MRO & Manufacturing
NASA Launches 2026 Competition to Advance Aviation Maintenance
NASA invites US student teams to develop innovative aviation maintenance solutions for 2035 in the 2026 Gateways to Blue Skies contest.
NASA Challenges Students to Modernize Aviation Maintenance
We are witnessing a pivotal moment in the aviation industry where the focus is shifting from merely designing new aircraft to sustaining the fleets currently in our skies. NASA has officially launched the 2026 Gateways to Blue Skies competition, inviting collegiate teams across the United States to address one of the sector’s most critical, yet often overlooked, challenges: Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO). Titled “RepAir: Advancing Aircraft Maintenance,” this year’s competition seeks to revolutionize how the industry approaches the upkeep of increasingly complex commercial fleets.
The initiative, sponsored by NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) and managed by the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA), calls upon undergraduate and graduate students to conceptualize innovative systems and practices. The objective is clear: develop solutions that can be deployed by 2035 to enhance the safety, efficiency, and resilience of aviation maintenance. As aircraft technology advances, the methods used to maintain airworthiness must evolve in tandem, moving away from reactive repairs toward predictive and automated solutions.
We recognize that this competition is not just an academic exercise but a strategic response to converging crises within the aerospace sector. From workforce shortages to supply chain disruptions, the pressure on maintenance crews is mounting. By engaging the next generation of engineers, business leaders, and policymakers, NASA aims to inject fresh perspectives into an industry that serves as the backbone of global connectivity.
The “RepAir” Mandate: Solving the MRO Crisis
The theme for the 2026 cycle, “RepAir,” addresses a sector that is projected to grow significantly, with the global MRO market expected to surpass $100 billion by 2030. However, this growth comes with substantial hurdles. Post-pandemic supply chain disruptions have drastically extended lead times for critical parts, in some cases beyond a year. Consequently, airlines are forced to fly older aircraft for longer periods, increasing the burden on maintenance teams to ensure these aging airframes remain safe and operational.
Participating teams are tasked with identifying a specific maintenance problem and proposing a system-level solution. These concepts must address at least one of three core pillars: resilience, safety, or efficiency. Resilience involves the ability to recover quickly from disruptions, such as supply chain shocks. Safety focuses on reducing human error and ensuring continuous airworthiness. Efficiency aims to lower costs and reduce turnaround times, which is vital for keeping commercial schedules on track.
Potential avenues for innovation are vast. We anticipate proposals involving predictive maintenance, where AI (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are utilized to forecast part failures before they occur. Other solutions might include advanced monitoring using sensors or drones for automated fuselage inspections, or the creation of “Digital Twins”, virtual replicas of aircraft that allow engineers to simulate repairs before touching the physical hardware. Furthermore, automated compliance systems could be designed to streamline the heavy regulatory paperwork that currently slows down the repair process.
“The aviation maintenance industry is at the heart of what keeps us all flying. Having our future workforce looking into new technologies, creating, and innovating with a focus on this area of our industry will have lasting impacts on the future of aviation.”, Steven Holz, NASA University Innovation Assistant Project Manager & Competition Lead.
Workforce and Strategic Implications
Beyond the technical challenges, the competition highlights a severe human capital issue. The aviation industry is facing a looming workforce crisis, with projections indicating a potential shortfall of up to 20% in maintenance technicians by 2028. As experienced technicians retire, there is an urgent need to attract new talent and equip them with modern tools that can bridge the skills gap. The “RepAir” theme is designed to expose students to these career paths, showing that maintenance is a high-tech field ripe for innovation.
NASA encourages interdisciplinary teams of two to six students to participate. We see this as a crucial element, as solving MRO challenges requires more than just mechanical engineering; it demands insights from computer science for digital systems, business for cost-benefit analysis, and policy studies for regulatory compliance. This holistic approach ensures that the proposed solutions are not only technically feasible but also economically viable and regulatory compliant.
The competition builds on a history of forward-looking challenges. Previous cycles have addressed aviation solutions for agriculture (AgAir), natural disaster response, and clean energy. By shifting the focus to maintenance, NASA is acknowledging that the sustainability of the aviation ecosystem relies as much on how we fix planes as it does on how we build them. The solutions generated in this forum could very well influence the standard operating procedures of the 2030s.
