MRO & Manufacturing
ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa Secures FAA and African Approvals
ExecuJet renews FAA and multiple African civil aviation approvals, strengthening its position as a leading MRO hub for business jets in Africa.
ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa has officially announced the successful renewal of its maintenance approvals from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) alongside certifications from eight different African civil aviation authorities. This development marks a significant milestone for the facility, located at Lanseria International Airport near Johannesburg, cementing its position as the holder of the most extensive regulatory accreditation network of any Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider on the African continent. The renewals follow a series of rigorous audits designed to ensure the facility meets the highest international standards regarding safety, engineering qualifications, and quality control systems.
The renewal of the FAA Approved Repair Station status is particularly consequential for the regional aviation sector. A substantial portion of business jets operating within Africa are registered in the United States, bearing the “N” tail number. This registration strategy is often utilized by owners to maintain higher asset values and facilitate easier resale in the global market. By securing this renewal, ExecuJet ensures that operators of these US-registered aircraft can continue to access heavy maintenance services domestically in South Africa, eliminating the costly and time-consuming necessity of flying aircraft to Europe or the United States for mandatory service checks.
In addition to the American regulatory approval, the facility has re-certified its credentials with Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) across a broad spectrum of African nations. These include Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa (SACAA), and Zambia. This wide-ranging approval network effectively positions the Lanseria facility as a central maintenance hub for both Southern and West African markets. It allows operators in these jurisdictions to utilize a local provider that adheres to their specific national regulatory requirements, thereby streamlining logistics and reducing downtime for regional fleets.
The consolidation of these regulatory approvals comes at a time of measurable growth within the African business aviation sector. According to company data, the market currently exceeds 400 business aircraft. The ability of a single facility to service such a diverse range of registries is essential for supporting this expanding fleet. As new aircraft enter service and international charter operators position their fleets in the region to meet rising demand, the availability of compliant, high-standard maintenance facilities becomes a critical infrastructure requirement. The renewals ensure that ExecuJet can accommodate this influx, supporting both legacy fleets and modern ultra-long-range jets.
Vince Goncalves, the Regional Vice President for Africa at ExecuJet MRO Services, emphasized that these renewals are not merely administrative formalities but are indicative of the facility’s operational maturity. The audits required to maintain these certifications scrutinize every aspect of the MRO’s operation, from the traceability of maintenance records to the technical proficiency of the engineering staff. Passing these audits validates the facility’s alignment with global safety protocols, a crucial factor for international operators deciding where to base their assets.
Furthermore, the strategic location of the facility at Lanseria International Airport allows it to serve as a pivot point for the continent. By holding approvals from nations as geographically distinct as Nigeria and Mozambique, the company reduces the logistical burden on operators. Previously, regulatory fragmentation often forced operators to seek maintenance solutions outside the continent, incurring significant ferry flight costs. The current approval portfolio mitigates this, keeping economic activity within the African aviation ecosystem and fostering regional technical self-sufficiency.
“Maintaining these approvals is more than a compliance requirement. It demonstrates our technical capability and the trust we have earned from regulators across Africa.” , Vince Goncalves, Regional Vice President Africa, ExecuJet MRO Services
The physical and technical capacity of the Lanseria facility remains a cornerstone of its service offering. Spanning 9,000 square meters (approximately 97,000 square feet), the hangar space is designed to accommodate up to 14 aircraft simultaneously. This capacity covers a wide spectrum of airframes, ranging from turboprops to large-cabin, ultra-long-range jets such as the Bombardier Global 7500 and the Dassault Falcon 8X. The scale of the facility allows for flexible scheduling, enabling the team to handle heavy maintenance projects alongside routine line maintenance without operational bottlenecks.
In a move to further enhance its service portfolio, the company is currently in the process of securing approval for a newly installed in-house spray booth. This new addition is designed to handle aircraft components up to 1.5 meters in size. The introduction of this capability is aimed at improving turnaround times for cosmetic repairs and touch-up paintwork. By bringing this process in-house, the facility reduces reliance on external vendors for minor aesthetic work, allowing for tighter control over quality and scheduling during maintenance checks. The facility continues to support a diverse range of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Since its acquisition by Dassault Aviation in 2019, ExecuJet has retained its identity as a multi-OEM facility while gaining direct access to Dassault’s technical data and training. The team is authorized to perform heavy maintenance on Dassault Falcon models (including the 7X and 8X) and the Bombardier Learjet, Challenger, and Global series. Additionally, the facility services Embraer’s Legacy and Phenom series, as well as Hawker and Beechcraft King Air models. This multi-platform capability is vital in a market where operators often manage mixed fleets.
