MRO & Manufacturing
ITP Aero and Summit Helicopters Sign Exclusive Five Year MRO Agreement
ITP Aero and Summit Helicopters partner for a 5-year exclusive MRO deal on PW206 and PW207 engines, enhancing reliability and efficiency.
ITP Aero has entered into a five-year exclusive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) agreement with Summit Helicopters, a strategic move that reflects broader trends in the aerospace industry’s evolution. The deal, announced on July 22, 2025, centers on the support of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206 and PW207 engines, with all services to be carried out at ITP Aero’s facility in Albacete, Spain. This partnership aims to enhance engine reliability, reduce turnaround times, and improve cost efficiency for Summit Helicopters’ operations.
This collaboration is particularly significant in the context of the global MRO market, which is experiencing steady growth driven by increasing demand for helicopter services in emergency response, utility, and military applications. The agreement also aligns with ITP Aero’s strategic objective to increase its MRO revenue share to 20–25% of total income over the next five years, reinforcing its position as a key player in the aerospace aftermarket sector.
Summit Helicopters, based in Salem, Virginia, brings a strong operational background as a Bell Customer Service Facility and MD Helicopters Approved Service Center. The exclusive nature of this agreement marks a notable expansion of Summit’s service capabilities, integrating European OEM support into its U.S.-based operations.
Founded in 1989, ITP Aero has grown into one of the world’s leading aircraft engine and components manufacturers. Initially established as a joint venture between SENER and Rolls-Royce, the company now operates independently under Bain Capital ownership. With over 5,700 employees and facilities across Spain, the UK, Mexico, Malta, and India, ITP Aero is ranked among the top ten global aerospace propulsion firms.
Its Albacete facility, which will handle the MRO services for Summit Helicopters, is a cornerstone of its military and civil engine maintenance capabilities. The site is one of only two globally certified centers for servicing the MTR390-E engine, used in Eurocopter Tiger helicopters. In 2024, ITP Aero reported €1.612 billion in revenue, reflecting a 24% increase from the previous year, and invested €102 million in R&D, emphasizing sustainable aviation technologies.
ITP Aero’s aftermarket growth strategy includes expanding MRO services and integrating digital technologies like AI-driven diagnostics and predictive maintenance platforms. This agreement with Summit Helicopters exemplifies how the company is leveraging its technological and operational strengths to secure long-term partnerships in key markets.
Summit Helicopters, established in 1980, operates as an FAA Part 145-certified MRO provider and aircraft operator. Based in Virginia, the company specializes in aerial applications, firefighting, law enforcement, and VIP transport. Its certifications cover a range of airframes, including Bell, MD Helicopters, and Airbus models.
The company emphasizes safety and rapid deployment, with mobile repair teams that support operations across North America. Its in-house capabilities include avionics customization, non-destructive testing (NDT), and mission-specific aircraft completions. Summit’s partnership with ITP Aero represents its first exclusive engine support agreement with a European OEM, expanding its service offerings beyond airframe maintenance. By outsourcing engine MRO to ITP Aero, Summit aims to streamline its maintenance processes, reduce costs, and enhance operational readiness. The collaboration also allows Summit to leverage ITP’s advanced diagnostic tools and sustainability initiatives, aligning with broader industry trends.
The PW200 engine family, developed by Pratt & Whitney Canada, is a benchmark in light twin-engine helicopter propulsion. The series includes the PW206 and PW207 variants, which deliver between 640 and 730 shaft horsepower. These engines are known for their reliability, modular design, and advanced digital control systems.
Each engine features a free-turbine turboshaft configuration with a single-stage centrifugal compressor, reverse-flow annular combustor, and single-stage power turbine. The integration of Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) systems enhances performance monitoring and reduces pilot workload, while built-in Engine Condition Monitoring Systems (ECMS) support predictive maintenance.
