Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
GE Aerospace Invests $10M in Middle East Aviation Facilities
GE Aerospace has announced a significant $10 million investment in its Middle East facilities, marking a strategic move to bolster the region’s aviation industry. This investment underscores the company’s long-standing commitment to the Middle East, a region that has become a cornerstone of its global operations. With over 40 years of presence in the area, GE Aerospace has established itself as a key player in supporting commercial airlines, backed by its on-wing support plant in Dubai.
The Middle East is a critical market for GE Aerospace, with every major carrier in the region operating aircraft powered by GE engines or those from its joint venture partners. This investment is not just about enhancing infrastructure but also about preparing for future growth and addressing the increasing demand for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. The move is expected to have a ripple effect, benefiting the broader aviation ecosystem in the region.
The $10 million investment will focus on upgrading GE Aerospace’s MRO facilities in Dubai and Doha. These enhancements include new tooling, equipment, and infrastructure, as well as improved training capabilities. The goal is to increase the facilities’ capacity to perform advanced maintenance tasks, particularly on the CFM LEAP engine, which powers a significant portion of the region’s aircraft fleet.
One of the key improvements will be the ability to conduct durability upgrades, module-level disassembly, and hot-section repairs on the LEAP engines. This is crucial given that the Middle East is home to over 750 LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines, operating across more than 20 airlines. The investment also prepares the facilities for future engine models, such as the GE9X, which will power the Boeing 777X.
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the investment will lead to a 30% increase in the workforce at these facilities. This expansion is part of GE Aerospace’s broader strategy to meet the growing demand for MRO services and to support the region’s ambitious airline growth plans.
“Airlines in the region have ambitious growth plans that depend on keeping engines on wing and operating efficiently. Expanding our MRO capacity means we can work on more engines, and there is more we can do to those engines.” – Aziz Koleilat, President and CEO, Middle East, Türkiye, and CIS for GE Aerospace
The investment comes at a time when the aviation industry is grappling with ongoing supply chain challenges. By proactively growing its capabilities, GE Aerospace aims to support increased capacity and deliver greater value to its customers. This move is part of a larger $1 billion global MRO investment by the company, aimed at addressing these challenges and preparing for new engine technologies.
Alex Henderson, Global On Wing Support Leader at GE Aerospace, emphasized the importance of this investment in the context of global supply chain issues. “As supply chain challenges continue to impact airlines globally, we are moving proactively to grow our capabilities to support an increase in capacity. By committing these resources, we can ultimately deliver greater value,” he said.
The Middle East’s strategic location and its role as a global aviation hub make it a critical area for such investments. The region’s airlines are known for their ambitious growth plans, and efficient MRO services are essential for maintaining operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. GE Aerospace’s $10 million investment in the Middle East is a testament to the region’s importance in the global aviation industry. By enhancing its MRO capabilities and expanding its workforce, the company is well-positioned to support the region’s ambitious airline growth plans. This investment not only addresses current supply chain challenges but also prepares the facilities for future engine models, ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency.
Looking ahead, this move is likely to have a significant impact on the broader aviation ecosystem in the Middle East. As the region continues to grow as a global aviation hub, investments like these will be crucial in maintaining operational efficiency and meeting the increasing demand for MRO services. GE Aerospace’s commitment to the region underscores its role as a key player in the global aviation industry, with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Question: What is the purpose of GE Aerospace’s $10 million investment in the Middle East? Question: How will this investment benefit the Middle East’s aviation industry? Question: What are the key improvements planned for the MRO facilities? Sources: The National, GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace’s $10 Million Investment in the Middle East
Enhancing MRO Capabilities
Addressing Supply Chain Challenges
Conclusion
FAQ
Answer: The investment aims to enhance GE Aerospace’s MRO facilities in Dubai and Doha, increase workforce capacity, and prepare for future engine models like the GE9X.
Answer: The investment will improve maintenance capabilities, support regional airline growth plans, and address ongoing supply chain challenges, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency.
Answer: The facilities will receive new tooling, equipment, and infrastructure upgrades, along with enhanced training capabilities to perform advanced maintenance tasks on CFM LEAP engines.
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
DAE Leases 10 Boeing 737-8 Jets to AJet for Fleet Expansion
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise signs lease agreement with AJet for 10 Boeing 737-8 aircraft to boost fleet and route growth starting 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE).
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd. has officially announced a significant agreement to lease 10 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft to AJet, the low-cost subsidiary of Turkish Airlines. The deal, confirmed on December 3, 2025, underscores the continued expansion of the Turkish aviation sector and DAE’s role as a critical partner in fleet modernization for major carriers.
According to the announcement, the aircraft are scheduled for delivery beginning in 2026 and continuing through 2027. These new placements are intended to support AJet’s aggressive growth strategy as it establishes itself as a standalone entity following its spinoff from Turkish Airlines in early 2024. The agreement highlights the strong, ongoing relationship between the Dubai-based lessor and the Turkish Airlines group.
