MRO & Manufacturing
MAAS Aviation Extends Aircraft Painting Contract with Airbus in Mobile Alabama
MAAS Aviation extends its contract with Airbus in Mobile, Alabama, increasing painting capacity for A320 and A220 aircraft to support U.S. production growth.
MAAS Aviation Extends Aircraft Painting Contract with Airbus in Mobile, Alabama
The aviation manufacturing sector relies on a complex network of specialized service providers to ensure quality and efficiency in aircraft production. Among these, MAAS Aviation stands out as a globally recognized expert in aircraft painting and exterior coatings. The company’s longstanding partnership with Airbus, one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, has yielded significant operational milestones and set benchmarks for industry collaboration.
Recently, MAAS Aviation announced a five-year contract extension with Airbus for the painting of A320 Family and A220 aircraft at its facility in Mobile, Alabama. This development not only underscores the trust between the two companies but also highlights the critical importance of specialized finishing services in the aerospace value chain. The expansion and continued success of the Mobile facility reflect broader trends in U.S. aircraft manufacturing and the ongoing demand for high-quality, customized aircraft exteriors.
This article explores the significance of the MAAS-Airbus partnership, the operational growth at the Mobile site, and the broader implications for the aviation industry. Drawing on official statements, facility data, and expert opinions, we break down the facts behind this contract extension and its impact on both companies and the region.
Expanding Operations: The Mobile Facility’s Growth Trajectory
Since its inception in 2015, MAAS Aviation’s Mobile, Alabama, facility has played a pivotal role in supporting Airbus’s U.S. manufacturing ambitions. Originally launched with a workforce of just 20 employees, the site was strategically located alongside the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility to provide dedicated painting services for newly assembled aircraft. The partnership model adopted here, where a specialized provider operates an on-site facility exclusively for an OEMs, has proven effective for maintaining high standards and streamlined production schedules.
The facility has undergone significant expansion in response to increasing demand. In 2017, two additional paint shops were added, and a further two were brought online in 2025, bringing the total to five dedicated paint bays. This expansion has enabled the facility to increase its annual painting capacity to up to 200 aircraft, supporting Airbus’s production ramp-up for its single-aisle programs in the United States. To date, over 600 aircraft have been painted at the Mobile facility, a testament to the sustained growth and operational excellence achieved since the partnership began.
Employment at the site has also grown in tandem with its operational footprint. From its modest beginnings, the facility now employs nearly 100 people, with projections to surpass 150 staff members within the next three years. This growth not only benefits MAAS Aviation and Airbus but also contributes to the broader economic development of the Mobile region by creating high-skill jobs and supporting ancillary services.
Facility Capabilities and Industry Impact
The Mobile facility’s five paint bays are designed to accommodate the rigorous demands of modern aircraft production. Each bay is equipped to handle the complex requirements of both the A320 Family and A220 models, ensuring that every aircraft meets Airbus’s exacting OEM standards. The ability to deliver high-quality exterior finishes on schedule is critical, as it directly impacts final Delivery timelines and customer satisfaction.
MAAS Aviation’s expertise is not confined to Mobile. Its European operations, particularly the Hamburg facility, have also achieved significant milestones. In 2024, the Hamburg site celebrated the painting of its 1,000th Airbus aircraft, further solidifying MAAS Aviation’s reputation as a leader in the field. The transfer of best practices and technical know-how between the European and U.S. operations has been a key factor in maintaining consistent quality and operational efficiency across both continents.
By focusing on specialized services and continuous improvement, MAAS Aviation supports Airbus’s broader strategy of increasing production rates and meeting the diverse customization needs of airline customers. The Partnerships demonstrates how dedicated facilities and long-term collaboration can drive success in the highly competitive aerospace sector.
“Our team in Mobile sets superlative standards in aircraft painting. This underpins our enduring relationship as a trusted partner to Airbus.”, Geoff Myrick, Executive Vice President OEM, MAAS Aviation
Strategic Partnership: Foundations and Future Outlook
The MAAS-Airbus relationship is rooted in a shared commitment to quality and operational excellence. MAAS Aviation was first entrusted by Airbus to design, build, and operate an OEM paint shop in Hamburg in 2011. This trust was instrumental in the subsequent expansion to the United States, where the Mobile facility was established to mirror the success of its European counterpart.
According to Tim Macdougald, Chief Business Development Officer at MAAS Aviation, “Airbus placed their trust in us to design, build and operate our first OEM paint shop in Hamburg, Germany, back in 2011. We acknowledge the support Airbus has given us and are proud that the quality of our work has enabled this relationship to flourish and grow.”
Beyond the technical and operational aspects, the partnership has also fostered a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Danny Hakker, CEO of MAAS Aviation, highlighted the skill and dedication of the Mobile team, stating, “Whether they are tackling challenging and exciting multi-coloured liveries or achieving white perfection – they have built a reputation for being the best in the industry.” This focus on craftsmanship and exceeding expectations has been central to the partnership’s longevity and success.
Implications for U.S. Aircraft Manufacturing
The expansion of MAAS Aviation’s operations in Mobile aligns with broader trends in U.S. aircraft manufacturing. As Airbus continues to ramp up production of its single-aisle aircraft in the United States, the need for reliable, high-capacity finishing services becomes even more critical. The Mobile facility’s ability to meet these demands supports Airbus’s strategic objective of increasing its market share in North-America and delivering aircraft to U.S.-based customers more efficiently.
