MRO & Manufacturing
Joramco Air India Partnership Boosts Asia Pacific Aircraft Maintenance
Joramco and Air India form a strategic partnership for heavy maintenance on Boeing fleets, enhancing MRO capabilities in Asia-Pacific’s growing aviation market.
The recent partnership agreement between Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Limited (Joramco) and Air India marks a pivotal moment in the Asia-Pacific aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector. This alliance not only grants Joramco entry into the rapidly expanding Indian aviation market but also supports Air India’s ambitious fleet modernization program. Announced at the MRO Asia-Pacific conference in Singapore, the agreement allows Joramco to perform heavy maintenance checks on Air India’s fleet of Boeing B787 and B777 aircraft. The deal reflects the growing demand for specialized MRO services as airlines across the region continue to modernize and expand their operations.
This partnership arrives at a critical juncture. Air India is undergoing one of the industry’s most comprehensive transformations under Tata Group ownership, while Joramco is experiencing unprecedented growth, with revenue increasing by 26% to $119 million and profitability surging by 80% to $39.1 million in the first half of 2025. These developments underscore the strategic importance of the agreement for both organizations and the broader regional aviation industry.
By leveraging each other’s strengths, Joramco and Air India are poised to set new benchmarks for operational excellence, innovation, and market expansion in the MRO sector. The collaboration is emblematic of the broader trends shaping the future of aircraft maintenance, where international partnerships, technological advancement, and market-driven strategies are increasingly central to success.
Joramco has established itself as a formidable force in the global aircraft maintenance industry. Founded as an independent third-party MRO provider in 2000, its roots trace back to 1963 as the engineering unit for Royal Jordanian Airlines. The company’s transformation accelerated significantly in September 2016 when Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) acquired an 80% stake, with the remaining 20% retained by Royal Jordanian Airlines. This acquisition brought Joramco under the umbrella of one of the Middle East’s largest aviation services companies, providing the capital and strategic direction necessary for aggressive expansion.
Strategically located at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Joramco operates from a duty-free zone that provides significant operational advantages for international MRO operations. The facility’s infrastructure encompasses five hangars capable of accommodating up to 15 aircraft simultaneously, with recent expansions raising this capacity further. The addition of Hangar 7 brought the total maintenance capacity to 22 parallel lines, positioning Joramco as one of the region’s largest MRO providers.
The company’s operational capabilities are supported by certifications from multiple international regulatory authorities, including EASA, FAA, JCARC, and GCAA. These certifications enable Joramco to provide comprehensive airframe, line, engine, component, and maintenance services to a global customer base spanning the Middle East, Europe, South Asia, Africa, Russia, and the CIS countries. The breadth of these certifications reflects Joramco’s commitment to maintaining the highest international standards across its operations.
Recent performance metrics underscore Joramco’s strong market position. In the first half of 2025, the company performed over 143 aircraft checks, accumulating approximately 924,000 man-hours of billable work. With sold-out slots for 2025 and high season slots already booked for the following year, Joramco’s robust demand and effective capacity utilization demonstrate its growing influence in the market.
“Joramco’s expansion and operational intensity reflect not only its capacity but also the strong demand for its services across multiple geographic markets.”
Air India’s current transformation is one of the most ambitious airline turnaround efforts in global aviation history. Returning to Tata Group ownership in 2021 after decades of government control, the carrier is now led by CEO Campbell Wilson, who brings extensive experience from Singapore Airlines Group. Air India’s Vihaan.AI strategic program aims to reposition the airline as a world-class global carrier, supported by an unprecedented order of 570 new aircraft, the largest single order in aviation history. Air India operates a fleet of nearly 200 aircraft across India’s largest global network. Its domestic market share has grown from single digits pre-privatization to about 25-26% currently, with targets to reach 30% by the end of the five-year transformation plan. On key metro routes, Air India commands approximately 50% market share, while international connecting traffic has quadrupled, demonstrating the impact of network expansion and improved connectivity.
However, the transformation has not been without challenges. The airline’s $400 million retrofit program for its legacy wide-body fleet, including Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft, has faced delays and cost overruns due to supply chain constraints and issues with seat manufacturers. The retrofit for Boeing 787s is now scheduled to begin in April 2025, with the Boeing 777 refresh pushed to 2026. These challenges underscore the importance of reliable maintenance partnerships to ensure operational continuity during the transition period.
Air India’s digital transformation initiatives further enhance its operational efficiency. Partnerships with flydocs for Digital Records Management and integration with Swiss Aviation Software’s AMOS platform support a seamless flow of documentation and improved fleet management capabilities. These efforts are central to Air India’s broader digital transformation objectives.
