Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Aequs Expands with New MRO Facility and 1,000+ Jobs in Belagavi
Aequs, a leading contract manufacturer in the aerospace and consumer goods industries, has announced ambitious plans to expand its operations by setting up a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Belagavi, Karnataka. This move is part of the company’s strategy to strengthen its aerospace manufacturing capabilities and tap into the growing demand for MRO services in India. By 2026, Aequs aims to hire over 1,000 employees to support this expansion, signaling a significant boost to the local economy and the aerospace sector.
The company’s decision to venture into the MRO segment comes at a time when India’s aerospace industry is experiencing rapid growth. With the country’s aircraft fleet expected to double in the coming years, the demand for MRO services is projected to surge. Aequs’s new facility, developed in partnership with Canada’s Magellan Aerospace Corporation, will initially focus on turboprop engine refurbishment and overhaul, addressing a critical gap in the Indian market.
Aequs’s expansion is not limited to aerospace. The company is also eyeing growth in the consumer electronics sector, particularly in precision manufacturing for smart rings and other consumer durables. With a strong foundation in precision engineering and a vertically integrated manufacturing ecosystem, Aequs is well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities and achieve its goal of becoming a $1 billion revenue company within the next five years.
Aequs has long been a key player in India’s aerospace manufacturing sector, with a strong presence in the Belagavi Aerospace Cluster (BAC). This cluster, India’s first precision manufacturing Special Economic Zone (SEZ), offers an end-to-end manufacturing value stream, including forging, machining, surface treatment, and aero assemblies. The company’s existing capabilities have earned it partnerships with global aerospace giants like Airbus, Boeing, Collins, and Safran.
The new MRO facility is a natural extension of Aequs’s aerospace expertise. According to Aravind Melligeri, Chairman and CEO of Aequs, the facility will leverage the company’s existing strengths and synergies with Magellan Aerospace to deliver high-quality engine MRO services. “The Indian market has a significant gap in engine MRO capabilities, and we aim to bridge that gap,” Melligeri stated in a recent interview. The facility is expected to play a crucial role in supporting the growing demand for MRO services in India, which is projected to reach $4 billion by 2031.
In addition to the MRO facility, Aequs plans to expand its aerospace workforce by adding 300 to 400 employees in the current fiscal year. This expansion is part of the company’s broader strategy to increase its overall workforce by 1,000 employees by 2026. With a current workforce of 4,000, Aequs is committed to creating job opportunities and contributing to the local economy.
“The Indian market has a significant gap in engine MRO capabilities, and we aim to bridge that gap.” – Aravind Melligeri, Chairman and CEO of Aequs
While aerospace remains Aequs’s core focus, the company is also making strides in the consumer electronics sector. Precision manufacturing is one of Aequs’s key strengths, and the company is leveraging this expertise to explore opportunities in the growing market for smart rings and other consumer durables. “We are talking to some smart ring makers and see significant potential in this space,” Melligeri revealed.
Aequs’s foray into consumer electronics is part of its strategy to diversify its revenue streams and reduce its reliance on the aerospace sector. The company initially focused on the domestic market but is now shifting its attention to exports. With 60-70% of the value addition to its products happening within the SEZ, Aequs is well-equipped to meet the demands of international markets. The company’s consumer electronics vertical is still in its early stages, but it holds immense potential for growth. As the global demand for precision-engineered consumer products continues to rise, Aequs is poised to emerge as a key player in this space.
Aequs has laid out a comprehensive five-year roadmap to achieve its ambitious goals. The company aims to become a $1 billion revenue company by 2030, with the aerospace vertical contributing $500 million. This represents a significant increase from the current aerospace revenue of $100 million, which accounts for the majority of Aequs’s total revenue of $120 million.
To achieve these targets, Aequs is focusing on increasing both its revenue and value addition. The company’s aerospace business is already profitable, and the group as a whole is on a strong financial footing. While Aequs currently has sufficient funds to support its expansion plans, it is open to raising additional capital through rights issues if necessary.
