MRO & Manufacturing
Rolls-Royce Adds AviLease to LessorCare Plus Program in 2025
Rolls-Royce signs AviLease as second LessorCare+ customer, enhancing aircraft leasing with data-driven asset management and premium support.
The aviation industry continues to witness a significant shift toward data-driven asset management, a trend underscored by recent developments at the Dubai Airshow. On November 18, 2025, Rolls-Royce officially announced that AviLease has signed on as the second customer for its newly launched LessorCare+ service. This agreement marks a pivotal moment for the engine manufacturer’s services strategy, following the program’s initial debut with launch customer Avolon just one month prior in October 2025.
This collaboration highlights the growing importance of premium support frameworks in the aircraft leasing sector. AviLease, a rapidly expanding aircraft lessor backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), is integrating this service to enhance its operational capabilities. By adopting LessorCare+, AviLease aims to leverage deeper data insights and optimized asset management tools, signaling a move toward more sophisticated fleet management strategies within the competitive leasing market.
For Rolls-Royce, securing a second major customer so soon after the product’s launch validates the market demand for enhanced service tiers. The agreement strengthens the manufacturer’s position not just as a hardware provider, but as a critical partner in the lifecycle management of aviation assets. As lessors now control a substantial portion of the global commercial fleet, these service agreements represent a strategic evolution in how original equipment OEMs interact with asset owners.
LessorCare+ represents a premium evolution of the original LessorCare framework, which Rolls-Royce introduced in 2018. While the foundational program streamlined business interactions by offering a single agreement structure for all engine types, the new “Plus” iteration introduces a subscription-based model designed to offer tangible operational advantages. We observe that this shift from a complimentary service to a paid subscription model indicates a maturing market where data and speed are viewed as premium commodities worth investing in.
The core value proposition of LessorCare+ lies in its enhanced data and insights capabilities. Subscribers are granted access to detailed analytics regarding their asset holdings. This includes critical information such as shop visit forecasts, hours and cycles flown, and the status of cash reserves. For a lessor, having immediate access to this level of granularity allows for more accurate financial planning and risk assessment, particularly when managing the transition of aircraft between different operators.
Beyond data, the service focuses on operational efficiency through expedited support. The program offers faster response times for technical queries, which can be crucial in minimizing downtime and ensuring asset liquidity. By helping lessors predict end-of-lease return conditions and potential liabilities with greater accuracy, Rolls-Royce is effectively offering a tool for commercial risk reduction. This capability is essential for maintaining asset value over the long term.
“It’s testament to the quality of our offering and the strength of our partnerships that we are seeing AviLease come on board with LessorCare+ at Dubai. There’s clearly demand among lessors for even greater insights into their asset holdings and we’re in the best position to offer that through LessorCare+.”, Rob Watson, President of Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce.
The selection of AviLease as the second customer for this program is not coincidental but rather a continuation of a deepening relationship between the two entities. Headquartered in Riyadh and founded in June 2022, AviLease has aggressive growth targets aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. The company’s mission to become a top-10 global aircraft lessor requires not only a robust fleet but also best-in-class management infrastructure.
This agreement builds upon a significant commercial milestone achieved earlier in the year. In June 2025, AviLease placed an order for 20 Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines to power a fleet of 10 Airbus A350F freighters. That order was historically significant as it marked the first Rolls-Royce-powered freighters to operate in Saudi Arabia. The subsequent adoption of LessorCare+ in November ensures that these high-value assets will be supported by the OEM’s most advanced service tier, safeguarding the lessor’s investment. For a relatively new entrant like AviLease, utilizing OEM-direct data services provides a competitive edge against established global players. It demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high asset quality and operational maturity. By integrating into the Rolls-Royce ecosystem, AviLease secures the technical backing necessary to manage complex propulsion systems efficiently, which is vital for their expanding portfolio of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.
The rapid adoption of LessorCare+ by major entities like Avolon and AviLease suggests a broader industry trend where data monetization is becoming a standard component of OEM-lessor relationships. With lessors owning approximately 50% of the world’s commercial aircraft fleet, their requirements for data transparency and technical support have evolved. The traditional “power-by-the-hour” maintenance models are now being supplemented by data-as-a-service offerings that address the specific financial and logistical needs of asset owners.
