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B&H Worldwide Expands Global Logistics Partnership with Ontic

B&H Worldwide secures a global warehousing contract with Ontic to enhance aerospace logistics and AOG support across key international hubs.

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B&H Worldwide and Ontic Forge Global Logistics Partnership

In the high-stakes world of aerospace, where a grounded aircraft can represent significant financial losses, the efficiency of the supply chain is paramount. A new agreement is set to reinforce this critical backbone of the industry. B&H Worldwide, a prominent aerospace logistics provider, has officially secured a global warehousing and logistics contract with Ontic, a major Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the aerospace sector. This development marks a significant expansion of a long-standing relationship, moving their collaboration from a regional focus to a global stage.

The partnership is designed to provide strategic support for Ontic’s continued international growth. For an OEM like Ontic, which supplies established aircraft parts to leading aerospace companies, having a robust and responsive logistics network is not just an operational advantage, it’s a core component of its customer commitment. This contract leverages B&H Worldwide’s specialized expertise and global infrastructure to ensure that Ontic’s parts are available where and when they are needed most, particularly in urgent Aircraft-on-Ground (AOG) situations. The official signing ceremony at MRO Europe underscores the strategic importance of this collaboration, signaling a new phase of enhanced service delivery for the global aviation market.

A Comprehensive Service Framework

Under the terms of the new contract, B&H Worldwide will manage a comprehensive suite of logistics services for Ontic. The scope involves holding and managing an inventory of over 3,000 distinct items. This is not merely about storage; it encompasses a detailed inventory management process that includes full packaging, consignment, and meticulous document checks upon both receipt and dispatch of parts. These procedures are vital for ensuring the integrity of sensitive aerospace components and maintaining strict regulatory compliance, which is non-negotiable in the aviation industry.

The agreement also covers specialized requirements, including the handling of dangerous goods, a complex and highly regulated area of logistics. B&H Worldwide will facilitate both routine and, critically, AOG shipping services. The ability to expedite parts during an AOG event is a key performance indicator in aerospace logistics, as it directly impacts an airline’s or MRO’s (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) ability to return an aircraft to service. This dual capability ensures that Ontic can support its customers’ needs across the full spectrum of operational tempos, from planned maintenance to unforeseen emergencies.

“This new contract reflects the confidence the business places in our ability to deliver high-quality, secure, and efficient logistics solutions worldwide. Our dedicated teams and proven systems will ensure Ontic’s customers continue to benefit from reliable support, whether for routine shipments or urgent AOG requirements.”

– Gary Wilson, Group Managing Director of B&H Worldwide.

To provide transparency and control over this complex global operation, Ontic will have full access to B&H Worldwide’s proprietary warehouse management system, FirstTRAC. This technology platform allows for real-time tracking and monitoring of global inventory, giving Ontic clear visibility into its supply chain. Such technological integration is crucial for modern logistics, enabling proactive management, accurate forecasting, and swift decision-making. It transforms the supply chain from a simple sequence of movements into an interconnected, data-driven ecosystem.

Strategic Global Positioning and Future Implications

The partnership’s global nature is anchored by strategically chosen warehouse locations in London, Miami, and Singapore. These hubs are not arbitrary; they represent key logistical crossroads in the global aviation network, providing optimal access to major markets in Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. By positioning critical inventory in these locations, Ontic and B&H can significantly reduce shipping times and enhance responsiveness to customer requests from anywhere in the world. This geographic distribution is fundamental to delivering on the promise of minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency for airlines and MROs.

This agreement is an evolution of a partnership that dates back several years. Previously, the collaboration was more focused, with B&H managing Ontic’s AOG support assets from a facility at London’s Heathrow Airport. The expansion to a global framework demonstrates the success of the initial model and the mutual trust built between the two companies. It represents a strategic alignment where B&H’s specialized logistics infrastructure directly supports Ontic’s global growth ambitions and its commitment to superior aftermarket support.

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“As we continue to expand our global footprint, having B&H’s expertise and infrastructure supporting our AOG and Exchange inventory means we can deliver even greater reliability, responsiveness, and speed to our customers. With critical inventory now strategically located across London, Miami, and Singapore, we can ensure our customers receive the parts and support they need, when and where they need them.”

