MRO & Manufacturing
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.
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.
“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.
Sources:
Photo Credit: B&H Worldwide
MRO & Manufacturing
TAP Air Portugal Trials AkzoNobel Lightweight Aircraft Basecoat
TAP Air Portugal and AkzoNobel completed A320 trials of Aerobase UPD, achieving a 24 kg weight reduction with fleet rollout planned.
TAP Air Portugal (TP) and AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings have concluded operational trials of a new lightweight aircraft basecoat, achieving a 24-kilogram weight reduction on an Airbus A320 and prompting a planned fleet-wide rollout.
Announced in a joint press release on July 28, 2026, the Aerobase UPD formulation eliminates a full paint cycle and reduces total basecoat film thickness by 36 percent compared to traditional two-coat applications. The technology targets incremental weight reductions to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions across Commercial-Aircraft operations.
Technical enhancements and paint shop efficiency
The Aerobase UPD system utilizes a validated cross-coat application technique that achieves required hiding power and finish quality in a single basecoat cycle. This eliminates the need for a second full basecoat layer and its associated flash-off stages. The simplified process removes an entire paint cycle, increasing operational productivity for applicators.
According to AkzoNobel, the enhanced formulation delivers approximately 40 percent greater sag resistance than traditional two-layer systems. This improvement is designed to increase consistency and repeatability across varying paint shop conditions and applicator experience levels. The product is certified to AMS3095 standards for global mixed-fleet Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations and integrates with existing Aerobase activators and hardeners.
“By reducing total film build and simplifying the application process, Aerobase UPD helps operators lower aircraft weight, improve paint shop productivity and maintain the high-quality finish standards required across commercial aviation fleets,” said Aurore Bournazel, Segment Manager OEM, MRO & Airlines at AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings.
Fleet-wide economic and environmental projections
Field testing on a TAP Air Portugal Airbus A320 confirmed a 24-kilogram weight reduction, nearing the maximum 26-kilogram reduction projected for the technology. Following the initial trial, the Airlines has recoated a second Airbus A320 and is developing rollout plans to extend the lightweight basecoat across its fleet.
Based on projected fleet-wide implementation, TAP Air Portugal estimates the lighter coating will save approximately 428.5 tonnes of fuel annually. This reduction translates to more than 500,000 euros in annual cost savings and an estimated decrease of 1,353 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
“The results achieved through this collaboration with AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings demonstrate how relatively small weight reductions, when applied consistently across aircraft fleets, could contribute to meaningful long-term fuel and emissions savings, while also supporting operational efficiency,” said João Carvalho, Structures Engineer at TAP Air Portugal.
AirPro News analysis
We view this development as a clear example of how airlines are targeting marginal gains to meet stringent decarbonization targets. While a 24-kilogram reduction on a narrowbody aircraft like the Airbus A320 represents a fraction of its maximum takeoff weight, the cumulative effect across thousands of flight cycles yields material financial and environmental benefits. For European carriers operating under the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), reducing fuel burn directly lowers compliance costs. The elimination of a full paint cycle also offers MRO providers a tangible reduction in aircraft downtime, which is a critical metric in current constrained maintenance environments.
Sources: TAP Air Portugal via Cision News
Photo Credit: AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings
MRO & Manufacturing
Bell 525 Relentless Completes Cold Weather and Icing Tests
Bell Textron validates the Bell 525 Ice Protection System in Canada and Michigan as FAA certification testing advances.
Bell Textron Inc. has concluded a series of extreme cold weather and icing evaluations for the Bell 525 Relentless in Canada and Michigan, validating the aircraft’s Ice Protection System and performance in austere environments.
Announced in a press release on July 28, 2026, the test campaigns are designed to demonstrate compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification regulations and prepare the helicopter for real-world operations. The environmental testing represents a planned capability expansion beyond the aircraft’s initial type certification.
Validating the Ice Protection System in extreme environments
The flight test team deployed to Yellowknife, Canada, and Marquette, Michigan, to subject the Bell 525 to extreme cold, snow, high altitude, and icing conditions. Yellowknife provided the team with reliable access to temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees, along with the clear flying days necessary for the evaluations.
