MRO & Manufacturing
Emirates Rolls Royce Partner for In House A380 Engine Maintenance
Emirates and Rolls-Royce sign MOU for in-house Trent 900 engine maintenance from 2027 securing A380 fleet longevity and supporting Dubai’s aerospace growth.
On November 20, 2025, a significant development in the aviation maintenance sector was formalized as Emirates and Rolls-Royce signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement marks a strategic shift for the Dubai-based carrier, allowing them to implement an in-house maintenance program for the Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines. These engines power a specific portion of Emirates’ massive Airbus A380 fleet. The move is designed to enhance operational efficiency and secure the longevity of the superjumbo jets well into the next two decades.
The collaboration outlines a clear timeline, with operations scheduled to commence in 2027. By establishing this capability, Emirates is effectively insulating its flagship fleet from external supply chain pressures. We see this as a calculated step to maintain control over the technical health of their aircraft, ensuring that the A380 remains a viable commercial asset long after production of the aircraft type ceased in 2021. The agreement extends beyond immediate repairs, signaling a long-term commitment between the airline and the engine manufacturer.
This development is particularly notable given the current state of the global aviation industry. As airlines worldwide grapple with maintenance backlogs and parts shortages, Emirates is moving to vertical integration. By bringing these specific maintenance tasks in-house, the airline is positioning itself to bypass the “MRO capacity crunch” that has grounded aircraft across various other carriers. This partnership ensures that the necessary technical support is available on Emirates’ own schedule, rather than relying solely on a strained global network.
The core of this agreement involves a division of labor that leverages the strengths of both parties. Under the terms of the MOU, Emirates will take over specific responsibilities for the Trent 900 engines, specifically handling fan case repairs and selected overhaul tasks. To support this, a dedicated facility will be constructed as part of the expansion of the Emirates Engineering Maintenance Centre (EEMC) in Dubai. This facility will serve as the hub for these specialized operations, integrating with the airline’s existing infrastructure.
While Emirates increases its autonomy, Rolls-Royce retains a critical role in the heavy lifting of engine maintenance. The manufacturer will continue to manage “module repair capability,” which involves heavier and more complex core work. This ensures that the most intricate aspects of engine maintenance remain within Rolls-Royce’s global network, maintaining high standards of safety and performance. Furthermore, the TotalCare service agreement, Rolls-Royce’s comprehensive support package, has been extended into the 2040s, aligning the maintenance support with the projected lifespan of the Emirates A380 fleet.
This structure allows for a seamless transfer of knowledge and capacity. Paul Keenan, Director of Commercial Aviation Aftermarket Operations at Rolls-Royce, noted that the agreement allows for additional capacity across their entire network. By offloading specific tasks to Emirates, Rolls-Royce can better allocate its own resources to support its global customer base, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem for both the operator and the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer).
“The agreement will allow for additional capacity in the entire Rolls-Royce network and further reinforces our commitment to deliver both excellent products and services to our global customer base.” — Paul Keenan, Director of Commercial Aviation Aftermarket Operations at Rolls-Royce.
To understand the magnitude of this deal, we must look at the composition of the Emirates fleet. The airline operates approximately 116 Airbus A380s, making it the world’s largest operator of the type. However, the fleet is split between two engine types: roughly 75% are powered by the Engine Alliance GP7200, while the remaining 25% utilize the Rolls-Royce Trent 900. Historically, this created a disparity in maintenance independence.
Emirates has possessed full in-house MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) capability for the GP7200 engines since opening a specialized facility in 2014. The Trent 900 engines represented the final gap in their self-sufficiency. By securing this agreement, Emirates effectively closes that loop. We can observe that this move unifies their maintenance strategy, allowing them to apply the same level of internal control to their entire A380 fleet, regardless of the engine manufacturer. Ahmed Safa, Head of Engineering and MRO at Emirates, emphasized the necessity of this move for the fleet’s longevity. With plans to fly the A380 into the 2040s, relying entirely on external shops for the Trent 900 was a strategic risk. This agreement mitigates that risk, ensuring that the minority portion of their fleet receives the same priority and turnaround times as the majority.
Beyond the immediate operational benefits, this partnership aligns seamlessly with the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030. This government initiative aims to transform Dubai into a global platform for knowledge-based, sustainable, and innovation-focused businesses. The aerospace sector is identified as a priority sub-sector within this strategy, with a specific goal to expand local capabilities in manufacturing aircraft parts and providing MRO services to the global market.
The construction of the new facility and the operationalization of the Trent 900 maintenance program will drive job creation in the Middle-East region. It is projected that the initiative will require a workforce of specialized technicians and engineers, contributing to the strategy’s broader goal of creating 27,000 specialized jobs by 2030. This is not merely about hiring staff; it involves a significant transfer of “know-how” from Rolls-Royce in the UK to the engineering teams in Dubai, elevating the technical competency of the local workforce.
We are witnessing a clear example of how aviation policy intersects with economic development. By localizing high-value engineering tasks, Emirates is not only saving on operational costs and reducing downtime but also contributing to the GDP and industrial maturity of its home base. This reinforces Dubai’s position as a central node in the global aerospace network, capable of handling complex engineering challenges independently.
“With Emirates’ plans to continue operating our Airbus A380 fleet into the 2040s, we wanted to secure our own engine maintenance capabilities… This is yet another value-added contribution to Dubai’s growing aerospace sector capabilities.” — Ahmed Safa, Head of Engineering and MRO at Emirates.
