MRO & Manufacturing
Riyadh Air Signs Long-Term APU Support Deal with EPCOR for Fleet Reliability
Riyadh Air partners with EPCOR to maintain APS5000 APUs on Boeing 787s, enhancing fleet reliability and supporting Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
Riyadh Air and EPCOR Sign Long-Term APU Support Deal: A Strategic Leap for Fleet Reliability
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national airline, has taken a significant step toward operational readiness by signing a long-term agreement with EPCOR, a subsidiary of Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M). The partnership focuses on comprehensive maintenance support for the APS5000 Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) installed on Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.
This deal is a cornerstone in Riyadh Air’s broader ambition to become a leading global carrier aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. It also highlights the increasing reliance on predictive maintenance and digital technologies in the aviation Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector. EPCOR’s expertise in APS5000 systems and its use of the Prognos® predictive analytics platform offer Riyadh Air a strategic advantage in operational efficiency and reliability.
As the airline industry continues to rebound from pandemic-related disruptions, strategic partnerships like this one are becoming essential for mitigating supply chain risks and ensuring long-term fleet availability. This article explores the details of the agreement, its implications, and its relevance in the context of global aviation trends.
Background: Understanding APS5000 and Riyadh Air’s Fleet Strategy
The APS5000 APU: Backbone of the Boeing 787
The APS5000 is an all-electric APU developed by Pratt & Whitney specifically for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Unlike traditional APUs, the APS5000 is designed to support the 787’s “more-electric” architecture, which replaces many hydraulic and pneumatic systems with electrical ones. This design enhances fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.
Key features of the APS5000 include a bleedless design, a single-shaft variable-speed turbine, and the ability to operate at altitudes up to 43,100 feet. These attributes make it a critical component for the 787’s performance, particularly on long-haul international routes where reliability is non-negotiable.
Given the complexity and importance of the APS5000, maintaining its operational readiness is essential. This is where EPCOR’s expertise becomes invaluable, offering Riyadh Air a partner with deep technical knowledge and global experience in APU maintenance.
Riyadh Air’s Vision and Fleet Expansion
Launched in 2023, Riyadh Air is a central pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a global logistics and tourism hub. The airline has ambitious plans to connect over 100 destinations by 2030.
To support this vision, Riyadh Air has placed orders for 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 25 Airbus A350-1000s. These wide-body aircraft will serve as the backbone of its long-haul operations. Additionally, the airline is expected to utilize narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A321neo for regional connectivity.
The agreement with EPCOR ensures that the APS5000 units on the Dreamliner fleet receive consistent, high-quality maintenance, reducing the risk of unplanned groundings and enhancing overall fleet reliability.
“This long-term partnership ensures our fleet receives the highest standard of technical support… aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”, Martin Eiba, Acting COO, Riyadh Air
Core Components of the EPCOR Agreement
Scope of Services
The partnership between Riyadh Air and EPCOR is comprehensive in scope. It includes full Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for the APS5000 units, ensuring end-to-end support for the airline’s Dreamliner fleet. This includes on-wing support, LRU (Line Replaceable Unit) coverage, and modification services.
One of the standout features of the agreement is the integration of EPCOR’s Prognos® platform. This predictive maintenance tool uses advanced analytics to monitor the health of APUs in real-time, allowing for early detection of potential issues and minimizing unscheduled maintenance events.
By leveraging Prognos®, Riyadh Air can optimize maintenance schedules, reduce operational disruptions, and extend the lifecycle of its APU assets. This aligns with broader industry trends favoring digital and data-driven MRO solutions.
EPCOR’s Global Expertise
EPCOR brings a wealth of experience to the table. As a subsidiary of AFI KLM E&M, the company supports over 90 airlines worldwide and manages more than 1,000 APUs annually. EPCOR is also responsible for over 30% of global APS5000 maintenance, making it one of the most experienced providers in this niche sector.
