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Ethiopian Airlines Completes Africa’s First A350-900 Full Strip and Paint

Ethiopian Airlines completes Africa’s first full strip-and-paint program on Airbus A350-900, enhancing in-house MRO capabilities and regional aviation services.

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This article is based on an official press release from Ethiopian Airlines.

Ethiopian Airlines Completes Africa’s First A350-900 Full Strip and Paint

Ethiopian Airlines has announced a significant advancement in its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, successfully completing a full strip-and-paint program for two of its Airbus A350-900 Commercial-Aircraft. According to the airline’s official statement, this operation marks the first time such a complex maintenance procedure has been performed on the A350-900 model within Africa.

The project was executed at Ethiopian MRO’s facility in Addis Ababa, which has been expanding its capacity to handle modern, composite-heavy wide-body aircraft. By bringing this capability in-house, the Airlines aims to reduce reliance on foreign maintenance providers and assert its position as a leading aviation service provider on the continent.

A Milestone for African Aviation MRO

The completion of this program represents a technical breakthrough for the region. Historically, African carriers operating the Airbus A350, a next-generation aircraft constructed primarily of advanced materials, have had to send their fleets to Europe or the Middle East for full exterior repainting. Ethiopian Airlines stated that this achievement allows them to offer these specialized services not only for their own fleet but potentially for third-party customers as well.

Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, highlighted the strategic importance of this development in the company’s press release:

“The successful execution of our full strip-and-paint project on two of our A350-900 aircraft… marks a significant step forward in Ethiopian’s in-house widebody advanced composite structure paint capabilities. This project is yet another milestone which reflects Ethiopian’s ongoing commitment to investing in world-class MRO capabilities… enhancing our self-reliance, and elevating our global standing.”

This capability builds upon the MRO division’s previous experience with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, another aircraft that utilizes extensive composite materials, further solidifying the facility’s expertise in next-generation airframe maintenance.

Technical Complexity of Composite Painting

AirPro News Analysis

While the press release focuses on the strategic achievement, it is important to understand the technical complexity involved in stripping and painting modern aircraft like the Airbus A350. Unlike older aluminum aircraft, which can be stripped using aggressive chemical solvents or mechanical sanding, the A350’s fuselage is made largely of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP).

Standard paint removal methods pose a high risk to composites. Aggressive chemicals can damage the resin matrix that binds the carbon fibers, while improper sanding can cut into the fibers themselves or damage the delicate copper mesh embedded in the fuselage for lightning strike protection. Consequently, this process requires:

  • Specialized Solvents: The use of peroxide-based or other composite-safe strippers that lift paint without attacking the substrate.
  • Precision Application: Advanced electrostatic or High-Volume Low-Pressure (HVLP) spraying systems to ensure a lightweight, even coat that maintains the aircraft’s aerodynamic efficiency.

By mastering these sensitive processes, Ethiopian MRO has demonstrated a level of technical maturity that rivals established MRO centers in Europe and Asia.

Strategic and Economic Implications

The ability to perform full strip-and-paint operations in Addis Ababa offers immediate economic benefits to the airline. In-house maintenance eliminates the costs associated with “ferry flights”, flying empty aircraft to foreign maintenance bases, and reduces the airline’s exposure to foreign currency fluctuations.

Furthermore, this capability enhances asset utilization. By integrating painting into scheduled heavy maintenance checks (such as C-checks), the airline can minimize the time an aircraft is out of service. This efficiency is critical for maintaining profitability in a competitive long-haul market.

From a regional perspective, this development places Ethiopian Airlines at a distinct advantage over competitors such as EgyptAir Maintenance & Engineering and South African Airways Technical. While other regional players possess significant MRO infrastructure, Ethiopian’s public confirmation of a completed A350-900 full strip-and-paint program signals a lead in specific next-generation composite capabilities.

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Photo Credit: Ethiopian Airlines

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MRO & Manufacturing

Safran Nacelles Delivers 5000th A320neo Nacelle

Safran Nacelles hits 5,000 A320neo nacelles with 100% on-time delivery and plans to scale output to 1,000 units per year.

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Safran Nacelles has delivered its 5,000th nacelle for the Airbus A320neo program, maintaining a 100 percent on-time delivery rate as the manufacturer prepares to scale production to 1,000 units annually.

The milestone was celebrated on June 30, 2026, at Safran’s Colomiers facility near the Airbus final assembly line in Toulouse, France. According to a company press release, the achievement highlights the rapid production ramp-up required to support Airbus amid ongoing global Supply-Chain pressures.

Scaling production and supply chain performance

Safran Nacelles, working in conjunction with Middle River Aerostructure Systems, has insulated its A320neo nacelle output from broader industry bottlenecks. The company reported a flawless on-time Delivery record for the program to date, a metric it intends to protect as output increases.

What we are experiencing with the A320neo is unprecedented. This 5,000th Nacelle marks an important milestone and demonstrates the exceptional momentum of the programme. As demand continues to grow, we are preparing to produce up to 1,000 nacelles per year to support Airbus and Airlines around the world.

The statement from Safran Nacelles CEO Vincent Caro underscores the pressure on Tier 1 suppliers to match the pace of aircraft original equipment OEMs as they work through historic backlogs.

Airbus delivery targets and backlog pressure

The push for 1,000 nacelles per year aligns directly with Airbus’s aggressive production schedules. The European airframer is targeting 870 Commercial-Aircraft deliveries in 2026. Through the end of May 2026, Airbus had handed over 262 aircraft to 68 customers, including 81 deliveries in May alone.