Aequs’s strategic partnerships with Magellan Aerospace and France’s Aubert & Duval further strengthen its position in the global aerospace market. These collaborations enable the company to offer a wide range of services, from chemical processing and surface treatments to forgings and aerostructure assemblies. With its integrated ecosystem and commitment to innovation, Aequs is well-positioned to achieve its long-term goals and drive the growth of India’s aerospace and manufacturing sectors.
Aequs’s plans to set up an MRO facility and hire over 1,000 employees mark a significant milestone in the company’s journey. By expanding its aerospace capabilities and venturing into consumer electronics, Aequs is diversifying its revenue streams and positioning itself for long-term growth. The company’s focus on precision manufacturing and strategic partnerships underscores its commitment to delivering high-quality solutions to its customers.
As India’s aerospace industry continues to grow, Aequs’s contributions will play a crucial role in meeting the demand for MRO services and supporting the country’s expanding aircraft fleet. With a clear vision and a robust roadmap, Aequs is well on its way to becoming a $1 billion revenue company and a global leader in contract manufacturing.
Question: What is Aequs’s core focus? Question: What are Aequs’s expansion plans? Question: Who are Aequs’s key partners? Sources: Rediff Money Desk
Aequs to Set Up MRO Facility and Hire 1,000+ Employees
Expanding Aerospace Capabilities
Venturing into Consumer Electronics
Future Outlook and Strategic Goals
Conclusion
FAQ
Answer: Aequs specializes in vertically integrated product solutions for the aerospace and consumer goods industries, with a strong emphasis on precision manufacturing.
Answer: Aequs plans to set up an MRO facility, expand its aerospace workforce, and venture into the consumer electronics sector, aiming to become a $1 billion revenue company by 2030.
Answer: Aequs has strategic partnerships with Magellan Aerospace and France’s Aubert & Duval, enabling it to offer a wide range of aerospace manufacturing services.
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
High Ridge Aviation Acquires Airbus A330-300 P2F from CDB Aviation
High Ridge Aviation buys an Airbus A330-300 Passenger-to-Freighter from CDB Aviation, leased to MasAir, expanding into dedicated cargo aircraft.
This article is based on an official press release from High Ridge Aviation.
High Ridge Aviation (HRA) has officially announced the acquisition of an Airbus A330-300 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) aircraft from CDB Aviation. The transaction represents a notable strategic shift for the lessor, marking its first entry into the dedicated air cargo aircraft market. The aircraft is currently on lease to MasAir, a Mexico-based cargo airline.
This deal highlights a period of active portfolio expansion for High Ridge Aviation, which was established in 2022 with backing from PIMCO. According to the company’s announcement, this purchase not only introduces the first freighter into their fleet but also establishes their first direct trading relationship with CDB Aviation and welcomes MasAir as a new lessee customer.
The acquisition focuses on a specific asset identified in industry reports as Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 958. While High Ridge Aviation’s official statement confirms the model as an Airbus A330-300 P2F, supplementary industry data indicates the aircraft was built in 2008 and is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines.
The A330-300 P2F variant is widely recognized in the logistics sector for its high volumetric capacity. Converted from a passenger configuration, this aircraft type offers approximately 23% more cargo volume than older generation freighters in its class, making it particularly suitable for the low-density, high-volume demands of modern e-commerce.
For HRA, this transaction serves as a diversification milestone. By moving beyond its primary focus on passenger aircraft, the firm is broadening its asset risk profile. Greg Conlon, Chief Executive Officer of High Ridge Aviation, emphasized the calculated nature of this expansion in the company’s press release:
“This investment is underpinned by our deep understanding of the passenger-to-freighter market and the A330’s reputation as a proven platform.”
This move aligns with broader industry trends where lessors seek to balance passenger travel exposure with the steady demand found in the air cargo sector.
The aircraft remains on lease to MasAir (AeroTransportes Mas de Carga, S.A. de C.V.), a carrier that has been aggressively modernizing its fleet. Based in Latin-America, MasAir has shifted its strategy away from older Boeing 767 freighters to focus on the more efficient Airbus A330 platform. This aircraft is critical to their operations across the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. For the seller, CDB Aviation, the divestment aligns with standard portfolio management practices. As a wholly-owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., CDB Aviation frequently trades assets to manage portfolio age and liquidity. CDB Aviation has been a significant proponent of the A330 P2F program, having served as an early launch customer for the conversion type with Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW).
