MRO & Manufacturing
Rotortrade Achieves Airbus Helicopters Maintenance Certification in France
Rotortrade’s Tallard facility is now an Airbus-approved maintenance centre, offering OEM-certified services for key Airbus helicopter models in Europe’s largest market.
In the world of helicopter operations, maintenance isn’t just a box to tick; it’s the bedrock of safety, reliability, and performance. For owners and operators, having access to top-tier, manufacturer-certified maintenance services is critical. It’s the difference between a well-oiled machine and a potential liability. This is why the recent announcement from Rotortrade, a global name in helicopter sales, marks a significant development. The company has officially secured its status as an Airbus Helicopters Approved Maintenance Centre for its facility in Tallard, France.
This isn’t just another certification. It represents a strategic alignment with one of the world’s leading helicopter manufacturers, Airbus. For customers, it means access to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified maintenance, which translates to a higher standard of service, faster turnaround times, and an unwavering commitment to safety protocols. For Rotortrade, it solidifies its position in the European market, particularly in France, which stands as the continent’s largest helicopter market. The move underscores a broader industry trend where sales and after-sales support are becoming increasingly integrated, offering a seamless experience for the end-user.
The establishment of this Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility and its rapid certification, achieved in under two years of operation, speaks volumes about the company’s focus and operational efficiency. It’s a clear signal of intent to build a comprehensive ecosystem that supports helicopter owners throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle, from purchase and financing to maintenance and eventual resale. This development is poised to have a tangible impact on the pre-owned helicopter market, enhancing the value and appeal of aircraft serviced through this new, certified channel.
The certification, granted under the code SC-EUR-4221-2024, specifically covers maintenance for a range of popular Airbus models. The approved services include O/I (Organizational/Intermediate) level activities for H120, AS350, H125, and H145 blades. This scope is significant, as these models are widely used across various sectors, including private, corporate, and utility operations. By focusing on these specific airframes, Rotortrade is targeting a core segment of the market, ensuring that a large base of operators can benefit from their enhanced capabilities.
The choice of Tallard, France, as the location for this MRO facility is no coincidence. France holds a commanding 25.3% share of the European helicopter market. The European market itself was valued at over USD 10 billion in 2024, with projections pointing towards significant growth. By planting its flag firmly in this key region, Rotortrade is positioning itself at the heart of the action, ready to serve a dense network of helicopter operators. The proximity to a major aerospace hub, driven by industry giants like Airbus Helicopters, further strengthens the strategic value of this location.
Achieving this certification in less than two years is a noteworthy accomplishment. It reflects a concentrated effort and a substantial investment in personnel, training, and equipment. This rapid progress highlights the company’s commitment to meeting and exceeding OEM standards. For an industry where precision and adherence to standards are paramount, this quick validation from Airbus serves as a powerful endorsement of the facility’s capabilities and the professionalism of its team.
“This recognition ensures our customers benefit from OEM-certified maintenance, faster turnaround times, and the highest levels of safety and reliability. Achieving this milestone in under two years of operation reflects the dedication of our teams and marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide integrated sales, financing, and maintenance solutions worldwide.” – Philippe Lubrano, CEO of Rotortrade
The approval from Airbus does more than just open up a new line of business; it builds institutional credibility. As Gérard Pau, Head of Region Europe at Rotortrade, noted, this approval provides a “solid platform for future growth.” By working hand-in-hand with Airbus, the Tallard MRO facility is not just a service center but a partner in upholding the manufacturer’s global standards. This collaboration is crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of the Airbus fleet operating across Europe.
This development is part of a larger corporate strategy for Rotortrade. Founded in 2012, the company has expanded its footprint globally, with dealerships across five continents. It already holds the distinction of being the sole global distributor for Leonardo’s pre-owned helicopters and an authorized reseller for Airbus’s pre-owned civil helicopters. The addition of an in-house, Airbus-approved MRO facility deepens this relationship and enhances its value proposition. This vertical integration of sales and service is a key differentiator in a competitive market. The backing of The Helicopter Company, which acquired Rotortrade in 2023, provides the financial stability and long-term vision necessary for such strategic expansions. As part of the Public Investment Fund, this ownership structure signals a commitment to sustained growth and leadership within the global helicopter industry. The new MRO facility is a tangible result of this long-term strategy, aimed at creating a comprehensive, one-stop-shop for helicopter owners and operators.
Rotortrade’s achievement in Tallard is a clear indicator of the evolving landscape of the helicopter industry. The focus is shifting towards integrated service models where customers can find reliable solutions for every stage of aircraft ownership. By securing the Airbus Helicopters Approved Maintenance Centre status, Rotortrade has not only enhanced its service portfolio but has also strengthened its strategic partnership with a key OEM. This move directly addresses the market’s demand for high-quality, reliable, and efficient maintenance services.
Looking ahead, this certification sets a strong precedent. It establishes a robust foundation for future growth, potentially leading to an expansion of services and capabilities at the Tallard facility. As the European helicopter market continues to expand, driven by both civil and military demands, the availability of certified, high-quality MRO services will become even more critical. Rotortrade has positioned itself effectively to meet this growing need, ensuring that safety and performance remain at the forefront of helicopter operations across the region.
