastructure becomes a critical factor for operator dispatch reliability. By securing EASA and FAA approvals at a major European hub, Dassault Aviation is leveraging its wholly-owned ExecuJet MRO Services subsidiary to capture aftermarket revenue while ensuring its newest flagship operators have immediate access to heavy maintenance and AOG recovery. We expect to see similar capability rollouts across other ExecuJet MRO Services regional hubs as the Falcon 6X fleet matures and approaches its first major scheduled maintenance intervals.
Photo Credit: ExecuJet MRO Services
MRO & Manufacturing
Jet Access Maintenance Becomes Starlink Dealer Amid Price Hike
Jet Access Maintenance joins the Starlink dealer network as SpaceX raises aviation hardware costs 38% and doubles its top-tier monthly plan.
Jet Access Maintenance has secured authorization as a Starlink dealer, expanding its in-flight connectivity upgrade offerings across three maintenance facilities on the same day SpaceX implemented a massive pricing restructure for its aviation internet service.
In a press release issued on July 7, 2026, the company confirmed it will now evaluate, acquire, install, and support Starlink Aviation solutions. The authorization allows Jet Access Maintenance to perform the upgrades at its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana; Nashville, Tennessee; and West Palm Beach, Florida.
Expanding MRO connectivity capabilities
The addition of Starlink hardware sales and activation support integrates into the company’s broader aircraft modernization initiatives. Installations will be completed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified technicians.
The MRO provider will handle ongoing maintenance, technical support, and integration with existing avionics systems for business aviation operators. Scott Dillon, President of Jet Access Maintenance, stated in the release that connectivity is an increasingly important part of the ownership and flight experience.
“By adding Starlink to our offering, we’re expanding the solutions available to our clients and helping them identify the connectivity platform that best supports their aircraft and mission requirements,” Dillon said.
SpaceX restructures Starlink Aviation pricing
The Jet Access Maintenance announcement coincides exactly with a major shift in Starlink’s business model. On July 7, 2026, SpaceX notified customers of a significant pricing restructure for its Starlink Business Aviation plans.
According to reporting by Aviation Week and Corporate Jet Investor, the top-tier Aviation Global Unlimited plan doubled in price from $10,000 to $20,000 per month. SpaceX also introduced a new mid-tier option, the Aviation Regional Unlimited plan, priced at $12,500 per month. This regional plan restricts unlimited data usage to a single continental region.
Hardware costs for business jets also saw a substantial increase. Holstein Aviation reported that the cost for Starlink Aviation hardware installation rose by approximately 38 percent, jumping from $145,000 to $200,000. Official Starlink Support documentation confirms these new rates take effect for existing customers on August 7, 2026.
AirPro News analysis
We note that the timing of this dealer authorization places Jet Access Maintenance in a unique position. The company is entering the Starlink dealer network just as the product undergoes its most significant pricing and tier-structure shift to date.
The 38 percent increase in hardware costs and the doubling of the global unlimited data plan alter the value proposition for mid-light jet operators. While Starlink remains a highly sought-after low-latency connectivity solution, the new $200,000 hardware baseline and $12,500 minimum monthly commitment will likely shift the primary upgrade market toward heavy jet and ultra-long-range aircraft operators. Jet Access Maintenance will need to navigate this new pricing reality as it pitches modernization initiatives to its existing client base.
Sources: Jet Access Maintenance, Aviation Week, Corporate Jet Investor, Starlink Support, Holstein Aviation
Photo Credit: Jet Access Maintenance
MRO & Manufacturing
Safran Opens $140M LEAP Engine MRO Facility in Mexico
Safran Aircraft Engines inaugurated a $140M LEAP engine maintenance facility in Querétaro, targeting 350 shop visits annually by 2030.
Safran Aircraft Engines officially opened a $140 million maintenance facility in Querétaro, Mexico, on July 1, 2026, expanding its capacity to service the rapidly growing global fleet of CFM LEAP engines. The new shop adds significant infrastructure to the manufacturers footprint in the Americas, targeting the high-volume narrowbody market.
The facility is part of a broader €1 billion global investment strategy by the company to scale its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) network. The CFM LEAP engine powers next-generation narrowbody aircraft, including the Airbus A320neo family and the Boeing 737 MAX, both of which are seeing increased shop visit demand as early-delivery airframes mature.
Scaling LEAP engine maintenance in the Americas
The comprehensive MRO hub in Querétaro spans a total footprint of 50,000 square meters. Safran projects that by 2030, the two maintenance facilities located at the site will be capable of handling 350 LEAP engine shop visits annually. The site also features a new test cell designed to perform 350 engine tests per year by the end of the decade.
In a press release issued to mark the opening, Stéphane Cueille, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines, stated that the inauguration strengthens the Querétaro hub’s role at the center of the company’s maintenance ecosystem in the Americas.
Workforce growth and training initiatives
The new engine shop will employ 450 people when operating at full capacity. This expansion adds to the existing workforce across the four Safran Aircraft Engine Services Americas facilities in Querétaro, which currently stands at 1,450 employees. Safran projects the total headcount for its Querétaro operations will reach 2,000 by 2030.
To support this rapid workforce expansion, the company established an onsite training center in partnership with local educational institutions. The center is designed to train 300 inspectors and technicians annually, creating a direct pipeline of qualified personnel for the MRO hub.
“With continued investment in Mexico and around the world we will address the growing global demand for LEAP engine maintenance while continuing to deliver world class support to our customers in the region,” Cueille said.
Global MRO network expansion
The Querétaro engine shop inauguration aligns with Safran Aircraft Engines’ €1 billion global investment plan. To support the expanding CFM LEAP engine fleet, the company recently opened similar maintenance facilities in India, Morocco, and Belgium.
The broader Safran Group is also increasing its footprint in Mexico across other divisions. On June 10, 2026, Safran Landing Systems announced an expansion of its global MRO capabilities, which included its separate Querétaro site, to support landing gear maintenance for Boeing 787, Airbus A350, and Airbus A330 aircraft.
AirPro News analysis
The aggressive expansion of Safran’s MRO network underscores the industry-wide pressure to keep next-generation narrowbody fleets operational. As the CFM LEAP engine matures and the installed base on Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft grows, shop visit demand is accelerating. We view the $140 million investment in Querétaro as a strategic move to localize heavy maintenance near major North and South American operators, reducing turnaround times and logistical bottlenecks. The concurrent focus on local workforce training highlights a critical challenge in the MRO sector: securing the qualified technicians required to meet projected maintenance volumes over the next decade.
Sources: Safran Group
Photo Credit: Safran Group
-
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries2 days agoPhilippine Airlines Orders Up to 20 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners
-
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries2 days agoAerCap Orders 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners at Farnborough 2026
-
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries2 days agoRiyadh Air Orders 31 A350-1000s and 67 Boeing 787s
-
Commercial Aviation2 days agoIndiGo Signs Record 1000 LEAP-1A Engine MoU with CFM
-
Defense & Military21 hours agoGE Aerospace and Magellan Sign F414 MRO MOU for Canada