Looking ahead, we anticipate that more lessors will evaluate the cost-benefit ratio of such subscription services. As aircraft transitions become more complex and the demand for technical records accuracy increases, the ability to access OEM data directly may become a standard requirement for top-tier lessors. This agreement at the Dubai Airshow serves as a strong indicator that the industry is moving toward a more integrated, transparent, and digital future for asset management.
What is the difference between LessorCare and LessorCare+? Who are the current customers for LessorCare+? What is the relationship between Rolls-Royce and AviLease?
Rolls-Royce Expands LessorCare+ Program with AviLease Agreement
Understanding the LessorCare+ Proposition
Strategic Alignment with AviLease
Implications for the Leasing Sector
FAQ
The original LessorCare, launched in 2018, provided a simplified, single-agreement framework for lessors. LessorCare+ is a premium, paid subscription service introduced in 2025 that adds enhanced features such as detailed data insights, shop visit forecasts, and expedited technical support.
As of November 2025, the program has two announced customers. Avolon was the launch customer in October 2025, followed by AviLease, which signed the agreement in November 2025 at the Dubai Airshow.
The relationship has strengthened throughout 2025. Prior to signing the LessorCare+ agreement in November, AviLease placed an order in June 2025 for 20 Trent XWB-97 engines to power its new fleet of Airbus A350F freighters.
Sources
Photo Credit: Rolls-Royce
MRO & Manufacturing
Tata and Airbus Open India’s First Private H125 Helicopter Assembly Line
Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus inaugurate India’s first private-sector H125 helicopter final assembly line in Karnataka with deliveries starting in 2027.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus Helicopters have officially inaugurated India’s first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the Airbus H125. Located in Vemagal, Karnataka, the facility represents a significant expansion of the aerospace manufacturing ecosystem in India, following the partners’ previous collaboration on the C295 military transport aircraft.
The inauguration ceremony, held on February 17, 2026, was conducted virtually by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. The event underscores the deepening strategic partnership between New Delhi and Paris, particularly in the defense and aerospace sectors. On the ground in Vemagal, the ceremony was attended by senior officials including Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, and Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even.
According to the official announcement, this facility will produce the H125 helicopter for both civil and military markets in India and the wider South Asian region. The first “Made in India” H125 is scheduled for delivery in early 2027, marking a shift from direct imports to localized manufacturing for this widely used rotary-wing platform.
The new Final Assembly Line is situated in the Kolar district of Karnataka, approximately two hours from Bengaluru. Reports indicate that the program investment is expected to exceed ₹1,000 crore. The facility is designed to handle the complete assembly, testing, and qualification of the helicopters before delivery.
Initial production capacity is set at 10 helicopters per year. However, TASL and Airbus have stated that the plant is scalable and can ramp up to 50 units per year depending on market demand. This scalability is crucial as Airbus projects a demand for approximately 500 H125-class helicopters in India and South Asia over the next two decades.
A key component of this project is the “Make in India” initiative. While the H125 is a French-designed platform, the manufacturing process in India will involve significant local content. Notably, Mahindra Aerostructures has been awarded a contract to manufacture the fuselage, the airframe skeleton, in Bengaluru. This ensures that critical structural components are produced locally rather than merely assembled from imported kits.
“This facility reflects the growing depth of India’s industrial capabilities… marking the first time the Indian private sector will undertake the manufacturing of a sophisticated rotary-wing platform.”
, N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons
The Airbus H125 (formerly the AS350 B3e) is a single-engine light utility helicopter renowned for its high-altitude performance. It holds the world record for the highest-altitude landing and takeoff, having successfully landed on the summit of Mount Everest at 8,848 meters. This capability makes it particularly relevant for operations in India’s Himalayan borders.
The Vemagal facility will produce two primary variants:
Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even highlighted the strategic importance of the military version, noting that the facility will ensure Indian armed forces remain “mission-ready” with localized support and maintenance.
The inauguration of the H125 FAL introduces a new dynamic to the Indian helicopter market, which has historically been dominated by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). By entering the private sector, the Tata-Airbus partnership aims to introduce greater efficiency and competition.
