MRO & Manufacturing
ACI Jet Gains EASA Part 145 Certification Expanding Aviation Maintenance
ACI Jet earns EASA Part 145 certification, enabling maintenance for European-registered aircraft and expanding services on the U.S. West Coast.
ACI Jet’s EASA Part 145 Certification: A Strategic Milestone in Global Aviation Maintenance Services
ACI Jet’s recent attainment of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 145 maintenance organization approval marks a pivotal expansion for the California-based aviation services provider. Officially certified on July 22, 2025, this endorsement allows ACI Jet to conduct maintenance on European-registered aircraft, a move that not only broadens its operational reach but also signals its commitment to meeting rigorous international aviation standards. This development comes at a time of significant growth in the global aircraft maintenance sector, aligning ACI Jet with evolving industry demands and positioning it as a key contender in the international market.
The significance of this certification is underscored by the increasing globalization of aviation, where maintenance providers are expected to comply with a complex web of regulatory requirements across jurisdictions. With EASA Part 145 approval, ACI Jet joins a select group of U.S.-based organizations authorized to support European-registered aircraft, addressing a previously underserved market segment on the West Coast. This achievement not only enhances ACI Jet’s service portfolio but also strengthens its competitive edge as the only Bombardier Authorized Service Facility on the West Coast, opening new avenues for growth and partnership.
As the business aviation and maintenance sectors experience robust expansion, with industry projections indicating the aircraft maintenance market could grow from USD 87.67 billion in 2024 to nearly USD 145 billion by 2034, ACI Jet’s strategic move is both timely and forward-looking. The company’s estimated annual revenue of $114.4 million and a workforce of 372 employees provide a solid foundation for leveraging this new certification into sustained business growth.
Background and Company Profile
Founded in 1998 by William Borgsmiller, ACI Jet began as a modest charter operation in San Luis Obispo, California, with a single Piper Seneca III aircraft. Over the years, the company has evolved into a full-spectrum aviation services provider, expanding its fleet, infrastructure, and service offerings to meet the diverse needs of business and private aviation clients.
Strategic investments and partnerships have played a crucial role in ACI Jet’s growth trajectory. In 2014, French investor Olivier Leclercq’s involvement provided the capital necessary for scaling operations and enhancing staff capabilities. Facility expansions at key California airports, including John Wayne Airport and San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, have further solidified ACI Jet’s presence in the region.
Today, ACI Jet operates across several business verticals, including aircraft management, charter services, maintenance and repair, and Fixed Base Operations (FBO). Its “aviation ecosystem” approach allows it to offer comprehensive solutions, from supplemental charter flights to detailing and fueling, creating a one-stop-shop experience for aircraft owners and operators. This integrated model has become increasingly attractive in an industry where efficiency, reliability, and regulatory compliance are paramount.
EASA Certification: Technical and Regulatory Significance
Achieving EASA Part 145 approval is no small feat. The process, led by ACI Jet’s Quality Control Manager, Isaac Garner, spanned more than a year and required a thorough overhaul of operational manuals, safety management protocols, and internal audit procedures. The certification process included detailed documentation, facility upgrades, and close collaboration with the FAA’s Flight Standards District Office to ensure compliance with European regulatory standards.
The technical scope of EASA Part 145 encompasses stringent facility, personnel, and quality system requirements. Maintenance organizations must demonstrate adequate space, tooling, and safety protocols, while ensuring staff qualifications and independent quality management systems are robust and traceable. These requirements often exceed those mandated by U.S. authorities, setting a high bar for operational excellence.
For ACI Jet, EASA certification authorizes maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for European-registered aircraft, a significant expansion given the scarcity of such services on the U.S. West Coast. This is particularly relevant for Bombardier aircraft, as ACI Jet’s status as an Authorized Service Facility allows it to extend factory-trained expertise and warranty support to European operators.
“We made improvements not because we had to, but because we should. That’s the ACI Jet way.” – Isaac Garner, Quality Control Manager, ACI Jet
Market Context and Industry Trends
The global aircraft maintenance market is on an upward trajectory, propelled by increased air travel, fleet expansion, and the need for advanced technological support. Projections suggest the market will grow from USD 87.67 billion in 2024 to USD 144.97 billion by 2034, with Asia Pacific and North America leading the charge. This growth is fueled by rising air passenger numbers and the corresponding need for routine and preventive maintenance to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
Business aviation, ACI Jet’s primary sector, is experiencing particularly robust growth. Honeywell’s Global Business Aviation Outlook forecasts 8,500 new business jet deliveries valued at $280 billion over the next decade, with deliveries in 2025 expected to rise by 12% compared to 2024. The market for business jets is projected to grow from USD 46.51 billion in 2024 to USD 67.68 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of nearly 5%.