– Jack Karapetyan, Vice President & General Manager, Global MRO Operations of Ontic.

The collaboration is poised to set a new benchmark for service excellence in AOG logistics and exchange management. In an industry where every minute of downtime counts, the ability to deliver the right part quickly is a powerful competitive differentiator. This partnership is structured to do exactly that, combining physical infrastructure, technological platforms, and deep industry expertise to create a highly resilient and efficient supply chain. It reflects a broader trend in the aerospace industry, where OEMs and logistics specialists are forming deeper, more integrated partnerships to navigate the complexities of the global aftermarket.

Conclusion: A New Standard in Aerospace Logistics

The expanded global contract between B&H Worldwide and Ontic is more than a simple business agreement; it is a strategic move to enhance the resilience and responsiveness of the aerospace aftermarket. By leveraging B&H’s global network, specialized services, and advanced technology, Ontic is better positioned to support its customers worldwide, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner. The focus on key hubs in London, Miami, and Singapore ensures that critical parts are closer to the point of need, directly addressing the industry’s core challenge of minimizing aircraft downtime.

Ultimately, this partnership is designed to deliver tangible benefits to airlines and MROs through increased reliability and speed. It serves as a clear example of how collaboration between OEMs and logistics experts can create a more efficient and robust global supply chain. As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, such strategic alliances will likely become even more critical in ensuring that the global fleet remains operational, efficient, and safe.

FAQ

Question: What is the primary goal of the new contract between B&H Worldwide and Ontic?
Answer: The primary goal is to provide global warehousing and logistics support for Ontic’s continued international growth, enhancing its aftermarket support and responsiveness to customers, especially for Aircraft-on-Ground (AOG) situations.

Question: Which key locations will be part of this global warehousing agreement?
Answer: The agreement will utilize strategically located warehouses in London, Miami, and Singapore to serve customers across Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region.

Question: What technology will Ontic use to manage its global inventory?
Answer: Ontic will use B&H Worldwide’s proprietary warehouse management system, FirstTRAC, to track and monitor its global inventory in real-time.

Question: What specific services will B&H Worldwide provide to Ontic?
Answer: B&H Worldwide will provide premium inventory management for over 3,000 items, full packaging, consignment and document checks, dangerous goods handling, and both routine and AOG shipping services.

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  • B&H Worldwide
  • Photo Credit: B&H Worldwide

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    MRO & Manufacturing

    Aircraft Structures Group Completes 250th Business Jet Repair Milestone

    Aircraft Structures Group reaches 250 business jet repairs, highlighting mobile AOG services and specialized fuel tank maintenance in a growing MRO market.

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    This article is based on an official press release from Aircraft Structures Group.

    On March 31, 2026, Nashville-based Aircraft Structures Group (ASG) announced the completion of its 250th business jet repair. According to the company’s official press release, this milestone underscores the rapid growth of the FAA Part 145 certificated repair station since its founding in 2021.

    We note that ASG has carved out a highly specialized niche within the aviation Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector. By focusing on mobile, rapid-response Aircraft on Ground (AOG) services, the company dispatches specialized teams directly to grounded aircraft worldwide, 24/7/365, bypassing the traditional need to ferry aircraft to fixed hangars.

    The company, headquartered south of Nashville, Tennessee, specializes in aircraft fuel tank systems, fuel leak detection and repair, structural maintenance, corrosion and bacterial remediation. To meet surging demand, ASG noted in its release that it is actively recruiting new aircraft mechanics and expanding its visibility at industry events.

    The Critical Role of Mobile AOG Services

    In the business aviation sector, an “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) designation indicates that a plane is mechanically unsafe to fly. For corporate jet operators, AOG situations trigger cascading logistical disruptions, dissatisfied clients, and severe revenue losses. Traditional repairs often require a special ferry permit to fly the aircraft to a maintenance facility, adding days or weeks to the timeline.

    ASG’s mobile MRO model addresses this financial pain point by bringing technicians, tools, and parts directly to the tarmac. Every minute saved translates directly to cost savings for the operator, making rapid-response teams highly lucrative and essential to the modern aviation ecosystem.

    Specialized Fuel Tank Maintenance

    Fuel tank repair is widely considered one of the most difficult and hazardous tasks in aircraft maintenance. Technicians must enter confined integral fuel tanks that recently held explosive kerosene. This environment requires strict safety protocols, including defueling, venting dangerous vapors, testing for combustible gases, and wearing specialized respirators and non-static protective suits.