Moreover, the partnership serves as a model for how OEMs and specialized service providers can collaborate to achieve mutual goals. By investing in dedicated infrastructure and fostering long-term relationships, companies like Airbus and MAAS Aviation can better navigate the complexities of global supply chains and respond to shifting market demands.
The economic impact on the local community should not be overlooked. The creation of high-quality jobs and the ongoing Investments in facility expansion contribute to the development of a skilled workforce in the region, supporting both the aerospace sector and the local economy.
“To achieve OEM standards every time an aircraft leaves our hangar, requires true craftsmanship and a desire to go beyond expectations.”, Danny Hakker, CEO, MAAS Aviation
Conclusion: Sustaining Excellence in Aircraft Finishing
The contract extension between MAAS Aviation and Airbus for aircraft painting services in Mobile, Alabama, represents more than just a business agreement. It is a reflection of the trust, expertise, and collaborative spirit that underpin successful partnerships in the aerospace industry. The continued growth of the Mobile facility, both in capacity and workforce, underscores the ongoing demand for high-quality, customized aircraft exteriors as Airbus ramps up its U.S. production.
Looking ahead, the partnership is well-positioned to adapt to future challenges and opportunities, including evolving customer preferences and technological advancements in aircraft finishing. As both companies continue to invest in operational excellence and innovation, their collaboration will likely remain a benchmark for industry best practices in the years to come.
FAQ
What aircraft models are painted at the MAAS Aviation facility in Mobile?
The facility paints Airbus A320 Family and A220 aircraft.
How many aircraft can the Mobile facility paint annually?
With five paint bays, the facility has a capacity of up to 200 aircraft per year.
How many people are employed at the Mobile site?
Nearly 100 people are currently employed, with projections to exceed 150 in the next three years.
When did MAAS Aviation first partner with Airbus?
The partnership began in 2011 with the opening of an OEM paint shop in Hamburg, Germany.
What is the significance of the latest contract extension?
The five-year extension supports Airbus’s planned production ramp-up and demonstrates the strength of the partnership.
Sources: MAAS Aviation
Photo Credit: MAAS Aviation
MRO & Manufacturing
Jet Access Maintenance Becomes Starlink Dealer Amid Price Hike
Jet Access Maintenance joins the Starlink dealer network as SpaceX raises aviation hardware costs 38% and doubles its top-tier monthly plan.
Jet Access Maintenance has secured authorization as a Starlink dealer, expanding its in-flight connectivity upgrade offerings across three maintenance facilities on the same day SpaceX implemented a massive pricing restructure for its aviation internet service.
In a press release issued on July 7, 2026, the company confirmed it will now evaluate, acquire, install, and support Starlink Aviation solutions. The authorization allows Jet Access Maintenance to perform the upgrades at its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana; Nashville, Tennessee; and West Palm Beach, Florida.
Expanding MRO connectivity capabilities
The addition of Starlink hardware sales and activation support integrates into the company’s broader aircraft modernization initiatives. Installations will be completed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified technicians.
The MRO provider will handle ongoing maintenance, technical support, and integration with existing avionics systems for business aviation operators. Scott Dillon, President of Jet Access Maintenance, stated in the release that connectivity is an increasingly important part of the ownership and flight experience.
“By adding Starlink to our offering, we’re expanding the solutions available to our clients and helping them identify the connectivity platform that best supports their aircraft and mission requirements,” Dillon said.
SpaceX restructures Starlink Aviation pricing
The Jet Access Maintenance announcement coincides exactly with a major shift in Starlink’s business model. On July 7, 2026, SpaceX notified customers of a significant pricing restructure for its Starlink Business Aviation plans.
According to reporting by Aviation Week and Corporate Jet Investor, the top-tier Aviation Global Unlimited plan doubled in price from $10,000 to $20,000 per month. SpaceX also introduced a new mid-tier option, the Aviation Regional Unlimited plan, priced at $12,500 per month. This regional plan restricts unlimited data usage to a single continental region.
Hardware costs for business jets also saw a substantial increase. Holstein Aviation reported that the cost for Starlink Aviation hardware installation rose by approximately 38 percent, jumping from $145,000 to $200,000. Official Starlink Support documentation confirms these new rates take effect for existing customers on August 7, 2026.
AirPro News analysis
We note that the timing of this dealer authorization places Jet Access Maintenance in a unique position. The company is entering the Starlink dealer network just as the product undergoes its most significant pricing and tier-structure shift to date.
The 38 percent increase in hardware costs and the doubling of the global unlimited data plan alter the value proposition for mid-light jet operators. While Starlink remains a highly sought-after low-latency connectivity solution, the new $200,000 hardware baseline and $12,500 minimum monthly commitment will likely shift the primary upgrade market toward heavy jet and ultra-long-range aircraft operators. Jet Access Maintenance will need to navigate this new pricing reality as it pitches modernization initiatives to its existing client base.
Sources: Jet Access Maintenance, Aviation Week, Corporate Jet Investor, Starlink Support, Holstein Aviation
Photo Credit: Jet Access Maintenance
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
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