Timeline and Opportunities for Students
The timeline for the 2026 Gateways to Blue Skies competition is structured to guide students through a rigorous development process. While a Notice of Intent (NOI) is encouraged by November 4, 2025, the critical deadline for submissions is February 16, 2026. By this date, teams must submit a 5-7 page proposal and a 2-minute video detailing their concept. This format mirrors real-world industry bidding processes, providing students with valuable professional experience.
Up to eight finalist teams will be selected in March 2026 to present their concepts at the Blue Skies Forum, scheduled for May 2026 at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. To facilitate their participation, each finalist team will receive a $9,000 stipend. This financial support underscores NASA’s commitment to removing barriers to entry and ensuring that talented students from diverse backgrounds can compete on a national stage.
The stakes are high, with the winning team members receiving offers for internships at one of NASA’s Aeronautics centers for the following academic year. This direct pipeline from university to NASA provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to launch their careers. We view this competition as a vital incubator for the next generation of aerospace leaders, ensuring that the workforce of tomorrow is ready to tackle the complexities of a modernizing global fleet.
FAQ
What is the theme of the 2026 competition?
The theme is “RepAir: Advancing Aircraft Maintenance.” It focuses on modernizing Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) to enhance safety, efficiency, and resilience.
Who is eligible to participate?
The competition is open to teams of 2 to 6 undergraduate or graduate students from accredited U.S. colleges and universities. Team members must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
What is the submission deadline?
Final proposals and videos must be submitted by February 16, 2026. A non-binding Notice of Intent is encouraged by November 4, 2025.
What are the prizes?
Up to 8 finalist teams receive a $9,000 stipend to attend the forum at NASA Langley. Members of the winning team are offered internships at NASA Aeronautics centers.
Sources: NASA
Photo Credit: NASA
MRO & Manufacturing
Colliers Partners with FSB to Expand Aviation and Mission-Critical Engineering
Colliers partners with FSB to establish a national aviation practice and expand capabilities in federal and mission-critical sectors, closing in Q2 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from Colliers.
Leading diversified professional services and investment management company Colliers has announced that the U.S. division of its Engineering segment has entered into a definitive agreement to partner with Frankfurt-Short-Bruza Associates P.C. (FSB). The transaction, which was officially announced on May 12, 2026, is expected to close in the second quarter of the year.
The strategic partnership is designed to establish a national aviation practice for Colliers Engineering & Design while significantly expanding the firm’s capabilities across the federal, mission-critical, and Native American sectors. Under the unique partnership model utilized by Colliers, senior leadership at FSB will become significant shareholders in Colliers Engineering, ensuring continuity and shared long-term goals.
While the specific financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed in the company’s press release, Black Iron Advisers, LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor to FSB during the process.
Expanding Aviation and Federal Capabilities
Founded in 1945 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, FSB is a multidisciplinary engineering and design firm. According to the official release, the company employs over 140 professionals across five offices, offering mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering, alongside structural engineering and architectural services.
FSB has cultivated a national reputation as a premier leader in aviation facility design. The firm brings a robust portfolio to Colliers, boasting over $4.7 billion in federal and commercial aircraft hangar projects.
Overcoming High Barriers to Entry
The aviation facility design market is notoriously difficult to penetrate. Industry research highlights that designing hangars, maintenance facilities, and cargo buildings requires highly specialized engineering. These projects demand clear-span structural systems, specialized fire suppression technologies such as high-expansion foam, complex floor markings for aircraft safety, and strict adherence to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and military regulations.
By partnering with FSB, Colliers effectively bypasses the years of relationship-building and specialized portfolio development typically required to win lucrative federal and commercial aviation contracts.
“FSB has built an exceptional reputation delivering complex aviation, federal, and mission‑critical projects. Their design‑led culture, deep engineering expertise, and established client relationships are a perfect fit for our organization.”
Capitalizing on the Mission-Critical and Data Center Boom
Beyond aviation, the transaction provides Colliers Engineering with a significant opportunity to capitalize on the historic demand for data center projects. The press release explicitly notes FSB’s focus on mission-critical markets as a key driver for the partnership.
