MRO & Manufacturing
Joramco Strengthens Global MRO Position with Key Strategic Deals
Joramco expands global MRO reach with new contracts from TUI Group, World Star Aviation, and Mexican cargo airline mas.
In the highly competitive world of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), momentum is everything. Joramco, the Amman-based engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has demonstrated significant momentum with the announcement of three key agreements. The company has extended a long-standing partnership with the TUI Group and secured new maintenance contracts with aircraft lessor World Star Aviation and Mexican cargo airline mas. These moves signal a clear strategy of diversification and expansion, reinforcing Joramco’s position as a leading MRO provider not just in the Middle East, but on the global stage.
The aviation industry relies on a robust MRO ecosystem to ensure the safety, reliability, and airworthiness of a global fleet numbering in the tens of thousands. For airlines, lessors, and cargo operators, selecting an MRO partner is a critical decision based on technical expertise, turnaround time, and regulatory compliance. With over six decades of experience and top-tier certifications from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Joramco has built a reputation for excellence. Operating from its expansive facility at Queen Alia International Airport, which features six hangars capable of servicing up to 22 aircraft at once, the company is well-equipped to handle complex maintenance demands from a diverse international clientele.
This series of announcements is more than just a list of new contracts, it represents a calculated push to deepen existing relationships, penetrate new geographical markets, and broaden its service portfolio across different aviation sectors. By analyzing these agreements with TUI Group, World Star Aviation, and mas, we can see a clear picture of Joramco’s strategic vision and its successful execution. The deals highlight the company’s ability to cater to the unique needs of leisure carriers, global lessors, and specialized cargo operators alike.
Long-term relationships are the bedrock of the MRO industry, signifying trust, consistent quality, and mutual understanding. Joramco’s extended agreement with TUI Group, a major player in the global tourism industry, is a prime example of such a partnership. The collaboration is not merely a renewal but a significant expansion of scope, underscoring the confidence TUI places in Joramco’s capabilities.
The foundation of the Joramco-TUI relationship was built on base maintenance checks for TUI’s fleet of wide-body Boeing 787 aircraft, a flagship of modern long-haul travel. The partnership has also previously included work on Boeing 737 and other Embraer models. The newly extended agreement continues this vital work on the B787 fleet while introducing a new aircraft type into the fold: the Embraer E190-E2. This addition is particularly noteworthy as it demonstrates Joramco’s agility and commitment to expanding its technical proficiencies to meet the evolving fleet requirements of its clients.
By adding the E190-E2 to its service portfolio, Joramco showcases its versatility. The ability to service a diverse range of aircraft, from efficient regional jets like the Embraer to intercontinental wide-bodies like the Boeing 787, is a powerful differentiator in the MRO market. It allows Joramco to offer a more comprehensive, one-stop-shop solution to airline groups like TUI that operate mixed fleets. This flexibility not only strengthens the existing partnership but also positions Joramco favorably to attract other airlines with similarly diverse operational needs.
The sentiment from Joramco’s leadership reinforces the strategic importance of this milestone. The focus is on nurturing a collaborative future, ensuring that as TUI’s fleet evolves, Joramco’s support structure evolves in lockstep. This forward-looking approach is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and ensuring that long-term clients continue to see value and reliability in the services provided.
“This agreement marks another milestone in our relationship with TUI Group. At Joramco, we take pride in being the trusted MRO provider for our partners, and we are committed to furthering this collaboration in the future.” – Fraser Currie, Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer, DAE Engineering
While nurturing existing partnerships is vital, strategic growth also demands expansion into new markets and client segments. Joramco’s new agreements with World Star Aviation and mas achieve precisely that. These deals push the company’s reach into the critical aircraft leasing sector and the burgeoning Latin American cargo market, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to business development. The new maintenance agreement with World Star Aviation, a prominent full-service aircraft and engine lessor, marks a significant endorsement of Joramco’s capabilities. The project, scheduled over a 10-week period, involves heavy base maintenance on various aircraft, primarily the Boeing B737-800F freighter. The comprehensive scope of work includes C-checks, painting, and complex lease transition and re-delivery services. These tasks are critical for lessors, who must ensure their assets are maintained to the highest standards to protect their value and ensure seamless transitions between lessees.