“We are witnessing growth with new aircraft entering service, and international charter operators positioning fleets in the region to meet rising demand. This underscores the continent’s growing importance in the global business aviation landscape.” , Vince Goncalves, Regional Vice President Africa, ExecuJet MRO Services
The recent regulatory renewals are part of a broader trajectory of growth and technical adaptation for the company. In November 2025, alongside the FAA and CAA announcements, the facility successfully completed ADS-B Out avionics upgrades on multiple fleets, including Learjet 45 and Hawker 800XP aircraft. These upgrades were executed to meet new mandates from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) requiring real-time tracking compliance. This demonstrates the facility’s ability to execute complex avionics retrofits in response to evolving regulatory landscapes.
Earlier in the year, the company expanded its heavy maintenance portfolio. In September 2024, it secured SACAA approval for heavy maintenance on Embraer Legacy 600 and 650 aircraft. This expansion was a strategic move to broaden the service offering beyond Dassault and Bombardier products, catering to the significant number of Embraer operators in the region. This was followed by a record-setting performance in June 2024, where the company reported its highest annual volume of airframe heavy maintenance checks, driven largely by increased activity within the Dassault Falcon fleet.
These operational milestones highlight the facility’s resilience and adaptability. By consistently updating its capabilities,whether through physical infrastructure like the new spray booth, regulatory compliance like the ADS-B upgrades, or certification renewals,ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa is effectively future-proofing its operations. The continued support from Dassault Aviation provides a stable foundation, ensuring that the facility remains at the forefront of the African MRO market.
The successful renewal of FAA and African regulatory approvals serves as a critical validation of ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa’s operational standards. By maintaining the most extensive accreditation network on the continent, the company not only supports the current fleet of over 400 business aircraft but also positions itself to capture future growth. The ability to service US-registered aircraft locally offers a tangible economic benefit to operators, reinforcing the Lanseria facility’s status as a primary aviation hub.
Looking ahead, the integration of new capabilities such as the in-house spray booth and the continued expansion of OEM support indicates a clear strategy of comprehensive service delivery. As the African business aviation market matures, the demand for localized, high-quality maintenance will likely intensify. ExecuJet’s proactive approach to regulatory compliance and technical expansion suggests it is well-equipped to lead this sector, bridging the gap between international safety standards and regional operational needs.
Which countries have approved ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa? Why is the FAA approval important for an African MRO facility? What new technical capability is being added to the Lanseria facility?
ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa Solidifies Status as Key Regional Hub with Regulatory Renewals
Strategic Implications for the African Aviation Market
Facility Capabilities and Technical Enhancements
Recent Developments and Operational Context
Concluding Section
FAQ
The facility holds approvals from the US FAA and Civil Aviation Authorities in Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa (SACAA), and Zambia.
Many business jets in Africa are registered in the United States (N-registered) to preserve asset value. FAA approval allows these aircraft to undergo maintenance in South Africa rather than flying to the US or Europe, saving time and costs.
The company is securing approval for a new in-house spray booth capable of handling components up to 1.5 meters, which will speed up cosmetic repairs and touch-up paintwork.
Sources
Photo Credit: ExecuJet MRO Services
MRO & Manufacturing
Daher Industrializes Thermoplastic Composite Upcycling in Aerospace
Daher accelerates industrial-scale upcycling of thermoplastic composites, recycling aerospace scrap into high-performance materials for aircraft manufacturing.
This article is based on an official press release from Daher.
French aerospace manufacturers Daher has announced a significant acceleration in the industrialization of thermoplastic composite upcycling. According to an official company press release, the group is preparing to supply upcycled materials to manufacturers facing challenges with production ramp-ups, material sovereignty, and decarbonization.
The announcement, made during the JEC World 2026 trade show in Paris, highlights Daher’s transition from research and development to industrial-scale deployment. The company confirmed it is structuring a complete upcycling value chain, capturing scrap material and reintroducing it into new manufacturing cycles.
As part of this initiative, Daher received two JEC Innovation Awards, recognizing its advancements in both aeronautical parts manufacturing and end-of-life aircraft recycling. The company noted that it has spent more than 10 years investing in thermoplastic composites to meet the rigorous demands of modern aeronautical programs.