“Reliable maintenance partnerships are critical to Air India’s transformation, especially as it navigates fleet modernization and operational challenges.”
The partnership between Joramco and Air India, announced at the MRO Asia-Pacific conference, is Joramco’s first maintenance contract with India’s flag carrier. Under the agreement, Joramco will undertake heavy maintenance checks on Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 777 aircraft. This aligns with Joramco’s specialized capabilities and addresses Air India’s critical need for reliable maintenance support during its transformation.
Fraser Currie, Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer at DAE Engineering, described the agreement as a major achievement for Joramco’s global portfolio and highlighted the company’s dedication to fostering a strong partnership with Air India. For Air India, the collaboration is expected to improve fleet reliability and support overall operational performance, particularly as it implements extensive retrofit programs.
Heavy maintenance checks, or D-checks, are among the most comprehensive and demanding in commercial aviation. These checks occur every 6 to 10 years, can require up to 50,000 man-hours, and may take six months to a year to complete. The costs can reach into the millions, emphasizing the strategic importance of selecting a capable MRO partner.
“The partnership with Joramco provides Air India with access to high-quality maintenance services in a strategically located facility that can serve as a regional hub for its Middle East and European operations.”
The Asia-Pacific aircraft MRO market is expected to reach $24.03 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 6.31% to $32.63 billion by the end of the forecast period. This growth is driven by increasing fleet sizes, rising air travel demand, technological advancements, and stringent regulatory requirements. The commercial aviation segment dominates the market, buoyed by the expansion of next-generation aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, which require advanced maintenance solutions.
Technological advancements such as predictive maintenance, artificial intelligence, and IoT are reshaping the MRO landscape. These innovations enable real-time monitoring, predictive scheduling, and reduced downtime, creating value for both providers and airline customers. The rise of low-cost carriers in Asia has also increased demand for affordable, reliable MRO services, as these airlines often rely on external providers to maintain operational efficiency. Countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and China are emerging as MRO hubs, leveraging geographic advantages, skilled labor pools, and supportive government policies. These developments intensify competition among MRO providers and position Asia-Pacific as an increasingly attractive destination for comprehensive maintenance solutions.
“The Asia-Pacific MRO market’s projected growth reflects a convergence of factors including technological innovation, fleet expansion, and evolving regulatory requirements.”
The Middle East aircraft MRO market stood at $10.06 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $12.75 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.85%. The UAE dominates the market with a 45% share, hosting major players like Emirates Engineering and Etihad Engineering. Turkey also plays a significant role, with Turkish Technic attracting European carriers seeking cost-competitive heavy checks.
Jordan’s position is unique, with Joramco representing the country’s primary commercial aviation MRO capability. The partnership with Air India demonstrates Joramco’s ability to secure business from major carriers despite intense regional competition. The Middle East MRO market is moderately fragmented, with engine overhaul services influenced by OEM licensing agreements and a broad set of competitors in airframe and component work.
Strategic partnerships and competitive pricing are key differentiators in this landscape. Joramco’s cost-competitive position and strategic location enable it to compete effectively with larger regional players, while its international certifications and operational track record enhance its appeal to global carriers.
The financial implications of the partnership extend beyond immediate revenue opportunities. Joramco’s parent, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, reported total revenue of $843.6 million in the first half of 2025, a 24% increase from the previous year. Joramco’s revenue rose by 26% to $119 million, with profitability up 80% to $39.1 million. These figures reflect operational efficiency gains and strong demand for specialized maintenance services.
The heavy maintenance checks performed for Air India represent high-value services. Boeing 777-300ER D-checks typically cost about $4.5 million, while Boeing 787 checks are expected to be similarly expensive. With Air India operating multiple aircraft of these types, the partnership could generate substantial annual revenue for Joramco.
Air India’s $400 million retrofit program, despite delays and overruns, demonstrates the airline’s commitment to investing in fleet modernization. The partnership with Joramco is financially advantageous for both parties, given the global shortage of available aircraft and delays in new deliveries, which have increased demand for maintenance services.
Industry leaders have highlighted the strategic value of the partnership. Fraser Currie described the agreement as a major achievement for Joramco, while Air India’s CTO S.K. Dash emphasized its importance in improving fleet reliability. Jeff Wilkinson, CEO of DAE Engineering, noted the need for expanding management capabilities to support Joramco’s growth. Market research organizations underscore the growing importance of specialized maintenance for next-generation aircraft. The Asia-Pacific MRO market’s expansion is driven by airlines seeking partners that can deliver advanced, cost-competitive solutions. The timing of the Joramco-Air India partnership coincides with broader industry consolidation trends, enhancing Joramco’s attractiveness as a strategic asset.