We observe that the timing of this transaction, late December 2025, coincides with a constrained supply-chain environment for new freighter aircraft. With delivery delays persisting at major manufacturers, the secondary market for converted freighters remains robust. High Ridge Aviation’s entry into this space suggests a confidence in the long-term residual value of the A330-300 P2F, particularly as operators like MasAir require immediate lift capacity that factory-new production lines cannot currently satisfy.
Furthermore, the backing of PIMCO provides HRA with the capital flexibility to execute opportunistic acquisitions like this one, allowing them to absorb assets from major lessors like CDB Aviation who are in a phase of portfolio optimization.
Sources:
High Ridge Aviation Enters Dedicated Cargo Market with A330-300 P2F Acquisition
Transaction Overview and Asset Details
Strategic Significance for High Ridge Aviation
Operational Context: MasAir and CDB Aviation
AirPro News Analysis
Photo Credit: High Ridge Aviation
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
High Ridge Aviation Acquires Boeing 787-8 Leased to TUI
High Ridge Aviation acquires a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner from BBAM, leased to TUI, marking a new partnership and fleet expansion.
High Ridge Aviation (HRA) has officially announced the acquisition of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner from BBAM Aircraft Leasing & Management. The transaction, announced on December 22, 2025, marks a significant expansion of HRA’s fleet and establishes new commercial relationships for the lessor. The aircraft, identified by Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 34423 and registration G-TUIB, is currently on lease to the European leisure travel group TUI and will remain in operation with the airline.
This acquisition represents a notable milestone for High Ridge Aviation, a company established in 2022. According to the announcement, this deal constitutes the first asset trade between HRA and BBAM, one of the industry’s largest asset managers. Furthermore, the transaction introduces TUI as a new customer within HRA’s growing client base.
The acquisition involves a mid-size, wide-body aircraft that serves as a core component of TUI’s long-haul operations. The Boeing 787-8 is widely recognized for its fuel efficiency and composite construction, features that have maintained the type’s liquidity in the secondary market. By acquiring this asset with an attached lease, HRA secures immediate revenue generation while expanding its footprint in the wide-body sector.
Greg Conlon, Chief Executive Officer of High Ridge Aviation, emphasized the importance of industry relationships in executing this deal. In a statement accompanying the announcement, Conlon highlighted the company’s strategic focus:
“This transaction is a testament to our team’s extensive experience and long-standing relationships throughout the industry. We are focused on executing disciplined transactions that support operators while delivering durable, long-term value.” The deal underscores the operational capacity of HRA, which is led by a team of former GECAS executives and backed by the global investment management firm PIMCO. This partnership allows the lessor to leverage a “managed money” model, facilitating scalable capital deployment for assets like the Dreamliner.
The secondary market for wide-body aircraft has seen sustained activity throughout late 2025. As supply chain constraints continue to impact the delivery schedules of new aircraft from major Manufacturers, existing mid-life assets, such as the 2013-vintage Dreamliner involved in this transaction, have retained strong utility and value.
For High Ridge Aviation, this move signals a transition from its initial launch phase into a period of maturity and aggressive growth. Trading with a legacy giant like BBAM, which manages a fleet valued at over $20 billion, demonstrates HRA’s ability to compete and collaborate at the highest levels of the aircraft leasing industry. Additionally, diversifying its portfolio with a TUI-operated wide-body reduces risk by placing assets with established, global operators.
This acquisition was reported alongside HRA’s purchase of an Airbus A330-300 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) aircraft, further indicating a strategy to build a balanced portfolio across different asset types and sectors.