    Precision is paramount in these environments. Leaks typically occur when sealant on tank seams loses its integrity. Technicians must meticulously remove old sealant without damaging the aluminum structure before applying new compounds. If not executed perfectly, the tank will re-leak once pressurized. To address this specific industry challenge, ASG operates on a “No Re-Leak Confidence” philosophy, backing all repairs with a comprehensive one-year warranty, leveraging a team with over 100 years of combined aviation maintenance experience.

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    “Reaching 250 business jet repairs is more than just a number, it represents 250 times that an operator trusted us with their aircraft, and 250 times our team delivered… Each repair reflects our founding promise: get aircraft back in the air safely, on time, and with the lasting quality our customers deserve,” stated ASG CEO Bertrand Carret-Troncy in the company’s press release.

    Industry Tailwinds Driving MRO Demand

    To understand the rapid scaling of ASG’s operations in less than five years, it is helpful to examine broader macroeconomic trends in business aviation. According to a February 2026 report by Mordor Intelligence, the global business jet MRO market is projected to experience steady growth, expanding from $30.12 billion in 2025 to $31.09 billion in 2026, and is expected to reach $36.39 billion by 2031.

    A primary driver of this growth is the aging global fleet. Industry data indicates there are currently more than 8,000 business jets older than 15 years entering heavy-maintenance windows. As these aircraft age, fuel tank sealants naturally degrade, and airframes require more frequent structural inspections and corrosion treatments.

    AirPro News analysis

    We observe that the current Supply-Chain environment is creating a significant boom for specialized maintenance crews. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are currently facing 18- to 24-month backlogs for new aircraft. Consequently, operators are forced to extend the life cycles of their current fleets rather than replacing them.

    This dynamic shifts the industry’s focus from acquisition to preservation. Companies like ASG, which provide the gritty, highly technical, and hazardous maintenance required to keep older planes in the sky, are becoming increasingly essential. The 250th repair milestone is not just a company achievement; it is a symptom of a broader industry reliance on specialized MRO providers to bridge the gap caused by new aircraft shortages.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is an AOG situation?

    AOG stands for “Aircraft on Ground.” It is a term used in aviation to describe an aircraft that has a mechanical issue preventing it from flying safely. AOG situations require immediate maintenance attention to minimize downtime and financial loss.

    Why is fuel tank repair so specialized?

    Fuel tank repair requires technicians to work in confined spaces that contain hazardous, explosive vapors. It demands strict safety protocols, specialized protective gear, and meticulous precision to remove and reapply sealants without damaging the aircraft’s structural integrity.


    Sources: Aircraft Structures Group Press Release

    Photo Credit: Aircraft Structures Group

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    Lufthansa Technik Completes First Boeing 787 Cabin Modification in Malta

    Lufthansa Technik Malta finishes its first Boeing 787 cabin modification and plans six more this year with a new hangar opening in 2026.

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    This article is based on an official press release from Lufthansa Technik.

    Lufthansa Technik has successfully completed its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabin modification. According to an official press release from the company, the milestone was achieved at its European Center of Excellence for widebody Base Maintenance Services, located in Malta. This development marks a significant step forward for the facility’s expanding portfolio of widebody aircraft services.

    The comprehensive overhaul involved the complete removal of the aircraft’s existing interior and the installation of a new seating configuration. Additionally, the project included a full upgrade of cabin monuments, which the company states is designed to enhance passenger comfort and overall operational efficiency.

    This achievement builds upon a foundational agreement established in 2024, when Boeing and Lufthansa Technik announced that the maintenance provider would become the first Boeing Licensed Service Center (BLSC) specifically designated for 787 Dreamliner cabin modifications. We note that this designation was intended to bring additional choice and capacity to the global aviation maintenance market.

    Technical Complexity and Future Operations

    Executing this initial Boeing 787 cabin modification required overcoming significant technical and logistical hurdles. The company noted in its release that the project featured substantial complexity, including the necessary conversion of a maintenance bay in Malta to accommodate the increased space requirements of the Dreamliner.

