MRO & Manufacturing
Honda Aircraft Acquires ACTI to Strengthen Aerospace Supply Chain
Honda Aircraft Company acquires ACTI, expanding aerospace manufacturing and creating jobs in Port Angeles, Washington.
In a significant move for the aerospace industry, Honda Aircraft Company has acquired Angeles Composite Technologies Inc. (ACTI), a key manufacturer of composite aerospace components. This strategic acquisitions, effective at midnight on October 31, 2025, brings a critical supplier under the direct ownership of the Greensboro, North Carolina-based aircraft manufacturer. The deal establishes a new, wholly-owned subsidiary named Port Angeles Composites, signaling a long-term commitment to the Port Angeles, Washington community and cementing a vital piece of the HondaJet supply chain. This development is not just a corporate transaction; it represents a major investment in local manufacturing and job creation on the Olympic Peninsula.
The acquisition comes at a time of growth and innovation for Honda Aircraft Company. The company recently celebrated the tenth anniversary of the first HondaJet entering service, with a global fleet of over 260 aircraft. Furthermore, development of the new, larger HondaJet Echelon is well underway, and the company has been making strides in sustainable aviation, recently completing a test flight using a 100% SAF blend. By bringing ACTI into its fold, Honda secures the production of essential composite structures needed for its current and future aircraft, ensuring stability and control over its manufacturing processes. The move is poised to have a substantial positive impact on the Port Angeles economy, promising both job retention and significant future growth.
Founded in 1996, Angeles Composite Technologies Inc. has established itself as a world-class supplier of advanced structural composite assemblies for both commercial and military aerospace markets. Operating from a 75,000-square-foot facility, ACTI has a long history of supplying major industry players, including Boeing, Bombardier, and Lockheed Martin. The company’s expertise in composite manufacturing is critical in an industry that demands lightweight, high-strength materials for modern aircraft. This acquisition marks the latest chapter in ACTI’s history, which includes a 2015 majority-interest purchase by British firm Shimtech Industries Ltd. from Koniag Inc., an Alaska Native corporation.
Under the new ownership, the company will operate as Port Angeles Composites and will focus specifically on producing components for the HondaJet family of aircraft. A key aspect of the transition is the commitment to continuity. Honda Aircraft Company has stated that all current ACTI employees are expected to retain their employment with the new entity. Furthermore, Port Angeles Composites plans to establish new supply agreements with ACTI’s existing customers, ensuring that service to other aerospace giants continues without interruption. This focus on a smooth transition underscores the value Honda places on the existing workforce and customer relationships built by ACTI over the years.
The acquisition is not just about maintaining the status quo; it is about future growth. ACTI had recently secured all necessary approvals to add an additional 140,000 square feet of workspace to its campus, more than doubling its physical footprint. Port Commission President Steve Burke confirmed that the new owners are likely to proceed with this significant expansion. This planned growth is a strong indicator of Honda’s long-term vision for the Port Angeles facility, positioning it as a central hub for its composite manufacturing needs as it continues to develop new aircraft like the HondaJet Echelon.
“We are really excited for the Port of Port Angeles to be able to partner with an international manufacturing company to bring jobs, and well-paying jobs to our community.”, Steve Burke, Port Commission President
The arrival of a global brand like Honda in Port Angeles is a significant economic event for the region. The most immediate and tangible benefit is the promise of job creation. While official numbers have not been released, local officials are optimistic. Port Commission President Steve Burke suggested the number of new jobs could be “well over a hundred,” drawing a parallel to the number of jobs lost when the local McKinley Mill closed. These are expected to be well-paying, skilled manufacturing positions that will provide a substantial boost to the local economy and offer valuable career opportunities for residents.
The investment by Honda Aircraft Company extends beyond direct employment. The establishment of Port Angeles Composites signifies a major industrial partnerships for the Port of Port Angeles. This can attract further investment and development in the region, solidifying its reputation as a hub for aerospace manufacturing. The expansion of the facility will involve construction and support services, creating a ripple effect of economic activity. For a community on the Olympic Peninsula, the presence of a stable, growing employer tied to an innovative international company provides a level of economic security and prestige.
This move aligns with Honda Aircraft Company’s broader strategy of strengthening its production capabilities. As the company expands its aircraft lineup and pushes the boundaries of aviation technology, having direct control over the manufacturing of critical components is a logical and powerful strategic step. The acquisition of ACTI ensures that the supply of high-quality composite parts can keep pace with Honda’s production demands and innovation pipeline, from the current HondaJet models to the upcoming Echelon. The community of Port Angeles now finds itself directly linked to the future of a leading name in private aviation. The acquisition of ACTI by Honda Aircraft Company is a multifaceted strategic decision that benefits both the corporation and the local community of Port Angeles. For Honda, it secures a vital part of its supply chain, providing control over the production of advanced composite materials essential for its aircraft. This vertical integration is crucial as the company continues to innovate and expand its fleet. It mitigates risks associated with third-party suppliers and ensures that production can scale to meet the demands of new projects like the HondaJet Echelon.