The company holds exclusive licenses for several APU models, including the Honeywell 331-350 and 131-9C. This specialization allows EPCOR to offer tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of different aircraft platforms.
Its track record with airlines such as Air Canada, Gulf Air, and Kuwait Airways underscores its ability to deliver consistent, high-quality MRO services. For Riyadh Air, this partnership provides a level of assurance that is particularly valuable during its formative years.
Operational and Strategic Benefits
The deal offers multiple benefits for Riyadh Air. First, it ensures high fleet availability by reducing APU-related downtime. With LRU coverage and on-wing support, the airline can maintain tight operational schedules without compromising safety or reliability.
Second, the use of predictive maintenance helps in cost management by avoiding expensive emergency repairs and optimizing part replacement cycles. This is especially important for a new airline operating on a tight budget and aggressive expansion timeline.
Lastly, the partnership supports Riyadh Air’s long-term strategy of building a world-class airline rooted in technological innovation and operational excellence.
Industry Context and Broader Implications
Trends in the APU and MRO Market
The global APU market is witnessing a shift toward electric systems and sustainability. Models like the APS5000 are gaining traction due to their efficiency and lower environmental impact. This aligns with broader industry goals of reducing carbon emissions and improving fuel economy.
Simultaneously, the MRO sector is embracing digital transformation. Predictive analytics platforms like Prognos® are becoming standard tools for optimizing maintenance operations. These technologies not only reduce costs but also enhance safety and reliability.
By adopting these innovations, Riyadh Air positions itself at the forefront of modern aviation practices, setting a benchmark for other emerging carriers.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Aviation Goals
Riyadh Air is more than just a new airline; it is a strategic vehicle for achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives. The Kingdom aims to increase annual passenger traffic to 330 million and become a top-five global air transit hub by 2030.
Investments in fleet expansion, digital platforms, and international partnerships are all part of this roadmap. The EPCOR agreement fits squarely within this framework, ensuring that Riyadh Air’s technical foundation is as robust as its commercial ambitions.
Furthermore, the deal contributes to job creation and economic diversification by fostering a high-tech, service-oriented aviation sector within the Kingdom.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its promise, Riyadh Air faces several challenges, including aircraft delivery delays and the complexities of launching a new airline in a competitive market. However, securing reliable MRO partnerships helps mitigate some of these risks.
Looking ahead, Riyadh Air may explore similar agreements for its Airbus A350-1000 fleet and expand its digital ecosystem to include customer-facing platforms for booking, accommodations, and transportation.
As the airline prepares for its official launch, its collaboration with EPCOR serves as a model for how strategic planning and technical partnerships can drive success in the aviation industry.
Conclusion
The long-term APU support agreement between Riyadh Air and EPCOR represents a critical milestone in the airline’s journey toward full operational readiness. By entrusting a significant component of its fleet maintenance to a globally recognized expert, Riyadh Air ensures that its Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be supported by best-in-class technical services.
More broadly, the deal exemplifies how emerging airlines can leverage strategic partnerships to navigate complex operational landscapes. As Riyadh Air moves closer to its 2025 launch, its focus on innovation, reliability, and global collaboration positions it as a strong contender in the international aviation arena.
FAQ
What is the APS5000 APU?
The APS5000 is an all-electric Auxiliary Power Unit developed by Pratt & Whitney for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It supports the aircraft’s electrical systems and enhances fuel efficiency.
Who is EPCOR?
EPCOR is a subsidiary of AFI KLM E&M that specializes in APU and pneumatic component maintenance. It supports over 90 airlines globally and is a leading provider of APS5000 maintenance services.
How does predictive maintenance benefit Riyadh Air?
Predictive maintenance, enabled by EPCOR’s Prognos® platform, helps Riyadh Air anticipate technical issues before they occur, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Sources
Aviation Business News, EPCOR, Boeing, Vision 2030 Saudi Arabia
Photo Credit: Riyadh Air
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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