Market data provided by industry research reports underscores the scale of this opportunity. Driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure expansion, the U.S. data center construction market was valued at $48.18 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $112 billion by 2030. Furthermore, U.S. data center power capacity is expected to triple, jumping from roughly 30 GW in 2025 to 90 GW by 2030.
Addressing Execution Capacity
A major bottleneck in the 2026 data center construction market is not a lack of capital, but rather “execution capacity,” specifically, the availability of highly specialized MEP engineering and construction labor. Acquiring an established firm like FSB provides Colliers with the immediate, specialized workforce required to execute these complex, power-intensive structural and electrical engineering overhauls.
“Joining Colliers Engineering represents an exciting new chapter for our people and our clients. Colliers Engineering’s commitment to technical excellence, partnership culture, and client service aligns seamlessly with how we’ve built our business.”
AirPro News analysis
We view this partnership as a textbook execution of “The Colliers Way,” a long-term growth strategy that blends internal expansion with aggressive, strategic acquisitions. In recent years, Colliers has scaled its engineering foundation massively by acquiring regional, specialized leaders such as Bolton Perez & Associates in 2021, MG2 Corporation in 2024, and Terra Consulting Group in 2025.
Retaining FSB’s executive talent through equity partnerships is a critical component of this strategy. FSB President and CEO Gene O. Brown brings over two decades of experience managing government projects, including facilities for emerging aircraft like the B-21, VC-25B, and F-35. This specialized leadership gives Colliers immediate credibility and access to highly regulated federal and military infrastructure projects, perfectly timing their entry into the AI-driven infrastructure boom.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Colliers and FSB partnership expected to close?
According to the official press release, the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026.
What sectors will Colliers Engineering expand into with this partnership?
The partnership will allow Colliers Engineering to establish a national aviation practice and significantly expand its capabilities in the federal, mission-critical (data center), and Native American sectors.
What is the financial value of the transaction?
The specific financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. However, FSB’s senior leadership team will become significant shareholders in Colliers Engineering as part of the agreement.
Sources
Photo Credit: Colliers
MRO & Manufacturing
Caracol AM and Formes et Volumes Develop Large-Scale Aerospace Composite Tool
Caracol AM and Formes et Volumes use robotic LFAM and hybrid manufacturing to produce a large aerospace composite tool, reducing lead time and costs.
This article is based on an official press release from Caracol AM.
Italian Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) specialist Caracol AM has announced a strategic partnerships with French prototyping and mold manufacturer Formes et Volumes. According to the official company release, the collaboration successfully designed and manufactured a large-scale composite lamination tool specifically tailored for the aerospace sector. By leveraging advanced robotic 3D printing, the project aims to address the notoriously slow and complex tooling processes that have long challenged aerospace manufacturers.
The aerospace industry traditionally relies on multi-part assemblies and extensive CNC machining for composite lamination tooling. These conventional methods often result in long lead times, high production costs, and compounded tolerance risks. In response, Caracol AM and Formes et Volumes utilized Caracol’s proprietary Heron AM robotic platform to combine LFAM, fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, and hybrid manufacturing into a single, streamlined workflow.
The resulting monolithic tool demonstrates the viability of using large-format 3D printing for end-use deployment in highly regulated industries. By printing the tool as a single piece, the companies report that they have completely eliminated assembly joints, thereby removing assembly-driven failure modes and improving the long-term structural integrity of the mold.
The Shift to Hybrid Manufacturing in Aerospace
Combining Additive and Subtractive Processes
Rather than positioning LFAM merely as a shortcut for rapid prototyping, Caracol AM and Formes et Volumes implemented a comprehensive “hybrid workflow” to achieve strict aerospace-grade standards. According to the project details, the manufacturing process was broken down into three critical phases.
First, the Heron AM system, equipped with a High-Flow (HF) Extruder, printed the near-net-shape geometry directly from a digital model. This phase utilized precise robotic control and high deposition rates to form the core structure. Second, subtractive manufacturing via CNC milling was applied to the printed part. This step was essential to deliver the final dimensional accuracy, tight tolerances, and smooth surface quality required for aerospace molds. Finally, the tool underwent autoclave post-processing. Autoclave curing ensures the tool possesses the necessary thermal performance and stability to withstand the rigorous conditions of aerospace composite lamination.