The agreement between Emirates and Rolls-Royce represents a pivotal moment for the future of the Airbus A380. By securing the ability to perform in-house maintenance on the Trent 900 engines starting in 2027, Emirates has effectively guaranteed the operational viability of its fleet through the 2040s. This move eliminates the vulnerability associated with global Supply-Chain bottlenecks and completes the airline’s quest for total engine maintenance independence.
Looking ahead, this Partnerships serves as a blueprint for how major carriers can collaborate with manufacturers to sustain aging but essential fleets. As the industry continues to face capacity constraints, we may see more airlines seeking similar vertical integration to protect their operations. For Dubai, the economic benefits of knowledge transfer and high-tech job creation further solidify its status as a global aviation powerhouse.
When will Emirates begin maintaining the Rolls-Royce engines? Does this agreement cover all repairs for the engines? Why is this agreement significant for the A380 fleet?
Emirates and Rolls-Royce Secure A380 Future with New MRO Partnership
Defining the Scope: The Trent 900 Agreement
Closing the Capability Gap
Economic Implications and Regional Strategy
Conclusion
FAQ
Operations are scheduled to begin in 2027, following the construction of a new facility and the completion of necessary training and knowledge transfer.
No. Emirates will handle fan case repairs and selected overhaul tasks. Rolls-Royce retains responsibility for heavier, complex module repair work.
It ensures the A380s can keep flying into the 2040s by securing a reliable maintenance stream, bypassing global repair delays that are currently affecting the aviation industry.
Sources
Photo Credit: Emirates
MRO & Manufacturing
GA Telesis Expands Asia-Pacific Reach with South Korean Approval
GA Telesis Engine Services secures South Korean MOLIT certification to offer engine overhaul services and signs new deal with MIAT Mongolian Airlines.
This article is based on an official press release from GA Telesis.
GA Telesis Engine Services (GATES), the Helsinki-based engine maintenance subsidiary of GA Telesis, has announced a major expansion of its operational capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. According to an official company press release, GATES has received Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) certification from South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT). This certification authorizes the facility to perform full overhaul services on specific engine models for South Korean airlines.
In a simultaneous development, the company confirmed a new engine maintenance agreement with MIAT Mongolian Airlines. These announcements mark a strategic push by GATES to establish itself as a primary independent alternative to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) facilities in a region heavily reliant on narrowbody aircraft.
The newly acquired MOLIT approval is a critical regulatory milestone for GATES. Under South Korea’s Aviation Safety Act, foreign repair stations must undergo a rigorous audit of their quality control systems and technical procedures before they are permitted to release South Korean-registered aircraft to service. By securing this certification, GATES can now bid directly for heavy maintenance contracts with South Korean carriers without requiring third-party approvals.
According to the press release, the MOLIT approval covers full overhaul authority for three major engine types:
This scope is particularly significant given the composition of the South Korean commercial fleet. Market data indicates that the CFM56-7B is the primary engine for the country’s low-cost carriers (LCCs), including Jeju Air, T’way Air, and Jin Air, which operate substantial fleets of Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Additionally, the CF6-80C2 remains in service with major carriers like Asiana Airlines and Korean Air for their widebody operations.
“This approval allows us to bring our world-class engine maintenance solutions directly to South Korean airlines, offering them a competitive alternative for their fleet requirements.”
, Statement from GA Telesis Press Release
Alongside the regulatory news, GATES announced a definitive agreement with MIAT Mongolian Airlines for the maintenance of its CFM56-7B engines. MIAT, the national flag carrier of Mongolia, operates a fleet centered around the Boeing 737-800. This contract underscores the technical capabilities of the Helsinki facility and provides MIAT with a maintenance partner located strategically between its Asian and European route networks.
The agreement validates GATES’ strategy of targeting operators who require flexible, cost-effective maintenance solutions outside of the traditional OEM network. By utilizing the Helsinki facility, MIAT gains access to a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) environment while maintaining logistical efficiency for its fleet. The Rise of Independent MROs in Asia
The entry of GATES into the South Korean market represents a shift in the regional Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) landscape. Historically, South Korean airlines have relied heavily on OEM-affiliated shops, such as the Korean Air Tech Center, or major regional players like ST Engineering. These relationships often come with rigid pricing structures and capacity constraints.
As an independent provider, GATES is positioned to compete on turnaround time (TAT) and workscope flexibility. For LCCs operating on tight margins, the ability to perform targeted repairs, rather than mandatory full overhauls, can result in significant cost savings. The “hospital shop” concept, which focuses on surgical repairs to return engines to service quickly, is likely to appeal to carriers like T’way Air and Jeju Air as their fleets age and maintenance events become more frequent.
Furthermore, the timing of the MOLIT approval coincides with a high demand for CFM56 shop visits globally. As supply chain issues continue to plague the new engine market (LEAP and GTF), airlines are holding onto older aircraft longer, increasing the need for reliable maintenance capacity for legacy engines like the CFM56 and CF6.
The GATES facility is located at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in Finland. According to company data, the site spans 180,000 square feet and features an integrated test cell capable of handling engines with up to 100,000 lbs of thrust. The facility has an annual capacity of approximately 200 engines.
With the addition of the South Korean MOLIT certification, GATES now holds approvals from major global regulators, including:
This broad regulatory portfolio allows the company to serve a diverse customer base across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, reinforcing its status as a premier independent engine maintenance provider.
GA Telesis Engine Services Secures South Korean Regulatory Approval, Expands APAC Footprint
Breaking Barriers in the South Korean Market
Authorized Engine Types
Strategic Partnership with MIAT Mongolian Airlines
AirPro News Analysis
Facility Capabilities and Global Reach
Sources
Photo Credit: GA Telesis
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
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