For Port Angeles, the establishment of Port Angeles Composites under Honda’s ownership is a landmark economic development. It not only preserves existing manufacturing jobs but promises the creation of more than a hundred new, high-quality positions. The planned expansion of the facility signals a long-term commitment and a significant investment in the community’s future. This partnership between a global aerospace leader and a dedicated local workforce is set to elevate the region’s profile in the aerospace industry and provide a stable foundation for economic growth for years to come.
Question: Who acquired Angeles Composite Technologies Inc. (ACTI)? Question: What will the newly formed company, Port Angeles Composites, manufacture? Question: Will the current employees of ACTI lose their jobs? Question: Is the company expected to create new jobs in Port Angeles? Sources: myclallamcounty.com
Honda Aircraft Company Solidifies Supply Chain with Acquisition of ACTI
A New Chapter for a Port Angeles Manufacturer
Economic Impact and Community Benefits
Conclusion: A Strategic Partnership for Future Flight
FAQ
Answer: Honda Aircraft Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary named Port Angeles Composites, acquired ACTI.
Answer: The company will continue manufacturing aerospace products with a specific focus on components for the HondaJet aircraft.
Answer: No, all current ACTI employees are expected to continue their employment with the new company, Port Angeles Composites.
Answer: Yes, while an exact number is not confirmed, it is anticipated that the acquisition will bring a significant number of new jobs, potentially “well over a hundred,” to the community.
Photo Credit: Honda Jet
MRO & Manufacturing
Leonardo and Heli-One Extend AW101 SAR Helicopter Maintenance Contract
Leonardo and Heli-One extend maintenance coverage through 2030 for Norway’s AW101 SAR fleet, ensuring operational readiness across six bases.
This article is based on an official press release from Heli-One.
Leonardo has officially extended its contract with Heli-One to provide critical MRO services for the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s (RNoAF) fleet of AW101 search and rescue helicopters. According to the announcement, the agreement secures support for the “SAR Queen” fleet through 2030, ensuring operational readiness for one of the world’s most demanding rescue environments.
The extension reinforces a strategic collaboration between the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Leonardo, and Heli-One, a leading provider of helicopter MRO services. Under the terms of the agreement, Heli-One technicians will continue to work as embedded support alongside Leonardo personnel at RNoAF bases. This integrated approach is designed to maintain 24/7 fleet availability for the 330 Squadron, which operates the aircraft across Norway’s challenging terrain and maritime zones.
The renewed contract focuses on delivering comprehensive support for the 16 AW101-612 helicopters that now form the backbone of Norway’s National All-Weather Search and Rescue Helicopter (NAWSARH) program. Heli-One’s role involves a mix of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, aimed at minimizing downtime and maximizing mission availability.
According to the press release, the partnership leverages Heli-One’s specialized experience in the North Sea region. By embedding Norwegian maintenance specialists directly at the operating bases, the program ensures that technical expertise is available on-site to address issues immediately. This logistics model is essential for maintaining the high readiness rates required for life-saving missions in the Arctic and North Sea.
Executives from both companies emphasized the importance of local expertise and long-term collaboration in securing the contract extension.
“Our team has decades of experience maintaining helicopters based in the North Sea and we are fully committed to applying our expertise in support of the AW101 SAR Queen.”
— Carolyn Forsyth, General Manager of Sales & Commercial, Heli-One
Mark Goddard, Head of Customer Service Management at Leonardo UK, highlighted the historical depth of the relationship with the Norwegian defense sector. “We are honored to support 330 Squadron and the Royal Norwegian Air Force as they carry out life-saving search-and-rescue operations… Our association with the Norwegian defence sector goes back 50 years.”
— Mark Goddard, Leonardo UK
The extension comes as the RNoAF completes its transition from the legacy Westland Sea King fleet to the modern AW101-612. The transition, which concluded in late 2024 with the activation of the Florø base, marks a significant upgrade in Norway’s national rescue capabilities.
The AW101 “SAR Queen” is widely regarded as the most advanced search and rescue helicopter currently in operation. Customized specifically for Norwegian requirements, the aircraft features several cutting-edge technologies:
To cover Norway’s extensive coastline and territory, the fleet operates from six strategic bases. Sola serves as the headquarters, with additional operations at Ørland, Banak (Lakselv), Bodø, Rygge, and Florø. The dispersed basing strategy ensures that the 330 Squadron can respond rapidly to emergencies anywhere in the country or the surrounding seas.
