MRO & Manufacturing
GKN Expands EWIS Production Network to Support Airbus A220 Growth
GKN Aerospace expands global EWIS production for Airbus A220, boosting capacity and advancing sustainable aviation technologies.
GKN Strengthens Airbus A220 Wiring Factory Network: Strategic Expansion and Industry Impact
GKN Aerospace, a key supplier in the aerospace sector, is ramping up its production of Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) for the Airbus A220. This move is part of a broader strategy to support Airbus’s ambitious production goals while enhancing GKN’s global manufacturing footprint. The expansion involves a multi-site production network with facilities in Europe, Asia, and North America, and includes significant investments in workforce and infrastructure.
The importance of EWIS in modern aircraft cannot be overstated. These systems form the electrical backbone of an aircraft, enabling critical functions such as avionics, lighting, and propulsion. As the aviation industry shifts towards more electric and sustainable aircraft, the demand for advanced EWIS solutions is growing rapidly. GKN’s latest initiatives position it as a key player in this evolving landscape.
This article explores the strategic implications of GKN’s expansion, the technical and operational challenges involved, and how this move fits into the broader context of aviation industry trends toward sustainability and production resilience.
Understanding EWIS and GKN’s Role
What is EWIS and Why It Matters
Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) are integral to the functionality of any aircraft. These systems include wires, connectors, and support equipment that distribute electrical power and signals throughout the airframe. As aircraft become more electrically powered, especially with the shift toward hybrid-electric and hydrogen propulsion, EWIS becomes even more critical.
GKN Aerospace has built a reputation for delivering lightweight, high-reliability EWIS solutions. Their systems are used in a range of Airbus aircraft, including the A220, A320, and A320neo. The company’s focus on reducing weight while maintaining performance aligns with broader industry goals to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
With technological advancements such as high-voltage wiring and integration into sustainable propulsion platforms, GKN is not only meeting current demands but also preparing for future aerospace needs.
GKN’s Global Production Footprint
GKN’s EWIS production is distributed across several key facilities worldwide. The company operates manufacturing centers in the Netherlands, China, Turkey, and Mexico. This global footprint allows GKN to manage supply chain risks, optimize logistics, and support regional aerospace markets more effectively.
The center of excellence in the Netherlands plays a pivotal role in R&D and high-precision manufacturing. Meanwhile, the facility in Chihuahua, Mexico, has recently undergone a significant expansion, adding 80,000 square feet of space and creating 200 new jobs. This site now supports both EWIS and composite aerostructure production.
Such diversification of production sites not only enhances resilience but also enables GKN to scale operations in line with Airbus’s production targets for the A220, which aims to reach 14 aircraft per month by 2026.
“The expansion of our Chihuahua facility is an important milestone… Lightweight structures and advanced EWIS systems are critical for enabling the future of sustainable flight.”, John Pritchard, President of Civil Airframe, GKN Aerospace
Contractual and Strategic Alignments
GKN recently secured a multi-year contract extension with Airbus to continue supplying EWIS for the A220 program. This agreement reinforces a longstanding partnership and ensures stability in the supply chain as Airbus seeks to ramp up production.
The A220 currently has a backlog of approximately 498 aircraft as of early 2025. With production rates at around eight aircraft per month, Airbus faces pressure to meet its target of 14 per month by 2026. GKN’s expanded capacity is a critical enabler in this effort.
The strategic alignment between Airbus and GKN reflects a broader trend in the aerospace industry: the need for vertically integrated, resilient supply chains that can adapt to shifting market demands and technological advancements.
Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives
Hybrid-Electric Propulsion: The SWITCH Project
One of the most forward-looking initiatives GKN is involved in is the SWITCH project, which focuses on hybrid-electric propulsion. GKN has delivered its first high-voltage EWIS system for this initiative, supporting megawatt-class power distribution essential for hybrid-electric aircraft.
The testing of these systems is set to take place at Collins Aerospace’s facility in Illinois, marking a key milestone in the development of cleaner aviation technologies. High-voltage EWIS is vital for managing the increased electrical loads in hybrid-electric systems.
Through SWITCH, GKN is not only advancing its technical capabilities but also contributing to industry-wide goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to more sustainable flight technologies.
Hydrogen-Powered Flight: The ICEFlight Program
In addition to hybrid-electric propulsion, GKN is participating in the ICEFlight program, which focuses on developing cryogenic cooling systems for hydrogen-powered aircraft. This program supports Airbus’s ZEROe initiative aimed at launching a zero-emission commercial aircraft by 2035.
GKN’s role involves designing and manufacturing systems that can handle the extreme temperatures required for liquid hydrogen storage and distribution. These systems are essential for enabling hydrogen as a viable fuel source for aviation.
While hydrogen-powered flight remains in the early stages of development, GKN’s involvement in ICEFlight positions it at the forefront of next-generation aerospace propulsion technologies.