The foundation of Daher’s upcycling strategy begins on the factory floor. In its press release, the company detailed a structured process implemented at its Saint-Aignan-de-Grandlieu plant in France’s Loire-Atlantique region, working in tandem with its Shap’in technology center. Production scrap is collected on-site, ground down, and transformed into a semi-finished product.
Currently, Daher reports that 100 percent of its pure carbon polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) scrap is upcycled through this method. The end result is a specialized pellet containing 56 percent carbon fiber. Because the material is derived from continuous fibers that are reprocessed into short fibers, it maintains high mechanical performance, including strong resistance to temperature, moisture, and chemical exposure.
The industrial scale-up of this process is expected to yield an estimated production capacity of four to eight metric tons of carbon PPS pellets per year. Daher noted in the release that it currently has 1.5 metric tons available for sale and is actively exploring customer applications, including uses outside the traditional aeronautics sector.
Additionally, the company has utilized the same scrap material to develop a filament for additive manufacturing, creating new avenues for 3D printing complex technical parts. A component produced using this new filament was displayed at the company’s JEC World 2026 booth. Beyond factory scrap, Daher is applying its thermoplastic expertise to retired aircraft components. A notable project, which secured a 2026 JEC Innovation Award, involves a collaboration with Airbus, Toray Advanced Composites, and Tarmac Aerosave.
According to the company statement, this partnership successfully recycled thermoplastic composite panels from a retired A380 aircraft. The panels were cut and reintegrated into the production line to manufacture new parts for the A320neo program. This demonstration underscores the viability of circular manufacturing in commercial-aircraft.
“For more than 10 years, we’ve invested in thermoplastic composites to meet aircraft manufacturers’ requirements in terms of production rates, weight reduction and performance. Today, we are taking a further step by industrializing materials derived from upcycling. This capability allows us to optimize the use of a strategic material, strengthen our material autonomy and open new application opportunities, both in aeronautics and beyond.”
We view Daher’s announcement as a critical indicator of the aerospace industry’s broader shift toward circular economy principles. As supply-chain constraints and material sovereignty remain pressing issues for global manufacturers, the ability to reclaim and reuse high-performance materials like carbon PPS offers a strategic buffer.
Furthermore, the successful integration of upcycled A380 panels into the A320neo production line demonstrates that recycled composites can meet the rigorous safety and performance standards required for commercial flight. If scaled effectively, these upcycling processes could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of aircraft manufacturing while lowering raw material costs.
It is the process of taking scrap or end-of-life thermoplastic composite materials and reprocessing them into new, high-performance materials for manufacturing, rather than discarding them as waste.
According to the company, the scaled-up process has an estimated production capacity of four to eight metric tons of carbon PPS pellets per year, with 1.5 metric tons currently available for sale.
Daher partnered with Airbus, Toray Advanced Composites, and Tarmac Aerosave to recycle thermoplastic panels from a retired A380 and use them to produce new parts for the A320neo.
Transforming Factory Scrap into Technical Materials
Scaling Up Production Capacity
Repurposing End-of-Life Aeronautical Structures
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is thermoplastic composite upcycling?
How much upcycled material can Daher produce?
What aircraft are involved in Daher’s recycling project?
Sources
Photo Credit: Daher
MRO & Manufacturing
GE Aerospace and Airbus Advance Next-Gen Helicopter Propulsion Design
GE Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters progress joint research on a clean-sheet helicopter propulsion system to reduce fuel use and emissions.
This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace.
On March 10, 2026, GE Aerospace announced the progression of its joint research collaboration with European rotorcraft manufacturer Airbus Helicopters. According to the official press release, the two aerospace giants are advancing their efforts to develop a clean-sheet, next-generation helicopter propulsion system. This partnership, which was initially unveiled at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2024, aims to drastically reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions for future rotorcraft.
Having successfully completed the foundational research phase, the collaboration is now entering a critical new stage. The companies are shifting their focus toward detailed engine design concepts and evaluating component-level efficiencies. We note that this development represents a significant milestone in the rotorcraft industry’s broader push toward decarbonization, mirroring sustainability trends currently driving fixed-wing commercial aviation.
The transition from foundational research to detailed design marks a pivotal moment for the GE Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters partnership. The shared objective, as outlined in the company’s announcement, is to mature a propulsion architecture that establishes new industry benchmarks for efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility without compromising the rigorous performance and durability required by next-generation rotorcraft.
