MRO & Manufacturing
Diehl Aviation and Emirates Extend A380 Retrofit Partnership to 2030
Diehl Aviation expands cooperation with Emirates, establishing a Dubai facility to support Airbus A380 retrofits through 2030 with local production and certification.
We are witnessing a significant development in the aviation maintenance and overhaul sector as Diehl Aviation formally announces a major expansion of its collaboration with Emirates. This agreement is not merely a renewal of vows but a strategic deepening of ties designed to support the massive retrofit program for the Emirates Airbus A380 fleet. As the industry navigates supply chain complexities and high demand for travel, this partnership underscores the critical importance of maintaining and upgrading existing wide-body fleets.
The core of this announcement revolves around Diehl Aviation securing a contract to support the next phase of Emirates’ retrofit initiative. To facilitate this ambitious project, Diehl has established a dedicated operational footprint within the Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ). This move signals a shift from remote supply to localized, just-in-time production and support, a strategy that is becoming increasingly vital in modern aerospace logistics. The agreement officially extends the cooperation between the two aviation giants through the year 2030.
For industry observers, this development highlights the enduring value of the A380. While production of the superjumbo has ceased, its role as a flagship for Emirates remains undisputed. By committing to this retrofit program, which includes a new phase starting in August 2026, both companies are investing in the longevity of the world’s largest passenger airliner. We see this as a clear indication that the A380 will continue to define the passenger experience for years to come.
A central pillar of this agreement is the opening of Diehl Aviation’s new facility in the Dubai Airport Freezone. Spanning approximately 1,100 square meters (roughly 11,840 square feet), this site represents a tangible commitment to the customer proximity strategy. By locating production and logistics capabilities just minutes away from Emirates’ engineering base, Diehl is effectively removing the friction of long-distance shipping and global supply-chain bottlenecks that have plagued the industry in recent years.
The capabilities of this new site are substantial. It currently holds EASA Part 21G approval, which authorizes Diehl to manufacture and certify parts locally. The facility is equipped with dedicated production lines, rework workstations, and a comprehensive spare parts warehouse. This setup allows for the rapid turnaround of cabin components, ensuring that the retrofit schedule, which involves 110 Airbus A380s, can proceed without the delays often associated with importing oversized cabin monuments from Europe.
Furthermore, we observe that Diehl is not operating in isolation. The company has forged a strategic collaboration with STS Aviation Services, a local maintenance provider known for its robust service standards. This partnership allows Diehl to leverage local expertise and manpower, ensuring that the production capacity aligns perfectly with Emirates’ rigorous quality requirements. Looking ahead, there are plans to expand the site’s certifications to include EASA Part 145, which would add maintenance and repair capabilities to the existing production scope.
“Being awarded the next phase of the Emirates A380 retrofit is a strong vote of confidence and an important milestone for Diehl Aviation. With our dedicated team and our new setup in the Dubai Airport Freezone, we are ideally positioned to support Emirates locally.”
, Harald Mehring, Chief Customer Officer, Diehl Aviation
The scope of work entrusted to Diehl Aviation is both technical and aesthetic, focusing on high-value cabin interiors that define the passenger environment. A primary focus of the new Dubai facility will be the refurbishment and component supply for the A380’s complex lavatory systems. This is particularly significant given that Diehl, through its acquisition of Dasell, is the original manufacturer of the iconic First Class shower spas. These units are complex engineering feats requiring specialized attention to maintain their functionality and luxury standards. Beyond the lavatories, the contract covers the manufacturing and finishing of sidewall panels. These components are crucial for the visual refresh of the cabin, replacing worn surfaces with pristine materials that align with Emirates’ updated branding and interior design themes. The ability to rework and finish these large panels locally reduces the risk of damage during transit and allows for faster installation times during the aircraft’s downtime.
Additionally, the facility will handle general cabin components, including partitions, air ducting, and other interior monuments. These elements, while often unnoticed by passengers, are essential for the airflow, sound dampening, and structural integrity of the cabin layout. By managing these components locally, Diehl ensures that every square inch of the retrofitted aircraft meets the original equipment OEM standards.
One of the specific engineering highlights of this partnership is the development of new stowage compartments, colloquially known in the industry as doghouses. These are the stowage units typically found behind seats, used to store emergency equipment or crew items. For this retrofit program, Diehl has not simply replicated the old designs but has engineered a new, modular version specifically for Emirates.
These new doghouses are designed to be lighter than their predecessors. In the world of aviation, every kilogram saved translates to fuel efficiency and reduced operational costs over the lifespan of the aircraft. The modular nature of these new units also allows for faster installation and easier maintenance, addressing the practical needs of the engineering teams working on the aircraft. This innovation demonstrates how retrofit programs can serve as opportunities for upgrading technology rather than just replacing like-for-like parts.
