MRO & Manufacturing
Safran Invests MX2 Billion to Expand Aerospace Facilities in Mexico
Safran commits MX$2.06 billion to expand aerospace plants in Queretaro, Mexico, creating 238 jobs and boosting engine assembly and MRO capabilities.
In a significant move that reinforces Mexico’s growing stature in the global aerospace industry, French technology giant Safran has announced a substantial investment of MX$2.06 billion. This capital injection is earmarked for the expansion of three of its key facilities in Queretaro, a state already recognized as a pivotal hub for aerospace manufacturing and services. The investment is not just a financial commitment; it’s a strategic play to deepen the company’s operational capabilities on North American soil, promising to generate 238 new, highly specialized jobs and enhance the entire regional value chain.
This development is more than a simple expansion. It represents a calculated step by Safran to consolidate its industrial ecosystem within Mexico. For years, Queretaro has served as the nerve center for the company’s operations in the country, and this new phase of growth will further solidify that role. The focus of the investment is twofold: to complete the full assembly chain for aircraft engines and to establish a world-class maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) site for the landing gear of long-range aircraft. This signals a maturation of the aerospace sector in Mexico, moving from component manufacturing to more complex, high-value assembly and service operations.
The implications of Safran’s decision extend far beyond the company’s own balance sheet. It sends a strong message of confidence in Mexico’s economic stability and the skill of its workforce. For the state of Queretaro, which has successfully attracted half of all foreign direct investment in the aerospace sector over the past decade, this is a crowning achievement. It validates the state’s long-term strategy of fostering a business-friendly environment and investing in technical education, creating a positive feedback loop that is likely to attract even more high-tech investment in the future.
The MX$2.06 billion investment will be strategically distributed across three specialized Safran facilities in Queretaro, each playing a distinct role in the aerospace supply chain. The targeted plants are Safran Aero Composites, Safran Landing Systems Services Americas, and Safran Aircraft Engine Services Americas. This allocation ensures that the growth is balanced, enhancing capabilities from advanced material production to critical after-sales services. The expansion is designed to create a more vertically integrated operation within the state, reducing logistical complexities and increasing efficiency.
A cornerstone of this expansion is the installation of two new, state-of-the-art engine test benches. These are not minor additions; they are highly sophisticated pieces of infrastructure that allow engineers to simulate in-flight conditions to test and certify aircraft engines. This capability is a game-changer for the Queretaro campus, as it brings a critical phase of the production and maintenance cycle in-house. Previously, such testing might have required shipping engines to other facilities globally. Now, Safran can perform these essential certification processes locally, speeding up delivery times and solidifying its Queretaro operations as a comprehensive, end-to-end service center.
The creation of 238 specialized jobs underscores the high-tech nature of this expansion. These are not entry-level manufacturing positions but roles that will require advanced skills in engineering, avionics, and complex machinery operation. This move will tap into Queretaro’s growing pool of skilled labor and further develop the local talent ecosystem. As Alejandro Cardona, President of Safran in Mexico, noted, this investment will bring the company’s total workforce in Queretaro to nearly 4,000 employees, making it one of the most significant high-tech employers in the region.
“The investment will allow the company to complete the full aircraft engine assembly chain in Queretaro and develop a world-class maintenance site for long-range aircraft landing gear.” – Alejandro Cardona, President of Safran in Mexico
Safran’s latest financial commitment is part of a larger pattern of sustained investment in Mexico. This is not a speculative venture but the continuation of a long-term strategic partnership. This history of growth includes a US$80 million investment announced in July 2023 to expand two plants and build a new engine test bench facility, which created 800 jobs. It was followed by the inauguration of a new assembly line in December 2024, part of a US$35.4 million plant extension. This consistent flow of capital demonstrates Safran’s deep-rooted confidence in its Mexican operations and the country’s role in its global strategy.
Local leadership has been quick to recognize the project’s importance. The Governor of Queretaro, Mauricio Kuri González, celebrated the announcement, stating, “This is great news, as these three new projects will consolidate Querétaro as a global benchmark in aerospace.” He emphasized the ripple effect the investment will have, creating new opportunities for local suppliers and strengthening the entire regional industrial fabric. Safran already employs over 16,000 people across Mexico, and this expansion further cements its position as a key driver of industrial development. The strategic positioning of Queretaro is undeniable. Its proximity to the North American market, coupled with a stable business environment and a skilled workforce, makes it an ideal location for high-value aerospace operations. By enhancing its MRO capabilities, Safran is positioning its Queretaro facilities to service the vast fleet of aircraft operating across the Americas. This move not only serves Safran’s business interests but also significantly bolsters the resilience and competitiveness of the North American aviation industry’s supply chain.