To achieve these ambitious goals, GE Aerospace stated it is utilizing its proprietary lean operating model, known as FLIGHT DECK. Championed by CEO Larry Culp, this system is built on principles of continuous improvement, respect for people, and a customer-driven focus. By applying the FLIGHT DECK methodology, which relentlessly targets Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC), GE aims to eliminate engineering waste and accelerate the timeline for bringing this sustainable turboshaft engine to the testing and fielding stages.
“GE Aerospace is excited to enter this next phase with Airbus Helicopters to advance the technologies and design approaches that can shape the future of helicopter propulsion. Together, we are focused on understanding what it will take to deliver meaningful sustainability and efficiency gains, while continuing to meet the demanding mission needs of our helicopter operators.”
— Elissa Lee, Executive Director of Commercial Turboshaft Engines at GE Aerospace
Historically, Airbus Helicopters has relied heavily on European engine manufacturer Safran Helicopter Engines, as well as Pratt & Whitney Canada, to power its civil and military rotorcraft fleets. Prior to this clean-sheet project, GE’s presence on Airbus-linked products was largely limited to the CT7 engine, which is offered as an option on the NHIndustries NH90 military helicopter.
According to the provided research data, this partnership represents a major diversification of Airbus’s Supply-Chain. For GE Aerospace, which already dominates the military rotorcraft engine market with powerplants like the T700 (used on the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache), this collaboration opens a massive door. Airbus Helicopters was previously the only major civil manufacturer not utilizing GE engines. At AirPro News, we view this advancement as a highly strategic maneuver for both entities. For Airbus, Partnerships with a U.S.-based engine powerhouse like GE Aerospace provides a hedge against supply chain bottlenecks and introduces fresh technological competition into its vendor ecosystem. Furthermore, GE’s 2024 clarification that this engine will be a “clean-sheet design,” potentially incorporating elements of hybridization rather than deriving from existing models like the Catalyst or CT7, signals a willingness to take substantial research and development risks to capture commercial market share.
Following its 2024 spin-off as an independent public company, GE Aerospace has maintained a massive global footprint. Company data indicates an installed base of approximately 50,000 commercial and 30,000 military aircraft engines, supported by roughly 57,000 employees. Successfully fielding a commercial engine with Airbus would solidify GE’s dominance across both civil and defense rotorcraft sectors, while simultaneously addressing the urgent industry mandate for decarbonization.
The collaboration aims to develop a clean-sheet, next-generation helicopter Propulsion system focused on significantly reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while maintaining high performance and reliability.
FLIGHT DECK is GE Aerospace’s proprietary lean operating system. It focuses on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) to eliminate waste in the engineering process and accelerate the development timeline of new technologies.
Airbus Helicopters has traditionally relied on Safran and Pratt & Whitney Canada for its engines, making it the only major civil manufacturer not utilizing GE engines. This partnership diversifies Airbus’s supply chain and allows GE Aerospace to significantly expand its footprint in the commercial Helicopters market.
Sources: GE Aerospace Press Release
Advancing to Detailed Design Concepts
The Strategic Shift in Rotorcraft Propulsion
Diversifying the Supply Chain
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary goal of the GE Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters partnership?
What is the FLIGHT DECK model mentioned by GE Aerospace?
Why is this partnership historically significant for the industry?
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
MRO & Manufacturing
Bristow Receives First Airbus H160 Helicopters for Nigerian Offshore Transport
Bristow Group takes delivery of two Airbus H160 helicopters leased from Milestone Aviation to support offshore energy transport in Nigeria.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
On March 10, 2026, Bristow Group Inc. officially took delivery of its first two Airbus H160 medium-twin helicopters. According to an official press release from Airbus, these next-generation aircraft are leased through Milestone Aviation Group and are currently undergoing final preparations in Nigeria before entering active service.
The delivery marks a significant milestone for offshore energy transportation in West Africa. The two helicopters are part of a larger five-aircraft lease agreement designed to support mission-critical flights for the region’s oil and gas sector. Airbus confirmed that the remaining three aircraft are scheduled for delivery in the coming months.
We note that the introduction of the H160 to the African continent represents a major step in the ongoing modernization of offshore aviation support. By integrating these advanced rotorcraft, operators are aiming to bring enhanced efficiency, reduced emissions, and improved safety to demanding maritime environments.
The deployment of the H160 in Nigeria builds upon Bristow’s extensive historical footprint in the region. Bristow Helicopters (Nigeria) Limited has been operating since 1960, providing essential aviation services to major integrated offshore energy companies. Introducing a clean-sheet aircraft design to this specific market reinforces the company’s operational capabilities in West Africa.