Technical Specifications and Efficiency Gains
By the Numbers
The technical specifications released by Caracol AM highlight the scale and speed of the Heron AM platform. The composite lamination tool measures 2200 × 2200 × 600 mm and weighs 180 kg. Utilizing a Polycarbonate (PC) material reinforced with 20% Carbon Fiber and extruded through an 18 mm nozzle, the entire printing phase was completed in just 19 hours.
Moving from conventional tooling to this robotic LFAM approach delivered quantifiable efficiency gains across the production chain. The companies reported significant reductions in almost every major manufacturing metric.
According to the project data provided by Caracol AM, the hybrid LFAM workflow resulted in a 50% reduction in lead time, a 50% reduction in material waste, a 50% reduction in part weight, and a 30% reduction in overall production costs compared to traditional methods.
Furthermore, the digital design phase allowed engineers at Formes et Volumes to optimize internal geometries and mass distribution, bypassing the constraints typically imposed by traditional manufacturing limits.
Industry Implications and Supply Chain Resilience
AirPro News analysis
At AirPro News, we view this collaboration as a strong proof point that aerospace composite tooling is transitioning from a localized “test case” to an active industry standard. The successful deployment of the Heron AM platform for end-use aerospace tooling underscores a broader shift toward supply chain resilience. As hybrid manufacturing workflows mature, they enable more agile, on-demand production models. This allows aerospace manufacturers to produce critical tooling closer to the point of need, significantly reducing reliance on long, vulnerable legacy supply chains.
The financial momentum behind these technologies also cannot be ignored. In September 2025, Caracol AM raised a $40 million Series B funding round to accelerate its global expansion. This influx of capital suggests strong market confidence in LFAM solutions for heavy industries like aerospace, automotive, and marine manufacturing.
Additionally, the sustainability aspect of this project aligns with broader industrial goals. The reported 50% reduction in material waste is a critical step toward lowering the carbon footprint of heavy manufacturing. Formes et Volumes, based in Aytré, France, has historically been proactive in seeking environmentally friendly tooling solutions, including previous initiatives to recycle polystyrene from single-use boat molds. The integration of LFAM appears to be a natural progression of these sustainability efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is LFAM?
LFAM stands for Large Format Additive Manufacturing. It is an industrial 3D printing process that uses robotic arms or large gantry systems to extrude polymers, metals, or composites to create large-scale parts and tooling.
What materials were used for the aerospace tool?
According to Caracol AM, the tool was printed using Polycarbonate (PC) reinforced with 20% Carbon Fiber, chosen for its thermal stability and strength.
Why is a monolithic structure important for aerospace tooling?
A monolithic (single-piece) structure eliminates the need for assembly joints. In aerospace tooling, joints can be points of weakness or failure. Removing them improves the long-term structural integrity and reliability of the mold.
Photo Credit: Caracol AM
MRO & Manufacturing
H.I.G. Capital Acquires International Aerospace Coatings to Expand Aviation Services
H.I.G. Capital acquires International Aerospace Coatings to address global aircraft painting capacity shortfalls and expand infrastructure in US and Europe.
H.I.G. Capital Acquires International Aerospace Coatings to Expand Global Aviation Services
On May 15, 2026, global alternative investment firm H.I.G. Capital announced the successful acquisition of International Aerospace Coatings (IAC), a premier provider of aircraft painting, engineering, and advanced asset management solutions. The transaction includes IAC’s specialized engineering division, Eirtech Aviation Services (EAS).
This acquisitions marks a significant ownership transition for the aviation services company, which was previously acquired by Tiger Infrastructure Partners in December 2022. According to the official press release, the move is designed to scale IAC’s operations and address a growing global shortfall in dedicated aircraft painting capacity.
By leveraging H.I.G. Capital’s extensive financial resources, IAC intends to expand its geographic footprint, invest heavily in additional hangar infrastructure, and pursue selective add-on acquisitions to meet the escalating demands of the aviation industry.
Strategic Expansion and Industry Demand
Addressing the Capacity Shortfall
The commercial aviation and aerospace sectors are currently navigating a notable bottleneck in global paint and finishing capacity. As airlines, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and aircraft lessors increasingly prioritize rapid turnaround times and consistent quality, dedicated service providers are seeing unprecedented demand. H.I.G. Capital, which manages $75 billion in capital as of May 2026, plans to utilize its institutional backing to help IAC capture a larger share of this expanding market.