Safran’s MX$2.06 billion investment is a landmark event that signals a new phase of maturity for Mexico’s aerospace industry. It represents a shift from being a reliable manufacturing partner to becoming a center for complex assembly, high-stakes testing, and critical maintenance services. By bringing the entire engine assembly and certification process to Queretaro, Safran is not just expanding its footprint; it is embedding high-value intellectual property and technical capability deep within its Mexican operations.
Looking forward, this expansion is poised to have a lasting impact. It solidifies Queretaro’s status as a premier aerospace hub in the Americas and sets a new standard for foreign investment in the country. The move will likely catalyze further growth in the local supply chain and inspire other multinational corporations to deepen their commitments to Mexico. For the global aviation industry, it means a more robust and efficient support network in a key geographic region, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and dynamic global supply chain.
Question: How much is Safran investing in its Queretaro expansion? Question: What will the new investment be used for? Question: How many new jobs will this investment create? Question: Why is this investment significant for Mexico’s aerospace industry?
Safran Doubles Down on Mexico With MX$2 Billion Aerospace Investment
Dissecting the Investment: A Three-Pronged Expansion
Queretaro: The Strategic Core of North American Aerospace
A New Altitude for Mexico’s Aerospace Sector
FAQ
Answer: Safran is investing MX$2.06 billion (approximately US$115-120 million) to expand three of its plants in Queretaro, Mexico.
Answer: The funds will be used to expand three facilities, Safran Aero Composites, Safran Landing Systems Services Americas, and Safran Aircraft Engine Services Americas. A key part of the expansion includes installing two new engine test benches for certifying equipment.
Answer: The expansion is expected to create 238 new specialized jobs, bringing Safran’s total workforce in Queretaro to nearly 4,000 employees.
Answer: This investment is significant because it allows Safran to complete the full aircraft engine assembly chain in Queretaro and establishes a world-class maintenance (MRO) site for landing gear. It elevates Mexico’s role in the global aerospace value chain from manufacturing to more complex assembly, testing, and certification.
Sources
Photo Credit: Safran
MRO & Manufacturing
Bombardier Acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions to Expand US Service Network
Bombardier acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions, adding a Delaware facility and mobile repair units to enhance its U.S. aftermarket services.
On February 9, 2026, Bombardier announced the acquisition of Velocity Maintenance Solutions, a specialized provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services based in Wilmington, Delaware. The transaction, executed through Bombardier’s U.S. subsidiary Learjet Inc., represents a strategic expansion of the manufacturer’s aftermarket footprint in the high-traffic Northeast corridor.
The acquisition provides Bombardier with immediate access to a 35,000-square-foot facility at New Castle Airport (ILG) and a fleet of mobile repair units designed for rapid response. While financial terms of the deal remain confidential, the move aligns with the company’s stated objective to grow its services revenue and secure a stronger domestic presence in the United States.
According to the company’s official statement, the acquisition is designed to bolster support for Bombardier’s growing fleet of business jets, including the ultra-long-range Global 8000. By integrating Velocity Maintenance Solutions, Bombardier aims to capture more of the lifecycle maintenance market, a sector that offers stable margins compared to the cyclical nature of aircraft sales.
The deal includes significant physical and operational assets that will be integrated into Bombardier’s service network:
Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President of Bombardier Aftermarket Services, highlighted the cultural fit between the two organizations in the press release.
“Velocity Maintenance Solutions’ capabilities and customer-focused culture make it an excellent fit for Bombardier… This acquisition is part of our commitment to continually elevate our service standards.”
Velocity Maintenance Solutions has established itself as an agile player in the MRO space since its emergence around 2021. As an FAA Part 145 Repair Station, the company is authorized to perform scheduled maintenance, structural repairs, and avionics upgrades.
