MRO & Manufacturing
LATAM Airlines Boosts Fleet Efficiency with Lufthansa’s AVIATAR Tech
LATAM partners with Lufthansa Technik to deploy predictive maintenance platform AVIATAR, reducing delays by 20% and streamlining fleet operations.
In an era where operational efficiency and fleet reliability define competitive advantage, LATAM Airlines Group has taken a decisive step by partnering with Lufthansa Technik to deploy the AVIATAR platform across its fleet. This collaboration underscores a strategic shift toward predictive maintenance and data-driven decision-making in aviation—a sector increasingly reliant on digital tools to minimize disruptions and optimize costs.
The agreement covers over 300 aircraft, including Airbus A320s, Boeing 777s, and Boeing 787s, positioning LATAM among the early adopters of advanced maintenance analytics in Latin America. With airlines globally striving to reduce delays and improve safety, this partnership highlights how technology is reshaping traditional maintenance paradigms.
At the core of the collaboration is AVIATAR’s Predictive Health Analytics, which processes real-time aircraft data to identify potential technical issues before they escalate. By analyzing parameters such as engine performance, sensor readings, and historical maintenance records, the system generates actionable insights for preemptive repairs. LATAM has already reported a 20% reduction in delays and cancellations linked to technical disruptions during initial trials.
The platform’s machine learning adapts to fleet-specific patterns, enabling customized maintenance schedules. For example, anomalies detected in a Boeing 787’s hydraulic system might trigger targeted inspections, avoiding broader operational impacts. This proactive approach contrasts with traditional reactive methods, which often lead to unplanned downtime.
“Lufthansa Technik has proven to be a key partner in our digital transformation roadmap,” said Enrique Parada, LATAM’s VP of Engineering and Maintenance. “This agreement is a major step toward leveraging data-driven insights for optimized operations.” Complementing predictive analytics, AVIATAR’s Electronic Technical Logbook digitizes communication between cockpit crews and maintenance teams. Pilots can now report issues via standardized digital forms, reducing manual errors and accelerating troubleshooting. The tool integrates seamlessly with LATAM’s existing Maintenance & Engineering systems, enabling real-time coordination.
During a recent incident, a pilot’s digital report of fluctuating cabin pressure triggered an automated alert to ground technicians. Spare parts were pre-ordered, and repair protocols were initiated before the aircraft landed, cutting turnaround time by 40%. Such efficiency gains are critical for airlines operating high-frequency routes across Latin America’s vast geography.
The logbook’s cross-device functionality ensures accessibility even in remote locations, a vital feature for LATAM’s diverse operational hubs. By eliminating paper-based processes, the airline estimates a 15% reduction in administrative overhead annually.
LATAM’s adoption of AVIATAR mirrors a global shift toward predictive maintenance, with airlines like Emirates and Delta investing in similar technologies. According to Aviation Week, carriers using predictive analytics have seen a 25–30% drop in unscheduled maintenance events, translating to billions in annual savings industry-wide. Regulatory bodies are also encouraging this transition. The FAA and EASA have updated guidelines to accommodate AI-driven maintenance protocols, recognizing their potential to enhance safety. However, challenges remain, including data security concerns and the need for workforce upskilling to manage advanced systems.
“Having the possibility to analyze systematic defects fleet-wide is groundbreaking,” noted Jan Philipp Graesch, Lufthansa Technik’s product lead. “It reduces workload while enabling more efficient maintenance.” Lufthansa Technik recently introduced TRE (Technical Reliability Engineering), an AI module within AVIATAR that identifies fleet-wide defect patterns. Deployed at over 20 airlines, TRE automates root-cause analysis and recommends corrective actions—a task that previously required hours of manual review. LATAM plans to implement TRE by late 2025 to further streamline its operations.
Future upgrades may include generative AI features, such as natural language processing for technician interactions and automated report generation. These innovations align with industry projections that global spending on AI in aviation maintenance will exceed $1.2 billion by 2028, according to MarketsandMarkets.
