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Senior plc Secures Multi-Year Airbus Fluid Conveyance Contract

Senior plc will design and manufacture fluid conveyance parts for Airbus single-aisle and dual-aisle aircraft starting in Q1 2026.

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This article is based on an official press release from Senior plc.

Senior plc Secures Multi-Year Fluid Conveyance Contract with Airbus

On December 3, 2025, Senior plc, an international manufacturer of high-technology components, announced that its Senior Aerospace division has been awarded a significant multi-year contract by Airbus. The agreement covers the design, qualification, and manufacture of highly engineered “standard parts” specifically for fluid conveyance applications.

According to the company’s official statement, the new contract encompasses components for both single-aisle and dual-aisle commercial aircraft platforms. Production is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2026 at Senior’s European facilities. While specific financial terms were not disclosed in the press release, the company noted the agreement holds “significant further potential” in the spares and repairs markets, signaling a strategic move toward recurring aftermarket revenue.

Scope of Production and Timeline

The contract focuses on “fluid conveyance” systems, critical infrastructure within an aircraft responsible for transporting fuel, air, hydraulic fluids, and other gases. Under this agreement, Senior Aerospace will move beyond simple manufacturing to include the design and qualification of these parts. This suggests a shift toward proprietary technology rather than “build-to-print” manufacturing, where suppliers simply fabricate parts to an OEM’s existing specifications.

Deliveries are set to begin in Q1 2026. The inclusion of both single-aisle and dual-aisle platforms implies these components will likely be integrated into Airbus’s high-volume A320neo family as well as widebody jets like the A330neo and A350. Senior plc emphasized that this award highlights their ability to secure major business with leading airframers through continued investment in advanced manufacturing technologies.

Launie Fleming, CEO of Senior Aerospace, commented on the significance of the award in the company press release:

“Our teams in Europe have been working hard to develop and qualify these highly engineered standard parts that have multiple applications across the commercial aircraft business of Airbus. We are delighted to receive this first contract award, for this product type, from Airbus and look forward to fully supporting our customer’s ambition in the coming years.”

Strategic Implications and Market Context

AirPro News Analysis

We view this contract as a critical validation of Senior plc’s “standard parts” strategy. By securing a role in the design and qualification phase, Senior effectively locks in intellectual property rights for these components. This distinction is vital for long-term profitability; unlike commodity parts, proprietary “standard parts” often command higher margins and create a barrier to entry for competitors.

Furthermore, the explicit mention of the “spares and repairs markets” is significant. Fluid conveyance components, such as pneumatic ducting and flexible joints, are subject to thermal stress and vibration, requiring regular replacement over an aircraft’s lifecycle. This contract positions Senior to capture recurring revenue from the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector long after the initial aircraft delivery.

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Industry and Financial Reaction

The announcement appears to align with broader industry trends as Airbus seeks to stabilize its supply chain for a production ramp-up. Industry reports indicate Airbus is targeting a production rate of approximately 75 A320neo aircraft per month by 2027. Securing reliable European suppliers for critical subsystems is a key step in meeting these delivery targets.

Following the announcement, market data indicates a positive reception from investors. Senior plc’s share price rose approximately 1.5% to 185.40 pence in London trading on the day of the announcement. Analysts have generally interpreted the deal as a sign of confidence in Senior’s recovery and its ability to weather supply chain complexities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are fluid conveyance parts?
Fluid conveyance parts are components used to transport liquids and gases throughout an aircraft. This category typically includes pneumatic ducting, flexible joints, bellows, and hydraulic tubing that must withstand high pressure and temperature extremes.

When will production begin?
Senior plc has stated that delivery of the components will commence in the first quarter of 2026.

Which aircraft will use these parts?
The contract covers both single-aisle and dual-aisle commercial platforms. While specific models were not named in the release, this classification generally refers to the Airbus A320 family (single-aisle) and the A330/A350 families (dual-aisle).

Where will the parts be manufactured?
The components will be manufactured at Senior’s existing facilities in Europe.


Sources: Senior plc Press Release, London Stock Exchange Data

Photo Credit: Montage

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MRO & Manufacturing

Recaro Aircraft Seating Reports €588M Revenue with Global Expansion

Recaro Aircraft Seating achieves €588 million in 2024 revenue, expanding facilities in Poland, Germany, and India amid increased airline contracts.