Prior to the acquisition, Velocity serviced a diverse range of aircraft, including models from Embraer, Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, and Textron, in addition to Bombardier jets. The facility is known for its 24/7 emergency support capabilities, a critical service for business jet operators requiring immediate dispatch reliability.
This acquisition arrives during a complex period for the aerospace industry, characterized by both consolidation and geopolitical friction. By executing the purchase through Learjet Inc., a heritage U.S. brand based in Wichita, Kansas, Bombardier reinforces its status as a significant U.S. employer. This distinction is increasingly vital as the company navigates trade tensions, including recent tariff threats from the U.S. administration regarding Canadian aerospace products.
Expanding physical infrastructure within the United States serves a dual purpose: it insulates the company’s service supply chain from potential cross-border friction and strengthens its eligibility for U.S. defense contracts. Furthermore, in an industry facing a chronic shortage of skilled labor, acquiring a “turnkey” operation with a certified workforce allows Bombardier to bypass the long lead times associated with recruiting and training new technicians. The location in Wilmington also places Bombardier in direct competition with other major service providers at New Castle Airport, including a Dassault Falcon service center, signaling an aggressive push to dominate the Northeast service market.
The acquisition was made by Learjet Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Bombardier.
The existing team of technicians and support staff at Velocity Maintenance Solutions will be retained and integrated into Bombardier’s workforce.
While the press release emphasizes support for Bombardier’s fleet, Velocity has historically serviced various manufacturers. OEMs often honor existing third-party contracts during transition periods, though the long-term focus typically shifts to the parent company’s products.
Bombardier Acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions to Densify U.S. Service Network
Expanding the Aftermarket Ecosystem
Target Profile: Velocity Maintenance Solutions
AirPro News Analysis: Strategic and Political Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the acquiring entity?
What happens to the current workforce?
Will Velocity continue to service non-Bombardier aircraft?
Sources
Photo Credit: Velocity Maintenance Solutions
MRO & Manufacturing
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Satair and Joramco renew their 25-year supply agreement at MRO Middle East 2026, supporting Joramco’s maintenance operations and new contracts.
This article is based on an official press release from Satair and additional industry reporting regarding MRO Middle East 2026.
At the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, Satair, an Airbus Services company, and Joramco (Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Limited) officially announced the renewal of their long-standing Consumables and Expendables Supply Agreement. The deal marks the continuation of a strategic partnership that has spanned more than a quarter of a century, reinforcing the critical role of integrated supply chains in the growing Middle Eastern aviation maintenance sector.
According to the announcement, the renewed agreement is designed to secure a consistent flow of essential spare parts for Joramco’s base maintenance operations in Amman, Jordan. By locking in this supply chain solution, Joramco aims to minimize “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) risks and reduce the complexity of material management for its expanding customer base.
The partnership between Satair and Joramco is one of the most enduring in the region. For over 25 years, Satair has served as a primary provider of consumables and expendables, high-volume, low-cost parts essential for routine maintenance, to the Jordan-based MRO provider.
In the official release, the companies highlighted the operational benefits of the extension. The agreement allows Joramco to leverage Satair’s global distribution network, ensuring that parts are available precisely when needed. This “just-in-time” capability is vital for MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul providers) striving to offer competitive turnaround times to airlines.
A primary focus of the renewal is the mitigation of supply chain disruptions. By outsourcing the management of consumables to Satair, Joramco can focus its internal resources on heavy maintenance and engineering tasks rather than logistics. The agreement reportedly covers a comprehensive range of Airbus and Boeing fleet requirements, aligning with Joramco’s diverse capabilities.
“This continued partnership with Satair ensures we have the right parts at the right time, allowing us to deliver superior turnaround times to our global customers.”
, Statement attributed to Joramco leadership regarding the renewal
The renewal comes amidst a flurry of activity at MRO Middle East 2026, where both companies have announced significant independent expansions. The event, held on February 4–5, 2026, has served as a platform for major industry shifts in the region. According to industry reporting from the event, Joramco has also secured a major five-year heavy maintenance agreement with the German leisure carrier Condor. This deal will see Joramco performing base maintenance on Condor’s entire Airbus fleet, including the A320ceo, A320neo, and A330neo. Additionally, Joramco celebrated the first graduates of its Structured On-the-Job Training (SOJT) program, a move aimed at addressing the global shortage of skilled aviation technicians.