These trends are reinforced by shifts in customer behavior, as more individuals and corporations seek the flexibility and privacy of Private-Jets in the post-pandemic era. The demand for high-quality, certified maintenance providers is expected to rise, creating opportunities for organizations like ACI Jet that can demonstrate compliance with international standards.
“Our customers and brokers have been asking for this, and we delivered.” – Dave Jensen, Vice President of Maintenance, ACI Jet
Strategic and Business Implications
The EASA Part 145 certification opens up new revenue streams for ACI Jet by enabling it to serve European-registered aircraft operators who previously had limited options for maintenance on the U.S. West Coast. Given the company’s annual revenue of $114.4 million and a workforce that has grown by 7% recently, ACI Jet is well-positioned to scale up operations to meet increased demand.
This certification also strengthens ACI Jet’s competitive differentiation. As the only Bombardier Authorized Service Facility on the West Coast with EASA approval, the company can offer a unique combination of factory-trained expertise, specialized tooling, and immediate parts availability to a wider range of clients. This is particularly valuable in Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situations, where rapid response and certified capabilities are critical to minimizing downtime.
Beyond immediate financial gains, the certification enhances ACI Jet’s brand reputation and market positioning. Feedback from FAA inspectors described the company’s certification submission as “top notch,” reflecting the thoroughness and professionalism of its quality management systems. This recognition not only validates the company’s investment in compliance but also paves the way for future certifications and regulatory interactions.
Regulatory Landscape and Compliance Framework
The international regulatory environment for aviation maintenance is evolving, with increasing harmonization between EASA and the FAA. New Safety Management System (SMS) requirements, effective October 10, 2025, mandate that U.S.-based EASA-approved repair stations implement systematic safety protocols, emphasizing proactive risk management and continuous improvement.
The Maintenance Annex Guidance (MAG) and recent regulatory changes reflect ongoing efforts to streamline maintenance standards across jurisdictions. For organizations like ACI Jet, staying ahead of these changes requires continuous investment in compliance infrastructure and expertise, ensuring readiness for both current and future regulatory demands.
The comprehensive requirements for EASA Part 145 organizations, spanning facility standards, personnel qualifications, and robust quality management systems, set a high bar for operational excellence. Meeting these standards not only ensures regulatory compliance but also drives improvements in internal processes, benefiting all customers regardless of aircraft registration.
Industry Trends and Future Outlook
The aviation maintenance industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements such as predictive maintenance, automation, and digital diagnostics. These innovations are reshaping repair station operations, enabling more proactive and cost-effective maintenance solutions.
Labor shortages, rising operational costs, and sustainability pressures present ongoing challenges. The industry faces a significant talent gap, with forecasts indicating the need for hundreds of thousands of new pilots, technicians, and cabin crew over the next two decades. At the same time, regulatory and market pressures are pushing maintenance providers to adopt greener practices and invest in sustainable technologies.
Organizations that can navigate these trends, by investing in workforce development, technology integration, and regulatory compliance, will be best positioned for long-term success. For ACI Jet, the EASA certification is both a validation of its current capabilities and a foundation for future growth in a globalized, technologically advanced aviation ecosystem.
Conclusion
ACI Jet’s EASA Part 145 Certification is a strategic milestone that enhances its capabilities, expands its market reach, and reinforces its commitment to operational excellence. By meeting the stringent requirements of European aviation regulators, the company has positioned itself as a trusted partner for international aircraft operators seeking high-quality maintenance services on the U.S. West Coast.
As the aviation maintenance industry continues to evolve, driven by technological innovation, regulatory changes, and global market dynamics, ACI Jet’s proactive approach to certification and quality management sets a strong example for others in the sector. The company’s ongoing investment in compliance, technology, and talent will be critical as it navigates future opportunities and challenges in the ever-changing landscape of global aviation services.
FAQ
What is EASA Part 145 certification?
EASA Part 145 is a European regulatory standard that authorizes maintenance organizations to perform maintenance, repair, and overhaul services on European-registered aircraft. It requires organizations to meet stringent facility, personnel, and quality management requirements.
Why is EASA certification important for ACI Jet?
It allows ACI Jet to service European-registered aircraft, expanding its market reach and enabling it to provide maintenance services to international operators, especially on the U.S. West Coast where such options are limited.
How does EASA certification benefit aircraft owners?
Owners of European-registered aircraft gain access to a certified maintenance provider in the U.S., ensuring compliance with European regulations and minimizing downtime through local support.
What are the main challenges in achieving EASA Part 145 certification?
The process involves extensive documentation, facility upgrades, personnel training, and implementation of robust quality management systems to meet stringent European standards.
What other certifications does ACI Jet hold?
In addition to EASA, ACI Jet is a Bombardier Authorized Service Facility and holds certifications from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands and Canadian authorities, with plans for further international approvals.