Question: What is the significance of Rotortrade’s new certification? Question: Which helicopter models are covered by this certification? Question: Why is the location in Tallard, France, important?
Rotortrade Levels Up: New Airbus-Approved Maintenance Center in France
A Strategic Milestone in Tallard
Building Credibility and Future Growth
Conclusion: Integrating for a Stronger Future
FAQ
Answer: Rotortrade’s facility in Tallard, France, is now an Airbus Helicopters Approved Maintenance Centre. This means it can offer OEM-certified maintenance for specific Airbus helicopter models, ensuring higher standards of safety, reliability, and faster service times for customers.
Answer: The certification covers maintenance centre O/I level activities for H120, AS350, H125, and H145 blades.
Answer: France represents the largest helicopter market in Europe, accounting for over 25% of the regional market share. Placing the certified MRO facility in Tallard positions Rotortrade at the center of a key market, close to a large base of helicopter operators.
Sources
Photo Credit: RotorHub
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
MRO & Manufacturing
GE Aerospace Deploys 180 Engineers for Holiday Flight Operations
GE Aerospace positions 180 Field Service Engineers in 34 countries to prevent aircraft groundings and manage winter maintenance challenges during peak holiday travel.
While millions of travelers settle in for holiday downtime, the global aviation industry enters its most critical operational window. According to AAA projections, approximately 122.4 million Americans traveled 50 miles or more from home during the 2024-2025 holiday season, with air travel seeing a projected 2.3% increase in domestic flyers. Behind this surge lies a largely invisible workforce dedicated to preventing cancellations before they happen.
According to an official press release from GE Aerospace, the company deployed 180 Field Service Engineers (FSEs) to 34 countries specifically to support Airlines customers during this peak period. These engineers are “embedded” directly with airlines and airframers, working on tarmacs and in hangars to mitigate technical risks that could otherwise ground fleets during the busiest weeks of the year.
The role of an FSE goes beyond standard maintenance; it involves proactive problem-solving under strict time constraints. GE Aerospace describes these teams as being on the front lines, ensuring that both passenger jets and cargo freighters remain operational despite the strain of high-cycle usage and winter weather.
Jordan Mayes, a Regional Leader for GE Aerospace Commercial Field Service in Western Europe and Africa, highlighted the intensity of the holiday operational tempo in the company’s statement:
“The sense of urgency is more elevated than normal… And often there are fewer hands to do the work.”
, Jordan Mayes, GE Aerospace Regional Leader
This urgency is driven not just by passenger volume, but by a booming air cargo sector. Industry data indicates that air cargo volumes saw double-digit growth in late 2024, driven by e-commerce demands and shipping disruptions in the Red Sea. Stephane Petter, a Regional Leader for Central/Eastern Europe and Central Asia, noted that the stakes for cargo are often underestimated.
“An issue with a grounded or delayed passenger aircraft might delay 350 people. With a cargo plane, thousands of parcels might be delayed, so the downstream customer impact is potentially greater.”
, Stephane Petter, GE Aerospace Regional Leader
To illustrate the impact of embedded engineers, GE Aerospace shared a specific operational success story involving Alaa Ibrahim, the Middle East regional leader. His team was monitoring a Boeing 787 Dreamliner equipped with GEnx-1B engines. The engineers identified a minor clamp repair that was necessary to keep the engine compliant. The engine was only four cycles (flights) away from a mandatory 500-cycle inspection limit. If the limit was reached without the repair, the aircraft would be grounded, a disastrous outcome during peak holiday scheduling.
Instead of waiting for a forced grounding, Ibrahim’s team identified a six-hour window in the aircraft’s schedule. They performed the inspection and repair proactively, ensuring the aircraft remained available for service without disrupting the airline’s timetable.
Beyond scheduling pressures, FSEs must contend with the physical realities of winter aviation. Industry reports highlight that “cold soak”, where an aircraft sits in freezing temperatures for extended periods, presents unique mechanical challenges. Oil can thicken, and seals can shrink or become brittle.
According to technical data regarding modern engines like the CFM LEAP, specific warm-up protocols are required to thermally stabilize the engine before takeoff power is applied. Maintenance teams often switch to lower-viscosity fluids and rigorously check breather tubes for ice accumulation. If a breather tube freezes due to condensation, it can pressurize the engine and cause seal failures.
The deployment of these 180 engineers highlights a broader shift in aviation maintenance from reactive repairs to predictive intervention. By utilizing digital tools that monitor engine health in real-time, often referred to as “Flight Deck” principles, engineers can detect vibration trends or temperature spikes before they trigger a cockpit warning.
We observe that this strategy is particularly vital during the holidays. When load factors are near 100%, airlines have zero spare aircraft to absorb a cancellation. The ability of FSEs to turn a potential “aircraft on ground” (AOG) event into a scheduled maintenance task during a layover is the difference between a smooth operation and a headline-making travel meltdown.
All Sleigh, No Delay: How Field Service Engineers Keep Holiday Fleets Airborne
The “Invisible Elves” of Aviation
Operational Wins: The GEnx-1B “Save”
Technical Challenges in Winter Operations
AirPro News Analysis: The Shift to Predictive Maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
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