Company leadership emphasized the strategic advantages of the new fleet. In the official release, Bristow highlighted the aircraft’s specific suitability for the region’s logistical demands.
“The introduction of the H160 into Nigeria represents a meaningful step forward for our offshore operations in West Africa. This aircraft brings a combination of advanced technology, operational flexibility, and improved fuel efficiency,” stated Stu Stavely, Chief Operating Officer of Offshore Energy Services at Bristow Group.
The foundation for this delivery was laid in November 2025, when the lease agreement was originally announced during the Dubai Airshow. According to the provided source material, Milestone Aviation Group is the first lessor to introduce the H160 aircraft type into Bristow’s global fleet.
Milestone Aviation Group, a prominent global helicopter leasing company, focuses heavily on investing in new-technology medium and super-medium helicopters tailored for mission-critical sectors. “Milestone is pleased to support Bristow with the lease of five new H160s… Our continued investment in next generation medium and supermedium helicopters ensures our customers have access to the most efficient and capable aircraft,” said Pat Sheedy, Chief Executive Officer of Milestone Aviation Group.
The Airbus H160 is a medium-class twin-engine helicopter explicitly tailored for offshore energy missions, search and rescue (SAR), and emergency medical services (EMS). According to Airbus specifications, the aircraft is configured to carry one or two pilots alongside up to 12 passengers, which serves as the optimal layout for offshore crew changes.
Powered by two Safran Arrano 1A turboshaft engines, each generating 1,280 shaft horsepower, the H160 offers a recommended cruise speed of 138 knots (255 km/h) and a maximum range of 480 nautical miles (890 km). Furthermore, Airbus reports that the fully composite airframe and advanced engine technology deliver an 18% reduction in fuel burn compared to previous-generation helicopters in its class.
“This delivery underscores our commitment to supporting the energy sector with a helicopter that sets new standards in safety, comfort, and competitiveness with its 18% reduction in fuel burn,” remarked Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
Operational safety in offshore environments relies heavily on advanced avionics. The H160 is equipped with the Helionix avionics suite, which features a four-axis autopilot and automated systems designed specifically to reduce pilot workload during demanding offshore approaches.
Additionally, the aircraft utilizes a canted Fenestron tail rotor and a biplane tailplane stabilizer. Airbus notes that these design choices significantly reduce the helicopter’s external acoustic footprint while improving overall handling. Its compact rotor diameter of 13.4 meters also allows it to operate efficiently from smaller offshore helidecks.
The offshore helicopter transport industry is currently navigating a critical fleet renewal phase. For years, the medium-class offshore market relied heavily on legacy platforms. Following Sikorsky’s decision to end production of the widely utilized S-76, operators have been actively seeking modern replacements. We observe that the Airbus H160, alongside competitors like the Leonardo AW139, is strategically positioned to fill this operational void.
The global rollout of the H160 is accelerating. Having received EASA certification in 2020 and FAA validation in 2023, the aircraft is now transitioning from the testing and certification phases into active, heavy-duty commercial-aircraft service. Beyond its introduction in Africa, the H160 is being integrated into North American offshore operations and is securing substantial orders in emerging markets like China. Bristow’s adoption of the H160 in Nigeria serves as a strong indicator of the industry’s confidence in the platform’s maturity and reliability for mission-critical energy support.
What is the Airbus H160 primarily used for in Nigeria? How many H160 helicopters is Bristow leasing? What makes the H160 different from older helicopters?
Fleet Modernization and Strategic Deployment
Expanding Capabilities in West Africa
The Milestone Aviation Partnership
Technical Profile of the Airbus H160
Performance and Environmental Efficiency
Advanced Avionics and Safety Features
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Airbus H160 helicopters delivered to Bristow Group will be deployed to support mission-critical offshore transportation for the energy sector, specifically moving crews to and from oil and gas platforms.
Bristow has agreed to lease a total of five Airbus H160 helicopters from Milestone Aviation Group. The first two were delivered on March 10, 2026, with the remaining three scheduled for delivery in the coming months.
According to Airbus, the H160 features a fully composite airframe, advanced Helionix avionics, and Safran Arrano 1A engines that provide an 18% reduction in fuel burn compared to previous-generation helicopters in its class. It also features a canted Fenestron tail rotor for reduced noise and improved handling.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
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