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This article is based on an official press release from Recaro Aircraft Seating and verified industry market data.

Recaro Aircraft Seating Reports €588 Million Revenue Amidst Global Expansion

Recaro Aircraft Seating has officially confirmed a robust financial performance for the 2024 fiscal year, reporting revenues of €588 million. This figure represents a growth of approximately 12.2% compared to the €524 million recorded in 2023. The announcement underscores the company’s successful navigation of the post-pandemic aviation recovery and its aggressive strategy to capture market share in both economy and business class segments.

According to the company’s latest Financial-Results disclosure, the upward trajectory is expected to continue, with forecasts predicting double-digit revenue increases for 2025 and beyond. This optimism is supported by a record-breaking Orders book that currently exceeds €2 billion. To sustain this momentum, Recaro has initiated significant operational investments under its internal “space2grow” and “fit4growth” programs, aimed at expanding production capacity and securing supply chain resilience.

Financial Performance and Future Outlook

The confirmed revenue of €588 million for 2024 marks a significant milestone for the German seat manufacturer. While preliminary industry reports had estimated figures around €576 million, the final confirmed data highlights a stronger-than-anticipated performance. This double-digit growth comes at a critical time for the aircraft interiors market, which is seeing a surge in demand for both new aircraft deliveries and retrofit programs.

In its official statement, Recaro emphasized that the current backlog, valued at over €2 billion, provides a stable foundation for future planning. The company attributes this financial health to a diversified portfolio that now spans from regional jet seating to high-end business class suites.

Strategic Initiatives: space2grow and fit4growth

To manage the logistical challenges of rapid expansion, Recaro is executing two primary strategic initiatives designed to scale operations and mitigate global Supply-Chain risks.

Expanding Global Footprint (space2grow)

The “space2grow” initiative focuses on physical infrastructure and workforce expansion. Key developments include:

  • Poland: Construction is underway for a new production and office facility, with completion scheduled for the second half of 2026.
  • Germany: The company has increased test seat production capacity by 60% at its headquarters to accelerate Certification and development timelines.
  • India: A new customer service hub is set to open in Delhi in the first quarter of 2026.
  • Workforce: Over the past year, Recaro has hired more than 300 new employees globally to support these ramp-up efforts.

Operational Efficiency (fit4growth)

Parallel to physical expansion, the “fit4growth” program targets operational efficiency. A core component of this strategy is the “local for local” sourcing model, intended to reduce shipping times and carbon footprint. Additionally, Recaro is implementing a flexible global production network, allowing the same seat models to be manufactured across multiple sites, including Germany, China, Poland, and the USA, to prevent regional bottlenecks.

Market Wins and Product Innovation

Recaro has secured several high-profile Contracts that signal a shift beyond its traditional dominance in the economy class sector. Notably, the company has become a “Supplier Furnished Equipment” (SFE) partner for Embraer, providing the BL3710 (R2) and SL3710 (R1) seats for E1 and E2 jets. This Partnerships, which began development in Q3 2023, allows airlines to order these seats directly from the airframer catalog.

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Other major airline commitments include:

  • Southwest Airlines: Selected the R2 seat for new aircraft deliveries.
  • Iberia: Launch customer for the R3 (long-haul economy) on the A321XLR.
  • Cathay Pacific: Selected the PL3530 (R4) for its premium economy cabins.
  • LOT Polish Airlines: Appointed Recaro as the exclusive seat supplier for its widebody fleet through 2030.

In May 2024, the company also simplified its branding, renaming its product lines R1 through R7 to provide greater clarity to customers. This rebranding coincides with a push toward sustainability, highlighted by the “R Sphere” concept seat, which utilizes recycled materials such as cork, wood, and fishing nets.

AirPro News Analysis

Recaro’s performance offers a distinct contrast to mixed results seen elsewhere in the aircraft interiors sector. While competitors like Safran Seats have reported aggressive growth, with business class deliveries jumping from 983 units in 2023 to 2,482 in 2024, other major players face headwinds. For instance, Collins Aerospace reported a 6% decline in commercial Original Equipment (OE) sales in Q4 2024, despite strong aftermarket performance.

Recaro’s ability to secure double-digit growth in this environment suggests that its “local for local” strategy and focus on narrowbody and retrofit markets are paying dividends. By diversifying into business class (R7) and regional jets (Embraer), Recaro is effectively insulating itself from segment-specific downturns, positioning the firm as a resilient competitor against larger conglomerates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Recaro Aircraft Seating’s revenue for 2024?
Recaro confirmed a revenue of €588 million for 2024, a 12.2% increase over the previous year.

