MRO & Manufacturing
PASL Expands Aircraft Maintenance with JMI Acquisition in UK
PASL acquires UK-based JMI to enhance MRO services for Textron and Dassault aircraft, expanding its footprint in Europe and Africa.
PASL’s Strategic Acquisition of JMI-Jet Maintenance International: Enhancing MRO Capabilities
Pula Aviation Services Limited (PASL) has significantly expanded its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities through the strategic acquisition of UK-based JMI-Jet Maintenance International Limited (JMI), announced in July 2025. This move integrates JMI’s specialized expertise in Textron and Dassault aircraft maintenance into PASL’s existing aviation support ecosystem, which includes aircraft management, parts supply, and medical services.
The acquisition aligns with PASL’s broader strategy to consolidate comprehensive aviation services under a unified group structure, enhancing service delivery across Europe while positioning the company for growth in a global MRO market projected to reach $147.46 billion by 2034. JMI’s established footprint at London Oxford Airport and expansion into emerging markets like Zambia further amplifies PASL’s competitive advantage in an industry increasingly driven by technical specialization and geographic reach.
Background: Pula Aviation Services Limited (PASL)
PASL operates as a Guernsey-based aviation services group founded in 2014 under the family office of Stephen Lansdown CBE. The company has grown through strategic acquisitions, including the 2016 purchase of Centreline AV (UK-based charter and FBO services) and the 2019 acquisition of ASG Limited, a Guernsey MRO facility specializing in business and general aviation maintenance.
PASL’s portfolio now spans four core businesses: ASG (aircraft maintenance), Centreline AV (management and charter), Capital Air Ambulance (medical transport), and Airpart Supply Limited (aircraft parts distribution). This structure enables PASL to offer end-to-end solutions for aircraft ownership, management, and operational support, leveraging over 100 years of combined aviation expertise across its subsidiaries.
The group employs approximately 100 professionals and maintains facilities in Guernsey, Bristol, and Dublin, with recent expansions focusing on European market penetration through initiatives like Airpart’s EU e-commerce platform and Ireland-based warehouse.
Background: JMI-Jet Maintenance International
JMI-Jet Maintenance International, founded in 2018 by aviation veterans Ed Griffith and Neil Plumb, established itself as an independent MRO provider at London Oxford Airport. The company developed a niche in base maintenance, line support, and aircraft-on-ground (AOG) services for Textron Citation and Dassault Falcon aircraft, models representing a significant share of Europe’s business aviation fleet.
JMI’s capabilities include structural repairs, avionics upgrades, interior modifications, and painting support, serving clients across the UK and Europe. Its founding vision emphasized personalized customer service and technical excellence, filling a market gap for specialized support in high-demand aircraft categories.
By 2025, JMI had expanded its operational footprint to include Zambia, becoming the country’s first third-party MRO provider, a strategic move into an underserved African market.
The Acquisition: Strategic Rationale and Implementation
Announced on July 11, 2025, PASL’s acquisition of JMI represents a calculated expansion of the group’s MRO capabilities. While financial terms remain undisclosed, the transaction’s strategic intent centers on three pillars: portfolio diversification, geographic expansion, and technical synergy.
JMI’s Textron and Dassault approvals complement PASL’s existing maintenance operations at ASG Guernsey, which primarily supports turboprops and light jets like Beechcraft, Piper, and Cessna models. This cross-portfolio integration allows PASL to offer clients a unified maintenance solution across diverse aircraft types, reducing third-party dependencies.
Geographically, JMI’s London Oxford base, a £2 million facility with 16,000 sq. ft. of hangar space, provides PASL with a strategic foothold in southeast England’s aviation corridor, augmenting its Guernsey and Bristol operations. The facility’s proximity to Heathrow and Birmingham airports enhances logistical efficiency for AOG support and line maintenance.
“JMI broadens our maintenance approvals across the Textron jet series and Dassault Falcon aircraft, unlocking further opportunities for growth across the group.” — Steve Page, CEO of PASL
Technically, JMI brings certifications that unlock new revenue streams for PASL, particularly in avionics upgrades and structural modifications for high-value business jets. Post-acquisition, JMI operates as a PASL subsidiary with founder Ed Griffith continuing as Managing Director.
This continuity ensures operational stability while leveraging PASL’s resources for scaling. Griffith noted, “With the backing of a well-established aviation group, we gain access to greater resources, investment, and operational expertise.”
The integration also benefits PASL’s parts division, Airpart Supply Limited, which stocks components for Cessna, Piper, and Beechcraft models. JMI’s engine and airframe expertise creates cross-selling opportunities for Airpart’s inventory, streamlining supply chains for maintenance clients.