As airlines face mounting pressure to reduce carbon footprints, predictive tools also support sustainability goals. Optimized maintenance schedules improve fuel efficiency by ensuring aircraft operate at peak performance, potentially lowering emissions by up to 5% per flight.
LATAM’s partnership with Lufthansa Technik exemplifies how digital transformation is redefining aviation maintenance. By harnessing AVIATAR’s predictive analytics and AI capabilities, the airline aims to set new benchmarks for reliability and efficiency in a region marked by complex operational challenges.
Looking ahead, the integration of generative AI and expanded data-sharing partnerships could further revolutionize technical operations. As the industry evolves, airlines that embrace such technologies will likely lead in both profitability and sustainability, proving that innovation is no longer optional—it’s imperative.
What aircraft types will use AVIATAR at LATAM? How does Predictive Health Analytics reduce delays? What future upgrades are planned for AVIATAR? Sources: Lufthansa Technik, Aviation Week
LATAM Airlines Embraces Digital Transformation with Lufthansa Technik’s AVIATAR
AVIATAR’s Technological Innovations
Predictive Health Analytics
Electronic Technical Logbook
Industry Impact and Future Directions
Broader Aviation Trends
AI and Machine Learning Integration
Conclusion
FAQ
The platform will be deployed across LATAM’s Airbus A320, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 fleets.
By identifying potential issues before they cause failures, the system allows proactive maintenance, cutting delay incidents by 20% in trials.
Lufthansa Technik is developing generative AI tools for automated reporting and expanding TRE’s machine learning capabilities.
Photo Credit: Aviationsourcenews
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MRO & Manufacturing
Bombardier Acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions to Expand US Service Network
Bombardier acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions, adding a Delaware facility and mobile repair units to enhance its U.S. aftermarket services.
On February 9, 2026, Bombardier announced the acquisition of Velocity Maintenance Solutions, a specialized provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services based in Wilmington, Delaware. The transaction, executed through Bombardier’s U.S. subsidiary Learjet Inc., represents a strategic expansion of the manufacturer’s aftermarket footprint in the high-traffic Northeast corridor.
The acquisition provides Bombardier with immediate access to a 35,000-square-foot facility at New Castle Airport (ILG) and a fleet of mobile repair units designed for rapid response. While financial terms of the deal remain confidential, the move aligns with the company’s stated objective to grow its services revenue and secure a stronger domestic presence in the United States.
According to the company’s official statement, the acquisition is designed to bolster support for Bombardier’s growing fleet of business jets, including the ultra-long-range Global 8000. By integrating Velocity Maintenance Solutions, Bombardier aims to capture more of the lifecycle maintenance market, a sector that offers stable margins compared to the cyclical nature of aircraft sales.
The deal includes significant physical and operational assets that will be integrated into Bombardier’s service network:
Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President of Bombardier Aftermarket Services, highlighted the cultural fit between the two organizations in the press release.
“Velocity Maintenance Solutions’ capabilities and customer-focused culture make it an excellent fit for Bombardier… This acquisition is part of our commitment to continually elevate our service standards.”
Velocity Maintenance Solutions has established itself as an agile player in the MRO space since its emergence around 2021. As an FAA Part 145 Repair Station, the company is authorized to perform scheduled maintenance, structural repairs, and avionics upgrades.
Prior to the acquisition, Velocity serviced a diverse range of aircraft, including models from Embraer, Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, and Textron, in addition to Bombardier jets. The facility is known for its 24/7 emergency support capabilities, a critical service for business jet operators requiring immediate dispatch reliability.
This acquisition arrives during a complex period for the aerospace industry, characterized by both consolidation and geopolitical friction. By executing the purchase through Learjet Inc., a heritage U.S. brand based in Wichita, Kansas, Bombardier reinforces its status as a significant U.S. employer. This distinction is increasingly vital as the company navigates trade tensions, including recent tariff threats from the U.S. administration regarding Canadian aerospace products.
