MRO & Manufacturing
AerFin Acquires Third Ex-JAL Boeing 777-300ER in 2025 for Parts Inventory
AerFin secures a third Boeing 777-300ER from Japan Airlines in 2025 to boost global aftermarket inventory of airframe and GE90 engine components amid supply constraints.
This article is based on an official press release from AerFin.
AerFin Acquires Third Ex-JAL Boeing 777-300ER in 2025 to Boost Global Parts Inventory
On December 16, 2025, UK-based aviation aftermarket specialist AerFin announced the acquisition of a Boeing 777-300ER, marking its third purchase of this aircraft type from Japan Airlines (JAL) this year. The transaction underscores a strategic push to secure high-quality Used Serviceable Material (USM) for the global aftermarket, specifically targeting the airframe and GE90 engine components that remain in high demand.
According to the company’s official statement, this latest acquisition completes a significant year of investment in the widebody segment. The aircraft will be disassembled to harvest components, supporting a strained global supply chain where operators are extending the lives of existing fleets due to delays in new aircraft deliveries.
Strategic Expansion of the 777 Portfolio
AerFin’s acquisition strategy in 2025 has heavily favored the Boeing 777-300ER platform, specifically assets previously operated by Japan Airlines. This consistent sourcing allows AerFin to offer a uniform standard of components to its customer base.
The timeline of these acquisitions highlights an aggressive expansion:
- May 2025: AerFin completed the teardown of its first ex-JAL B777-300ER of the year.
- September 2025: The company took delivery of a second unit, designating it for disassembly in the United States to support Americas and Asia-Pacific markets.
- December 2025: The third acquisition was finalized, securing a steady pipeline of GE90-115B engine material and airframe parts heading into 2026.
Auvinash Narayen, Chief Investment Officer at AerFin, emphasized the company’s commitment to this specific asset class in the press release:
“Purchasing another 777-300ER to our portfolio reflects our continued confidence in the asset and the operators who rely on it. Our global footprint and material stock provide the resilience our customers need to plan ahead with certainty.”
, Auvinash Narayen, CIO, AerFin
Market Context: The Demand for USM
The decision to acquire and tear down these aircraft is driven by specific anomalies in the current aviation market. Industry analysis indicates that delays in the certification and delivery of the Boeing 777X have forced major international carriers to extend the operational service lives of their existing 777-300ER fleets.
Supply Chain Constraints
As these older aircraft fly longer than originally planned, they require heavier maintenance and more frequent component replacements. Simultaneously, the production of new spare parts has faced global bottlenecks. Companies like AerFin bridge this gap by harvesting “Used Serviceable Material” (USM), certified parts removed from retired aircraft, which offers a faster and often more cost-effective solution than waiting for new OEM components.
Rising Asset Values
Securing these assets has become increasingly competitive. According to market intelligence from IBA and other industry observers referenced in sector reports, the market value for B777-300ERs and their engines has risen significantly throughout 2025. Some data suggests a jump of nearly 78% in half-life market values compared to previous years. AerFin’s ability to close three such deals in a single year suggests strong capital backing and effective relationship management with top-tier operators like JAL.
AirPro News Analysis
Why Japan Airlines?
From an editorial perspective, we note that AerFin’s specific focus on ex-Japan Airlines inventory is likely a calculated quality control measure. JAL is renowned in the industry for rigorous maintenance standards. Components harvested from their retired fleets typically command a premium in the aftermarket because they are less likely to suffer from unusual wear or deferred maintenance issues compared to assets from less regulated operators.
The “Hat-Trick” Strategy
By securing three identical airframes from the same operator, AerFin achieves economies of scale in its teardown operations. It also allows them to offer “matched” sets of components to airlines, which simplifies integration for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers. This move positions AerFin not just as a parts trader, but as a critical infrastructure partner for airlines struggling to keep their long-haul fleets airborne amid OEMs delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is USM in aviation?
USM stands for Used Serviceable Material. It refers to aircraft parts that have been removed from a retired airframe or engine, inspected, repaired if necessary, and recertified for use on an active aircraft.
Why is the GE90 engine significant?