Production Resilience Through Networked Facilities
To ensure consistent output and mitigate risks, GKN has implemented a three-factory network model for EWIS production. Facilities in the Netherlands, China, and Turkey operate in coordination, allowing for flexible resource allocation and quicker response to disruptions.
According to Enrique Alatorre, Senior Vice President of EWIS at GKN, this model improves both productivity and supply chain resilience. It also allows the company to support multiple OEMs and adapt to regional market needs.
This approach is especially critical as the aerospace industry continues to face challenges such as labor shortages, raw material constraints, and geopolitical uncertainties.
“Our three-factory network enables us to respond quickly to customer needs and maintain high levels of operational resilience.”, Enrique Alatorre, SVP EWIS, GKN Aerospace
Conclusion
GKN Aerospace’s strategic expansion of its EWIS production capabilities reflects a nuanced understanding of both current industry demands and future technological shifts. By investing in global facilities, securing long-term contracts, and participating in sustainability-focused programs, GKN is positioning itself as a critical enabler of the next generation of aircraft.
As Airbus and other OEMs push toward higher production rates and greener technologies, suppliers like GKN will play a pivotal role in ensuring that these ambitions are met. With a robust global network and a clear focus on innovation, GKN is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern aerospace landscape.
FAQ
What is EWIS?
EWIS stands for Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems, which include all the wiring and electrical connectors in an aircraft.
Why is GKN expanding its EWIS production?
To support Airbus’s ramp-up of A220 production and to enhance supply chain resilience through a global manufacturing network.
What are the SWITCH and ICEFlight projects?
SWITCH focuses on hybrid-electric propulsion using high-voltage EWIS, while ICEFlight develops cryogenic cooling systems for hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Sources
Photo Credit: GKN
MRO & Manufacturing
Safran Opens $140M LEAP Engine MRO Facility in Mexico
Safran Aircraft Engines inaugurated a $140M LEAP engine maintenance facility in Querétaro, targeting 350 shop visits annually by 2030.
Safran Aircraft Engines officially opened a $140 million maintenance facility in Querétaro, Mexico, on July 1, 2026, expanding its capacity to service the rapidly growing global fleet of CFM LEAP engines. The new shop adds significant infrastructure to the manufacturers footprint in the Americas, targeting the high-volume narrowbody market.
The facility is part of a broader €1 billion global investment strategy by the company to scale its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) network. The CFM LEAP engine powers next-generation narrowbody aircraft, including the Airbus A320neo family and the Boeing 737 MAX, both of which are seeing increased shop visit demand as early-delivery airframes mature.
Scaling LEAP engine maintenance in the Americas
The comprehensive MRO hub in Querétaro spans a total footprint of 50,000 square meters. Safran projects that by 2030, the two maintenance facilities located at the site will be capable of handling 350 LEAP engine shop visits annually. The site also features a new test cell designed to perform 350 engine tests per year by the end of the decade.
In a press release issued to mark the opening, Stéphane Cueille, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines, stated that the inauguration strengthens the Querétaro hub’s role at the center of the company’s maintenance ecosystem in the Americas.
Workforce growth and training initiatives
The new engine shop will employ 450 people when operating at full capacity. This expansion adds to the existing workforce across the four Safran Aircraft Engine Services Americas facilities in Querétaro, which currently stands at 1,450 employees. Safran projects the total headcount for its Querétaro operations will reach 2,000 by 2030.
To support this rapid workforce expansion, the company established an onsite training center in partnership with local educational institutions. The center is designed to train 300 inspectors and technicians annually, creating a direct pipeline of qualified personnel for the MRO hub.
“With continued investment in Mexico and around the world we will address the growing global demand for LEAP engine maintenance while continuing to deliver world class support to our customers in the region,” Cueille said.
Global MRO network expansion
The Querétaro engine shop inauguration aligns with Safran Aircraft Engines’ €1 billion global investment plan. To support the expanding CFM LEAP engine fleet, the company recently opened similar maintenance facilities in India, Morocco, and Belgium.
The broader Safran Group is also increasing its footprint in Mexico across other divisions. On June 10, 2026, Safran Landing Systems announced an expansion of its global MRO capabilities, which included its separate Querétaro site, to support landing gear maintenance for Boeing 787, Airbus A350, and Airbus A330 aircraft.
AirPro News analysis
The aggressive expansion of Safran’s MRO network underscores the industry-wide pressure to keep next-generation narrowbody fleets operational. As the CFM LEAP engine matures and the installed base on Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft grows, shop visit demand is accelerating. We view the $140 million investment in Querétaro as a strategic move to localize heavy maintenance near major North and South American operators, reducing turnaround times and logistical bottlenecks. The concurrent focus on local workforce training highlights a critical challenge in the MRO sector: securing the qualified technicians required to meet projected maintenance volumes over the next decade.
Sources: Safran Group
Photo Credit: Safran Group
MRO & Manufacturing
Daher Aircraft Opens MRO Center at Jonzac-Neulles Airport
Daher Aircraft inaugurated a 6,000 sq-meter MRO facility at Jonzac-Neulles Airport on July 3, 2026, replacing its former Merpins site.