During the deployments, engineers evaluated engine and system start-up sequences, warm-up behavior, and overall handling qualities in dense, cold air. Doug Hamelwright, 525 Deputy Chief Engineer, noted that the aircraft performed very well during these assessments and emphasized that FAA regulations require operators to validate aircraft performance in every condition the aircraft may encounter.
The campaigns also served to mature the helicopter‘s Ice Protection System (IPS). Test Pilot Pat Lindauer explained that the seasonal testing allowed the team to refine both hardware and software within the IPS control system to meet target performance and reliability metrics.
The U.S. Army Redstone Test Center provided critical support during the icing evaluations. Lindauer credited the center with supplying essential icing test expertise that guided the Bell team through the program safely.
Our focus was to demonstrate compliance with certification regulations and mature the aircraft for real-world customer use. Beyond initial type certification, we completed additional campaigns in extreme cold, snow, high altitude and icing to ensure the aircraft performs safely across its full designed operating envelope.
Test Pilot John Brodnicki stated in the release.
Progress toward FAA type certification
The environmental testing aligns with broader certification efforts for the Bell 525 program. According to reporting by Vertical Magazine, FAA pilots began test flights in the Relentless Advanced Systems Integration Lab (RASIL) in late July 2026.
The RASIL testing involves failure mode regression testing and final software evaluation. This phase is considered one of the final steps before the program moves into function and reliability testing.
Speaking at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2026, Bell Senior Vice President of Strategic Pursuits Jeff Schloesser stated that the manufacturer has never been closer to achieving certification for the super-medium helicopter.
AirPro News analysis
We view the completion of these cold weather and icing campaigns as a strong indicator of Bell’s confidence in the 525’s maturity. By conducting post-certification capability expansion tests concurrently with the final stages of FAA lab testing, Bell is positioning the aircraft for immediate operational utility upon entry into service. The reliance on the U.S. Army Redstone Test Center also highlights the value of cross-sector collaboration in navigating complex icing certification requirements, which remain one of the most challenging hurdles for new rotorcraft programs.
Sources: Bell Newsroom
Photo Credit: Bell
MRO & Manufacturing
SeAH Aerospace Signs Long-Term Aluminum Supply Deal With Airbus
SeAH A&D becomes first South Korean materials maker to supply Airbus, with deliveries of aluminum alloys planned for 2028.
SeAH Aerospace & Defense (SeAH A&D) has secured a long-term agreement to supply high-strength aluminum alloy materials directly to Airbus, becoming the first South Korean materials manufacturer to achieve this status. The milestone contracts, formalized at the Farnborough International Airshow and announced on July 26, 2026, positions the company to provide critical materials for Airbus aircraft fuselages and wing structures.
According to a press release issued by SeAH A&D, the agreement breaks traditional industry conventions by being signed prior to the completion of product certification. This early commitment reflects a strategic move by Airbus to secure a stable procurement network amid ongoing global aerospace supply chain bottlenecks and high demand for commercial aircraft.
Production timeline and facility expansion
The South Korean manufacturer will begin the quality certification process for its high-strength aluminum alloys in the second half of 2026. Following the anticipated completion of this certification, SeAH A&D plans to launch full-scale mass production and commence supply deliveries to Airbus in 2028.
To support this new long-term agreement and growing global demand, SeAH A&D is expanding its manufacturing footprint. The company is scheduled to open a new production facility in Changnyeong, South Korea, in 2027.
Expanding global aerospace footprint
The global aviation aluminum alloy market has historically been dominated by European and United States companies. SeAH A&D has been rapidly increasing its market share in this sector, securing multiple international contracts over the past year to supply materials that meet strict aerospace specifications.
Prior to the Airbus agreement, SeAH A&D signed a long-term supply agreement with Boeing in December 2025. The company has also established supply relationships with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Embraer, diversifying its portfolio across major aerospace original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
AirPro News analysis
We view Airbus’s decision to sign a long-term agreement before product certification is complete as a clear indicator of the severe material constraints currently facing aerospace OEMs. By locking in emerging suppliers like SeAH A&D early, Airbus is actively mitigating future production risks. This contract also highlights a broader industry trend of diversifying the aerospace supply chain beyond traditional Western material providers to meet the sustained high demand for new commercial aircraft.
Photo Credit: SeAH Aerospace & Defense
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