The Boeing 777-300ER is powered exclusively by the GE90-115B engine. It is one of the most powerful and complex commercial jet engines in service. As the 777 fleet ages, demand for GE90 spare parts (blades, disks, and accessories) has surged, making them highly valuable assets for teardown companies.
Where will the aircraft be disassembled?
While the specific location for the December acquisition was not detailed in the immediate release, previous units acquired by AerFin in 2025 were disassembled in the United States (specifically New Mexico) to facilitate distribution across the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions.
Sources
Photo Credit: AerFin
MRO & Manufacturing
JCB Aero Gains Part 145 Approval for Boeing 737 Family
JCB Aero receives Part 145 approval for Boeing 737 base and line maintenance, expanding beyond its Airbus MRO operations in Auch, France.
JCB Aero has secured Part 145 maintenance approval to perform base and line maintenance on the Boeing 737 aircraft family, expanding the French facility’s capabilities beyond its established Airbus operations.
The approval, received in August 2026 and announced by the company on September 3, 2026, covers the Boeing 737-600, Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800, and Boeing 737-900 variants. Located in Auch, near Toulouse, the subsidiary of the AMAC Aerospace Group initially launched its MRO operations in October 2024 with a focus on Airbus airframes.
Expanding MRO capabilities in Auch
The addition of Boeing 737 maintenance authorization allows JCB Aero to capture a broader segment of the narrowbody market. The company stated it has already begun issuing quotations for Boeing operators and expects to induct the first 737 airframes into its hangar in the coming months.
This expansion follows a period of high utilization for the Auch facility. Earlier in 2026, AMAC Aerospace reported full hangar capacity at the site, driven by maintenance and modification projects on Airbus Corporate Jets, specifically the ACJ318 and ACJ319 platforms.
Management perspective on the Boeing approval
The certification aligns with recent leadership transitions at the company, including the March 2026 appointment of Sébastien Kubler as Chief Operating Officer. Kubler previously served as the technical director of production and engineering for the firm.
In a statement regarding the new certification, Kubler highlighted the strategic value of the dual-manufacturer capability:
“Receiving this Boeing approval marks an important milestone in the development of JCB Aero’s MRO activities. Adding the Boeing 737 family to our existing Airbus capabilities enables us to serve a wider range of customers and further strengthens our position as a flexible and responsive MRO partner. This achievement is also a great recognition of the commitment and expertise of our teams.”
AirPro News analysis
Securing Part 145 approval for the Boeing 737 family represents a logical progression for JCB Aero as it matures its MRO footprint in southern France. By diversifying its capabilities to include both major narrowbody platforms, the facility reduces its exposure to single-manufacturer fleet dynamics. We view this dual-platform capability as a standard requirement for independent MRO providers seeking to maximize hangar utilization and attract mixed-fleet operators.
Sources: JCB Aero, AMAC Aerospace
Photo Credit: JCB Aero
MRO & Manufacturing
AnimaWings Selects SAMCO for A220 Base Maintenance
AnimaWings signs SAMCO as A220 base maintenance provider and inducts another A220-300 via Maastricht Aachen Airport.
Romanian operator AnimaWings has inducted another Airbus A220-300 into its growing fleet following the completion of livery and engineering work by SAMCO Aircraft Maintenance and MAAS Aviation. The aircraft’s release to service coincides with a formal agreement signed on September 3, 2026, designating SAMCO as the base maintenance provider for the airline’s A220 operations.
The preparation of the new narrowbody aircraft took place at Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) in the Netherlands. According to a company statement, SAMCO partnered with neighboring facility MAAS Aviation to provide an integrated induction solution for the carrier.
Integrated maintenance and livery operations
The induction process required coordination between specialized aviation service providers at the Dutch airport. MAAS Aviation completed the aircraft painting and livery application, while SAMCO managed the regulatory and engineering requirements necessary for commercial operations.
SAMCO utilized its European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 21 approval to manage the workscope preparation and design elements of the induction. Following the physical painting process, the maintenance provider officially released the aircraft into commercial service under its Part 145 certification. In its announcement, SAMCO stated the co-located collaboration ensured a “smooth transition from the paint shop to the skies.”