Daher Aircraft officially opened a 6,000-square-meter maintenance, overhaul, and logistics center at Jonzac-Neulles Airport (LFCJ) on July 3, 2026, consolidating its regional support operations and gaining direct runway access for on-aircraft services.
The purpose-built facility in France’s Charente-Maritime Department replaces the manufacturer’s previous site in Merpins, located 25 kilometers to the north. According to a press release issued by the company, the relocation ensures continuity for existing service contracts while providing the physical capacity to expand its support network for a diverse fleet of civil and military aircraft.
Expanded capabilities and runway access
The transition to Jonzac-Neulles Airport provides Daher Aircraft with direct access to a 1,370-meter runway. This infrastructure addition allows the company to perform on-aircraft maintenance and technical support that was not feasible at the landlocked Merpins location.
The center offers a broad portfolio of services, operating both under direct contract and as a supplier. Supported aircraft range from Airbus helicopters operated by the French Gendarmerie to training airplanes manufactured by Cirrus Aircraft and Grob Aircraft.
The facility houses specialized workshops for composite airframe repair, painting, welding, landing gear hydraulics, battery overhaul, and Level 2 non-destructive testing.
Legacy fleet support and regional investment
A primary function of the new hub is maintaining the global fleet of approximately 3,000 legacy general aviation and training aircraft produced by SOCATA, Daher Aircraft’s predecessor. The center will provide spare parts supply, repair services, and replacement part manufacturing for the SOCATA TB and Rallye aircraft families under the company’s Part 21J Design Organization Approval.
Local government authorities, specifically the Communauté des Communes de Haute Saintonge, spearheaded the construction of the facility. The project was initiated under former president Claude Belot and inaugurated with current president and Jonzac mayor Christophe Cabri in attendance.
“This inauguration marks another important step in Daher Aircraft’s commitment to further strengthening our global support network and the comprehensive services it provides,”
said Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher Aircraft. He credited the local government’s support as instrumental in completing the project.
The operation currently employs 32 personnel who transferred from the former Merpins site. Daher Aircraft projects the workforce will increase to approximately 40 employees by the end of 2026.
AirPro News analysis
The relocation to Jonzac-Neulles Airport represents a logical infrastructure upgrade for Daher Aircraft. By securing direct runway access, the company eliminates the logistical friction of transporting aircraft components over land for overhaul and opens the door to fly-in maintenance services. We view this as a strategic consolidation that protects Daher’s lucrative legacy support business while positioning the facility to capture third-party maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) contracts for other general aviation manufacturers.
Sources: Daher Aircraft
Photo Credit: Daher Aircraft
MRO & Manufacturing
Honeywell Wins $249M Army Contract for CH-47 Chinook Engine MRO
Honeywell Aerospace secures a $249M U.S. Army contract to overhaul T55-GA-714A engines for the CH-47 Chinook fleet through May 2029.
Honeywell Aerospace has secured a $249 million contract from the U.S. Army to provide repair and overhaul services for the T55-GA-714A turboshaft engines powering the Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter fleet.
The three-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) agreement, announced in a June 2026 press release, ensures a continuous supply of serviceable powerplants for the military through May 2029. The U.S. Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal officially awarded the Contracts on May 21, 2026.
Commercial processes drive military maintenance efficiency
Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) work will take place at Honeywell’s aerospace headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. The company is applying commercial aviation maintenance methodologies to its military engine overhaul program to increase throughput and reduce turnaround times.
Brian Laughton, Senior Director and Site Leader of the Phoenix repair facility, stated that the T55 line utilizes the same processes applied to the company’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified lines for business jet turbofan engines.
Capitalizing on these proven commercial processes has enabled us to double our capacity in the facility and reduce cycle time to ensure we are meeting delivery commitments to our customers.
Legacy and evolution of the T55 engine program
The T55 engine originally entered service in 1961. Over the past six decades, Honeywell has manufactured more than 6,000 T55 engines, accumulating approximately 12 million flight hours across the CH-47 and MH-47 variants.
The powerplant has undergone significant upgrades since its introduction. The current T55-GA-714A variant produces approximately 5,000 shaft horsepower, representing a threefold increase in output compared to the original 1960s design. The engine currently supports the U.S. Army and more than 15 international military operators.
Dave Marinick, President of Engines & Power Systems at Honeywell Aerospace, noted the company’s long-term commitment to the platform, stating that Honeywell looks forward to continuing its support for the engine program for decades to come.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that cross-pollinating commercial FAA-certified maintenance practices into military depot-level work is becoming a critical strategy for aerospace Manufacturers. By doubling facility capacity without necessarily expanding the physical footprint, Honeywell is addressing the persistent supply chain and turnaround time bottlenecks that have challenged military readiness in recent years. The $249 million valuation for a three-year period highlights the intense operational tempo and heavy utilization of the global Chinook fleet.
Sources: Honeywell Aerospace
Photo Credit: Boeing
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