In the company’s press release, H.I.G. Capital leadership emphasized the strategic value of IAC’s established market position and operational reliability.
“IAC has built an outstanding reputation for quality, reliability, and customer service. We are pleased to partner with IAC and believe the Company is well positioned to continue gaining share…”
— Doug Berman, Co-President at H.I.G. Capital
Scaling Operations
To meet the industry’s rigorous demands, H.I.G. Capital’s investment strategy focuses on tangible infrastructure growth. The firm has outlined clear intentions to fund the construction of new facilities and explore strategic acquisitions that complement IAC’s existing service portfolio. This approach aims to alleviate the supply chain pressures currently facing major commercial airlines and VIP aircraft fleets.
IAC’s Growth and Recent Milestones
Building a Global Footprint
Dual-headquartered in Irvine, California, and Shannon, Ireland, IAC currently paints over 1,000 aircraft annually. The company operates a comprehensive global portfolio of purpose-built hangars located at major airports across the United States and Europe. IAC was originally established in 2014 following the merger of three leading aviation service providers: Leading Edge Aviation Services, Associated Painters, and Eirtech Aviation.
In recent years, IAC has actively expanded its international presence. According to industry reports, the company opened a new facility in Teruel, Spain, in 2024 under a 40-year concession. Furthermore, IAC recently expanded its network capacity by securing a long-term lease for wide-body and narrow-body hangars at Safi Aviation Park in Malta.
A Strong Financial Foundation
Prior to the H.I.G. Capital acquisition, IAC achieved a major financial milestone in June 2025 by completing a highly successful $240 million strategic financing round. This capital raise included the company’s inaugural issuance of 4(a)2 private placement notes with an investment-grade rating, a first-of-its-kind achievement in the aviation painting industry. The funds were utilized to refinance existing credit facilities and initiate the construction of new purpose-built hangars.
IAC leadership expressed optimism about the new partnership and the operational growth it will unlock.
“We are thrilled to welcome H.I.G. as a partner, as we scale IAC to meet growing demand… With H.I.G.’s experience and resources, we plan to expand our geographic footprint [and] invest in additional hangar capacity.”
— Martin O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer of IAC
Transaction Details
While the specific financial terms of the May 2026 acquisition were not publicly disclosed in the announcement, the advisory teams facilitating the deal were confirmed. RBC Capital Markets, LLC and Ropes & Gray LLP served as the financial and legal advisors, respectively, for H.I.G. Capital. On the other side of the transaction, IAC was advised by Jefferies, LLC and the legal firm Latham & Watkins LLP.
AirPro News analysis
The acquisition of IAC by a $75 billion heavyweight like H.I.G. Capital underscores a broader, accelerating trend of private equity consolidation within the aviation Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector. As supply chain constraints and capacity shortages continue to pressure OEMs and commercial operators, specialized service providers with established, hard-to-replicate infrastructure, such as IAC’s purpose-built hangars, have become highly lucrative assets.
The rapid succession of IAC’s ownership, from Vance Street Capital to Tiger Infrastructure Partners in 2022, and now to H.I.G. Capital in 2026, highlights the intense institutional interest in aviation aftermarket services. With airlines desperate to maintain fleet aesthetics and protective coatings without suffering prolonged downtime, private equity firms clearly view aviation painting and asset management as a resilient, high-yield investment vertical.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What services does International Aerospace Coatings (IAC) provide?
IAC is a global aviation services provider specializing in exterior and interior aircraft painting, aircraft refurbishment, and graphics. Its engineering division, Eirtech Aviation Services (EAS), provides specialized engineering and advanced asset management solutions.
Who acquired IAC?
An affiliate of H.I.G. Capital, a multinational alternative investment firm with $75 billion of capital under management, officially acquired IAC on May 15, 2026.
Why is this acquisition significant for the aviation industry?
The aviation industry is currently facing a global shortfall in dedicated aircraft painting capacity. H.I.G. Capital’s acquisition will provide IAC with the financial resources to build new hangars and expand its geographic footprint, helping to alleviate supply chain bottlenecks for airlines and OEMs.
Sources
Photo Credit: H.I.G. Capital
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