AnimaWings fleet expansion and maintenance strategy
The recent aircraft delivery aligns with a broader operational partnership between the Romanian carrier and the Dutch maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider. AviTrader reported that on September 3, 2026, AnimaWings officially selected SAMCO to provide tailored base maintenance services for its expanding Airbus A220 fleet to ensure long-term operational availability and reliability.
AnimaWings is currently executing a fleet modernization strategy with a stated target of operating 18 aircraft by the end of 2027. The airline has centered this growth on the Airbus A220-300. According to Skies Mag, the aircraft type delivers a 25% reduction in fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft, supporting the carrier’s efficiency targets.
AirPro News analysis
We view the co-location of specialized aviation services at regional hubs like Maastricht Aachen Airport as a significant advantage for growing carriers. By utilizing adjacent facilities for painting and engineering release, operators can minimize non-revenue repositioning flights and reduce overall aircraft downtime. For a carrier like AnimaWings scaling rapidly toward an 18-aircraft fleet, securing a dedicated base maintenance provider that can also manage induction workflows provides critical operational stability during a period of high growth.
Sources: SAMCO Aircraft Maintenance
Photo Credit: AnimaWings
MRO & Manufacturing
RECARO Aircraft Seating Launches R4 Premium Class Seat
RECARO officially introduced the R4 premium seat on Aug 25, 2026, with EASA certification for the Boeing 787.
RECARO Aircraft Seating officially introduced the R4 premium class seat on August 25, 2026, marking the successor to its decade-old PL3530 model. Initial deliveries of the new seating system began in June 2026, with entry into commercial service expected later in the year.
In a press release issued from its Schwaebisch Hall, Germany headquarters, the manufacturer detailed the R4’s focus on enhanced ergonomics, privacy, and accessibility. The seat is currently certified under European Technical Standard Orders (ETSO) by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for installation on the Boeing 787, with additional airframe certifications in progress.
Design and passenger experience upgrades
The R4 introduces several modern amenities designed to address evolving passenger expectations in widebody premium cabins. Key features include a six-way adjustable headrest with integrated neck support, side ambient lighting, and privacy wings equipped with an integrated reading light. For in-flight entertainment, the seat accommodates a 16-inch integrated monitor.
The design also incorporates functional workspace and connectivity improvements. Passengers have access to an extra-wide single-plate tray table featuring a soft open and close mechanism, an integrated Personal Electronic Device (PED) holder, and customizable power options. The seat features a side console with dedicated access designed specifically for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM).
Strategic positioning and certification
The launch of the R4 builds upon the foundation of the PL3530, which RECARO originally introduced to the market in 2015. By securing initial ETSO certification for the Boeing 787, RECARO positions the R4 to capture widebody premium economy and regional business class retrofit and line-fit opportunities.
Mark Hiller, CEO and Shareholder of RECARO Aircraft Seating and CEO of RECARO Holding, highlighted the strategic importance of the new product line.
“We are proud to introduce the R4, the latest addition to our Premium Class portfolio. Building on the success of the PL3530, the R4 reflects our commitment to combining comfort, ergonomics, and premium features in a seating solution designed to meet the evolving expectations of both airlines and passengers.”
AirPro News analysis
The introduction of the R4 underscores a broader industry trend where seat manufacturers are elevating premium economy products to mirror the business class standards of previous decades. By integrating features like 16-inch monitors and enhanced privacy wings, we see RECARO directly targeting airlines looking to monetize the growing demand for premium leisure travel. The specific inclusion of PRM-accessible consoles also indicates a proactive approach to upcoming accessibility mandates in major aviation markets. Securing EASA certification for the Boeing 787 first is a logical entry point, given the aircraft’s heavy utilization on long-haul routes where premium seating demand is highest.
Sources: RECARO Aircraft Seating
Photo Credit: RECARO Aircraft Seating
-
UAV & Drones7 days agoFAA Completes First Remotely Piloted eVTOL Cargo Flight
-
Airlines Strategy4 days agoSouthwest Airlines to Launch First Airport Lounges in 2027
-
Technology & Innovation4 days agoArcher Aviation Launches No Roads eVTOL Tour Ahead of LA28
-
UAV & Drones4 days agoNAVAIR Issues RFI for Carrier-Based Autonomous Combat Drone
-
Space & Satellites3 days agoNASA Awards Blue Origin $700M Mars Telecommunications Contract