The acquisition of these 10 Boeing 737-8 (MAX) aircraft aligns with AJet’s publicly stated ambition to significantly scale its operations. As a low-cost carrier (LCC), AJet is focused on operating fuel-efficient, high-density aircraft to maintain competitive operating costs while expanding its route network.
In a statement regarding the agreement, Firoz Tarapore, Chief Executive Officer of DAE, emphasized the strategic nature of the partnership:
“We are delighted to be chosen by long-time customer Turkish Airlines to provide them a solution to AJet’s growing fleet requirements with these new-technology, fuel-efficient aircraft. Türkiye is a fast-growing market… We thank Turkish Airlines and AJet for their ongoing trust in DAE.”
AJet has set ambitious targets for the coming decade. According to corporate strategy outlines released earlier in 2025, the airline aims to nearly double its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2033. This lease agreement provides the necessary capacity to replace older models and support new routes across Western Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
This transaction reflects the robust financial health and portfolio depth of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise. As of late 2025, DAE manages a massive fleet ranging between 726 and 750 aircraft, with a total portfolio value estimated at approximately $23 billion. The lessor has maintained a strong focus on next-generation technology, with commitments to 236 Boeing aircraft, including 119 from the 737 MAX family.
DAE’s ability to execute such large-scale placements is supported by strong financial performance. In its financial-results for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, DAE reported a 100% increase in profit before tax to $653 million, alongside a 26% rise in revenue to $1.28 billion. These figures suggest that the lessor is well-capitalized to support the long-term leasing requirements of expanding carriers like AJet. The selection of the Boeing 737-8 is a calculated move for a low-cost carrier operating in the competitive European and Middle Eastern markets. The aircraft offers a 16-20% reduction in fuel use and CO2 emissions compared to previous-generation 737s. For AJet, this efficiency is critical for maintaining low unit costs.
Furthermore, the range of the 737-8, approximately 3,500 nautical miles, allows AJet to reach destinations as far as Western Europe and Central Asia from its hubs in Istanbul and Ankara without refueling. This capability is essential as the airline plans to expand its network to 44 countries.
The deal arrives during a period of substantial growth for Turkey’s aviation industry. Data from the Turkish Ministry of Transport indicates that flight movements in the country increased by 5.7% in the first half of 2025. The dual-brand strategy employed by the Turkish Airlines group, using the main carrier for premium hub traffic and AJet for point-to-point leisure traffic, requires distinct fleet solutions for each entity.
By securing these 10 aircraft, AJet ensures it has the hardware necessary to capture this growing market demand while adhering to the tight delivery timelines required for its 2026–2027 operational schedule.
DAE Secures Long-Term Lease Deal with AJet for 10 Boeing 737-8 Aircraft
Strategic Fleet Expansion for AJet
DAE’s Financial Strength and Portfolio
AirPro News Analysis: The 737-8 Advantage
Market Context: The Turkish Aviation Boom
Sources
Photo Credit: DAE
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander Achieves Canadian Certification
Britten-Norman secures Transport Canada certification for the BN2T-4S Islander, expanding availability in Canada with new UK production slots.
Britten-Norman, the United Kingdom’s sole independent commercial aircraft manufacturer, has announced a significant regulatory milestone for its North American operations. On December 2, 2025, the manufacturer received Type Certification from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) for the BN2T-4S Islander. This approval clears the way for the Commercial-Aircraft to be sold to and operated by Canadian commercial and private entities, opening a critical market for the updated utility twin-turboprop.
The certification complements existing approvals from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to the company, new production build slots are immediately available at its manufacturing facility in Bembridge, Isle of Wight, alongside factory-refurbished pre-owned inventory.
The BN2T-4S, often regarded as a “Super Islander,” represents a substantial evolution from the standard piston-powered BN2B and the earlier turbine BN2T models. Originally developed as the civil variant of the military Defender 4000, the -4S is designed to offer greater payload and range while retaining the short take-off and landing (STOL) characteristics the Islander family is known for.
Key technical upgrades cited in the release and technical specifications include:
Mark Shipp, Technical Director at Britten-Norman, emphasized the complexity of the certification process in a statement:
“Achieving type certification for any aircraft requires extensive technical work and close collaboration with regulators. This approval is an important milestone for the Islander family.”
, Mark Shipp, Technical Director, Britten-Norman
The approval is particularly strategic for the Canadian aviation market, which relies heavily on robust utility aircraft to serve remote indigenous communities, mining operations, and “lifeline” routes in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The BN2T-4S is certified for flight into known icing (FIKI), a mandatory capability for year-round operations in Canadian winters.
The aircraft’s STOL performance allows it to operate from unprepared strips as short as 400 to 500 meters. This capability is essential for connecting off-strip locations that lack paved runways. Richard Milne, Chief Operating Officer at Britten-Norman, highlighted the aircraft’s suitability for these environments:
“For operators serving remote and coastal regions, the BN2T-4S provides dependable performance across every mission. This certification strengthens our presence in key global markets.”
, Richard Milne, Chief Operating Officer, Britten-Norman
The entry of the BN2T-4S into the Canadian market addresses a specific gap in the current utility fleet. Operators often choose between the single-engine Cessna Caravan (lower cost but lacks twin-engine redundancy) and the DHC-6 Twin Otter (twin-engine capability but significantly higher acquisition and operating costs).