    Furthermore, the logistical efforts were extensive, driven by the complete replacement of the existing cabin architecture with a newly designed interior. Despite these challenges, the facility is preparing for a busy schedule ahead. According to Lufthansa Technik, a further six cabin modifications of this specific type are scheduled to be completed at the Malta facility by the end of the year.

    “Completing our first Boeing 787 cabin modification is a proud moment for the entire team. A big thank you to the Lufthansa Technik team, who made the installation seamless,” said Marcus Motschenbacher, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Aircraft Maintenance Services at Lufthansa Technik.

    Facility Expansion in Malta

    To support the growing demand for widebody maintenance and specifically the Boeing 787 program, Lufthansa Technik MRO is actively expanding its physical footprint and operational capacities. The company announced that by the end of 2026, a new 6,400-square-meter hangar will be operational.

    This modern addition will be attached to the existing infrastructure and is specifically designed to carry out Base Maintenance Services, with a primary focus on 787 Dreamliner cabin modifications. The new building will provide dedicated space for one widebody aircraft, while also establishing three new parking spots for narrowbody aircraft.

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    Once the new hangar is completed, Lufthansa Technik Malta will operate a total of four hangars. The company highlighted that this expanded footprint will make the facility capable of carrying out maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services on nearly all commercial Airbus aircraft, with the exception of the A380, as well as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

    AirPro News analysis

    We view Lufthansa Technik’s successful completion of its first Boeing 787 cabin modification as a critical validation of its 2024 agreement with Boeing. By proving its capability to execute highly complex, full-cabin replacements on the Dreamliner, the Malta facility solidifies its position as a premier European hub for widebody maintenance.

    The planned addition of a 6,400-square-meter hangar by the end of 2026 further underscores the anticipated long-term demand for 787 aftermarket services. As Airlines increasingly look to refresh aging Dreamliner interiors rather than solely purchasing new airframes, licensed service centers with proven logistical and technical expertise will likely see sustained growth in their MRO pipelines.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What did the Boeing 787 cabin modification entail?

    According to Lufthansa Technik, the modification included the removal of the existing cabin, the installation of a new seating configuration, and a full upgrade of cabin monuments to improve passenger experience and efficiency.

    How many more 787 modifications are planned in Malta this year?

    The company stated that six additional Boeing 787 cabin modifications are scheduled to be completed at the Malta facility by the end of the year.

    When will the new hangar in Malta be completed?

    Lufthansa Technik expects the new 6,400-square-meter hangar, which will accommodate one widebody and three narrowbody aircraft, to be operational by the end of 2026.

    Sources: Lufthansa Technik

    Photo Credit: Lufthansa Technik

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    Daher’s Log’in Accelerator Advances Logistics Tech Deployment

    Daher’s Log’in accelerator deploys logistics innovations at scale, focusing on automation, VR training, and AI-driven digital twins in France.

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    This article is based on an official press release from Daher.

    Beyond the Pilot: Daher’s Log’in Accelerator Pushes Logistics Tech to the Warehouse Floor

    On March 31, 2026, Daher, a prominent European aerospace logistics and industrial services provider, announced new milestones for its innovation accelerator, Log’in by Daher. According to the company’s official press release, the initiative is designed to address a critical bottleneck in the modern Supply-Chain: the rapid transformation of experimental logistics technologies into tangible, large-scale operational deployments.

    The logistics sector is currently navigating a profound transformation, driven by urgent mandates for Automation, digitalization, Decarbonization, and a severe shortage of skilled labor. In response to these industry-wide pressures, Daher has positioned its Log’in center not merely as a traditional research and development laboratory, but as a practical proving ground. The facility leverages real industrial environments to test and validate high-value logistics solutions before they are rolled out across the broader supply chain.

    According to the operational updates provided by Daher, the accelerator boasts a remarkably high conversion rate. Each year, Log’in teams evaluate between 10 and 15 innovation topics. Of these experimental concepts, 5 to 8 solutions are successfully put into production or deployed at scale. This metric underscores the company’s commitment to moving beyond theoretical technology and implementing functional, repeatable logistics models.