This contract extension highlights a broader trend in military aviation logistics: the “hybrid” support model. Rather than relying solely on military maintainers or distant OEM support, defense forces are increasingly utilizing embedded commercial contractors. In this case, Leonardo (the OEM) contracting Heli-One (a local MRO expert) provides the RNoAF with the best of both worlds, access to proprietary engineering data and local, environment-specific maintenance know-how.
The North Sea is notoriously corrosive and harsh on airframes. Heli-One’s background in offshore oil and gas helicopter support likely played a decisive role in Leonardo’s decision to extend the partnership. For the RNoAF, this continuity is vital. With the Sea King now fully retired, the AW101 is the sole platform for national SAR; any gap in maintenance availability would directly impact public safety.
The contract between Leonardo and Heli-One has been extended through 2030.
The agreement covers the maintenance of all 16 AW101-612 “SAR Queen” helicopters operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
Heli-One provides embedded maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, working alongside Leonardo staff at RNoAF bases to ensure fleet readiness. The fleet operates from six bases across Norway: Sola (HQ), Ørland, Banak, Bodø, Rygge, and Florø.
Sources: Heli-One
Leonardo Extends Maintenance Partnership with Heli-One for Norway’s AW101 SAR Fleet
Contract Scope and Operational Support
Executive Commentary
The AW101 “SAR Queen” and NAWSARH Program
Advanced Technical Capabilities
Strategic Basing
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the contract extension?
How many helicopters are covered by this agreement?
What is the role of Heli-One in this partnership?
Where are the AW101 helicopters based?
Photo Credit: Heli-One
MRO & Manufacturing
SkyWest Airlines Announces New Maintenance Facility at Salina Airport
SkyWest will open a maintenance base at Salina Regional Airport by spring 2026, focusing on regional jet upkeep and creating local jobs.
This article summarizes reporting by KSAL News.
SkyWest Airlines, a major regional carrier operating United Express flights, has announced plans to establish a new aircraft maintenance facility at Salina Regional Airport (SLN) in Kansas. According to reporting by KSAL News, the new facility is projected to be operational by early spring 2026. This development marks a significant expansion of the airline’s footprint in the region, building upon existing partnerships and a surge in local passenger demand.
The project represents a collaborative effort involving the Kansas Department of Commerce, the City of Salina, Saline County, the Salina Airport Authority (SAA), and the Salina Community Economic Development Organization. Officials indicate that the facility will focus on overnight maintenance for SkyWest’s fleet, specifically the regional jets, such as the CRJ and E175 series, utilized for United Express operations.
The primary function of the new base will be to perform overnight maintenance, ensuring aircraft are ready for daily schedules. While specific lease or construction details were not fully disclosed in the initial announcement, the timeline suggests a rapid integration into the airport’s existing infrastructure. Salina Regional Airport is known for its large-capacity hangars, including “Hangar 959” and “Hangar 626,” which have previously supported Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) expansions.
According to KSAL News, the facility is expected to generate “several new, high-paying jobs,” with a focus on aircraft maintenance technicians and support staff. Recruitment for positions such as “Airport Agent” and “Facility Maintenance Generalist” is reportedly already underway.
This move formalizes a growing relationship between the airline and the municipality. SkyWest currently operates daily United Express flights connecting Salina to major hubs including Denver (DEN), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Houston (IAH). Data cited in the report highlights a sharp increase in demand; passenger enplanements at SLN rose by 51% year-over-year in November 2025 compared to the previous year.
Furthermore, board minutes from the Salina Airport Authority in November 2024 indicated that local MRO provider 1 Vision Aviation had already begun performing overnight work for SkyWest, with plans to service up to three aircraft nightly by spring 2025. The new facility appears to be the next logical step in this operational ramp-up.
The aviation sector is a cornerstone of the Salina economy. A 2024 study by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs, referenced in supporting reports, estimates that the Salina Regional Airport and Airport Industrial Center generate approximately $1.62 billion in total annual economic activity. The complex supports over 12,300 jobs, representing roughly 31% of all employment in Saline County. A critical factor in the location decision appears to be the proximity of the Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus. Located adjacent to the airport, the campus recently secured $28 million in federal funding to construct a new Aerospace Education Hub. This proximity creates a direct pipeline of trained aviation mechanics and technicians who can transition immediately from education to employment at the new facility.
