MRO & Manufacturing
DIMOR Group’s $12M Investment in Historic Aircraft Manufacturing
DIMOR Group’s $12M Investment in Historic Aircraft Manufacturing
The DIMOR Group’s $12 million investment in expanding historic aircraft manufacturing in Battle Creek, Michigan, marks a significant milestone in the preservation and revival of aviation history. This expansion not only highlights the region’s rich aviation heritage but also aligns with the growing global interest in vintage and historically significant aircraft. By investing in the WACO Aircraft Cooperation’s campus, DIMOR Group is ensuring that the legacy of early 20th-century aviation pioneers continues to inspire future generations.
This project is more than just a financial investment; it is a commitment to preserving the “golden age of aviation.” The WACO biplane, first manufactured between 1919 and 1947, and the Junkers plane, introduced in 1915, are iconic symbols of this era. DIMOR Group’s initiative to build a 45,000 square foot JUNKERS Aircraft factory on the WACO campus is a testament to their dedication to historical accuracy and modern engineering. This expansion will bring the total campus size to 150,000 square feet, creating a hub for aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Reviving Aviation History
The WACO Aircraft Corporation has a storied history, with its biplanes being a significant part of the early aviation industry. The new JUNKERS Aircraft factory will complement this legacy by producing aircraft that pay homage to Hugo Junkers, a pioneering figure in aviation. These planes are not mass-produced on assembly lines but are handcrafted to their historical glory, incorporating modern aviation specifications and engineering. This meticulous approach ensures that each aircraft is a true representation of its historical counterpart while meeting contemporary safety and performance standards.
DIMOR Group’s CEO, Sergio Barreto, emphasized the company’s mission to spread the passion for aviating in its purest form. “With this substantial investment from our founder Dieter Morszeck, JUNKERS Aircraft in the United States is extremely excited to expand our footprint in Southwest Michigan,” Barreto said. This expansion is not just about building and selling aircraft; it is about reigniting the passion for aviation and preserving its rich history.
“We’re in the business of building and selling aircraft, but at our core, the mission really is to spread the passion for aviating in its purest form.” – Sergio Barreto, CEO of DIMOR Group
Economic and Workforce Impact
The $12 million investment is expected to have a significant economic impact on the Battle Creek region. The project is anticipated to create 40 new jobs over the next five years, providing employment opportunities and boosting the local economy. DIMOR Group has partnered with Owen-Ames-Kimball Co for the construction of the new factory and is collaborating with the Regional Manufacturing Technology Center at Kellogg Community College to offer skills training and workforce development programs. This initiative ensures that the local workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to support the expanded manufacturing operations.
In addition to job creation, the expansion will enhance the WACO campus’s capabilities. The new factory will feature state-of-the-art machinery, assembly fixtures, and new tooling, enabling increased metal forming and advanced aircraft production. The campus also houses CENTENNIAL Aircraft Services, a full-service Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) that offers sales, pilot amenities, and general aircraft services such as maintenance and fueling. This comprehensive approach ensures that the campus remains a vital hub for aviation activities.
The DIMOR Group’s investment is a strategic move that aligns with broader industry trends. The aerospace manufacturing sector is increasingly adopting new technologies such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), digitalization, and smart systems. These advancements are driving efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in aircraft production. By integrating these technologies into their operations, DIMOR Group is positioning itself as a leader in the revival of historic aircraft manufacturing while embracing modern advancements.
Conclusion
The DIMOR Group’s $12 million investment in expanding historic aircraft manufacturing in Battle Creek is a significant step towards preserving aviation history and promoting the passion for flying. By reviving the production of iconic aircraft like the WACO biplane and the Junkers plane, DIMOR Group is ensuring that the legacy of early aviation pioneers continues to inspire future generations. This project not only highlights the region’s rich aviation heritage but also contributes to the local economy by creating jobs and fostering workforce development.
Looking ahead, the expansion aligns with broader industry trends towards technological advancements and sustainability. As the aerospace manufacturing sector continues to evolve, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in shaping a smarter, cleaner, and more customer-focused industry. The DIMOR Group’s commitment to preserving aviation history while embracing modern engineering and technology sets a precedent for future projects in the field. This investment is a testament to the enduring appeal of historic aircraft and the importance of keeping their legacy alive.
FAQ
Question: What is the significance of the DIMOR Group’s investment in Battle Creek?
Answer: The investment aims to expand historic aircraft manufacturing, preserve aviation history, and boost the local economy by creating jobs and fostering workforce development.
Question: What types of aircraft will be produced at the new factory?
Answer: The factory will produce JUNKERS Aircraft, which pay homage to the legacy of Hugo Junkers, alongside the existing WACO biplanes.
Question: How will the expansion impact the local workforce?
Answer: The project is expected to create 40 new jobs over five years, with additional skills training provided through partnerships with local educational institutions.
Sources: ARC West Michigan, NMGAerospace, CapTechU, FOX 17 Online, ITONICS
MRO & Manufacturing
Pratt & Whitney Canada Invests $275M CAD in Longueuil Plant
Pratt & Whitney Canada commits $275M CAD to automate its Longueuil facility, backed by federal and Quebec government support.
Pratt & Whitney Canada will inject $275 million CAD into its Longueuil manufacturing facility to integrate automated production lines and advanced digital processes, securing 650 jobs in the Quebec aerospace sector.
Announced on July 21, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow, the modernization project is backed by up to $34 million CAD from the Government of Canada, alongside support from the Quebec government. The investment targets the engine manufacturer’s global headquarters and largest manufacturing site, representing approximately $195.5 million USD in capital upgrades.
Upgrading industrial capacity for turbine production
The capital injection will fund the installation of modernized machinery and automated production lines at the Longueuil plant. Pratt & Whitney Canada, an RTX business, produces turbine engines for regional aircraft, business jets, general aviation, and rotorcraft platforms. By implementing advanced digital manufacturing processes, the company aims to increase production efficiency and precision to meet rising global demand for its propulsion systems.
In a press release detailing the investment, Pratt & Whitney Canada President Satheeshkumar Kumarasingam stated the upgrades will strengthen industrial capacity and enable the manufacturer to better support its customers.
“It also reinforces our longstanding role as a pillar of the Québec aerospace ecosystem and a major contributor to Canadian aviation,” Kumarasingam said.
Federal and provincial government support
The modernization effort is a joint public-private initiative. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is providing up to $34 million CAD through the federal Strategic Response Fund. The Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie du Québec is also supporting the project, though specific provincial funding figures were not disclosed in the initial announcement.
The Longueuil facility currently employs nearly 4,500 people. According to the federal government, the financial engagement will directly maintain 650 jobs at the site. The announcement was coordinated with Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, highlighting the strategic importance of the aerospace sector to the regional economy.
AirPro News analysis
We view this $275 million CAD investment as a necessary step for Pratt & Whitney Canada to protect its manufacturing base against ongoing global supply chain pressures. By shifting toward automated production lines and digital processes, the engine manufacturer is positioning its legacy Longueuil facility to handle higher production rates with greater consistency. Announcing the capital upgrade at the Farnborough International Airshow serves a dual purpose: reassuring global airframers of the company’s capacity to deliver on engine backlogs while demonstrating the Canadian government’s willingness to subsidize critical aerospace infrastructure.
Sources: Pratt & Whitney Canada
Photo Credit: Pratt & Whitney Canada
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
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