Sources: ACI Jet Newsroom
Photo Credit: ACI Jet
MRO & Manufacturing
Baxter Aerospace Invests $19.55M in Utah Manufacturing Facility
Baxter Aerospace expands into Washington County, Utah with a $19.55M facility to scale UAS and satellite comms production.
Baxter Aerospace will invest $19.55 million to lease and equip a new manufacturing facility in Washington County, Utah, transitioning its unmanned aircraft and communications systems from prototype development into full-scale production.
The expansion, announced in an October 8, 2026, press release by the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), is projected to create 90 high-paying jobs over the next five years while strengthening the state’s aerospace and defense industrial base.
Transitioning to full-scale production
The new facility in Washington City will feature high-capacity infrastructure, specialized testing spaces, and security systems. This site is designed to support mission-critical work across aerospace, defense, satellite communications, autonomous aircraft, and public safety.
Baxter Aerospace CEO Jeff Baxter stated that expanding in southern Utah allows the company to increase manufacturing capacity and support growing customer needs. He noted the company is prepared to help shape the region’s aerospace future.
The project is backed by a Rural Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (REDTIF) post-performance tax credit approved by the GOED. Under the agreement, Baxter Aerospace can earn a rebate of up to 30% on new state revenues generated over the five-year term, capped at $456,939.
State officials project the expansion will generate $20,758,160 in new state wages and $1,523,131 in new state tax revenue during that period. GOED Commissioner Jefferson Moss noted that the investment signals Utah’s economic future is fueled by frontier innovation. Washington County Commissioner Adam Snow added that the expansion connects local talent with emerging aerospace opportunities.
Scaling the BA-1 Dragonfly and defense portfolio
The manufacturing expansion follows a period of steady growth for the St. George-based defense and aerospace innovator. Brothers Jeff and Michael Baxter founded the company in 2015 following a severe Oregon wildfire, focusing their initial efforts on real-time sensing, resilient communications, and autonomous systems for emergency response and defense applications.
The company’s flagship aerospace product is the BA-1 Dragonfly. The Dragonfly is a Group 3 vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) unmanned aircraft system designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, featuring over 12 hours of endurance.
Alongside the BA-1 Dragonfly, Baxter Aerospace produces deployable broadband satellite communications kits that utilize low Earth orbit (LEO) networks. The company also manufactures precision components for the fusion and nuclear energy sectors.
To support the scaling of these product lines, Baxter Aerospace secured a $6 million Series A funding round in July 2025. The capital was raised from the Department of Defense (DoD) Accelerator fund, managed by Accuidity Capital Management, specifically to accelerate production of the Dragonfly system and the deployable communications kits. The new Washington County facility represents the physical infrastructure required to execute that production scale-up between late 2026 and 2031.
Photo Credit: Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development
MRO & Manufacturing
IAI 777-300ERSF P2F Conversions Launch in North America
The first Boeing 777-300ER for P2F conversion in North America arrives at Ascent Aviation Services in Marana, Arizona.
The first Boeing 777-300ER slated for passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion in North America arrived at Ascent Aviation Services in Marana, Arizona, on October 22, 2026. The induction marks the regional launch of the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) modification program for the widebody twinjet.
The arrival of the World Star Aviation aircraft initiates operations at a newly expanded site designed to increase global capacity for the Boeing 777-300ERSF program, according to a joint press release issued by the companies.
Expanding global conversion capacity
Ascent Aviation Services, an independent aircraft aftermarket service provider and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Class IV Part 145 certified repair station, will operate two parallel conversion lines at its Pinal Air Park campus. To accommodate the Boeing 777-300ERSF program, the company invested $70 million to construct two 90,000-square-foot widebody hangars. Ascent broke ground on the facilities on March 29, 2024, effectively tripling the site’s hangar capacity.
“The launch of Boeing 777-300ERSF conversions in North America marks an important milestone for IAI’s global conversion program,” Yaacov Berkovitz, executive vice president and general manager of IAI Aviation Group, stated in the release. “Together with Ascent Aviation Services, we are expanding production capacity and bringing our conversion capabilities closer to customers in the region.”
Ascent Aviation Services chief executive officer David Querio noted that the induction represents the beginning of a long-term partnership with IAI, with multiple Boeing 777-300ERSF conversions planned for the Marana site.
“Our vision is to shape the future of aviation by turning engineering innovation into lasting value for our customers,” IAI president and chief executive officer Guy Bar Lev added. “Passenger-to-freighter conversions are a key part of that vision, extending the productive life of aircraft and helping airlines adapt to changing market needs.”
World Star Aviation’s fleet strategy
The inaugural aircraft belongs to World Star Aviation, a full-service aircraft and engine lessor headquartered in London. The company specializes in mid-to-late life assets and manages a portfolio of approximately 150 aircraft and engines. This includes 60 narrowbody and widebody freighters currently on lease to cargo operators globally.