“SkyWest’s decision to establish a maintenance base in Salina reflects Kansas’ ability to compete and deliver for world-class aviation partners. We’ve made deliberate investments in workforce, infrastructure, and airport readiness, and this announcement shows that those efforts are paying off.”
— Joshua Jefferson, Deputy Secretary, Kansas Department of Commerce (via KSAL News)
The decision by SkyWest to entrench maintenance operations in Salina underscores a broader industry trend where regional airlines are seeking to decentralize maintenance to avoid congestion at major hubs. By utilizing Salina, a “spoke” in the United Express network, SkyWest can perform essential overnight maintenance without occupying valuable hangar space at major international airports like Denver or Chicago.
Additionally, the synergy between the airport and K-State Salina offers a strategic advantage that few regional airports can match. In an industry facing a chronic shortage of qualified mechanics, positioning a maintenance base within walking distance of a federally funded aerospace education hub is a calculated move to secure a long-term labor supply.
SkyWest Airlines Plans New Maintenance Facility at Salina Regional Airport
Operational Details and Timeline
Scope of Work
Strategic Context
Economic Impact and Workforce Development
Regional Economic Contribution
The Education Pipeline
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: United
MRO & Manufacturing
Vietjet Tops Out Maintenance Hangar and Flies First Flight to Long Thanh Airport
Vietjet Air completes $100M hangar at Long Thanh Intl Airport and conducts inaugural flight as part of airport’s technical opening in Vietnam.
Vietjet Air has officially marked its presence at the new Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, achieving two significant operational milestones on December 19, 2025. According to the airline, it successfully topped out its new aircraft maintenance hangar and operated its inaugural flight to the facility, signaling a major step forward in its expansion strategy.
The events coincided with the broader “technical opening” of Long Thanh International Airport, a massive infrastructure project designed to alleviate congestion at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Vietjet’s participation highlights its intent to anchor its future long-haul and wide-body operations at this new hub.
A central component of Vietjet’s announcement is the rapid progress of its new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center. The airline confirmed that the main structure of the hangar was completed in just four months, despite reports of challenging weather conditions in Southern Vietnam during the construction period.
According to official company data, the facility represents an investment of up to $100 million and covers an area of 8.4 hectares. The hangar is designed to support Vietjet’s growing fleet complexity, with the capacity to accommodate multiple aircraft configurations simultaneously.
Vietjet states that the hangar is engineered to house:
To ensure the facility meets international standards, Vietjet partnered with global engineering firms for the project. The design and supervision were handled by Mace (UK) and Apave (France). The airline emphasizes that this infrastructure will allow it to perform heavy maintenance (“C-checks”) in-house, reducing reliance on overseas MRO providers and improving fleet reliability.
Alongside the construction milestone, Vietjet operated flight VJ038, the first flight to land at the new airport infrastructure. The flight, utilizing an Airbus A321neo, departed from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and landed at Long Thanh (LTH).
This operation was not a commercial passenger service but a ceremonial flight carrying government officials and aviation leaders to validate the airport’s technical readiness. It was part of a coordinated effort involving other national carriers to demonstrate the operational capabilities of Phase 1 of the airport project.
“The event marks a turning point in Vietjet’s development… preparing for a new stage of growth with a modern fleet and global flight network.”
, Vietjet Air statement regarding the milestone.
While the technical opening has occurred, full commercial passenger services at Long Thanh are projected to commence in mid-2026. The government plans for the airport to eventually handle up to 100 million passengers annually upon full completion, serving as a primary gateway for long-haul international traffic.
The completion of the hangar structure and the successful technical flight suggest a strategic pivot for Vietjet, moving from a purely low-cost regional model toward a more vertically integrated international operation. By investing $100 million in MRO capabilities, the airline is addressing one of the most significant cost centers for expanding carriers: maintenance outsourcing.
We observe that this infrastructure is specifically timed to support Vietjet’s order of 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft. Without domestic wide-body maintenance capacity, the operational costs of running long-haul routes to Australia, India, and potentially Europe would be significantly higher. This facility grants Vietjet the autonomy to manage its own technical schedule, a critical factor for maintaining on-time performance as it scales up operations at a new, unproven hub.
Furthermore, the speed of construction, topping out in four months, demonstrates the high priority the airline and its partners have placed on establishing a foothold at Long Thanh before the mid-2026 commercial launch. This early presence likely positions Vietjet to secure favorable slot allocations and operational dominance at the new airport from day one.
Sources: Vietjet Air
Vietjet Marks Major Milestones with First Flight and Hangar Topping Out at Long Thanh International Airport
New $100 Million Maintenance Facility
Capacity and Construction Partners
Inaugural Flight VJ038 and Airport Readiness
AirPro News analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Vietjet Air
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