Simultaneously, Satair has expanded its footprint in the sustainability sector. Reports from the event indicate Satair signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GAMECO (Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co.) to enter the Used Serviceable Material (USM) market, addressing the rising demand for cost-effective and sustainable parts solutions.
The renewal of the Satair-Joramco agreement highlights a critical trend in the post-2025 aviation landscape: the prioritization of supply chain resilience. In an era where global parts shortages have frequently grounded fleets, MRO providers are increasingly moving toward long-term, integrated agreements with major distributors rather than relying on spot-market purchasing.
Furthermore, the Middle East’s trajectory as a global MRO hub is evident in these announcements. Joramco’s ability to secure European contracts like the Condor deal, backed by a robust supply chain from Satair, suggests that regional players are successfully competing on a global scale by combining geographic advantages with high-grade logistical reliability.
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Supply Chain Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Strengthening a Quarter-Century Alliance
Operational Efficiency and AOG Reduction
Broader Context: MRO Middle East 2026 Developments
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Satair
MRO & Manufacturing
Joramco Renews Maintenance Agreement with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Joramco extends its maintenance contract with Mexican cargo airline mas for heavy checks on Airbus A330 freighters throughout 2026 at its Amman facility.
This article is based on an official press release from Joramco.
Joramco, the Amman-based aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility and engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has officially announced the renewal of its maintenance agreement with mas (formerly MasAir), a prominent Mexican cargo airline. The agreement was finalized and signed during the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, marking a continuation of the strategic partnership between the two entities.
Under the terms of the renewed contract, Joramco will perform heavy base maintenance checks on the mas fleet of Airbus A330 freighters. The work is scheduled to take place throughout 2026 at Joramco’s facility at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. This announcement underscores the MRO provider’s increasing traction in the global cargo sector and its ability to secure recurring business from international carriers outside its traditional regional stronghold.
According to the company’s announcement, the new deal focuses specifically on heavy base maintenance, often referred to as C-checks, for the carrier’s Airbus A330 fleet. These checks are critical for ensuring the continued airworthiness and operational reliability of the freighter aircraft, which are essential to mas’s global logistics network.
This renewal follows a successful initial collaboration established relatively recently. Joramco and mas first formalized their partnerships in October 2025 at the MRO Europe exhibition in London. That initial agreement covered maintenance checks that began in December 2025. The rapid renewal, signed just four months later, suggests a successful execution of the initial checks and a deepening of the business relationship.
In a statement regarding the renewal, Joramco’s leadership highlighted the significance of the repeat business.
“We are pleased to welcome more aircraft from mas at Joramco. This agreement reaffirms Joramco’s position as a trusted Global MRO provider of choice.”
, Adam Voss, CEO of Joramco
The agreement with mas aligns with Joramco’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint. By securing a renewal with a Latin American carrier, the Jordan-based MRO is demonstrating its competitiveness on a global scale, attracting airframes from the Americas to the Middle-East for heavy maintenance. The timing of this renewal is notable within the wider context of the MRO industry’s capacity constraints. In late 2025, Joramco inaugurated “Hangar 7,” a significant infrastructure expansion that reportedly increased its capacity to 22 parallel maintenance lines. This expansion appears to be paying dividends, allowing the facility to accommodate the “more aircraft” referenced by CEO Adam Voss.
Furthermore, the cargo market remains a demanding sector requiring high asset utilization. For a specialized Cargo-Aircraft airline like mas, which operates a modernizing fleet of Airbus A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) aircraft, securing reliable MRO slots is a strategic priority. The quick transition from an initial contract in late 2025 to a full-year renewal for 2026 indicates that Joramco has successfully met the technical and turnaround time requirements demanded by the cargo carrier.
Joramco: A subsidiary of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), Joramco has operated for over 60 years. Based in Amman, Jordan, it provides airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft.
mas: Headquartered in Mexico City, mas (formerly MasAir) is a specialized cargo airline operating scheduled and charter freight services across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The airline has been actively expanding its capacity with Airbus A330 freighters to support its international network.
Sources:
Joramco Extends Maintenance Partnership with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Scope of the Renewed Agreement
Strategic Context and Capacity Expansion
AirPro News Analysis
About the Companies
Photo Credit: Joramco
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