Expanding physical infrastructure within the United States serves a dual purpose: it insulates the company’s service supply chain from potential cross-border friction and strengthens its eligibility for U.S. defense contracts. Furthermore, in an industry facing a chronic shortage of skilled labor, acquiring a “turnkey” operation with a certified workforce allows Bombardier to bypass the long lead times associated with recruiting and training new technicians. The location in Wilmington also places Bombardier in direct competition with other major service providers at New Castle Airport, including a Dassault Falcon service center, signaling an aggressive push to dominate the Northeast service market.
The acquisition was made by Learjet Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Bombardier.
The existing team of technicians and support staff at Velocity Maintenance Solutions will be retained and integrated into Bombardier’s workforce.
While the press release emphasizes support for Bombardier’s fleet, Velocity has historically serviced various manufacturers. OEMs often honor existing third-party contracts during transition periods, though the long-term focus typically shifts to the parent company’s products.
Bombardier Acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions to Densify U.S. Service Network
Expanding the Aftermarket Ecosystem
Target Profile: Velocity Maintenance Solutions
AirPro News Analysis: Strategic and Political Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the acquiring entity?
What happens to the current workforce?
Will Velocity continue to service non-Bombardier aircraft?
Sources
Photo Credit: Velocity Maintenance Solutions
MRO & Manufacturing
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Satair and Joramco renew their 25-year supply agreement at MRO Middle East 2026, supporting Joramco’s maintenance operations and new contracts.
This article is based on an official press release from Satair and additional industry reporting regarding MRO Middle East 2026.
At the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, Satair, an Airbus Services company, and Joramco (Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Limited) officially announced the renewal of their long-standing Consumables and Expendables Supply Agreement. The deal marks the continuation of a strategic partnership that has spanned more than a quarter of a century, reinforcing the critical role of integrated supply chains in the growing Middle Eastern aviation maintenance sector.
According to the announcement, the renewed agreement is designed to secure a consistent flow of essential spare parts for Joramco’s base maintenance operations in Amman, Jordan. By locking in this supply chain solution, Joramco aims to minimize “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) risks and reduce the complexity of material management for its expanding customer base.
The partnership between Satair and Joramco is one of the most enduring in the region. For over 25 years, Satair has served as a primary provider of consumables and expendables, high-volume, low-cost parts essential for routine maintenance, to the Jordan-based MRO provider.
In the official release, the companies highlighted the operational benefits of the extension. The agreement allows Joramco to leverage Satair’s global distribution network, ensuring that parts are available precisely when needed. This “just-in-time” capability is vital for MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul providers) striving to offer competitive turnaround times to airlines.
A primary focus of the renewal is the mitigation of supply chain disruptions. By outsourcing the management of consumables to Satair, Joramco can focus its internal resources on heavy maintenance and engineering tasks rather than logistics. The agreement reportedly covers a comprehensive range of Airbus and Boeing fleet requirements, aligning with Joramco’s diverse capabilities.
“This continued partnership with Satair ensures we have the right parts at the right time, allowing us to deliver superior turnaround times to our global customers.”
, Statement attributed to Joramco leadership regarding the renewal
The renewal comes amidst a flurry of activity at MRO Middle East 2026, where both companies have announced significant independent expansions. The event, held on February 4–5, 2026, has served as a platform for major industry shifts in the region. According to industry reporting from the event, Joramco has also secured a major five-year heavy maintenance agreement with the German leisure carrier Condor. This deal will see Joramco performing base maintenance on Condor’s entire Airbus fleet, including the A320ceo, A320neo, and A330neo. Additionally, Joramco celebrated the first graduates of its Structured On-the-Job Training (SOJT) program, a move aimed at addressing the global shortage of skilled aviation technicians.
Simultaneously, Satair has expanded its footprint in the sustainability sector. Reports from the event indicate Satair signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GAMECO (Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co.) to enter the Used Serviceable Material (USM) market, addressing the rising demand for cost-effective and sustainable parts solutions.