Over 5,600 PW206/207 engines have been produced, accumulating more than 13.6 million flight hours. Their modular architecture allows for efficient maintenance, including hot-section inspections without full engine removal, contributing to lower lifecycle costs.
“The PW200 family has proven its value in diverse operational environments, from EMS to military reconnaissance, making it a cornerstone of light twin-engine helicopter fleets worldwide.”
The PW200 series powers a wide range of helicopter platforms, including the Bell 427/429, MD Explorer, Eurocopter EC135, and Agusta A109. These aircraft are used in emergency medical services, law enforcement, utility operations, and military missions.
Summit Helicopters relies heavily on PW207 engines for missions requiring high reliability and performance in challenging environments. The company’s fleet supports aerial firefighting and external load operations, where engine dependability is critical.
With the new MRO agreement, Summit will benefit from centralized support through ITP Aero’s Albacete facility, which is equipped to handle the specific needs of PW200 engines. This includes access to advanced diagnostic tools, sustainable testing protocols, and streamlined logistics.
The agreement stipulates that all PW206 and PW207 engine maintenance for Summit will be conducted exclusively at ITP Aero’s Albacete facility. This includes engine shipment logistics, standard overhaul services with a guaranteed 45-day turnaround, and integration of ITP’s DigitAl Aero™ platform for real-time monitoring. DigitAl Aero™ utilizes AI-driven algorithms to detect anomalies and predict failures, originally developed for military applications. This technology will now support Summit’s civil operations, enhancing reliability and reducing unplanned downtime.
Additionally, ITP Aero will incorporate SAF in engine testing, as part of its broader commitment to decarbonizing MRO processes. This aligns with global regulatory initiatives and positions the company as a leader in sustainable aerospace practices.
For ITP Aero, the deal supports its goal of increasing MRO revenue and expanding its presence in the North-American market. The company has made strategic acquisitions, such as BP Aero in Texas, to bolster its engine repair capabilities and geographic reach.
Summit benefits from predictable maintenance costs and reduced operational disruptions. By consolidating engine support with a single provider, it can achieve economies of scale and focus more resources on its core missions.
The agreement also intensifies competition in the MRO sector, particularly for independent providers like StandardAero, which also holds PW200 certifications. As OEMs and operators form closer partnerships, the pressure increases on third-party MROs to innovate and offer comparable service levels.
The exclusive MRO agreement between ITP Aero and Summit Helicopters marks a significant development in the aerospace aftermarket. It reflects a broader shift toward integrated, technology-driven maintenance models that prioritize reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.
As the global helicopter MRO market continues to grow, partnerships like this will likely become more common, reshaping the competitive landscape and setting new benchmarks for service quality. The success of this collaboration could serve as a model for future OEM-operator agreements, particularly in regions facing supply chain constraints and rising operational demands.
What is the duration of the ITP Aero and Summit Helicopters MRO agreement? What engines are covered under this agreement? Where will the MRO services be performed? How does this agreement benefit Summit Helicopters? What is the significance of this deal for ITP Aero?
ITP Aero and Summit Helicopters Sign Exclusive Five-Year MRO Agreement
Company Backgrounds and Strategic Alignment
ITP Aero: Capabilities and Global Footprint
Summit Helicopters: Operational Expertise and Market Niche
PW200 Engine Series: Technical and Operational Overview
Design Features and Performance Metrics
Applications and Market Reach
Strategic and Market Implications
Operational Integration and Technology Transfer
Economic Impact and Competitive Landscape
Conclusion
FAQ
The agreement is set for five years, starting from Q3 2025.
The deal covers Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206 and PW207 engines.
All services will be conducted at ITP Aero’s Albacete facility in Spain.
Summit gains improved engine reliability, reduced maintenance turnaround times, and access to advanced diagnostics and sustainable testing protocols.
It supports ITP Aero’s strategic goal to expand its MRO revenue and presence in the North American market.
Sources
Photo Credit: ITP Aero