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
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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