This article is based on an official press release from KF Aerospace.

KF Aerospace Secures Certification for World’s First Boeing 737-800 Combi

On January 8, 2026, KF Aerospace announced a significant milestone in aviation engineering: the successful certification of the world’s first Boeing 737-800 Combi conversion. Transport Canada has issued Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) #SA25-72 to the Kelowna-based maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider, officially approving the modification that transforms a standard passenger jet into a dual-purpose Commercial-Aircraft capable of carrying both freight and passengers on the main deck.

The launch customer for this program is Air Inuit, a carrier vital to Northern Quebec’s supply chain. According to the announcement, Air Inuit took Delivery of the first converted aircraft (Registration C-FTUW) in October 2025, with a second aircraft currently undergoing conversion. This Certification marks the culmination of a complex engineering Partnerships between KF Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI).

Technical Specifications and Configuration

The KF Aerospace conversion addresses a specific market need for flexibility by splitting the aircraft’s main deck into two distinct sections. Unlike standard freighters or passenger-only variants, this “Combi” configuration allows operators to maximize utility on routes where demand for both cargo and travel fluctuates.

Interior Layout and Capacity

According to the technical data released by KF Aerospace, the converted Boeing 737-800 features a split-deck layout:

• Forward Cargo Section: Capable of accommodating five full-height cargo pallets.
• Aft Passenger Cabin: Configured with 90 economy seats in a standard 3-3 layout.

To facilitate the loading of large freight, the conversion utilizes the AEI 737-800SF large cargo door (86″ x 137″). Safety remains paramount in this mixed-use environment; the aircraft is equipped with a fixed, rigid cargo bulkhead that serves as a smoke barrier between the freight and passenger compartments. Additionally, the Class B main deck cargo compartment features advanced pneumatic fire detection and Halon-based fire suppression systems.

Passenger Experience

Despite the industrial utility of the forward section, the aft cabin retains modern passenger amenities. The press release notes that the cabin includes a fully redesigned interior with large overhead bins, optimized LED lighting, and Starlink high-speed internet connectivity. The aircraft is also certified for medical stretcher installation, a critical capability for medical evacuations in remote regions.

“KF is proud to deliver a world-first solution that expands what’s possible in aircraft conversion… This project reflects the ingenuity, dedication, and deep technical expertise of our entire team.”

Gregg Evjen, President of KF Aerospace

Strategic Importance for Northern Operations

This program was developed specifically to replace the aging fleets of Boeing 737-200 Combi aircraft, which have served remote northern communities for over four decades. The 737-200 series has long been the workhorse of the Arctic due to its gravel runway capabilities, but these airframes are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and fuel-inefficient.

According to KF Aerospace, the shift to the 737-800 platform offers a dramatic improvement in efficiency, reducing fuel emissions by approximately 40% compared to the legacy aircraft. This alignment with modern sustainability goals is a key driver for operators like Air Inuit.

“Creating unique solutions to cater to unique needs is part of Air Inuit’s DNA. Together with KF Aerospace, we are modernizing northern jet air services with our main focus of better serving Nunavik’s people.”

Christian Busch, CEO of Air Inuit

AirPro News Analysis: The Infrastructure Shift

While the fuel savings and modernization are clear benefits, AirPro News notes a significant operational distinction in this transition. The legacy Boeing 737-200 was famous for its ability to land on gravel runways, a necessity for many remote Arctic outposts. The Boeing 737-800, however, generally requires paved runways.

This technical limitation suggests a shift in logistics strategy for carriers like Air Inuit. We anticipate the new 737-800 Combis will likely serve as high-capacity “trunk” liners connecting major paved hubs (such as Montreal to Kuujjuaq), while smaller turboprops will likely handle the “last mile” distribution to communities with gravel strips. This evolution represents a modernization of the entire northern supply chain, moving away from single-aircraft direct service to a more segmented hub-and-spoke model.