Industry Context: The Evolving MRO Landscape
The acquisition occurs against a backdrop of robust growth in the global aircraft MRO market, driven by fleet expansion, aging aircraft, and technological advancements. Current projections indicate the market will grow from $88.91 billion in 2024 to $147.46 billion by 2034, reflecting a 5.19% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
This growth is unevenly distributed: the Asia-Pacific region dominates with a $31.12 billion market share in 2024 (expected to reach $52.35 billion by 2034), while North America shows the highest growth potential due to developed aviation infrastructure and regulatory frameworks mandating rigorous maintenance standards.
Market segmentation reveals engines as the largest MRO category (48% market share in 2024), followed by airframe maintenance (20%) and components (32%).
“Smart maintenance” is forecasted to reach $12 billion by 2034, reshaping how providers approach predictive analytics and IoT-enabled diagnostics.
Several macro-trends amplify PASL-JMI’s strategic positioning. First, nearly 9% of the global fleet exceeds 25 years of service, increasing demand for heavy maintenance and retrofits. This trend benefits specialized MROs like JMI, which focus on structural repairs and avionics upgrades for mature aircraft.
Second, predictive analytics and IoT-enabled systems are revolutionizing MRO efficiency. The “smart maintenance” segment alone is forecasted to reach $12 billion by 2034, incentivizing providers like PASL to invest in digital integration across acquired capabilities.
Third, emerging markets like Africa and Asia-Pacific face MRO supply gaps. JMI’s entry into Zambia, where it is the sole third-party provider, exemplifies how PASL can capture growth in underserviced regions, potentially replicating this model across other high-demand areas.
Competitive Implications and Future Outlook
PASL’s acquisition positions it to challenge established MRO players by offering specialized, vertically integrated services. Unlike broad-spectrum providers, PASL’s model targets specific aircraft types and owner-operators, emphasizing agility and customization, qualities increasingly valued in the business aviation segment.
The integration also strengthens PASL’s competitive moat through cross-business synergies. JMI’s maintenance workflows can now access Airpart’s inventory management systems and ASG’s airworthiness certifications, reducing turnaround times for clients.
Looking ahead, PASL faces integration challenges, including harmonizing JMI’s operational culture with existing subsidiaries and scaling quality control across geographies. However, the group’s leadership experience and decentralized model provide a solid foundation for managing these complexities.
Leadership and Organizational Alignment
The acquisition coincides with PASL’s broader leadership evolution. In May 2025, Jasmine Sohanta was promoted to Head of Aircraft Sales, reflecting PASL’s emphasis on internal talent development. Sohanta’s background in turboprop and light jet sales complements JMI’s technical capabilities, enabling coordinated client solutions across sales and maintenance.
Similarly, JMI founder Ed Griffith’s retention as Managing Director ensures continuity in client relationships and technical governance. His two-decade tenure at London Oxford Airport provides invaluable operational insights for PASL’s UK expansion.
At the group level, PASL’s executive structure, chaired by Tanya Raynes and led by CEO Steve Page, prioritizes decentralized leadership. This model allows subsidiaries like JMI and ASG to maintain brand autonomy while benefiting from shared resources and strategic oversight.
Conclusion
PASL’s acquisition of JMI-Jet Maintenance International represents a milestone in the group’s strategy to build an integrated aviation services ecosystem. By combining JMI’s aircraft-specific expertise with PASL’s existing capabilities in management, parts, and medical transport, the group now offers clients a singular point of contact for end-to-end aviation support.
As the global MRO market accelerates toward $147 billion by 2034, PASL’s niche-focused, geographically diversified model positions it to capture disproportionate value in high-growth segments. Future initiatives may include replicating JMI’s Zambia entry in other emerging markets and exploring innovations that could redefine PASL’s role beyond traditional business aviation.
FAQ
What is the significance of PASL acquiring JMI?
The acquisition expands PASL’s MRO capabilities, allowing it to serve a broader range of aircraft types and enter new markets like Zambia.
Who founded JMI and when?
JMI was founded in 2018 by Ed Griffith and Neil Plumb and is based at London Oxford Airport.
What aircraft types does JMI specialize in?
JMI focuses on Textron Citation and Dassault Falcon aircraft, offering base maintenance, AOG services, and modifications.