We find this focus on weight savings and modularity to be a critical trend. As airlines extend the life of older airframes, integrating modern, lightweight materials helps mitigate the higher fuel burn associated with older generation engines. It represents a micro-level engineering improvement that contributes to the macro-level efficiency goals of the airline.
“The allocation of production capacity together with our local partner STS Aviation Services marks a significant milestone in our strategic expansion.”
, Seraj Mazidi, Head of Diehl Aviation Middle East
To understand the magnitude of this agreement, we must look at the broader context of Emirates’ fleet strategy. The airline is currently undertaking a multi-billion dollar project to modernize 219 aircraft, comprising 110 Airbus A380s and 109 Boeing 777s. This is one of the largest fleet retrofit programs in commercial aviation history. The goal is to bridge the capacity gap caused by delays in the delivery of new aircraft programs, such as the Boeing 777X, ensuring that Emirates maintains its capacity and premium standards through the 2040s.
This program is comprehensive. While Diehl is handling the structural and interior architecture, the broader retrofit includes the installation of new Premium Economy cabins, upgraded Business Class seating, and next-generation In-Flight Entertainment systems. The coordination required to execute these upgrades simultaneously requires a supply chain that is both agile and robust. Diehl’s decision to embed itself locally in Dubai is a direct response to this logistical challenge. The market implications here are clear. The aircraft cabin interior sector is projected to grow significantly, potentially reaching over $39 billion by 2030. This growth is driven largely by airlines choosing to invest heavily in their existing assets. The Diehl-Emirates partnership serves as a case study for how Tier 1 suppliers are adapting to this market reality, moving from centralized manufacturing hubs to distributed, client-focused production centers.
The extended partnership between Diehl Aviation and Emirates is a testament to the enduring relevance of the A380 and the evolving nature of aerospace maintenance. By establishing a dedicated facility in the Dubai Airport Freezone, Diehl has secured its position as a critical partner in Emirates’ long-term strategy. This move not only ensures the efficient delivery of cabin components for the retrofit program but also sets a new standard for supplier-airline collaboration.
As we look toward the next phase of the retrofit beginning in August 2026, the industry will likely see more suppliers adopting similar customer proximity models. The ability to produce, certify, and deliver parts locally offers a competitive advantage that transcends simple cost calculations, offering resilience and speed in an increasingly unpredictable global market.
Question: What is the duration of the agreement between Diehl Aviation and Emirates? Question: What specific components is Diehl Aviation supplying for the A380? Question: Where will the production and refurbishment take place? Question: When does the next major phase of the retrofit begin?
Strengthening the Superjumbo: Diehl Aviation and Emirates Extend Partnership
Localized Production: The Dubai Airport Freezone Facility
Engineering the Cabin: Scope of the Retrofit
Revitalizing the Interior Architecture
Innovation in Stowage: The New “Doghouses”
Strategic Context: The Multi-Billion Dollar Retrofit
Conclusion
FAQ
Answer: The agreement extends the strategic cooperation between the two companies through the year 2030.
Answer: Diehl is supplying refurbished lavatories (including the First Class shower spas), sidewall panels, general cabin monuments, and newly designed, lightweight stowage compartments known as “doghouses.”
Answer: Work will be conducted at Diehl Aviation’s new 1,100-square-meter facility located in the Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), close to Emirates’ engineering base.
Answer: The next major phase of the retrofit program is scheduled to commence in August 2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: Diehl Aviation
MRO & Manufacturing
Bombardier Acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions to Expand US Service Network
Bombardier acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions, adding a Delaware facility and mobile repair units to enhance its U.S. aftermarket services.
On February 9, 2026, Bombardier announced the acquisition of Velocity Maintenance Solutions, a specialized provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services based in Wilmington, Delaware. The transaction, executed through Bombardier’s U.S. subsidiary Learjet Inc., represents a strategic expansion of the manufacturer’s aftermarket footprint in the high-traffic Northeast corridor.
The acquisition provides Bombardier with immediate access to a 35,000-square-foot facility at New Castle Airport (ILG) and a fleet of mobile repair units designed for rapid response. While financial terms of the deal remain confidential, the move aligns with the company’s stated objective to grow its services revenue and secure a stronger domestic presence in the United States.
According to the company’s official statement, the acquisition is designed to bolster support for Bombardier’s growing fleet of business jets, including the ultra-long-range Global 8000. By integrating Velocity Maintenance Solutions, Bombardier aims to capture more of the lifecycle maintenance market, a sector that offers stable margins compared to the cyclical nature of aircraft sales.