Sources

Sources: KF Aerospace Press Release, Air Inuit Innovation Page

This article is based on an official press release from Rolls-Royce and additional reporting by Anadolu Agency and Aviation Week.

Rolls-Royce and Turkish Technic Break Ground on $300 Million Istanbul Maintenance Hub

Rolls-Royce and Turkish Technic have officially broken ground on a new, state-of-the-art aero engine maintenance facility at Istanbul Airport (IST). The ceremony, held on January 8, 2026, marks a pivotal expansion of the Rolls-Royce global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) network. According to a press release from Rolls-Royce, the project represents a significant deepening of the strategic partnership between the British engine manufacturer and the maintenance arm of Turkish Airlines.

The new facility is designed to support the growing global fleet of Rolls-Royce Trent engines, specifically following Turkish Airlines’ historic order for 80 Airbus A350 Commercial-Aircraft placed in late 2023. With an investment value of approximately $300 million, the site is scheduled to become operational by the end of 2027. Once fully mature around 2036, the facility is projected to handle up to 200 engine shop visits annually.

This development falls under the Strategic Türkiye Enhanced Programme (STEP), a framework established to bolster Türkiye’s aerospace capabilities over the next 15 years. By establishing this center, Turkish Technic solidifies its position as a key player in the global civil aviation supply chain, while Rolls-Royce secures critical capacity for its “TotalCare” service network.

Operational Capabilities and Scope

The new maintenance center will operate as an Authorized Maintenance Center (AMC) within the Rolls-Royce network. While it remains an independent center under Turkish Technic’s management, it will adhere strictly to Rolls-Royce’s maintenance standards. The facility will focus on three specific engine types that power modern wide-body aircraft:

• Trent XWB-84: Powering the Airbus A350-900.
• Trent XWB-97: Powering the Airbus A350-1000.
• Trent 7000: Powering the Airbus A330neo.

According to data provided in the announcement, the facility is expected to create approximately 1,000 new jobs, with over 900 of those being highly qualified technical positions. This influx of skilled labor is intended to enhance local technical capabilities, with provisions in the agreement to repair 20% of engine parts domestically within Türkiye.

Economic Impact and Revenue Projections

The economic implications of the project are substantial. Turkish Technic projects that the facility will generate approximately $1.5 billion in annual revenue once it reaches full capacity. Furthermore, the center is expected to contribute roughly $700 million annually to the Turkish economy through service exports by maintaining engines for third-party international airlines.

“Breaking ground on Turkish Technic’s new state-of-the-art facility is a significant milestone for our global MRO network… We’re significantly increasing our global MRO capacity by 2030, and today’s announcement marks another step on that journey.”

, Rob Watson, President – Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce

Strategic Context: The STEP Initiative

The groundbreaking is the physical realization of agreements announced in May 2025 and the broader STEP initiative unveiled in 2024. The program aims to develop Türkiye’s aerospace industry through partnership with Airbus and Rolls-Royce. The urgency for this facility is driven by Turkish Airlines’ status as the world’s largest operator of Trent XWB engines following their massive fleet expansion.

Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board for Turkish Technic and Turkish Airlines, emphasized the scale of the ambition in his remarks at the ceremony:

“This initiative will elevate us to the third-largest MRO company globally… We’re making a $300 million investment and creating a facility capable of servicing 200 engines annually by 2036.”

, Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board, Turkish Technic

AirPro News Analysis

Supply Chain Resilience in the MRO Sector

The establishment of this facility at Istanbul Airports is a strategic maneuver by Rolls-Royce to decentralize its MRO capacity. Historically, heavy reliance on facilities in Western Europe and Asia has created bottlenecks during periods of high demand. By placing a major hub in Istanbul, a geographic bridge between East and West, Rolls-Royce effectively hedges against regional disruptions.