Sources
PASL, Corporate Jet Investor, ePlane AI, Precedence Research, Oliver Wyman, Statista, SkyQuest
Photo Credit: PASL
MRO & Manufacturing
Airhub Aviation Certified for Boeing 737 MAX Maintenance in Lithuania
Airhub Aviation expands its certification to include Boeing 737 MAX Line Maintenance and CAMO, enhancing support for modern aircraft fleets in Lithuania.
This article is based on an official press release from Airhub Aviation.
Airhub Aviation has officially expanded its Maintenance Organization Certificate to include the Boeing 737 MAX, securing regulatory approval for both Line Maintenance (MRO) and Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) operations. The certification was granted by the Transport Competence Agency (TKA) of the Republic of Lithuania, marking a significant operational pivot for the aviation services provider.
Historically recognized for its expertise in managing mid-to-end-of-life aircraft, Airhub Aviation is now adapting its technical capabilities to service next-generation narrowbody fleets. According to a company press release, the approval allows the firm to support operators of the growing Boeing 737 MAX fleet with efficient and reliable aviation services.
The transition highlights a broader industry necessity as maintenance providers upgrade their facilities and training programs to meet the surging global demand for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft maintenance.
Expanding Capabilities for Next-Generation Fleets
From Legacy Assets to the 737 MAX
Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania, Airhub Aviation operates as part of the GetJet aviation group. Industry background reports indicate that the company has traditionally focused on older fleets, including Airbus A320ceo aircraft and passenger-to-freighter conversions for Airbus A340 widebodies. The recent TKA approval represents a strategic expansion into modern aircraft technologies.
The newly acquired Line Maintenance approval authorizes Airhub Aviation to perform routine, day-to-day checks, troubleshooting, and minor repairs on the Boeing 737 MAX while the aircraft remains in active service. Concurrently, the CAMO certification enables the company to manage the administrative and technical tracking of the aircraft’s health, ensuring strict regulatory compliance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards.
“This approval reflects not only our teams’ dedication, professionalism, and close collaboration, but also our ability to respond with agility,” Airhub Aviation stated in its official release.
Industry Pressures and the MRO Market Surge
Meeting Global Demand
The push to certify maintenance providers for the Boeing 737 MAX aligns with significant shifts in the global commercial aviation fleet. According to Boeing’s 2025 Commercial Market Outlook, the industry projects a global demand for 33,300 new single-aisle aircraft over the next 20 years. Industry forecasts further anticipate that narrowbody jets will represent over two-thirds of the entire global commercial fleet by 2029.
This rapid fleet modernization is driving record expansion in the commercial MRO sector. Market research estimates value the MRO sector at approximately $96 billion in 2025, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 5% through the end of the decade. However, this growth is accompanied by severe supply chain bottlenecks and labor shortages. Boeing estimates that the aviation industry will require 716,000 new maintenance technicians over the next two decades to sustain global operations.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that Airhub Aviation’s certification is indicative of a larger regional trend within the Baltic states. Lithuania is actively positioning itself as a critical, agile hub for European aviation maintenance and asset management. As airlines face record-high passenger load factors, aircraft are spending more time in the air, resulting in tighter turnaround windows for maintenance teams. By expanding independent Line Maintenance and CAMO capabilities for high-demand aircraft like the 737 MAX, regional MRO providers are playing a vital role in alleviating operational bottlenecks and keeping European fleets flying without extended delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Line Maintenance in aviation?
Line maintenance involves routine, day-to-day checks, troubleshooting, and minor repairs conducted while an aircraft is in service. These tasks are typically performed between flights or overnight to ensure the aircraft is safe for its next scheduled departure.
What does CAMO stand for?
CAMO stands for Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation. It involves the administrative and technical tracking of an aircraft’s health, managing maintenance schedules, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining detailed lifecycle records.
Who regulates aviation safety in Lithuania?
The Transport Competence Agency (TKA) is the national supervisory authority responsible for civil aviation regulation and safety in the Republic of Lithuania, ensuring compliance with EASA and ICAO standards.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airhub Aviation
MRO & Manufacturing
Lufthansa Technik Gains EASA Privilege for Airbus A320ceo Cabin Mods
Lufthansa Technik secures EASA’s Certain STC Privilege to independently approve Airbus A320ceo cabin modifications, reducing costs and downtime.
This article is based on an official press release from Lufthansa Technik.
On May 20, 2026, Lufthansa Technik announced a significant regulatory milestone, securing the “Certain Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Privilege” from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). According to the official company press release, this new authority allows the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider to independently approve specific major cabin modifications for the Airbus A320ceo family without requiring case-by-case EASA approval.