The deal includes significant physical and operational assets that will be integrated into Bombardier’s service network:
Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President of Bombardier Aftermarket Services, highlighted the cultural fit between the two organizations in the press release.
“Velocity Maintenance Solutions’ capabilities and customer-focused culture make it an excellent fit for Bombardier… This acquisition is part of our commitment to continually elevate our service standards.”
Velocity Maintenance Solutions has established itself as an agile player in the MRO space since its emergence around 2021. As an FAA Part 145 Repair Station, the company is authorized to perform scheduled maintenance, structural repairs, and avionics upgrades.
Prior to the acquisition, Velocity serviced a diverse range of aircraft, including models from Embraer, Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, and Textron, in addition to Bombardier jets. The facility is known for its 24/7 emergency support capabilities, a critical service for business jet operators requiring immediate dispatch reliability.
This acquisition arrives during a complex period for the aerospace industry, characterized by both consolidation and geopolitical friction. By executing the purchase through Learjet Inc., a heritage U.S. brand based in Wichita, Kansas, Bombardier reinforces its status as a significant U.S. employer. This distinction is increasingly vital as the company navigates trade tensions, including recent tariff threats from the U.S. administration regarding Canadian aerospace products.
Expanding physical infrastructure within the United States serves a dual purpose: it insulates the company’s service supply chain from potential cross-border friction and strengthens its eligibility for U.S. defense contracts. Furthermore, in an industry facing a chronic shortage of skilled labor, acquiring a “turnkey” operation with a certified workforce allows Bombardier to bypass the long lead times associated with recruiting and training new technicians. The location in Wilmington also places Bombardier in direct competition with other major service providers at New Castle Airport, including a Dassault Falcon service center, signaling an aggressive push to dominate the Northeast service market.
The acquisition was made by Learjet Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Bombardier.
The existing team of technicians and support staff at Velocity Maintenance Solutions will be retained and integrated into Bombardier’s workforce.
While the press release emphasizes support for Bombardier’s fleet, Velocity has historically serviced various manufacturers. OEMs often honor existing third-party contracts during transition periods, though the long-term focus typically shifts to the parent company’s products.
Bombardier Acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions to Densify U.S. Service Network
Expanding the Aftermarket Ecosystem
Target Profile: Velocity Maintenance Solutions
AirPro News Analysis: Strategic and Political Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the acquiring entity?
What happens to the current workforce?
Will Velocity continue to service non-Bombardier aircraft?
Sources
Photo Credit: Velocity Maintenance Solutions
MRO & Manufacturing
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Satair and Joramco renew their 25-year supply agreement at MRO Middle East 2026, supporting Joramco’s maintenance operations and new contracts.
This article is based on an official press release from Satair and additional industry reporting regarding MRO Middle East 2026.
At the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, Satair, an Airbus Services company, and Joramco (Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Limited) officially announced the renewal of their long-standing Consumables and Expendables Supply Agreement. The deal marks the continuation of a strategic partnership that has spanned more than a quarter of a century, reinforcing the critical role of integrated supply chains in the growing Middle Eastern aviation maintenance sector.
According to the announcement, the renewed agreement is designed to secure a consistent flow of essential spare parts for Joramco’s base maintenance operations in Amman, Jordan. By locking in this supply chain solution, Joramco aims to minimize “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) risks and reduce the complexity of material management for its expanding customer base.
The partnership between Satair and Joramco is one of the most enduring in the region. For over 25 years, Satair has served as a primary provider of consumables and expendables, high-volume, low-cost parts essential for routine maintenance, to the Jordan-based MRO provider.
In the official release, the companies highlighted the operational benefits of the extension. The agreement allows Joramco to leverage Satair’s global distribution network, ensuring that parts are available precisely when needed. This “just-in-time” capability is vital for MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul providers) striving to offer competitive turnaround times to airlines.
A primary focus of the renewal is the mitigation of supply chain disruptions. By outsourcing the management of consumables to Satair, Joramco can focus its internal resources on heavy maintenance and engineering tasks rather than logistics. The agreement reportedly covers a comprehensive range of Airbus and Boeing fleet requirements, aligning with Joramco’s diverse capabilities.
“This continued partnership with Satair ensures we have the right parts at the right time, allowing us to deliver superior turnaround times to our global customers.”