Technological innovation and digital transformation are also central to the partnership’s value proposition. Air India’s investments in digital records management and integrated maintenance platforms create opportunities for Joramco to enhance its service offerings and operational efficiency.
The partnership between Joramco and Air India is a strategically significant development for the global aircraft maintenance industry. It exemplifies the increasing importance of international alliances in supporting airline growth and operational excellence. The agreement provides Joramco with access to the Indian market and offers Air India specialized maintenance capabilities during a critical transformation period.
As the aviation industry continues to recover and adapt to technological and regulatory changes, partnerships like this will shape the competitive landscape. The success of the Joramco-Air India collaboration may influence future strategic decisions and serve as a model for similar alliances in the evolving aircraft maintenance sector.
What is the main focus of the Joramco-Air India partnership? Why is this partnership significant for Joramco? How does this partnership benefit Air India? What are heavy maintenance checks (D-checks)? What is the outlook for the Asia-Pacific MRO market? Sources: Joramco
Joramco-Air India Partnership: A Strategic Alliance Reshaping Asia-Pacific Aircraft Maintenance Landscape
Joramco’s Evolution as a Regional MRO Leader
Air India’s Transformation Under Tata Group Leadership
The Strategic Partnership Agreement: Scope and Significance
Asia-Pacific MRO Market Dynamics and Growth Drivers
Middle East MRO Market Context and Competitive Landscape
Financial Implications and Market Valuation
Expert Perspectives and Strategic Analysis
Conclusion
FAQ
Joramco will perform heavy maintenance checks on Air India’s Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft, supporting the airline’s fleet modernization and operational reliability.
It marks Joramco’s entry into the Indian aviation market and strengthens its position as a leading MRO provider in the region, expanding its global customer base.
Air India gains access to Joramco’s specialized maintenance expertise and facilities, which is critical during its extensive fleet upgrade and digital transformation initiatives.
These are comprehensive inspections and overhauls of aircraft, typically occurring every 6–10 years, requiring significant time, labor, and financial investment.
The market is expected to grow steadily, driven by fleet expansion, technological advancements, and increasing demand for specialized maintenance services.
Photo Credit: Joramco
MRO & Manufacturing
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Satair and Joramco renew their 25-year supply agreement at MRO Middle East 2026, supporting Joramco’s maintenance operations and new contracts.
This article is based on an official press release from Satair and additional industry reporting regarding MRO Middle East 2026.
At the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, Satair, an Airbus Services company, and Joramco (Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Limited) officially announced the renewal of their long-standing Consumables and Expendables Supply Agreement. The deal marks the continuation of a strategic partnership that has spanned more than a quarter of a century, reinforcing the critical role of integrated supply chains in the growing Middle Eastern aviation maintenance sector.
According to the announcement, the renewed agreement is designed to secure a consistent flow of essential spare parts for Joramco’s base maintenance operations in Amman, Jordan. By locking in this supply chain solution, Joramco aims to minimize “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) risks and reduce the complexity of material management for its expanding customer base.
The partnership between Satair and Joramco is one of the most enduring in the region. For over 25 years, Satair has served as a primary provider of consumables and expendables, high-volume, low-cost parts essential for routine maintenance, to the Jordan-based MRO provider.
In the official release, the companies highlighted the operational benefits of the extension. The agreement allows Joramco to leverage Satair’s global distribution network, ensuring that parts are available precisely when needed. This “just-in-time” capability is vital for MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul providers) striving to offer competitive turnaround times to airlines.
A primary focus of the renewal is the mitigation of supply chain disruptions. By outsourcing the management of consumables to Satair, Joramco can focus its internal resources on heavy maintenance and engineering tasks rather than logistics. The agreement reportedly covers a comprehensive range of Airbus and Boeing fleet requirements, aligning with Joramco’s diverse capabilities.
“This continued partnership with Satair ensures we have the right parts at the right time, allowing us to deliver superior turnaround times to our global customers.”
, Statement attributed to Joramco leadership regarding the renewal
The renewal comes amidst a flurry of activity at MRO Middle East 2026, where both companies have announced significant independent expansions. The event, held on February 4–5, 2026, has served as a platform for major industry shifts in the region. According to industry reporting from the event, Joramco has also secured a major five-year heavy maintenance agreement with the German leisure carrier Condor. This deal will see Joramco performing base maintenance on Condor’s entire Airbus fleet, including the A320ceo, A320neo, and A330neo. Additionally, Joramco celebrated the first graduates of its Structured On-the-Job Training (SOJT) program, a move aimed at addressing the global shortage of skilled aviation technicians.