World Star Aviation partner Yoyo Allalouf cited the strength of the IAI program during a critical period for widebody passenger-to-freighter production as the primary driver for their selection.
“IAI’s dominance in the widebody P2F space, demonstrated by its Boeing 747 and 767 programs, together with our long-standing relationship, underpinned our decision to choose IAI for the 777-300ERSF,” added Garreth Slevin, partner at World Star Aviation.
The rise of the “Big Twin” freighter
The Boeing 777-300ERSF program, marketed as “The Big Twin,” launched on October 22, 2019, as a joint venture between IAI and GECAS, which was subsequently acquired by AerCap. It remains the only certified P2F conversion program for the Boeing 777-300ER.
The converted freighter offers 25 percent more cargo volume than a production Boeing 777-200LRF and 15 percent more volume than a Boeing 747-400BCF. This capacity positions the aircraft as a direct replacement for aging Boeing 747-400 and McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter fleets.
IAI brings over 50 years of experience to the program, having delivered more than 350 converted cargo aircraft across Boeing 747, 767, 737, and Airbus A330 platforms. The company currently holds a dominant market share in medium-size freighter conversions, particularly with the Boeing 767.
The 777-300ERSF recently transitioned from certification into commercial service. In August 2026, Challenge Group took delivery of its second 777-300ERSF, which marked the fifth redelivery of the type across the industry for the year.
AirPro News analysis
We view the activation of the Marana conversion lines as a critical step in maturing the Boeing 777-300ERSF program. By establishing a North American footprint, IAI mitigates geographic bottlenecks and provides operators with a domestic option for heavy modifications. The $70 million infrastructure investment by Ascent Aviation Services indicates strong long-term confidence in the widebody conversion market, even as the air cargo sector normalizes following pandemic-era peaks. As legacy quad-engine and tri-engine freighters approach mandatory retirement or become economically unviable, the availability of parallel conversion lines in the United States ensures IAI can capture a significant share of the impending widebody replacement cycle.
Photo Credit: IAI
MRO & Manufacturing
Cirrus Aircraft Breaks Ground on $8M Engine Run-Up Center
Cirrus Aircraft begins construction on a 15,000-sq-ft Engine Run-Up Center in Duluth, MN, set to open summer 2027.
Cirrus Aircraft has commenced construction on an $8 million, 15,000-square-foot Engine Run-Up Center in Duluth, Minnesota, moving critical engine testing and fuel calibration processes into a year-round, climate-controlled environment.
The new facility, detailed in a company press release on October 23, 2026, is designed to support the certification process for the SR Series, Vision Jet, and TRAC10 aircraft while reducing noise at the surrounding airport.
Centralizing certification operations
The Engine Run-Up Center will consolidate several final-phase manufacturing steps into a single enclosed building. The facility will house two calibration stalls dedicated to engine setup and testing, utilizing an 8-foot exhaust collector to ventilate the spaces. A separate climate-controlled control room will allow technicians to conduct data analysis during the testing phase.
In addition to the testing stalls, the building will include two stalls specifically engineered for fueling and defueling aircraft. These areas incorporate specialized fire protection systems and are designed to meet requirements for handling flammable fluids.
Cirrus Chief Executive Officer Zean Nielsen stated that engine run-ups and fuel system calibration are essential processes across aircraft manufacturing. He noted that the modern facility will allow the company to streamline these critical operations, improve efficiency, and provide team members with a dedicated environment to perform the work.
Expanding the Duluth manufacturing footprint
The new testing center adds to an existing corporate footprint that exceeds 1.3 million square feet. The majority of this infrastructure is located in Duluth, which serves as the primary production hub for the manufacturer.
Founded in 1984 and now publicly traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Cirrus has manufactured more than 12,000 SR Series piston aircraft and Vision Jets to date. The groundbreaking follows closely on a major program milestone for the company. On October 21, 2026, Cirrus celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification for the Vision Jet, the first single-engine personal jet to reach the market.
Patrick Waddick, President of Innovation & Operations at Cirrus, highlighted the scale of the company’s historical output in Duluth. He noted that the new facility expands a footprint where the company has produced its entire fleet of over 12,000 aircraft, adding that the manufacturer has spent decades challenging conventions through innovations that transform personal aviation.
Project timeline and operational impact
Construction on the Engine Run-Up Center is underway, with the facility expected to open and become fully operational by the summer of 2027. By moving engine testing indoors, the company anticipates a reduction in noise levels for the surrounding airport environment, a common challenge for manufacturers conducting high-power engine runs on open ramps.
The $8 million investment reflects broader efforts by the airframer to scale production capabilities in response to market requirements. Nielsen indicated that as the company continues to grow, investments in manufacturing infrastructure position Cirrus to meet customer demand while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
Photo Credit: Cirrus Aircraft
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