What is the “space2grow” initiative?
It is an expansion program involving new facilities in Poland and India, a 60% increase in testing capacity in Germany, and significant global hiring.

Which airlines have recently signed contracts with Recaro?
Recent major wins include Southwest Airlines, Iberia, Cathay Pacific, LATAM, and LOT Polish Airlines.

How has Recaro changed its product names?
In May 2024, Recaro rebranded its seats to a simplified “R” series (R1 through R7), covering everything from short-range economy to business class suites.

Sources

Photo Credit: Recaro Aircraft

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easyJet to Acquire Adria Tehnika MRO Facility in Slovenia

easyJet signs agreement to acquire Adria Tehnika in Slovenia, expanding in-house heavy maintenance capabilities with a five-bay hangar and skilled workforce.

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This article is based on an official press release from easyJet.

easyJet has officially signed an agreement to acquire Adria Tehnika, a specialized aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider based at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport in Slovenia. The acquisition, announced in early December 2025, represents a major strategic shift for the low-cost carrier as it moves to bring significant heavy maintenance operations in-house.

According to the airline’s announcement, the transaction includes the transfer of Adria Tehnika’s five-bay hangar facility and its workforce of approximately 250 skilled engineers and staff. The deal is expected to close in early 2026, subject to standard regulatory approvals. This move follows easyJet’s 2024 acquisition of the SR Technics facility in Malta, further solidifying the airline’s control over its maintenance supply chain.

Securing Maintenance Capacity

The acquisition of Adria Tehnika provides easyJet with immediate access to established heavy maintenance infrastructure. The Ljubljana facility spans approximately 10,000 square meters and has the capacity to handle roughly 400,000 man-hours annually. By integrating this facility, easyJet aims to secure guaranteed maintenance slots, a critical resource that has become increasingly scarce in the post-pandemic aviation landscape.

Brendan McConnellogue, Director of Engineering & Maintenance at easyJet, highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two companies in the press statement:

“We have worked with Adria Tehnika for almost a decade and entrusted them with over 200 heavy maintenance inputs… We are really pleased to be acquiring the facility, along with its skilled workforce, which will help us further our aim of bringing more of our maintenance in-house.”

The airline noted that Adria Tehnika has previously executed complex projects for easyJet, including the “SpaceFlex” cabin reconfiguration program initiated in 2016. Under the new ownership structure, Barbara Perko Brvar will continue to lead the organization as CEO.

Strategic Rationale: The Shift to Insourcing

This acquisition is part of a broader strategy by easyJet to reduce reliance on third-party providers. By owning the facilities, the airline seeks to improve operational resilience and mitigate the risks associated with supply chain delays and slot unavailability.

According to company statements, bringing these operations in-house allows for greater cost efficiency and tighter control over maintenance scheduling. This is particularly vital as the airline manages a large fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft, which require regular heavy maintenance checks.

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AirPro News analysis

The decision by easyJet to acquire Adria Tehnika reflects a growing industry trend known as “insourcing.” In the wake of global supply chain disruptions and a shortage of skilled aviation mechanics, airlines are increasingly moving away from the pure outsourcing models that dominated the last two decades.

Market data suggests that the global MRO market is currently facing a “super cycle” of demand. Aging fleets, delayed deliveries of new aircraft from manufacturers, and high utilization rates have squeezed the availability of third-party maintenance slots. By purchasing Adria Tehnika, and previously the SR Technics facility in Malta, easyJet is effectively insulating itself from market volatility. This vertical integration ensures that the airline is not left competing for hangar space during peak maintenance seasons, protecting its flight schedules and operational reliability.

About Adria Tehnika

Adria Tehnika has a deep history in European aviation, originally serving as the technical division of Slovenia’s former national carrier, Adria Airways. It became an independent entity in 2010 and has since built a reputation for expertise on Airbus A320 and Bombardier CRJ series aircraft. The company holds EASA Part-145 maintenance and Part-147 training certifications.

While easyJet will become the owner, the facility has historically served a diverse client roster, including major carriers such as Lufthansa, SAS, and Brussels Airlines. In the press release, Adria Tehnika’s leadership expressed optimism about the facility’s future development under the backing of a major airline group.

