This article summarizes reporting by the Daily Tribune, Manila Standard, and PortCalls Asia.

Asian Aerospace Launches P243M Expansion in Clark Freeport Zone

Asian Aerospace Corporation (AAC), a prominent player in the Philippine aviation sector, has officially commenced a significant expansion of its operations within the Clark Freeport Zone. According to reporting by the Daily Tribune, the P243.2 million (approximately USD 4.2 million) project is currently “in full swing” following a lease agreement signed in mid-December 2025.

The expansion centers on the construction of a new 1,848-square-meter facility designed to consolidate the company’s MRO capabilities. As noted in coverage by PortCalls Asia, this development aligns with the Clark International Airport Corporation’s (CIAC) broader strategy to establish the region as a global civil aviation and logistics hub.

Consolidating MRO and Factory Services

The new infrastructure will function as a multi-purpose “Aviation Safety Hub” and “Aircraft Factory Service Center.” According to details shared by the Manila Standard, the facility is designed to centralize maintenance operations for business jets and helicopters while providing specialized support for avionics and environmental control systems.

AAC has operated within Clark since 2002. This latest investment reinforces its long-standing presence in the zone. The company currently manages a fleet that includes Gulfstream and Pilatus aircraft, as well as MD Helicopters. The new facility will allow AAC to service these assets more efficiently while offering authorized service center capabilities for major global aircraft manufacturers.

Critical Safety Infrastructure

Beyond commercial MRO services, the expansion supports vital national safety mandates. AAC CEO Peter Rodriguez emphasized the company’s role in maintaining navigation systems across the archipelago. According to the Daily Tribune, AAC is responsible for calibrating equipment at 87 airports throughout the Philippines.

“Asian Aerospace has been calibrating 87 airports across the Philippines for the past four administrations. Without calibration, aerodromes cannot operate safely.”

, Peter Rodriguez, CEO of Asian Aerospace Corp. (via Daily Tribune)

Economic Impact and Workforce Development

The project is expected to generate high-value employment opportunities in the region. SunStar reports that the facility will require a specialized workforce, including aviation engineers, safety personnel, and avionics technicians. This aligns with recent trends in the Clark Aviation Capital district, where investments have reportedly created hundreds of jobs in the logistics and aviation sectors.

During the signing ceremony, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera highlighted the critical nature of the work AAC performs.

“Proper maintenance of aircraft components saves lives, and that is why Asian Aerospace is important not only to Clark, but to the Philippines and the world.”

, Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, President & CEO of CDC (via Manila Standard)

AirPro News Analysis

The expansion of Asian Aerospace Corporation highlights the growing maturity of the Clark Freeport Zone as a specialized aviation cluster. While the P243 million investment is modest compared to heavy infrastructure projects, its focus on technical MRO and calibration services fills a critical niche in the Philippine aviation ecosystem. By localizing high-level maintenance and calibration capabilities, the Philippines reduces reliance on foreign service providers for essential safety operations. This move also signals confidence in the CIAC’s “Aviation Capital” roadmap, suggesting that private sector players are seeing viable long-term returns in establishing permanent technical bases in Pampanga.

Sources

Sources: Daily Tribune, Manila Standard, PortCalls Asia, SunStar, Inquirer

This article is based on an official press release from B&H Worldwide.

B&H Worldwide and Continental Carriers Execute Complex Bell 429 Logistics Operation

B&H Worldwide, a global leader in aerospace logistics, has successfully coordinated the transport of a Bell 429 helicopters from India to Singapore. Announced on December 23, 2025, the operation involved a strategic partnership with Continental Carriers Pvt. Ltd. to return the aircraft to Bell Textron’s regional hub for scheduled MRO and inspection.

The movement highlights the specialized nature of rotary-wing logistics, which often requires disassembly and precise handling unlike standard fixed-wing aircraft transfers. According to the company’s announcement, the project underscores the growing connectivity between Indian aviation operators and Singapore’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector.