Simultaneously, Satair has expanded its footprint in the sustainability sector. Reports from the event indicate Satair signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GAMECO (Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co.) to enter the Used Serviceable Material (USM) market, addressing the rising demand for cost-effective and sustainable parts solutions.
The renewal of the Satair-Joramco agreement highlights a critical trend in the post-2025 aviation landscape: the prioritization of supply chain resilience. In an era where global parts shortages have frequently grounded fleets, MRO providers are increasingly moving toward long-term, integrated agreements with major distributors rather than relying on spot-market purchasing.
Furthermore, the Middle East’s trajectory as a global MRO hub is evident in these announcements. Joramco’s ability to secure European contracts like the Condor deal, backed by a robust supply chain from Satair, suggests that regional players are successfully competing on a global scale by combining geographic advantages with high-grade logistical reliability.
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Supply Chain Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Strengthening a Quarter-Century Alliance
Operational Efficiency and AOG Reduction
Broader Context: MRO Middle East 2026 Developments
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Satair
MRO & Manufacturing
Joramco Renews Maintenance Agreement with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Joramco extends its maintenance contract with Mexican cargo airline mas for heavy checks on Airbus A330 freighters throughout 2026 at its Amman facility.
This article is based on an official press release from Joramco.
Joramco, the Amman-based aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility and engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has officially announced the renewal of its maintenance agreement with mas (formerly MasAir), a prominent Mexican cargo airline. The agreement was finalized and signed during the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, marking a continuation of the strategic partnership between the two entities.
Under the terms of the renewed contract, Joramco will perform heavy base maintenance checks on the mas fleet of Airbus A330 freighters. The work is scheduled to take place throughout 2026 at Joramco’s facility at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. This announcement underscores the MRO provider’s increasing traction in the global cargo sector and its ability to secure recurring business from international carriers outside its traditional regional stronghold.
According to the company’s announcement, the new deal focuses specifically on heavy base maintenance, often referred to as C-checks, for the carrier’s Airbus A330 fleet. These checks are critical for ensuring the continued airworthiness and operational reliability of the freighter aircraft, which are essential to mas’s global logistics network.
This renewal follows a successful initial collaboration established relatively recently. Joramco and mas first formalized their partnerships in October 2025 at the MRO Europe exhibition in London. That initial agreement covered maintenance checks that began in December 2025. The rapid renewal, signed just four months later, suggests a successful execution of the initial checks and a deepening of the business relationship.
In a statement regarding the renewal, Joramco’s leadership highlighted the significance of the repeat business.
“We are pleased to welcome more aircraft from mas at Joramco. This agreement reaffirms Joramco’s position as a trusted Global MRO provider of choice.”
, Adam Voss, CEO of Joramco
The agreement with mas aligns with Joramco’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint. By securing a renewal with a Latin American carrier, the Jordan-based MRO is demonstrating its competitiveness on a global scale, attracting airframes from the Americas to the Middle-East for heavy maintenance. The timing of this renewal is notable within the wider context of the MRO industry’s capacity constraints. In late 2025, Joramco inaugurated “Hangar 7,” a significant infrastructure expansion that reportedly increased its capacity to 22 parallel maintenance lines. This expansion appears to be paying dividends, allowing the facility to accommodate the “more aircraft” referenced by CEO Adam Voss.
Furthermore, the cargo market remains a demanding sector requiring high asset utilization. For a specialized Cargo-Aircraft airline like mas, which operates a modernizing fleet of Airbus A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) aircraft, securing reliable MRO slots is a strategic priority. The quick transition from an initial contract in late 2025 to a full-year renewal for 2026 indicates that Joramco has successfully met the technical and turnaround time requirements demanded by the cargo carrier.
Joramco: A subsidiary of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), Joramco has operated for over 60 years. Based in Amman, Jordan, it provides airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft.
mas: Headquartered in Mexico City, mas (formerly MasAir) is a specialized cargo airline operating scheduled and charter freight services across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The airline has been actively expanding its capacity with Airbus A330 freighters to support its international network.
Sources:
Joramco Extends Maintenance Partnership with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Scope of the Renewed Agreement
Strategic Context and Capacity Expansion
AirPro News Analysis
About the Companies
Photo Credit: Joramco
MRO & Manufacturing
Liebherr and Röder Expand MRO for Embraer E-Jet Landing Gear
Liebherr-Aerospace and Röder Präzision deepen cooperation to overhaul main landing gear for Embraer E-Jet E1 family, enhancing capacity and reducing turnaround times.