“With a strategic investor like easyJet, we will be able to further and more rapidly develop our activities, capacities, and the expertise of our employees,” said Barbara Perko Brvar, CEO of Adria Tehnika.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed in the initial announcement.

Sources

Photo Credit: easyJet

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AerFin Releases 6,000 A320neo Parts to Ease Supply Chain Pressure

AerFin adds over 6,000 Airbus A320neo components from five dismantled aircraft to global inventory, supporting operators amid supply chain delays.

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AerFin Releases 6,000 A320neo Components to Combat Global Supply Chain Strain

In a significant move to alleviate ongoing pressure on the aviation aftermarket, UK-based aviation specialist AerFin has officially announced the release of over 6,000 Airbus A320neo components into its global inventory. The injection of high-demand Used Serviceable Material (USM) follows the successful dismantling of five A320neo airframes, a project aimed at supporting operators facing severe delays in new parts manufacturing and engine repairs.

According to the company’s announcement, the teardown process is now complete, and the inventory is live. The stock includes critical assets such as major structural assemblies, nacelles, Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), landing gears, and a wide variety of rotable components. By strategically positioning these assets across hubs in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas, AerFin aims to provide immediate relief to airlines struggling to keep their fleets operational.

Sourcing the Airframes: A Strategic Acquisition

The inventory originates from five relatively young Airbus A320neo Commercial-Aircraft, a rarity in the teardown market where older aircraft are usually the primary source of spare parts. AerFin disclosed that four of the airframes were previously operated by the now-defunct Indian carrier Go First. These aircraft were acquired in July 2025 through a partnership with a Middle Eastern investor and were subsequently dismantled in Tarbes, France, by TARMAC Aerosave.

The fifth aircraft was acquired in September 2025 from EMP Aviation Trading. This airframe was dismantled in the Philippines by SIA Engineering (SIAEP), marking AerFin’s first teardown operation in the Asia-Pacific region. The company noted that two Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines from this fifth aircraft were immediately placed into the market in October, highlighting the urgent demand for propulsion systems.

Executive Commentary

AerFin leadership emphasized that the decision to dismantle modern aircraft is a direct response to market needs. Simon Goodson, CEO of AerFin, stated in the press release:

“A320neo operators are navigating sustained Supply-Chain pressures. By recovering material at scale and positioning it across our global network, we’re giving customers dependable access to the quality components they need to keep their fleets flying.”

Global Logistics and Distribution Network

To ensure rapid delivery to operators worldwide, AerFin has distributed the newly harvested components across its global logistics network. The company confirmed that inventory is currently positioned at its headquarters in Newport and its facility at London Gatwick to serve the UK and European markets.

For the Asia-Pacific region, inventory is held in Singapore. This distribution is supported by a logistics Partnerships with B&H Worldwide, ensuring that parts can be deployed quickly to airlines in the region. Meanwhile, fast-moving components are being introduced to AerFin’s Miami warehouse to support operators in North and South America.

AirPro News Analysis

The dismantling of current-generation aircraft like the A320neo is an unusual event in the aviation industry, typically reserved for aircraft nearing the end of their 20-to-25-year lifecycles. However, the bankruptcy of Go First created a unique opportunity to harvest “young” parts with high remaining life. In our view, this move by AerFin highlights the severity of the current supply chain crisis, particularly regarding the Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.

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With new aircraft deliveries delayed and engine shop visits taking longer than expected, the value of immediate USM has skyrocketed. By injecting 6,000 modern parts into the system, AerFin is not just selling inventory; they are providing a critical stopgap for airlines that might otherwise face grounded aircraft (AOG) situations. The involvement of a Middle Eastern investor also suggests that the financial sector sees high potential returns in the teardown of modern assets, a trend that may continue as long as manufacturing bottlenecks persist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific parts are available in this inventory?
The inventory includes over 6,000 line items, ranging from major structural assemblies, nacelles, and landing gears to APUs and various rotable components.
Where did the dismantled aircraft come from?
Four aircraft were ex-Go First airframes acquired in partnership with a Middle Eastern investor, and one was acquired from EMP Aviation Trading.
Where is the inventory located?
Parts are stocked globally in Newport and Gatwick (UK), Singapore (Asia-Pacific), and Miami (Americas).

Sources

Photo Credit: AerFin

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