Operational Breakdown: From India to Singapore

Moving a helicopter across international borders for maintenance involves significant technical planning. For this operation, the Bell 429 was dismantled into seven distinct cargo pieces to fit aboard a B747F freighter. The logistics process was split between two primary teams to ensure safety and compliance at both the origin and destination.

Origin Logistics in India

Continental Carriers Pvt. Ltd., a long-standing partner of B&H Worldwide, managed the ground operations in India. Their responsibilities included the physical teardown of the helicopter, pallet build-up, and coordination with the loadmaster to secure the high-value asset for air freight. The firm utilized its expertise in aerospace and defense logistics to navigate the regulatory landscape and prepare the cargo for export.

Destination Logistics in Singapore

Upon arrival in Singapore, B&H Worldwide took control of the shipment. The company managed import customs clearance and arranged for specialized ground transport. To mitigate the risk of damage from vibration or shock, the team utilized an air-ride suspension transporter for the final leg of the journey to the Bell Textron facility at Seletar Aerospace Park.

Terry Ooi, Operations Manager for B&H Worldwide Singapore, emphasized the necessity of pre-planning in helicopter logistics:

“Helicopter logistics demand a different level of planning and coordination, particularly at destination. By identifying site limitations and handling requirements early, we can eliminate unnecessary risk.”

Terry Ooi, Operations Manager, B&H Worldwide Singapore

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The Singapore team conducted pre-arrival site surveys to verify vehicle height limitations and ensure that appropriate tie-down expertise was available for safe unloading at the MRO facility.

Strategic Context: Singapore as a Regional MRO Hub

The destination for the Bell 429 was Bell Textron’s facility at Seletar Aerospace Park, a specialized industrial zone designed to cluster aerospace companies. This facility serves as a critical node for the Asia-Pacific region, offering maintenance, customization, and re-assembly services.

The operation reflects a broader industry trend where regional operators rely on centralized hubs like Singapore for heavy maintenance that cannot be performed locally. The Bell 429, a popular light twin-engine helicopter used for corporate transport and emergency services across Asia, requires consistent high-level support, driving demand for these complex logistics solutions.

AirPro News Analysis

This operation illustrates that modern aerospace logistics has evolved beyond simple transportation into a discipline of risk management and engineering. The requirement to dismantle an aircraft into seven pieces and reassemble it in a different country demonstrates the tight integration required between logistics providers and MRO facilities.

Furthermore, the collaboration between a UK-headquartered logistics provider (B&H), an Indian freight forwarder (Continental Carriers), and a Singaporean service center (Bell Textron) highlights the interdependence of the Asian aerospace supply chain. As the fleet of rotary-wing aircraft grows in the region, we expect to see an increase in demand for “white-glove” logistics services that can handle sensitive air-ride requirements and complex customs procedures.

Sources

• B&H Worldwide Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Heli-One.

Leonardo Extends Maintenance Partnership with Heli-One for Norway’s AW101 SAR Fleet

Leonardo has officially extended its contract with Heli-One to provide critical MRO services for the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s (RNoAF) fleet of AW101 search and rescue helicopters. According to the announcement, the agreement secures support for the “SAR Queen” fleet through 2030, ensuring operational readiness for one of the world’s most demanding rescue environments.

The extension reinforces a strategic collaboration between the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Leonardo, and Heli-One, a leading provider of helicopter MRO services. Under the terms of the agreement, Heli-One technicians will continue to work as embedded support alongside Leonardo personnel at RNoAF bases. This integrated approach is designed to maintain 24/7 fleet availability for the 330 Squadron, which operates the aircraft across Norway’s challenging terrain and maritime zones.

Contract Scope and Operational Support

The renewed contract focuses on delivering comprehensive support for the 16 AW101-612 helicopters that now form the backbone of Norway’s National All-Weather Search and Rescue Helicopter (NAWSARH) program. Heli-One’s role involves a mix of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, aimed at minimizing downtime and maximizing mission availability.