Working with lessors like World Star Aviation requires a specific skill set. MRO providers must be adept at managing strict timelines, detailed documentation, and the precise technical requirements stipulated in lease agreements. Success in this segment is a testament to an MRO’s process discipline, quality control, and project management. Securing this contract highlights the confidence that leading asset managers place in Joramco’s ability to deliver on these demanding requirements.
This partnership is a reflection of Joramco’s reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable maintenance solutions. For lessors, on-time delivery is not just a goal but a financial necessity, as delays can impact lease contracts and revenue streams. Joramco’s commitment to meeting these standards is a key reason it continues to attract top-tier partners from the leasing community.
Joramco’s third major announcement is a new partnership with mas, a leading Mexican cargo airline. Signed at the MRO Europe industry event, the agreement covers heavy base maintenance checks on the airline’s Airbus A330 fleet, with services set to commence in December 2025. This deal is strategically important as it provides Joramco with a strong foothold in the dynamic and growing air cargo market of the Americas.
The air cargo sector has seen significant growth, and operators like mas require reliable MRO partners to maintain fleet availability and performance. By securing this contract, Joramco not only diversifies its client base geographically but also strengthens its expertise in the wide-body freighter category. The A330 is a popular platform for both passenger and cargo operations, and demonstrating proficiency in its heavy maintenance further enhances Joramco’s marketability to other operators of the type worldwide.
The partnership is a vote of confidence from a key regional player. The client’s perspective emphasizes the importance of technical expertise and excellence in supporting their expansion and operational integrity. This collaboration ensures that mas’s A330 fleet will be maintained to the highest standards of safety and reliability, which is paramount for any cargo operator’s customer commitments.
“We are delighted to partner with Joramco as we continue to expand and strengthen our operations. Their proven technical expertise and commitment to excellence make them an ideal partner to support the maintenance of our A330 fleet, ensuring the highest levels of safety, reliability, and performance for our customers.” – Andrés Fabre, Executive Chairman of mas
Viewed together, these three agreements with TUI Group, World Star Aviation, and mas paint a clear picture of a company executing a well-defined growth strategy. They are not isolated events but interconnected components of a broader push to solidify Joramco’s standing as a global MRO leader. The strategy is built on three pillars: deepening long-term partnerships with established industry players, expanding into the influential aircraft leasing sector, and penetrating new, high-growth geographical and operational markets like Latin American cargo.
This recent momentum, building on other recent partnerships with carriers like Ryanair and Gulf Air, suggests a sustainable trajectory for future growth. By continually expanding its technical capabilities to include new and varied aircraft types, Joramco is future-proofing its business and broadening its appeal. The company’s unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and on-time delivery has become its core value proposition, attracting a diverse and growing portfolio of global clients. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, Joramco appears well-positioned to not only adapt but to thrive as a trusted MRO partner of choice worldwide. Question: What is Joramco? Question: What are the three new agreements Joramco recently announced? Question: Why are these agreements significant for Joramco?
Joramco Cements Global MRO Status with Trio of Strategic Deals
Deepening and Diversifying European Ties
Extending a Long-Standing Partnership: TUI Group
Expanding into New Markets and Segments
Partnering with a Leading Lessor: World Star Aviation
Tapping into the Americas Cargo Market: mas
A Clear Trajectory of Strategic Growth
FAQ
Answer: Joramco is a leading aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider based in Amman, Jordan. It is the engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) and holds certifications from major international authorities, including EASA and the FAA.
Answer: Joramco announced an extended partnership with TUI Group to include maintenance for the Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, a new agreement with lessor World Star Aviation for heavy maintenance on Boeing B737-800F aircraft, and a new partnership with Mexican cargo airline mas for heavy maintenance on its Airbus A330 fleet.