The delegation of this authority marks a notable shift in European regulatory processes, empowering highly trusted Design Organisations operating under the Part-21J framework. For airline customers, this streamlined process is projected to reduce certification costs for applicable A320ceo cabin projects by up to 20 percent, while substantially shortening approval timelines and minimizing aircraft downtime.
We at AirPro News recognize this development as a critical step for the commercial MRO sector, particularly as airlines seek cost-effective, agile ways to extend the lifespan and update the interiors of their aging narrowbody fleets in a highly competitive market.
Understanding the “Certain STC Privilege”
To fully grasp the significance of this announcement, it is essential to understand the standard aviation regulatory framework. While aircraft and engine manufacturers receive a primary “Type Certificate” for their products, any other Design Organisation must typically obtain a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for each major design change made to an aircraft. Traditionally, this mandates a meticulous, project-by-project review process by EASA, which can be both time-consuming and costly.
According to Lufthansa Technik, the newly granted privilege specifically applies to recurring engineering solutions for cabin conversions on the Airbus A320ceo (Current Engine Option) family. The MRO provider can now independently approve routine layout changes. This scope includes seat reconfigurations, the relocation of galleys or lavatories, and the repositioning of class dividers.
A Legacy of Trust and Compliance
EASA granted this privilege based on Lufthansa Technik’s extensive track record of compliance and safety. The organization has frequently obtained STCs for these specific solutions in the past and has successfully demonstrated its ability to manage the similarity of design and repetitiveness of certification within a continuously monitored framework. Operating under EASA oversight since 2004, and originally certified by the German Federal Aviation Authority in 1973, Lufthansa Technik’s Part-21J Design Organisation currently employs nearly 700 design, compliance verification, and certification engineers across 12 global locations.
“After a long period of trustful cooperation with Lufthansa Technik, we are confident in granting the ‘Certain STC Privilege’. Now we have another Design Organisation on board to gain experience in approving major changes.”
, Alain Leroy, Acting Certification Director at EASA
Operational and Financial Benefits for Airlines
The implementation of the Certain STC Privilege offers tangible, immediate benefits to both the MRO provider and its global airline clients. By bypassing the traditional EASA review process for routine projects, administrative overhead is effectively eliminated.
“The privilege allows us to clearly differentiate between routine projects we can handle independently and those requiring close EASA involvement. We expect certification cost savings of up to 20 percent.”
, Dr. Uwe Schueler, VP Design Organisation at Lufthansa Technik
Beyond direct cost savings, the privilege significantly reduces aircraft downtime. Faster turnaround times mean aircraft spend less time idle in maintenance hangars and can return to revenue-generating service much more quickly. This newfound agility allows Lufthansa Technik to be highly responsive to the fast-paced, shifting needs of operators.
“The ‘Certain STC Privilege’ is a major milestone for our Design Organisation and Lufthansa Technik. It allows us to significantly speed up the approval process, save precious time and avoid unnecessary costs. Our design engineers already have a range of recurring major changes in mind for which we can achieve a Certain STC to further streamline our processes and services.”
, Harald Gloy, COO of Lufthansa Technik
Industry Implications and Broader Significance
AirPro News analysis
We view EASA’s decision to grant this privilege as part of a broader, highly pragmatic regulatory strategy. By allowing proven MROs to handle routine, repetitive modifications independently, EASA can free up its own vital regulatory resources. This allows the agency to focus its oversight on novel, complex, or higher-risk aviation certifications, such as new propulsion technologies, advanced air mobility solutions, and next-generation aircraft designs.
Furthermore, this development aligns perfectly with current market dynamics surrounding aging narrowbody fleets. The Airbus A320ceo remains a widely used older-generation aircraft. As airlines look to extend the lifespan of these fleets rather than wait for backlogged new aircraft deliveries, the reduction in certification overhead provides a significant financial incentive to proceed with necessary cabin refurbishments.
Airlines are also under increasing pressure to meet modern sustainability goals, such as installing lighter seats to save fuel, and to evolve the passenger experience with upgrades like wireless inflight entertainment. Faster, cheaper certification processes make these essential retrofits much more accessible for operators worldwide, ensuring older aircraft remain competitive and compliant with modern standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)?
An STC is a regulatory approval required by aviation authorities (like EASA or the FAA) for major design changes made to an aircraft or engine by an organization other than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
Which aircraft are covered under Lufthansa Technik’s new privilege?
The current “Certain STC Privilege” applies specifically to recurring cabin modifications on the Airbus A320ceo (Current Engine Option) family of aircraft.
How much can airlines expect to save on certification costs?