The H125 will likely compete with and complement HAL’s indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). While the HAL LUH is a homegrown platform designed specifically for the Siachen Glacier’s requirements (6,500m+), the H125 brings a proven global track record with over 40 million flight hours. The H125 offers a higher maximum speed (~252 km/h) compared to the LUH (~235 km/h), though the indigenous platform may offer advantages in payload capacity and lifecycle costs due to its domestic IP.
Furthermore, the facility is positioned as an export hub. The H125’s suitability for mountainous terrain makes it an attractive option for neighboring nations such as Nepal and Bhutan, potentially expanding India’s footprint as a defense exporter in South Asia.
When will the first helicopter be delivered? Is this the first Tata-Airbus manufacturing facility in India? What is the production capacity of the new plant?
Production Capabilities and Investment
Indigenization and Supply Chain
The H125 Platform: Civil and Military Utility
AirPro News Analysis: Market Competition and Strategic Fit
Frequently Asked Questions
The first “Made in India” H125 is scheduled for delivery in early 2027.
No. This is the second Final Assembly Line established by the partnership. The first was the C295 military transport aircraft facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The plant will start with a capacity of 10 helicopters per year, scalable to 50 units per year.Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
MRO & Manufacturing
Deutsche Aircraft and Kepner-Tregoe Partner to Enhance D328eco Readiness
Deutsche Aircraft teams with Kepner-Tregoe to improve leadership and decision-making as it advances the D328eco turboprop program and industrialization in Leipzig.
This article is based on an official press release from Deutsche Aircraft.
Deutsche Aircraft has announced a strategic partnerships with management consulting firm Kepner-Tregoe (KT) to enhance leadership capabilities and organizational performance. The collaboration, made public on February 10, 2026, aims to strengthen critical thinking and decision-making frameworks within the German manufacturers as it advances the D328eco program toward industrialization and certification.
As the company prepares for global market entry, the partnership focuses on embedding structured problem-solving methodologies across its executive and management teams. According to Deutsche Aircraft, this initiative is designed to support the operational scale-up required to bring its next-generation regional turboprop to market efficiently.
Under the new agreement, Kepner-Tregoe will deliver specialized training programs tailored to Deutsche Aircraft’s leadership. These programs are intended to improve risk awareness, refine structured decision-making, and build sustainable problem-solving capabilities throughout the organization. The manufacturer views these “soft” capabilities as critical infrastructure for navigating the complex transition from development to mass production.
Nico Neumann, Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Aircraft, emphasized the importance of organizational discipline during this phase.
“As we advance the D328eco and expand our industrial footprint, building a resilient and capable organization is a central part of our strategy. Kepner-Tregoe brings a proven methodology that complements our focus on disciplined thinking, clarity, and high quality execution.”
Drew Marshall, CEO of Kepner-Tregoe, noted that the collaboration is specifically designed to help the manufacturer sustain high performance while introducing new innovation to the aviation sector.
The partnership announcement follows a series of industrial achievements for the D328eco program. Deutsche Aircraft recently rolled out its first TAC1 prototype, a key step in the aircraft’s development timeline. Additionally, the company reports continued progress on its carbon-neutral Final Assembly Line in Leipzig, which will serve as the production hub for the new turboprop.
By integrating Kepner-Tregoe’s methodologies, Deutsche Aircraft aims to ensure its workforce can effectively manage the technical and logistical challenges associated with these milestones. The focus remains on certification readiness and establishing a robust foundation for entry into service. The decision to bring in a firm like Kepner-Tregoe, known for its rational process technologies in troubleshooting and decision analysis, signals that Deutsche Aircraft is prioritizing process maturity alongside technical engineering. In the current aerospace climate, where certification delays often stem from supply chain complexity and project management oversights, investing in structured decision-making protocols can be a risk-mitigation strategy.
For a program like the D328eco, moving from the prototype phase (TAC1) to serial production involves thousands of micro-decisions that affect quality and timeline. Standardizing how those decisions are made could help the manufacturer avoid the “fire-fighting” mode that often plagues new aircraft programs during industrial ramp-up.
What is the D328eco? Who is Kepner-Tregoe? Where will the D328eco be built?
Deutsche Aircraft Partners with Kepner-Tregoe to Boost Operational Readiness for D328eco
Strengthening Organizational Resilience
Program Milestones and Industrial Progress
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The D328eco is a next-generation regional turboprop being developed by Deutsche Aircraft. It is based on the legacy Dornier 328 platform but features modern avionics, sustainable technologies, and a lengthened fuselage.
