This article is based on an official press release from Precision Aerospace & Defense Group, Inc. and FACT II Acquisition Corp.

Precision Aerospace & Defense Group to Go Public in $320 Million SPAC Merger

Precision Aerospace & Defense Group, Inc. (PADG), a Kansas-based holding company focused on aerospace engineering and manufacturing, has announced a definitive business combination agreement with FACT II Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: FACT). According to the official press release issued on December 1, 2025, the transaction values the combined enterprise at approximately $320 million.

Upon closing, which is expected in the first half of 2026, the combined company will operate under the name Precision Aerospace & Defense Group, Inc. and is expected to trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol “PAD” for common stock and “PADWW” for warrants.

The deal represents a significant step for PADG, which operates as a vertically integrated provider of mission-critical solutions for the aerospace, defense, and space sectors. The company aims to utilize the proceeds from the transaction to accelerate product development, invest in advanced equipment, and fund further acquisitions within a fragmented supply chain.

Transaction Overview and Capital Structure

The merger is structured as a business combination with FACT II Acquisition Corp., a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC). As outlined in the announcement, the deal implies an enterprise value of $320 million for PADG. To support the company’s growth strategy, the transaction includes a potential $80 million credit facility and an equity financing arrangement with BC Partners.

PADG’s current management team, led by CEO Brent Borden, will continue to lead the combined entity. The capital injection is intended to provide the “dry powder” necessary for PADG to execute its “roll-up” strategy, acquiring smaller, specialized aerospace shops to build a consolidated Tier 1 supplier network.

Leadership and Governance

The leadership team brings significant industry and military experience to the public markets:

• Brent Borden (CEO): A former US Army Infantry Officer and Strategic Programs Development Leader at the Kansas City National Security Campus.
• Joe Thiewes (CFO): Formerly CFO of Aerodyn Engineering, with a background in manufacturing finance at GE and Parker Hannifin.
• Doug Melvin: Founder of Aerofab NDT, who joined the leadership team following PADG’s acquisition of his company.

Company Profile: A Vertically Integrated Platform

Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, PADG was founded in 2016 and has grown primarily through strategic acquisitions. The company distinguishes itself by integrating specialized capabilities across three primary divisions.

Note on Corporate Identity: PADG (Overland Park, KS) is a distinct entity and should not be confused with Precision Aerospace Corp (Grand Rapids, MI), Precision Aviation Group (Atlanta, GA), or Precision Aerospace LLC (Phoenix, AZ).

Operational Divisions

According to the provided research data, PADG operates through the following key segments:

• Engineering & Sustainment: This division focuses on reverse engineering and Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) to extend the lifecycle of legacy military systems. A key subsidiary here is Aerodyn Engineering (Indianapolis, IN), known for turbine innovation and high-performance testing.
• Precision Manufacturing: Utilizing advanced CNC machining, this division produces complex components for aerospace and nuclear applications. It includes V&M Precision Machining and Grinding (Brea, CA), an AS9100-certified facility.
• Advanced Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): This segment ensures the safety of high-performance parts. It was bolstered by the early 2024 acquisition of Aerofab NDT (Kent, WA), a specialist in custom NDT probes and transducers.

Strategic Rationale and Market Context

The decision to go public via a SPAC merger comes at a time of increased focus on defense modernization and supply chain resilience. Major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are increasingly seeking robust, vertically integrated suppliers to replace fragmented networks of smaller machine shops.

PADG’s strategy aligns with these trends by positioning itself as a consolidated partner capable of handling complex manufacturing and sustainment tasks. Additionally, the company is targeting the “New Space” economy, where rapid prototyping and high-precision manufacturing are in high demand.

AirPro News Analysis

While the SPAC market has cooled significantly since the boom of 2020–2021, defense and aerospace remain resilient sectors due to geopolitical instability and guaranteed government spending. PADG’s focus on “sustainment”, keeping older military aircraft flying, provides a steady revenue baseline that may appeal to investors wary of purely speculative growth stories.

However, the success of this “roll-up” strategy relies heavily on integration. Merging distinct corporate cultures, from a California machine shop to a Washington NDT lab, presents operational challenges. Investors will likely scrutinize the company’s S-4 filing, once available, to verify historical revenue performance and the efficacy of past integrations.

Sources

Sources: GlobeNewswire (Press Release), PADG Official Website

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.

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

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.

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

• Recaro Aircraft Seating Press Release