According to Lufthansa Technik’s official projections, the streamlined, independent approval process is expected to yield certification cost savings of up to 20 percent for applicable cabin modification projects.
Sources
Photo Credit: Lufthansa Technik
MRO & Manufacturing
Liebherr and HAECO Complete First COMAC C909 Landing Gear Overhaul
Liebherr and HAECO finalized the first major landing gear overhaul for the COMAC C909, creating a localized maintenance infrastructure in China.
This article is based on an official press release from Liebherr.
On May 20, 2026, Liebherr-Aerospace and HAECO Landing Gear Services announced the successful completion of the world’s first major landing gear overhaul for the COMAC C909 regional jet. Formerly known as the ARJ21 or “Soaring Phoenix,” the aircraft represents a major pillar of China’s domestic Commercial-Aircraft strategy.
According to the official press release, this milestone marks a significant advancement in the region’s maintenance ecosystem. By combining Liebherr’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) expertise with HAECO’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, the Partnerships has established a localized, full-lifecycle maintenance infrastructure for China’s first self-developed regional jet.
We note that this development is poised to directly benefit operators in both China and rapidly growing Southeast Asian markets. By localizing heavy maintenance, the joint effort aims to reduce turnaround times and maximize fleet availability for Airlines operating the C909.
A Milestone in Localized Maintenance
The Overhaul Process
The COMAC C909 is a 78–90 seat regional jet manufactured by the Chinese state-owned aerospace company COMAC. The landing gear for the aircraft was originally developed and manufactured by Liebherr-Aerospace. Because the landing gear is a safety-critical subsystem, the press release notes that its overhaul requires strict adherence to aviation maintenance procedures, dimensional tolerances, and certified inspection standards.
The overhaul process involved a comprehensive inspection, disassembly, component evaluation, replacement of wear-sensitive parts, reassembly, and final acceptance testing. According to Liebherr, initial preparation and process optimization began in 2025, culminating in final quality acceptance testing and official delivery in May 2026.
Division of Responsibilities
The project highlights a highly integrated collaboration between the OEM and the MRO provider. Liebherr-Aerospace provided technical supervision, process validation, and quality assurance throughout the entire procedure to guarantee compliance with safety and quality standards. Their direct involvement ensured that the overhaul benefited from the original product engineering expertise.
HAECO Landing Gear Services managed the physical overhaul execution, maintenance operations, and workshop integration activities.
“This collaboration represents a significant step forward for China’s civil aviation industry. By combining Liebherr’s OEM technical DNA with HAECO’s MRO excellence, we have not only restored [the landing gear but also established a localized maintenance capability]…”
Expanding a Long-Standing Partnership
Liebherr-Aerospace and HAECO have a long-standing relationship in the Asian market. Since 2017, the two companies have partnered to provide landing gear maintenance for Embraer E-Jet E1 operators in mainland China.
In November 2024, the partners celebrated the delivery of their 100th maintained Embraer E190 landing gear at HAECO’s Xiamen facility. At that time, Liebherr announced its commitment to supporting HAECO in expanding its overhaul services to include the COMAC C909. This alliance was further solidified in July 2025, when HAECO and Liebherr-Aerospace signed a comprehensive component maintenance agreement to provide repair and overhaul services for the hydraulic components of both the COMAC C909 and the larger C919 aircraft.
“Our partnership with Liebherr-Aerospace has been instrumental in enhancing our service offerings and meeting the growing demands of our customers in the Chinese Mainland. We are eager to extend our expertise to the C909 as we adapt to the evolving market.”
AirPro News analysis
We view this successful overhaul as a strategic victory for China’s broader aerospace ambitions. The ability to maintain and overhaul indigenous aircraft locally is just as important as manufacturing them. Historically, heavy maintenance for specialized aircraft components often required shipping parts overseas, leading to long turnaround times and increased costs.
Furthermore, the C909 is increasingly being adopted beyond China, reaching rapidly growing Southeast Asian aviation markets such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Having a certified, OEM-backed overhaul facility in the region ensures these operators have access to efficient, high-quality maintenance, which is critical for keeping regional fleets operational and profitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the COMAC C909?
The COMAC C909 is a 78–90 seat regional jet manufactured by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). It was formerly designated as the ARJ21, which translates to “Soaring Phoenix.”
Why is this landing gear overhaul significant?
It is the world’s first major landing gear overhaul for the C909 platform. It proves that a localized, OEM-backed maintenance infrastructure has been successfully established in China, reducing the need to ship heavy components overseas for repair.
Sources
Photo Credit: Liebherr
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