For operators requiring twin-engine safety for over-water or night flights,common in the Arctic,but who do not require the 19-seat capacity of a Twin Otter, the BN2T-4S offers a compelling middle ground. With a capacity of up to 10 seats and a lower price point than the Twin Otter, the -4S provides a modernization path for legacy operators looking to retire aging piston fleets without exiting the twin-engine category.
This certification comes as Britten-Norman executes a broader corporate turnaround. Following a financial restructuring in March 2024 and the celebration of its 70th anniversary, the company has repatriated its Manufacturing capabilities. After decades of outsourcing airframe production to Romania, Britten-Norman moved all production back to the UK in late 2023 and 2024. The company asserts that this shift ensures tighter quality control and streamlines the Supply-Chain for international deliveries.
Britten-Norman Secures Canadian Certification for BN2T-4S Islander
The “Super Islander”: Technical Specifications
Operational Fit for the Canadian North
AirPro News analysis: Bridging the Utility Gap
Corporate Context and Manufacturing
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Britten-Norman
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
BNDES Approves R$ 1 Billion Financing to Boost Embraer Exports
The Brazilian Development Bank granted R$ 1.09 billion to Embraer for commercial aircraft production to support export deliveries in 2025.
This article summarizes reporting by Agência Brasil. Read the original reporting for full context.
The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) has approved a significant financing package totaling R$ 1.09 billion (approximately US$ 200 million) for Embraer, the country’s leading aerospace manufacturer. According to reporting by Agência Brasil, this funding is designed to provide the working capital necessary to support the production of commercial aircraft destined for the international market.
The credit operation, finalized on November 25, 2025, utilizes the BNDES Exim Pre-shipment line. This specific financial instrument is tailored to cover the production phase of export goods, ensuring that manufacturers have the liquidity required to purchase raw materials and cover labor costs before delivery to foreign buyers. As noted in the official communications cited by Agência Brasil, this move aligns with Embraer’s strategy to ramp up deliveries in the coming year.
This latest injection of capital underscores the long-standing strategic partnership between the state-owned development bank and the aircraft manufacturer, aiming to secure Brazil’s position in the competitive global aerospace market.
The approved R$ 1.09 billion will be directed specifically toward the production of commercial jets already ordered by international clients. Under the terms of the Exim Pré-embarque (Pre-shipment) credit line, the funds are released to support the manufacturing cycle, covering the gap between production costs and final payment upon delivery.
According to BNDES data referenced in the report, this credit line is distinct because it finances the production phase rather than the purchase itself. The interest rates for the loan are composed of the standard financial cost, BNDES remuneration, and a credit risk rate applicable to this type of export support.
In a statement regarding the approval, BNDES President Aloizio Mercadante highlighted the strategic nature of the sector. As quoted by Agência Brasil:
“Brazil is part of a select group of countries with the capacity to design, manufacture, and export commercial, executive, defense, and agricultural aircraft.”
, Aloizio Mercadante, President of BNDES (via Agência Brasil)
The financing comes at a critical time for Embraer as it prepares for a surge in production. According to the company’s operational guidance cited in the report, Embraer forecasts delivering between 77 and 85 commercial jets in 2025.
If the company achieves the midpoint of this target (81 jets), it would represent an 11% increase compared to the 73 commercial jets delivered in 2024. The report further notes that in 2024, Embraer delivered a total of 206 aircraft across all segments, commercial, executive, and defense, marking an increase from 181 units in 2023.
Francisco Gomes Neto, CEO of Embraer, emphasized the necessity of this capital to meet rising demand. In remarks published by Agência Brasil, he stated:
“[…] BNDES financing is fundamental to support initiatives aimed at increasing production capacity and accelerating deliveries in the coming years.”
, Francisco Gomes Neto, CEO of Embraer
The relationship between BNDES and Embraer is a cornerstone of Brazil’s industrial export strategy. Historical data provided by BNDES indicates that since 1997, the bank has financed approximately US$ 26.3 billion in exports for the manufacturer. This funding has facilitated the export of roughly 1,350 aircraft over nearly three decades.
We observe that this financing package reinforces a broader trend in Brazilian industrial policy: a shift toward “neo-industrialization.” While Brazil is a global powerhouse in raw commodity exports like soy and iron ore, the aerospace sector represents a rare avenue for high-value-added, technology-intensive exports.
By securing state-backed export credit, a standard practice among global competitors like Boeing (via the US Ex-Im Bank) and Airbus (via European ECAs), Embraer ensures it can maintain competitive production flows. This liquidity is vital for competing in the narrow-body market, particularly against the Airbus A220, by ensuring that supply chain constraints do not hamper delivery schedules during a period of high demand.
BNDES Approves R$ 1 Billion Financing to Support Embraer Export Growth
Details of the Financing Package
Understanding the Credit Mechanism
Operational Outlook for 2025
Production Ramp-Up
Historical Context and Strategic Importance
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer
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