Answer: These agreements are significant because they demonstrate Joramco’s strategic growth by deepening ties with existing European partners, expanding into the aircraft leasing sector, and entering the Latin American cargo market. They also showcase the company’s expanding technical capabilities on a wider range of aircraft.
Sources
Photo Credit: Joramco
MRO & Manufacturing
ITP Aero to Acquire Aero Norway, Expanding CFM56 MRO Services
ITP Aero signs agreement to acquire Aero Norway, enhancing aftermarket capabilities for CFM56 engines and expanding its European MRO presence.
ITP Aero, a global leader in aerospace propulsion, has signed a binding agreement to acquire Aero Norway, a specialized maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider focused on CFM56 engines. According to the company’s official announcement, the transaction is expected to close during the first half of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
The acquisition represents a significant expansion of ITP Aero’s aftermarket capabilities. By integrating Aero Norway’s facility in Stavanger, Norway, ITP Aero aims to reinforce its status as a leading independent player in the aerospace services sector. The move follows a trajectory of aggressive growth for the Spanish propulsion company since its acquisition by Bain Capital in 22.
Aero Norway operates out of a facility at Sola Airport in Stavanger, employing a workforce of over 200 skilled technicians. The company has established a reputation for high-quality engine maintenance, specifically for the CFM56 engine family, serving a global client base of airlines, lessors, and asset managers.
In its press statement, ITP Aero highlighted that the two companies possess “highly complementary strengths.” The deal combines Aero Norway’s deep expertise in engine overhaul with ITP Aero’s existing engineering capabilities and component repair infrastructure. This synergy is designed to offer a more comprehensive suite of services to the aftermarket sector.
This agreement is the latest in a series of strategic moves by ITP Aero. In 2023, the company acquired BP Aero in the United States and was recently selected to join Pratt & Whitney’s GTF MRO network. These steps are part of a broader “2030 Strategic Plan” which aims to double the size of the business and increase the global workforce by 50% by the end of the decade.
While the press release focuses on corporate synergies, the acquisition underscores a critical trend in the current aviation landscape: the extended dominance of the CFM56 engine. As new-generation engines like the LEAP and GTF face supply chain delays and durability challenges, airlines are keeping older aircraft powered by CFM56 engines in service longer than originally planned.
Industry data suggests that approximately 20,000 CFM56 engines will remain in service through 2025. Consequently, the demand for maintenance shop visits is projected to peak between 2025 and 2027. By acquiring a specialist shop like Aero Norway, ITP Aero is effectively positioning itself to capture high-value work during this period of “structural undersupply” in the narrowbody market. This “Golden Tail”, the long, profitable tail end of an engine program’s lifecycle, provides a stable revenue runway for MRO providers capable of handling heavy overhauls. The crossover point where new-generation engine shop visits outnumber CFM56 visits is not expected until later in the decade, making capacity for legacy engines a premium asset today.
Leadership from both organizations emphasized the value of combining their respective technical strengths. Eva Azoulay, CEO of ITP Aero Group, described the agreement as a key component of the company’s roadmap.
“The signing of this binding acquisition agreement marks a significant milestone in our strategic roadmap. This acquisition reinforces our ambition to become a leading independent player in the aerospace aftermarket.”
, Eva Azoulay, CEO of ITP Aero Group
Neil Russell, CEO of Aero Norway, noted that the merger would unlock synergies beneficial to their customer base.
“By combining the complementary strengths of ITP Aero and Aero Norway, we will unlock significant synergies that enhance our competitiveness and deliver even greater value to our customers.”
, Neil Russell, CEO of Aero Norway
ITP Aero reports that it has tripled its earnings since 2022 and is currently implementing a long-term business plan that spans civil, defense, and MRO segments. The company was advised on legal M&A matters regarding this transaction by Baker McKenzie.
Pending regulatory clearance, the integration of Aero Norway into the ITP Aero Group will finalize in 2026, solidifying the company’s footprint in the European MRO market.
