MRO & Manufacturing
Airbus and Babcock Secure Long-Term Support for French H145 Helicopters
Airbus and Babcock partner on a 10-year contract supporting France’s H145 helicopter fleet for public safety missions.
In a significant move to bolster France’s public safety aviation capabilities, Airbus Helicopters, in a strategic partnership with Babcock International, has secured a comprehensive support contract for the entire H145 helicopters fleet operated by the French Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie Nationale. This agreement underscores a commitment to ensuring the highest levels of operational availability for helicopters that are critical to saving lives and maintaining national security. These fleets form the backbone of France’s aerial emergency response, conducting thousands of vital missions annually, from treacherous mountain rescues to critical law enforcement operations.
The collaboration between a leading helicopter manufacturer and a specialist in aviation support services aims to create a streamlined and efficient maintenance ecosystem. For agencies like the Sécurité Civile, whose “Dragon” helicopters are synonymous with emergency rescue, and the Gendarmerie Nationale, which relies on its aerial assets for a wide range of security missions, guaranteed fleet readiness is not just a logistical goal, it is a matter of public trust and safety. This long-term agreement provides the stability and technical backing required to keep these essential services running without interruption, ensuring that crews and aircraft are ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
Announced on November 18, 2025, the new contracts with France’s Aeronautical Maintenance Directorate (DMAé) formalizes a co-contracting partnership between Airbus Helicopters and Babcock. The agreement spans up to ten years and covers a total of 46 H145 helicopters. Of this fleet, 40 belong to the Sécurité Civile and six are operated by the Gendarmerie Nationale. This unified structure is a deliberate strategy to maximize the operational efficiency and availability of the entire H145 family, which serves as a modern and versatile tool for both agencies.
The scope of the support package is extensive, designed to cover every aspect of the fleet’s operational lifecycle. It includes the provision of technical support, a steady supply of spare parts, advanced logistics solutions, and comprehensive management of technical data and software. Furthermore, the contract encompasses all necessary Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities, ensuring the helicopters are maintained to the highest standards. This end-to-end service model allows the Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie to focus on their core missions, confident that the industrial support structure is robust and responsive.
This latest agreement builds upon a pre-existing foundation of cooperation. In May 2024, a similar 12-year contract was established, also between Airbus Helicopters and Babcock, to support 48 of the older EC145 models, 33 for the Sécurité Civile and 15 for the Gendarmerie. Together, these two contracts create a complete support framework for the entire H145 family of helicopters, covering both the legacy EC145 and the modern H145 variants. This holistic approach signals a major step in modernizing the support infrastructure for France’s aerial public safety assets.
“Ensuring the operational availability of our H145 fleet is critical for the public safety missions carried out by the Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie Nationale. This comprehensive agreement provides the long-term visibility and industrial support necessary to guarantee their performance.” – Captain Jean-Baptiste Fortin, DMAé.
The H145 helicopter is a cornerstone of the fleet modernization strategy for both the Sécurité Civile and the Gendarmerie Nationale. As a twin-engine light utility helicopter, the H145 is renowned for its versatility and high performance, particularly in demanding environments. It can be rapidly configured for a wide array of missions, including emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue (SAR), law enforcement, and firefighting support. Its advanced features, such as the high-set main rotor and the Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, significantly enhance safety during ground operations, which is crucial for missions in confined or hazardous areas.
The ongoing renewal process involves phasing out older models and integrating new, state-of-the-art H145s. In late 2023, the French Ministry of Interior solidified this commitment by signing a contract for 42 new H145s, with 36 designated for the Sécurité Civile and six for the Gendarmerie. The integration of these modern aircraft, equipped with the Helionix avionics suite, reduces pilot workload and improves situational awareness, allowing crews to operate more effectively during complex and high-stakes missions. This technological leap forward is a critical component of enhancing the nation’s overall public safety response capability.
The partnership with Babcock International is instrumental in this modernization effort. As a global leader in aerospace and defense services, Babcock brings extensive experience in maintaining and supporting critical aviation assets. Their role in this co-contracting agreement ensures that the maintenance and logistics are handled by specialists, allowing for a more focused and efficient support system. This collaborative model between the manufacturer and a dedicated service provider is becoming a benchmark for ensuring the long-term sustainability and readiness of essential government fleets. “Airbus Helicopters is proud to strengthen its partnership with the French government and to be working alongside Babcock on this essential programme. This contract demonstrates the trust the DMAé places in Airbus to support its critical missions.” – Romain Trapp, Executive Vice President of Customer Support & Services at Airbus Helicopters.
The comprehensive support contracts for the H145 and EC145 fleets represent a forward-thinking strategy to secure France’s public safety aviation for the next decade and beyond. By unifying the support structure under a partnership between Airbus Helicopters and Babcock, the French government ensures that its most critical aerial assets receive consistent, high-quality maintenance and logistical backing. This not only maximizes the availability of the helicopters but also provides long-term budgetary visibility and stability, allowing for better resource planning.
This strategic alliance is more than just a maintenance agreement; it is an investment in national resilience. As the nature of emergencies and security threats evolves, having a modern, reliable, and well-supported helicopter fleet is indispensable. The ongoing modernization with the H145 platform, coupled with this robust support framework, positions the Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie Nationale to meet future challenges effectively, ensuring they can continue to perform their life-saving and security missions for the French public with unwavering capability.
Question: Which helicopter fleets are covered by this new agreement? Question: Who are the main partners in this support contract? Question: What is the duration of the contract? Question: Does this contract relate to any other agreements?
Airbus and Babcock Secure Landmark Deal to Support French Emergency Helicopter Fleets
A Unified Support Framework for Critical Missions
Modernizing France’s Public Safety Aviation
Conclusion: A Long-Term Vision for National Security
FAQ
Answer: The new contract covers a total of 46 Airbus H145 helicopters, with 40 operated by the French Sécurité Civile and six by the Gendarmerie Nationale.
Answer: The contract is a co-contracting partnership between Airbus Helicopters and Babcock International, working with France’s Aeronautical Maintenance Directorate (DMAé).
Answer: The agreement is set for a period of up to ten years.
Answer: Yes, it complements a previous 12-year contract signed in May 2024, which covers the support for 48 EC145 helicopters also operated by the Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie. Together, they provide a comprehensive support framework for the entire H145 family fleet.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
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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