This article is based on an official press release from Liebherr-Aerospace.
Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH and Röder Präzision GmbH have officially announced a significant expansion of their MRO cooperation. According to a joint statement released in early February 2026, the new agreement tasks Röder Präzision with the overhaul of structural components for the main landing gear of the Embraer E-Jet E1 family. This move builds upon a pre-existing partnership that was previously limited to nose landing gear components.
The deepened collaboration comes as the global aviation industry faces rising demand for maintenance capacity. By integrating Röder Präzision’s Egelsbach facility into the supply chain for main landing gear structures, Liebherr aims to increase industrial capacity and reduce turnaround times (TAT) for operators of the E170, E175, E190, and E195 aircraft. The agreement is effective immediately, with operations expected to scale up throughout 2026.
As the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the E-Jet landing gear system, Liebherr-Aerospace retains authority over the final product, while leveraging Röder’s specialized capabilities to handle the volume of structural repairs required by the aging global fleet.
The agreement establishes a clear division of responsibilities designed to optimize the overhaul process. While Röder Präzision takes on the industrial heavy lifting for individual components, Liebherr maintains control over the critical airworthiness certification and system integration.
Liebherr’s facility in Lindenberg remains the center of competence for the program. The OEM is responsible for the “top-level” processes, which include:
Röder Präzision, an established MRO provider, will handle the detailed industrial overhaul of the structural parts. Their scope includes:
According to the announcement, Röder has invested in expanded machinery and specific employee qualification programs to meet the technical demands of the main landing gear, which involves larger and more complex components than the nose gear they previously handled.
The timing of this agreement is driven by the lifecycle of the Embraer E-Jet E1 fleet. The aircraft family, which entered service in the mid-2000s, is currently experiencing a “bow wave” of heavy maintenance requirements.
Landing gear overhaul intervals for the E-Jet are typically set at 10 years or 20,000 flight cycles for the E190/195, and 12 years or 30,000 flight cycles for the E170/175. With a significant portion of the global fleet reaching these milestones simultaneously, the demand for overhaul slots has surged. By utilizing a domestic German supply chain, Liebherr intends to minimize logistics costs and shipping times, offering a faster alternative to non-European vendors. “This cooperation is a win-win situation. We are covering global needs that are sure to arise in the near future. At the same time, we can offer our customers greater capacities and faster turnaround times thanks to short delivery routes.”
— Gerd Heinzelmann, Managing Director, Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
Bastian Heberer, CEO of the Röder Group, emphasized that the deal is built on a foundation of trust established during their previous work on nose landing gear.
“We are very pleased to be able to deepen the long-standing, trust-based partnership with Liebherr with this agreement. With our targeted investments in machinery and the qualification of our employees, we are a reliable partner for Liebherr.”
— Bastian Heberer, CEO, Röder Group
This agreement highlights a growing trend in the MRO sector where OEMs are increasingly relying on trusted third-party providers to manage capacity constraints. While OEMs like Liebherr hold the intellectual property and certification authority, the sheer volume of mature fleets, like the E-Jet E1, requires more industrial throughput than many OEMs can manage alone without expanding their own physical footprint.
By outsourcing the component-level repair work to Röder while keeping the high-value assembly and certification in-house, Liebherr effectively creates a “hybrid” MRO model. This allows them to scale capacity rapidly in response to the current market surge without bearing the full capital expenditure of building new component repair shops. For operators, the promise of a “domestic solution” within Germany suggests a focus on supply chain resilience, reducing the risk of delays associated with cross-border logistics.
What aircraft are covered by this agreement? When does the new cooperation begin? Does Röder Präzision certify the landing gear? Sources: Liebherr-Aerospace
Liebherr-Aerospace and Röder Präzision Expand Partnership for Embraer E-Jet Landing Gear Overhaul
Operational Division of Labor
Liebherr-Aerospace (Lindenberg)
Röder Präzision (Egelsbach)
Strategic Context: The E-Jet “Overhaul Wave”
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The agreement covers the Embraer E-Jet E1 family, which includes the E170, E175, E190, and E195 models.
The cooperation is effective immediately, with the volume of overhaul work expected to scale up successively throughout 2026.
No. Röder performs the overhaul of structural components, but Liebherr-Aerospace retains responsibility for final testing and airworthiness certification.
Photo Credit: Liebherr
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