The renewal of the Satair-Joramco agreement highlights a critical trend in the post-2025 aviation landscape: the prioritization of supply chain resilience. In an era where global parts shortages have frequently grounded fleets, MRO providers are increasingly moving toward long-term, integrated agreements with major distributors rather than relying on spot-market purchasing.
Furthermore, the Middle East’s trajectory as a global MRO hub is evident in these announcements. Joramco’s ability to secure European contracts like the Condor deal, backed by a robust supply chain from Satair, suggests that regional players are successfully competing on a global scale by combining geographic advantages with high-grade logistical reliability.
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Supply Chain Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Strengthening a Quarter-Century Alliance
Operational Efficiency and AOG Reduction
Broader Context: MRO Middle East 2026 Developments
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Satair
MRO & Manufacturing
Joramco Renews Maintenance Agreement with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Joramco extends its maintenance contract with Mexican cargo airline mas for heavy checks on Airbus A330 freighters throughout 2026 at its Amman facility.
This article is based on an official press release from Joramco.
Joramco, the Amman-based aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility and engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has officially announced the renewal of its maintenance agreement with mas (formerly MasAir), a prominent Mexican cargo airline. The agreement was finalized and signed during the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, marking a continuation of the strategic partnership between the two entities.
Under the terms of the renewed contract, Joramco will perform heavy base maintenance checks on the mas fleet of Airbus A330 freighters. The work is scheduled to take place throughout 2026 at Joramco’s facility at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. This announcement underscores the MRO provider’s increasing traction in the global cargo sector and its ability to secure recurring business from international carriers outside its traditional regional stronghold.
According to the company’s announcement, the new deal focuses specifically on heavy base maintenance, often referred to as C-checks, for the carrier’s Airbus A330 fleet. These checks are critical for ensuring the continued airworthiness and operational reliability of the freighter aircraft, which are essential to mas’s global logistics network.
This renewal follows a successful initial collaboration established relatively recently. Joramco and mas first formalized their partnerships in October 2025 at the MRO Europe exhibition in London. That initial agreement covered maintenance checks that began in December 2025. The rapid renewal, signed just four months later, suggests a successful execution of the initial checks and a deepening of the business relationship.
In a statement regarding the renewal, Joramco’s leadership highlighted the significance of the repeat business.
“We are pleased to welcome more aircraft from mas at Joramco. This agreement reaffirms Joramco’s position as a trusted Global MRO provider of choice.”
, Adam Voss, CEO of Joramco
The agreement with mas aligns with Joramco’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint. By securing a renewal with a Latin American carrier, the Jordan-based MRO is demonstrating its competitiveness on a global scale, attracting airframes from the Americas to the Middle-East for heavy maintenance. The timing of this renewal is notable within the wider context of the MRO industry’s capacity constraints. In late 2025, Joramco inaugurated “Hangar 7,” a significant infrastructure expansion that reportedly increased its capacity to 22 parallel maintenance lines. This expansion appears to be paying dividends, allowing the facility to accommodate the “more aircraft” referenced by CEO Adam Voss.
Furthermore, the cargo market remains a demanding sector requiring high asset utilization. For a specialized Cargo-Aircraft airline like mas, which operates a modernizing fleet of Airbus A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) aircraft, securing reliable MRO slots is a strategic priority. The quick transition from an initial contract in late 2025 to a full-year renewal for 2026 indicates that Joramco has successfully met the technical and turnaround time requirements demanded by the cargo carrier.
Joramco: A subsidiary of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), Joramco has operated for over 60 years. Based in Amman, Jordan, it provides airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft.
mas: Headquartered in Mexico City, mas (formerly MasAir) is a specialized cargo airline operating scheduled and charter freight services across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The airline has been actively expanding its capacity with Airbus A330 freighters to support its international network.
Sources:
Joramco Extends Maintenance Partnership with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Scope of the Renewed Agreement
Strategic Context and Capacity Expansion
AirPro News Analysis
About the Companies
Photo Credit: Joramco
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