    “Log’in by Daher accelerates logistics innovation from solutions to full-scale deployment, acting as a results-driven integrator for the industry.”
    — Based on the March 31, 2026, Daher press release

    Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Operations

    A persistent challenge in the industrial sector is “pilot purgatory,” a phase where promising technologies stall in the testing phase and fail to achieve enterprise-wide integration. Daher’s press release highlights that Log’in was specifically mandated to overcome this hurdle. One of the major deliverables highlighted in the recent announcement is the creation of a modular, replicable warehouse operating model. This framework optimizes warehouse layouts, internal flows, and operational organization, allowing Daher to standardize and repeat successful logistics models at scale. Furthermore, the company noted ongoing R&D projects, including a robotic “bin picking” cell, which showcases a heavy focus on advanced automation.

    The Three Pillars of the Log’in Ecosystem

    To achieve these deployment rates, the Log’in ecosystem operates across three distinct pillars, as detailed in the company’s operational breakdown:

    1. Operational Acceleration and Tech Integration: Log’in relies on an open-innovation network comprising Startups, industrial players, and technology partners. A flagship success cited in the release is the JUMEL project, which secured the “Logistics 4.0” award in 2023. JUMEL functions as a “Universal Digital Twin,” utilizing AI algorithms to simulate complex logistics scenarios. This allows operators to optimize warehousing while proactively anticipating both economic and environmental impacts.
    2. Training and Skills Development: Addressing the industry’s labor shortage is a core component of the Log’in mandate. The center serves as a reference Training hub dedicated to future logistics skills, including data management, AI, automation, and robotics. To combat the declining attractiveness of logistics careers, Daher partnered with the Occitanie region and technology firm Mimbus to develop Virtual Reality (VR) training workshops. According to the project data, they successfully modeled a 16,000-square-meter warehouse in VR, offering immersive, interactive learning paths designed to safely introduce young students to logistics professions.
    3. Collaboration and Industry Dialogue: Rooted in day-to-day operations, Log’in acts as a platform for industry-wide demonstration and co-creation. The center hosts FUSE, an annual event that gathers companies, startups, institutions, and decision-makers to rethink logistics practices. The collaborative event focuses heavily on collective initiatives regarding decarbonization, data security, and transport automation.

    Historical Context and Industry Impact

    Understanding the weight of the Log’in initiative requires looking at the organization behind it. Founded in 1863, Daher is a family-owned French industrial conglomerate that operates as an aircraft manufacturer (producing the TBM and Kodiak lines), an industrial service provider, and a logistician. According to 2024 corporate data referenced in the announcement, the company employs approximately 14,000 people, operates in 15 countries, and generates €1.8 billion in revenue.

    The Log’in center itself was officially inaugurated in late 2022 in Cornebarrieu, near Toulouse, France. It was launched as a highly strategic project jointly financed by Daher, the French government, and the Occitanie region, explicitly designed to spearhead the “Industrial Logistics 4.0” movement.

    AirPro News analysis

    At AirPro News, we view Daher’s Log’in accelerator as a necessary evolution in aerospace and industrial supply chains. Post-pandemic disruptions and ongoing geopolitical tensions have forced manufacturers to seek highly optimized, resilient logistics networks. Automation and digital twins are no longer optional upgrades; they are baseline requirements for survival in the modern aerospace sector.

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    Furthermore, logistics remains a heavily carbon-emitting sector. By heavily vetting innovations for their ability to support the environmental transition, such as decarbonized transport and low-impact warehousing, Daher is aligning its operational upgrades with looming European regulatory requirements. The accelerator’s approach to the human element is equally vital. By utilizing VR to gamify and modernize training, Daher is directly addressing the labor shortages that threaten to bottleneck supply chain efficiency, proving that technological integration must go hand-in-hand with workforce development.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Log’in by Daher?
    Log’in is an innovation accelerator created by Daher, designed to test, validate, and deploy advanced logistics technologies (such as AI, robotics, and digital twins) into real-world industrial environments.

    What is the success rate of the Log’in accelerator?
    According to Daher, the Log’in teams evaluate 10 to 15 innovation topics annually, successfully deploying 5 to 8 of these solutions into full-scale production each year.

    How is Daher addressing logistics labor shortages?
    Through the Log’in center, Daher has partnered with tech firms to create immersive Virtual Reality (VR) training programs. By modeling massive warehouse environments in VR, they aim to attract younger generations to logistics careers through safe, interactive learning.

    Sources: Daher

    Photo Credit: Daher

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