Sources:
ITP Aero to Acquire Aero Norway, Strengthening Position in CFM56 Aftermarket
Strategic Expansion in the MRO Sector
AirPro News Analysis: The “Golden Tail” of the CFM56
Executive Commentary
Future Outlook
Photo Credit: ITP Aero
MRO & Manufacturing
AkzoNobel Invests €50 Million to Upgrade US Aerospace Coatings Facilities
AkzoNobel invests €50 million to expand and modernize aerospace coatings production in Illinois and Wisconsin, enhancing capacity and supply chain resilience.
This article is based on an official press release from AkzoNobel.
AkzoNobel has officially announced a significant investments of €50 million (approximately $52–55 million) to modernize and expand its aerospace coatings capabilities in North America. According to the company’s announcement on December 18, 2025, the project will focus on upgrading its flagship manufacturing facility in Waukegan, Illinois, and establishing a new distribution center in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
This strategic move aims to increase production capacity and shorten lead times for airline and Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) customers. By enhancing its supply chain infrastructure, AkzoNobel intends to address the growing demand for air travel and the subsequent need for advanced aerospace coatings.
The investment centers on the Waukegan facility, which currently serves as AkzoNobel’s largest aerospace coatings production site globally. The site employs approximately 200 people and houses a dedicated color center. According to the press release, the capital injection will fund the installation of new machinery and automated processes designed to handle larger batch sizes.
To further optimize operations, the company is relocating its warehousing and distribution activities to a new facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. This relocation is intended to free up floor space at the Waukegan plant, allowing for a focus on complex, customized chemical manufacturing.
Patrick Bourguignon, Director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings, emphasized the forward-looking nature of the investment:
“This investment will increase our comprehensive North American supply capability and solidify our position as a frontrunner in the aerospace coatings industry. Demand for air travel is expected to grow significantly… and we want to make sure our customers are able to meet that demand.”
A key component of the upgrade is the introduction of a “Rapid Service Unit” dedicated to faster turnaround times for the MRO market. The company states that the new infrastructure will include a “liquid pre-batch area” and “high-speed dissolvers” to accelerate production.
Martijn Arkesteijn, Global Operations Director for AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings, noted that these improvements are designed to enhance flexibility for customers: “We’ll be able to provide current and future customers with even more flexibility through the delivery of large batch sizes, better responsiveness to market needs and shorter lead time for color development.”
While AkzoNobel’s announcement focuses on internal efficiency, this investment arrives during a period of intensified competition within the North American aerospace sector. Earlier in 2025, rival manufacturer PPG announced a massive $380 million investment to construct a new aerospace coatings plant in Shelby, North Carolina.
In our view, AkzoNobel’s strategy differs significantly from its competitor’s greenfield approach. Rather than building new capacity from scratch, AkzoNobel is executing a targeted upgrade of existing assets. This “efficiency war” suggests that the company is betting on agility and technology upgrades, specifically the ability to deliver custom colors and small batches quickly via its new Rapid Service Unit, rather than simply expanding raw volume output.
The upgraded facilities are also aligned with the aviation industry’s push for decarbonization. AkzoNobel highlighted that the investment supports the production of its “Basecoat/Clearcoat” systems, which are lighter than traditional coatings. Reducing paint weight is a critical factor for airlines seeking to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Furthermore, the new automated processes are expected to reduce chemical waste and solvent use. The facility upgrades will likely support the increased production of chromate-free primers, meeting stricter regulatory requirements in both the United States and the European Union.
By localizing more storage and production capacity in North America, AkzoNobel also aims to bolster supply chain resilience, addressing vulnerabilities exposed during the post-pandemic aviation recovery.
AkzoNobel Announces €50 Million Upgrade to US Aerospace Coatings Operations
Strategic Expansion in Illinois and Wisconsin
Operational Efficiency and the “Rapid Service Unit”
AirPro News Analysis: The Competitive Landscape
Sustainability and Technology Integration
Sources
Photo Credit: AkzoNobel
MRO & Manufacturing
GE Aerospace Deploys 180 Engineers for Holiday Flight Operations
GE Aerospace positions 180 Field Service Engineers in 34 countries to prevent aircraft groundings and manage winter maintenance challenges during peak holiday travel.