High Ridge Aviation Adds TUI-Leased Boeing 787-8 to Portfolio
Transaction Overview and Executive Commentary
AirPro News Analysis: Market Context
Summary of Key Details
Sources
Photo Credit: High Ridge Aviation
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Philippine Airlines First Southeast Asian Operator of Airbus A350-1000
Philippine Airlines receives its first Airbus A350-1000, expanding its long-haul US routes with improved efficiency and high-density cabin layout.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and additional industry data.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, marking a major fleet milestone as the carrier becomes the first operator of the type in Southeast Asia. According to an official press release issued by Airbus on December 22, 2025, the aircraft, registered as RP-C3510, arrived in Manila from Toulouse, France, on December 20.
This delivery represents the first of nine firm orders placed by the Philippine flag carrier in 2023. The new widebody jets are intended to serve as the flagship for PAL’s long-haul network, specifically targeting non-stop transpacific routes to North-America. By integrating the A350-1000, PAL aims to modernize its fleet, replacing older Boeing 777-300ER aircraft while enhancing operational efficiency and capacity.
The A350-1000 is the largest variant in the A350 family and is designed to handle ultra-long-haul operations with a range of up to 8,700 nautical miles (16,100 km). According to Airbus and PAL statements, this capability allows the airline to operate non-stop services year-round from Manila to the East Coast of the United States and Canada without payload restrictions.
Key destinations slated for the new fleet include New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), and Toronto (YYZ). While long-haul service is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026, industry reports indicate the aircraft will initially fly regional routes to Bangkok and Singapore for crew familiarization.
“The arrival of the A350-1000 marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to fleet modernization and network growth. It will be a source of Filipino pride and a transformational step for our airline.”
, Lucio Tan III, President of PAL Holdings
Philippine Airlines has opted for a high-density, three-class configuration for its A350-1000 fleet, accommodating a total of 382 passengers. The layout is distinct from many other operators of the type, particularly in the economy cabin.
The Business Class cabin features 42 private suites arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. These suites include sliding doors for privacy, fully flat beds, and direct aisle access for every passenger. Following this, the Premium Economy section offers 24 seats in a 2-4-2 layout, providing a 38-inch pitch and integrated calf rests. The Economy Class cabin comprises 316 seats arranged in a 3-4-3 (10-abreast) configuration. This high-density layout utilizes a 32-inch pitch and 16.5-inch seat width, allowing PAL to maximize passenger volume on its high-demand transpacific corridors.
The decision to utilize a 10-abreast configuration in Economy Class places Philippine Airlines among a select group of carriers maximizing the A350’s fuselage width. While this configuration significantly lowers the cost per seat, crucial for profitability on ultra-long-haul sectors, it offers reduced seat width compared to the standard 9-abreast layout found on competitors. We anticipate this will allow PAL to remain price-competitive on routes to the U.S. West Coast, though it presents a comfort trade-off for passengers on flights exceeding 14 hours.
The modernization of PAL’s fleet focuses heavily on environmental performance. The A350-1000 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, which Airbus states deliver a 25% reduction in fuel burn and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft like the Boeing 777-300ER.
Furthermore, the aircraft is certified to operate with up to a 50% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aligning with the airline’s long-term decarbonization goals. This efficiency is critical for maintaining the viability of ultra-long-haul routes amidst fluctuating global fuel prices.
When will the new A350-1000 start flying? How many A350-1000s has PAL ordered? What is the difference between the A350-900 and the A350-1000? Sources: Airbus Press Release
Philippine Airlines Becomes First Southeast Asian Operator of the Airbus A350-1000
Strategic Deployment and Route Network
Cabin Configuration and Technical Specifications
Premium Cabins
Economy Class Density
AirPro News Analysis
Sustainability and Efficiency
Frequently Asked Questions
While the aircraft arrived in December 2025, it is expected to perform regional familiarization flights before commencing scheduled long-haul service to North America in Q1 2026.
Philippine Airlines has placed firm orders for nine A350-1000s, with purchase rights for an additional three. Deliveries are scheduled to continue through 2027.
The A350-1000 is the longer fuselage variant of the A350 family. It seats more passengers (382 in PAL’s configuration) and is optimized for the longest routes in the network, whereas PAL already operates the smaller A350-900.
Photo Credit: Airbus
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