According to the press release, the partnership leverages Heli-One’s specialized experience in the North Sea region. By embedding Norwegian maintenance specialists directly at the operating bases, the program ensures that technical expertise is available on-site to address issues immediately. This logistics model is essential for maintaining the high readiness rates required for life-saving missions in the Arctic and North Sea.

Executive Commentary

Executives from both companies emphasized the importance of local expertise and long-term collaboration in securing the contract extension.

“Our team has decades of experience maintaining helicopters based in the North Sea and we are fully committed to applying our expertise in support of the AW101 SAR Queen.”

— Carolyn Forsyth, General Manager of Sales & Commercial, Heli-One

Mark Goddard, Head of Customer Service Management at Leonardo UK, highlighted the historical depth of the relationship with the Norwegian defense sector.

“We are honored to support 330 Squadron and the Royal Norwegian Air Force as they carry out life-saving search-and-rescue operations… Our association with the Norwegian defence sector goes back 50 years.”

— Mark Goddard, Leonardo UK

The AW101 “SAR Queen” and NAWSARH Program

The extension comes as the RNoAF completes its transition from the legacy Westland Sea King fleet to the modern AW101-612. The transition, which concluded in late 2024 with the activation of the Florø base, marks a significant upgrade in Norway’s national rescue capabilities.

Advanced Technical Capabilities

The AW101 “SAR Queen” is widely regarded as the most advanced search and rescue helicopter currently in operation. Customized specifically for Norwegian requirements, the aircraft features several cutting-edge technologies:

• Osprey AESA Radar: The Leonardo Osprey radar provides 360-degree coverage using fixed panels, eliminating moving parts. This allows crews to detect small targets, such as a person in the water, even in severe weather conditions.
• Mobile Phone Detection: A specialized system can geolocate a missing person’s mobile phone from the air, effectively turning the device into a distress beacon even in areas without cellular coverage.
• All-Weather Performance: A full ice protection system enables the aircraft to fly in known icing conditions, a mandatory capability for Norwegian winters.
• Range and Capacity: The aircraft can accommodate over 50 standing survivors and has a radius of action of approximately 266 nautical miles, significantly outperforming the retired Sea King fleet.

Strategic Basing

To cover Norway’s extensive coastline and territory, the fleet operates from six strategic bases. Sola serves as the headquarters, with additional operations at Ørland, Banak (Lakselv), Bodø, Rygge, and Florø. The dispersed basing strategy ensures that the 330 Squadron can respond rapidly to emergencies anywhere in the country or the surrounding seas.

AirPro News Analysis

This contract extension highlights a broader trend in military aviation logistics: the “hybrid” support model. Rather than relying solely on military maintainers or distant OEM support, defense forces are increasingly utilizing embedded commercial contractors. In this case, Leonardo (the OEM) contracting Heli-One (a local MRO expert) provides the RNoAF with the best of both worlds, access to proprietary engineering data and local, environment-specific maintenance know-how.

The North Sea is notoriously corrosive and harsh on airframes. Heli-One’s background in offshore oil and gas helicopter support likely played a decisive role in Leonardo’s decision to extend the partnership. For the RNoAF, this continuity is vital. With the Sea King now fully retired, the AW101 is the sole platform for national SAR; any gap in maintenance availability would directly impact public safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the contract extension?

The contract between Leonardo and Heli-One has been extended through 2030.

How many helicopters are covered by this agreement?

The agreement covers the maintenance of all 16 AW101-612 “SAR Queen” helicopters operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

What is the role of Heli-One in this partnership?

Heli-One provides embedded maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, working alongside Leonardo staff at RNoAF bases to ensure fleet readiness.

Where are the AW101 helicopters based?

The fleet operates from six bases across Norway: Sola (HQ), Ørland, Banak, Bodø, Rygge, and Florø.

Sources: Heli-One