While millions of travelers settle in for holiday downtime, the global aviation industry enters its most critical operational window. According to AAA projections, approximately 122.4 million Americans traveled 50 miles or more from home during the 2024-2025 holiday season, with air travel seeing a projected 2.3% increase in domestic flyers. Behind this surge lies a largely invisible workforce dedicated to preventing cancellations before they happen.
According to an official press release from GE Aerospace, the company deployed 180 Field Service Engineers (FSEs) to 34 countries specifically to support Airlines customers during this peak period. These engineers are “embedded” directly with airlines and airframers, working on tarmacs and in hangars to mitigate technical risks that could otherwise ground fleets during the busiest weeks of the year.
The role of an FSE goes beyond standard maintenance; it involves proactive problem-solving under strict time constraints. GE Aerospace describes these teams as being on the front lines, ensuring that both passenger jets and cargo freighters remain operational despite the strain of high-cycle usage and winter weather.
Jordan Mayes, a Regional Leader for GE Aerospace Commercial Field Service in Western Europe and Africa, highlighted the intensity of the holiday operational tempo in the company’s statement:
“The sense of urgency is more elevated than normal… And often there are fewer hands to do the work.”
, Jordan Mayes, GE Aerospace Regional Leader
This urgency is driven not just by passenger volume, but by a booming air cargo sector. Industry data indicates that air cargo volumes saw double-digit growth in late 2024, driven by e-commerce demands and shipping disruptions in the Red Sea. Stephane Petter, a Regional Leader for Central/Eastern Europe and Central Asia, noted that the stakes for cargo are often underestimated.
“An issue with a grounded or delayed passenger aircraft might delay 350 people. With a cargo plane, thousands of parcels might be delayed, so the downstream customer impact is potentially greater.”
, Stephane Petter, GE Aerospace Regional Leader
To illustrate the impact of embedded engineers, GE Aerospace shared a specific operational success story involving Alaa Ibrahim, the Middle East regional leader. His team was monitoring a Boeing 787 Dreamliner equipped with GEnx-1B engines. The engineers identified a minor clamp repair that was necessary to keep the engine compliant. The engine was only four cycles (flights) away from a mandatory 500-cycle inspection limit. If the limit was reached without the repair, the aircraft would be grounded, a disastrous outcome during peak holiday scheduling.
Instead of waiting for a forced grounding, Ibrahim’s team identified a six-hour window in the aircraft’s schedule. They performed the inspection and repair proactively, ensuring the aircraft remained available for service without disrupting the airline’s timetable.
Beyond scheduling pressures, FSEs must contend with the physical realities of winter aviation. Industry reports highlight that “cold soak”, where an aircraft sits in freezing temperatures for extended periods, presents unique mechanical challenges. Oil can thicken, and seals can shrink or become brittle.
According to technical data regarding modern engines like the CFM LEAP, specific warm-up protocols are required to thermally stabilize the engine before takeoff power is applied. Maintenance teams often switch to lower-viscosity fluids and rigorously check breather tubes for ice accumulation. If a breather tube freezes due to condensation, it can pressurize the engine and cause seal failures.
The deployment of these 180 engineers highlights a broader shift in aviation maintenance from reactive repairs to predictive intervention. By utilizing digital tools that monitor engine health in real-time, often referred to as “Flight Deck” principles, engineers can detect vibration trends or temperature spikes before they trigger a cockpit warning.
We observe that this strategy is particularly vital during the holidays. When load factors are near 100%, airlines have zero spare aircraft to absorb a cancellation. The ability of FSEs to turn a potential “aircraft on ground” (AOG) event into a scheduled maintenance task during a layover is the difference between a smooth operation and a headline-making travel meltdown.
All Sleigh, No Delay: How Field Service Engineers Keep Holiday Fleets Airborne
The “Invisible Elves” of Aviation
Operational Wins: The GEnx-1B “Save”
Technical Challenges in Winter Operations
AirPro News Analysis: The Shift to Predictive Maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
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