, Statement attributed to Joramco leadership regarding the renewal
The renewal comes amidst a flurry of activity at MRO Middle East 2026, where both companies have announced significant independent expansions. The event, held on February 4–5, 2026, has served as a platform for major industry shifts in the region. According to industry reporting from the event, Joramco has also secured a major five-year heavy maintenance agreement with the German leisure carrier Condor. This deal will see Joramco performing base maintenance on Condor’s entire Airbus fleet, including the A320ceo, A320neo, and A330neo. Additionally, Joramco celebrated the first graduates of its Structured On-the-Job Training (SOJT) program, a move aimed at addressing the global shortage of skilled aviation technicians.
Simultaneously, Satair has expanded its footprint in the sustainability sector. Reports from the event indicate Satair signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GAMECO (Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co.) to enter the Used Serviceable Material (USM) market, addressing the rising demand for cost-effective and sustainable parts solutions.
The renewal of the Satair-Joramco agreement highlights a critical trend in the post-2025 aviation landscape: the prioritization of supply chain resilience. In an era where global parts shortages have frequently grounded fleets, MRO providers are increasingly moving toward long-term, integrated agreements with major distributors rather than relying on spot-market purchasing.
Furthermore, the Middle East’s trajectory as a global MRO hub is evident in these announcements. Joramco’s ability to secure European contracts like the Condor deal, backed by a robust supply chain from Satair, suggests that regional players are successfully competing on a global scale by combining geographic advantages with high-grade logistical reliability.
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Supply Chain Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Strengthening a Quarter-Century Alliance
Operational Efficiency and AOG Reduction
Broader Context: MRO Middle East 2026 Developments
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Satair
MRO & Manufacturing
Joramco Renews Maintenance Agreement with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Joramco extends its maintenance contract with Mexican cargo airline mas for heavy checks on Airbus A330 freighters throughout 2026 at its Amman facility.
This article is based on an official press release from Joramco.
Joramco, the Amman-based aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility and engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has officially announced the renewal of its maintenance agreement with mas (formerly MasAir), a prominent Mexican cargo airline. The agreement was finalized and signed during the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, marking a continuation of the strategic partnership between the two entities.
Under the terms of the renewed contract, Joramco will perform heavy base maintenance checks on the mas fleet of Airbus A330 freighters. The work is scheduled to take place throughout 2026 at Joramco’s facility at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. This announcement underscores the MRO provider’s increasing traction in the global cargo sector and its ability to secure recurring business from international carriers outside its traditional regional stronghold.
According to the company’s announcement, the new deal focuses specifically on heavy base maintenance, often referred to as C-checks, for the carrier’s Airbus A330 fleet. These checks are critical for ensuring the continued airworthiness and operational reliability of the freighter aircraft, which are essential to mas’s global logistics network.
This renewal follows a successful initial collaboration established relatively recently. Joramco and mas first formalized their partnerships in October 2025 at the MRO Europe exhibition in London. That initial agreement covered maintenance checks that began in December 2025. The rapid renewal, signed just four months later, suggests a successful execution of the initial checks and a deepening of the business relationship.
In a statement regarding the renewal, Joramco’s leadership highlighted the significance of the repeat business.
“We are pleased to welcome more aircraft from mas at Joramco. This agreement reaffirms Joramco’s position as a trusted Global MRO provider of choice.”
, Adam Voss, CEO of Joramco
The agreement with mas aligns with Joramco’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint. By securing a renewal with a Latin American carrier, the Jordan-based MRO is demonstrating its competitiveness on a global scale, attracting airframes from the Americas to the Middle-East for heavy maintenance. The timing of this renewal is notable within the wider context of the MRO industry’s capacity constraints. In late 2025, Joramco inaugurated “Hangar 7,” a significant infrastructure expansion that reportedly increased its capacity to 22 parallel maintenance lines. This expansion appears to be paying dividends, allowing the facility to accommodate the “more aircraft” referenced by CEO Adam Voss.
Furthermore, the cargo market remains a demanding sector requiring high asset utilization. For a specialized Cargo-Aircraft airline like mas, which operates a modernizing fleet of Airbus A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) aircraft, securing reliable MRO slots is a strategic priority. The quick transition from an initial contract in late 2025 to a full-year renewal for 2026 indicates that Joramco has successfully met the technical and turnaround time requirements demanded by the cargo carrier.
Joramco: A subsidiary of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), Joramco has operated for over 60 years. Based in Amman, Jordan, it provides airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft.
mas: Headquartered in Mexico City, mas (formerly MasAir) is a specialized cargo airline operating scheduled and charter freight services across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The airline has been actively expanding its capacity with Airbus A330 freighters to support its international network.
Sources:
Joramco Extends Maintenance Partnership with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Scope of the Renewed Agreement
Strategic Context and Capacity Expansion
AirPro News Analysis
About the Companies
Photo Credit: Joramco
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