Furthermore, the aggressive timeline to be operational by late 2027 suggests that Rolls-Royce is prioritizing capacity growth to match the delivery schedules of the A350s ordered during the post-pandemic aviation boom. For Turkish Technic, this moves them up the value chain from airframe maintenance to high-value engine overhaul, a segment with higher margins and deeper technical barriers to entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new facility open?

The facility is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2027.

Which engines will be serviced there?

The center will service the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84, Trent XWB-97, and Trent 7000 engines.

How much is being invested in the project?

The specific Investments for this facility is approximately $300 million.

Is this facility only for Turkish Airlines?

No. While it supports Turkish Airlines’ fleet, it will also serve third-party global customers as part of the Rolls-Royce authorized network.

Sources: Rolls-Royce Press Release, Anadolu Agency, Aviation Week

Boeing and Union Pause Contract Talks for Former Spirit AeroSystems Staff

Negotiations between The Boeing Company and the union representing approximately 1,600 white-collar workers at the newly re-acquired Spirit AeroSystems facility in Wichita have been halted until the new year. According to reporting by Reuters, labor officials confirmed on Wednesday that talks are paused until January 5, 2026.

The pause involves the Wichita Technical and Professional Unit (WTPU), represented by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA). These negotiations are critical as Boeing works to integrate the workforce following its official $8.3 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, which closed on December 8, 2025.

Negotiation Timeline and Union Frustration

The decision to suspend talks comes just weeks before the current contract is set to expire on January 31, 2026. Reports indicate that Boeing requested the delay to manage the complex logistics of reintegrating Spirit’s operations into the wider Boeing enterprise. The company cited “complications related to the reunification” as the primary driver for the pause.

While SPEEA agreed to the schedule change, union leadership expressed significant dissatisfaction with the delay. SPEEA negotiator Wes Gardner voiced strong criticism regarding the company’s preparedness.

“I’m incredibly pissed off by this demonstrated lack of respect.”

, Wes Gardner, SPEEA Negotiator (via SPEEA/Reuters)

The union contends that Boeing had months to prepare for the Acquisitions and should have been ready to proceed with these critical discussions without interruption.

Context: The “Reunification” of Spirit AeroSystems

The backdrop of these negotiations is Boeing’s strategic move to re-acquire Spirit AeroSystems, a company it spun off in 2005. The acquisition is part of a broader effort by the planemaker to regain direct control over the quality of its fuselage production following a series of Manufacturing issues, including the January 2024 door plug incident.

The integration process brings approximately 15,000 former Spirit employees back under the Boeing umbrella. This massive logistical undertaking requires harmonizing different payroll systems, benefit structures, and union agreements. The WTPU represents non-engineering professionals, such as supply chain specialists, planners, and technical analysts, who are now seeking parity with their Boeing counterparts.

Precedent Set by Engineering Unit

The current friction contrasts with the recent success of the Wichita Engineering Unit (WEU), another group represented by SPEEA. In November 2025, the WEU ratified a four-year agreement that included a 23% wage increase, guaranteed bonuses, and improved retirement benefits. This deal serves as a significant benchmark for the WTPU, which is reportedly seeking similar gains, including:

• A one-time salary adjustment to recognize the return to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) status.
• Transition to Boeing’s corporate health benefits to lower monthly premiums.
• Enhanced 401(k) matching contributions.

AirPro News Analysis

The pause in negotiations highlights the friction inherent in reversing a two-decade-old corporate spinoff. While Boeing’s request for time to manage “reunification” logistics is operationally plausible, the timing creates a high-pressure scenario. With the contract expiration looming on January 31, the window for negotiation has narrowed significantly.

We observe that the union possesses considerable leverage. The successful ratification of the engineering contract sets a clear floor for the WTPU’s expectations. Furthermore, the narrative of “reunification” empowers the union to demand immediate parity with legacy Boeing employees. If a deal is not reached by the end of January, the resulting labor unrest could threaten the stability of 737 fuselage production just as Boeing attempts to stabilize its Supply-Chain.

Sources

• This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and Dan Catchpole.