The Airbus A320 family recently surpassed 20,000 total orders, cementing its status as a primary revenue driver for both Airbus and its supply chain partners. Fulfilling this backlog requires synchronized output across all major component providers, making nacelle availability a critical factor in final assembly.

AirPro News analysis

We view Safran’s 100 percent on-time delivery rate as a notable outlier in an aerospace supply chain otherwise defined by chronic delays and material shortages. Achieving a production rate of 1,000 nacelles annually will test the resilience of Safran’s sub-tier suppliers. If the company can maintain its delivery metrics at that volume, it will remove a critical potential chokepoint for Airbus as the airframer chases its 870-aircraft target for 2026.

Sources: Safran Group

Photo Credit: Safran Group

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MRO & Manufacturing

FTG Opens First India Facility in Hyderabad Aerospace Park

Firan Technology Group opened its Hyderabad facility on June 29, 2026, producing avionics and cockpit electronics for global OEMs.

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Firan Technology Group Corporation (FTG) officially opened its first Indian manufacturing facility on June 29, 2026, establishing a new production hub for cockpit and avionics components within the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park in Hyderabad.

Announced via a company press release, the FTG Aerospace Hyderabad facility culminates a three-year strategic effort to expand the Canadian manufacturer’s global footprint. The new site provides low-cost capacity to support Western demand for commercial and defense aerospace products while mitigating risks associated with restrictive trade policies in other global markets.

Strategic expansion and local integration

The customized Built-to-Suit unit was developed by GMR Hyderabad Aviation SEZ Limited (GHASL). It is situated within a 277-acre aerospace and industrial park, integrating FTG into an established airport-led ecosystem. The facility will focus on designing and manufacturing high-reliability printed circuit boards (PCBs), illuminated cockpit products, electronic assemblies, and cockpit interface electronics for global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

In the press release, FTG President and CEO Brad Bourne described the opening as a strategic milestone for the company.

“GMR’s world-class Built-to-Suit infrastructure and integrated, airport-led ecosystem give us an ideal platform to deliver the high-reliability avionics and cockpit interface electronics our global OEM customers depend on,” Bourne stated.

Bourne also noted that significant work remains to fully operationalize the site. The company is currently focused on adding and training staff, securing necessary industry certifications, obtaining customer approvals, and ramping up production.

Aligning with domestic manufacturing initiatives

The Hyderabad operation brings FTG’s manufacturing presence to four countries, joining existing facilities in Canada, the United States, and China. The expansion aligns directly with the Indian government’s “Make in India” policy, positioning the company to serve both domestic defense requirements and international export markets.

Aman Kapoor, CEO of GMR Airport Land Development, stated that the launch marks a significant step in building a globally competitive aerospace manufacturing ecosystem in the region. Kapoor emphasized that FTG’s presence will strengthen domestic supply chains and advance indigenization efforts, further cementing Hyderabad as a primary hub for aerospace and industrial innovation.

AirPro News analysis

We view FTG’s expansion into India as a calculated hedge against ongoing geopolitical and trade friction. By establishing a secondary low-cost manufacturing base outside of China, FTG provides its Western aerospace and defense customers with a more resilient supply chain. The choice of Hyderabad specifically leverages an existing aerospace cluster, which should help accelerate the complex certification and approval processes required for aviation electronics production.

Sources: Firan Technology Group Corporation

Photo Credit: The Hindu

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MRO & Manufacturing

Embraer Acquires Full Ownership of EZ Air Interior

Embraer buys remaining 50% of EZ Air from Safran Cabin to secure E-Jet cabin supply ahead of a major production ramp-up.

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Embraer has taken full ownership of its interior components supplier, EZ Air Interior Limited, acquiring the remaining 50 percent stake from Safran Cabin on July 1, 2026, to secure its supply chain amid a major production ramp-up.

The transaction, announced in a company press release, gives the Brazilian aerospace manufacturers complete control over the production of critical cabin elements for its E-Jets family. The agreement also includes the integration of specific Safran Cabin operations located in Jacareí, Brazil, into Embraer’s manufacturing footprint.

Consolidating the cabin supply chain

Established in 2012 in Chihuahua, Mexico, EZ Air was originally formed as a joint venture between Embraer and C&D, a company that was later absorbed into Safran Cabin. The Chihuahua facility specializes in manufacturing essential interior components, including luggage bins, galleys, lavatories, and floor panels for commercial-aircraft.

Embraer President and Chief Executive Officer Francisco Gomes Neto stated the acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy to expand operations in both the short and long term, while continuously evaluating opportunities to create value for stakeholders.

“I would like to thank Safran Cabin for this successful long-term partnership and warmly welcome the new colleagues joining Embraer. Together, we will continue to deliver excellence driven by safety, quality, efficiency and sustainability,” Gomes Neto said.

Production targets and backlog pressures

Embraer is actively working to stabilize its supply-chain to meet a record firm order backlog, which reached $32.1 billion in the first quarter of 2026. The manufacturer is targeting an annual production rate of approximately 100 E-Jet aircraft by 2027 or 2028.

Securing full ownership of EZ Air mitigates execution risks as Embraer increases the output of its E175 and E2 family aircraft. By bringing the production of critical interior components entirely in-house, the company aims to insulate its final assembly lines from external supplier delays.

AirPro News analysis

We view this acquisition as a defensive vertical integration move typical of the current aerospace manufacturing environment. With global supply chains remaining fragile, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are increasingly bringing critical component production in-house to prevent bottlenecks. By taking full control of EZ Air, Embraer eliminates a potential single point of failure in its E-Jet assembly line, ensuring that cabin interior shortages do not derail its ambitious delivery targets over the next two years.

Sources: Embraer

Photo Credit: Embraer

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