Kepner-Tregoe is a global management consulting firm specializing in critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making methodologies. They often work with manufacturing and engineering companies to improve operational efficiency.
The aircraft will be manufactured at a new, carbon-neutral Final Assembly Line in Leipzig, Germany.
Sources
Photo Credit: Deutsche Aircraft
MRO & Manufacturing
Diehl Aviation Expands Logistics Hub in Hungary for Aircraft Production
Diehl Aviation opens a new 3,000 sqm logistics facility in Nyírbátor, Hungary, to support increased production for Airbus and Boeing aircraft programs.
This article is based on an official press release from Diehl Aviation.
Diehl Aviation has officially commissioned a new logistics facility in Nyírbátor, Hungary, marking a significant expansion of its operational footprint in Eastern Europe. The new warehouse, which entered full operation on February 16, 2026, is designed to support the aggressive production targets set by major aircraft manufacturers, particularly for single-aisle cabin interiors.
The expansion underscores the critical role Hungary plays in the European aerospace supply chain. By increasing storage capacity near its existing manufacturing plant, Diehl aims to insulate its operations from supply chain volatility while meeting the rising demand for the Airbus A320neo family and Boeing 737 MAX programs.
According to the company’s announcement, the new leased facility adds approximately 3,000 square meters of floor space to Diehl’s local infrastructure. The warehouse is equipped to store up to 5,700 pallets, significantly increasing the buffer stock of raw materials and finished components.
The site is strategically located in close proximity to Diehl’s main production plant in Nyírbátor, which has been operational since 2011. This “dual-site” integration allows for the seamless transfer of materials used in the Manufacturing of aircraft lavatories, cabin linings, and air ducting systems.
In a statement regarding the opening, Jochen Klink, Chief Operating Officer at Diehl Aviation, emphasized the necessity of this investment:
“The new warehouse in Nyírbátor strengthens our logistics backbone, supports the ramp-up of major programs, and ensures a stable supply to our customers.”
The expansion in Nyírbátor is a direct response to the “production hunger” of global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). As the aviation industry recovers fully from post-pandemic disruptions, manufacturers are pushing for higher monthly output rates.
Industry data indicates that Airbus is targeting a production rate of 75 aircraft per month for its A320neo family by 2027. Similarly, Boeing is stabilizing its 737 MAX production, with targets reaching approximately 47 jets per month in 2026. Diehl Aviation is a key supplier for these programs, providing the “Airspace” cabin interiors, larger overhead bins, and touchless lavatory solutions that are increasingly standard on new Deliveries. The new warehouse will specifically facilitate the staging of these high-volume components, including the “Space-Flex” lavatory modules designed to maximize cabin seat counts.
While Hungary’s automotive and battery manufacturing sectors faced headwinds in 2024 and 2025 due to fluctuating electric vehicle demand, the aerospace sector has demonstrated counter-cyclical resilience. Diehl’s continued Investments highlights a broader trend of “intensive growth” in the region, shifting from simple assembly to complex logistics and engineering.
Diehl’s footprint in Hungary now includes the production site in Nyírbátor and an Engineering and Service Center in Debrecen, employing a combined workforce of approximately 1,300 people. This places Diehl alongside other major players expanding in the region, such as Airbus Helicopters in Gyula and Lufthansa Technik in Miskolc, cementing Hungary’s status as a high-tech aerospace cluster in Eastern Europe.
The new warehouse in Nyírbátor officially entered operation on February 16, 2026.
The facility covers approximately 3,000 square meters and has the capacity to store up to 5,700 pallets.
The Nyírbátor plant primarily produces cabin interiors, including lavatories (toilets), side linings, and air ducting systems for large commercial aircraft.
Diehl Aviation Opens New Logistics Hub in Hungary to Support Global Production Ramp-Up
Facility Specifications and Strategic Purpose
Meeting Global OEMs Demand
AirPro News Analysis: Hungary’s Aerospace Resilience
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the new facility become operational?
What is the capacity of the new warehouse?
What products does Diehl Aviation manufacture in Hungary?
Sources
Photo Credit: Diehl Aviation
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