ITP Aero to Acquire Aero Norway, Strengthening Position in CFM56 Aftermarket

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.

Strategic Expansion in the MRO Sector

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.

AirPro News Analysis: The “Golden Tail” of the CFM56

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.

Executive Commentary

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

Future Outlook

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 Press Release

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

AkzoNobel Announces €50 Million Upgrade to US Aerospace Coatings Operations

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.

Strategic Expansion in Illinois and Wisconsin

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.”

Operational Efficiency and the “Rapid Service Unit”

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.”

AirPro News Analysis: The Competitive Landscape

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.

Sustainability and Technology Integration

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.

Sources

• AkzoNobel Press Release

All Sleigh, No Delay: How Field Service Engineers Keep Holiday Fleets Airborne

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 “Invisible Elves” of Aviation

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

Operational Wins: The GEnx-1B “Save”

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.

Technical Challenges in Winter Operations

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.

AirPro News Analysis: The Shift to Predictive Maintenance

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Field Service Engineer (FSE)?

An FSE is a technical expert from an engine manufacturer (like GE Aerospace) who is embedded with airline customers to provide on-site support, troubleshooting, and maintenance advice.

How many engineers did GE Aerospace deploy for the holidays?

According to their press release, 180 FSEs were deployed across 34 countries specifically for the holiday rush.

Why is winter difficult for aircraft engines?

Extreme cold can affect oil viscosity and cause seals to shrink. Engineers must also manage de-icing procedures to prevent engines from ingesting ice, which can damage fan blades.

Sources

• This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace and includes additional industry context from AAA and aviation sector reports.