MRO & Manufacturing
AAR Corp to Close Indianapolis Maintenance Facility Impacting 329 Jobs
AAR Corp. will close its Indianapolis maintenance hub by 2027, laying off 329 employees following its HAECO Americas acquisition.
This article summarizes reporting by IndyStar and official filings. The original report is paywalled; this article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.
AAR Corp. (NYSE: AIR) has confirmed plans to permanently shutter its airframe maintenance facility at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), a move that will result in the layoff of approximately 329 employees. According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice filed with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development on December 22, 2025, the closure is scheduled to take place in phases over the next year.
The decision marks the end of a two-decade era for the facility under AAR’s management. Reporting by IndyStar indicates that the closure aligns with the expiration of the company’s lease and follows a significant strategic shift in AAR’s North American operations. The shutdown process is set to begin on February 15, 2026, and is expected to conclude by February 28, 2027.
The closure of the Indianapolis site appears to be a direct consequence of AAR’s recent expansion efforts elsewhere. In November 2025, AAR finalized the acquisition of HAECO Americas for a reported $78 million. This transaction provided the aviation services company with two modern heavy maintenance facilities located in Greensboro, North Carolina, and Lake City, Florida.
According to industry analysis and financial reports, the HAECO acquisition included approximately $850 million in long-term contracts, effectively securing capacity at the newly acquired sites. Consequently, the Indianapolis facility, a legacy asset requiring a lease renewal, was deemed redundant within the optimized network.
The Indianapolis Maintenance Center, located at 2825 W. Perimeter Road, is a massive 1.6 million-square-foot complex originally constructed in the early 1990s. AAR leased approximately 367,000 square feet of this space. Reports suggest that the aging infrastructure of the facility, often described in local aviation circles as “legacy” compared to modern standards, played a role in the decision.
AAR’s lease with the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) was approaching expiration. Rather than committing to a long-term renewal, the company signed a short-term extension through February 2027. This timeline mirrors the final closure date outlined in the WARN notice, signaling a deliberate exit Strategy rather than a sudden financial collapse.
The primary impact of this consolidation will be felt by the local workforce. The WARN notice specifies that 329 employees will be separated from the company starting in mid-February 2026. AAR has stated that all affected employees are receiving at least 60 days’ notice, complying with federal requirements. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development is expected to activate its “Rapid Response” team to assist displaced workers. This state-led initiative typically provides job placement assistance, resume workshops, and Training opportunities to help workers transition to new employment.
The Indianapolis Maintenance Center has a complex history tied to public investment. Originally built for United Airlines in 1994, the facility was supported by over $300 million in taxpayer incentives with the promise of thousands of jobs. However, United Airlines vacated the site in 2003 following bankruptcy proceedings.
AAR took over the facility in 2004, stabilizing the site and employing hundreds of mechanics for over 20 years. The upcoming departure leaves the Indianapolis Airport Authority with a significant vacancy, specifically 10 hangar bays, that has historically been difficult to fill.
Despite the closure, AAR Corp. remains in a strong financial position. Fiscal Year 2025 reports indicate a 20% revenue growth, reaching $2.8 billion. This growth has been driven largely by acquisitions and robust demand for aftermarket parts. The company’s stock performance has trended upward, with analysts interpreting the consolidation of operations into the HAECO facilities as a margin-positive move.
The closure of the Indianapolis facility underscores a broader trend in the MRO sector: the prioritization of owned, modern assets over leased legacy infrastructure. By acquiring HAECO, AAR not only gained capacity but also secured a workforce and facility footprint that likely offers better long-term economics than the aging Indianapolis site.
For the Indianapolis Airport Authority, this presents a familiar challenge. The facility was designed for a different era of aviation, where massive, single-tenant hubs were the norm. In today’s market, finding a single tenant to occupy such a vast space is increasingly difficult. We anticipate the IAA may need to subdivide the space or seek non-traditional tenants to utilize the hangars effectively once AAR departs in 2027.
When will the layoffs begin? Is AAR Corp. in financial trouble? What will happen to the facility?
AAR Corp. to Close Indianapolis Maintenance Hub, Impacting 329 Workers
Strategic Consolidation Following HAECO Acquisition
Facility Condition and Lease Timing
Impact on Workforce and Local Economy
Historical Context of the Site
Financial Health and Market Trends
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the WARN notice, the first separations are scheduled to begin on February 15, 2026.
No. Financial reports show AAR is growing, with a 20% revenue increase in FY2025. The closure is a strategic move to consolidate operations following the acquisition of HAECO Americas.
The facility will revert to the control of the Indianapolis Airport Authority after the lease expires in February 2027. The IAA has not yet announced specific plans for the site.
Sources
Photo Credit: AAR Corp
MRO & Manufacturing
ExecuJet Belgium Gains FAA Part 145 Certification for US Aircraft Maintenance
ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium obtains FAA Part 145 certification, enabling maintenance on US-registered business jets at Brussels and Kortrijk airports.
This article is based on an official press release from ExecuJet MRO Services.
ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, has officially received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 145 certification. Announced on January 20, 2026, this approval authorizes the company’s Belgian facilities to perform line and base maintenance on US-registered business aircraft, significantly expanding its service capabilities within the European market.
According to the company’s announcement, this certification allows ExecuJet to service the high volume of “N-registered” jets that operate within or transit through Europe. Previously, the facility held EASA certification along with approvals from Aruba, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and Guernsey, but could not release US-registered aircraft to service. This new authorization bridges a critical gap in their service portfolio.
The FAA Part 145 Foreign Repair Station approval covers a wide range of airframes and maintenance types. The certification is effective immediately and applies to both of ExecuJet’s Belgian facilities. The company outlined specific authorizations for major manufacturers, distinguishing between line and base maintenance capabilities.
The press release details the specific aircraft types now approved for maintenance under the FAA certificate:
ExecuJet operates two key sites in Belgium, each with a distinct focus under the new approval:
The ability to service US-registered aircraft is a vital component for European MRO providers due to the prevalence of the N-registry among international operators. Matthijs Hutsebaut, Regional Vice President for Europe at ExecuJet MRO Services, emphasized the operational necessity of this certification.
“A significant number of US-registered aircraft operate in or transit through Europe, requiring line maintenance and AOG support. This FAA approval is an important milestone that enables us to grow these services and expand our access to the US business aviation market.”
, Matthijs Hutsebaut, Regional Vice President for Europe, ExecuJet MRO Services
Hutsebaut further noted that the approval reinforces the company’s reputation as a trusted partner in the region. This move aligns the Belgian branch with other ExecuJet facilities globally, such as those in Malaysia, the Middle East, and South Africa, that already hold FAA certification, creating a more cohesive global network for clients.
We view this certification as a strategic consolidation for Dassault Aviation’s aftermarket network. Since acquiring ExecuJet’s MRO operations in 2019, Dassault has steadily integrated these facilities to support both its own Falcon fleet and third-party airframes. Securing FAA Part 145 approval in Belgium addresses a common logistical friction point: US-registered aircraft often face limited options for authorized maintenance in specific European regions. By enabling the Kortrijk facility to perform heavy checks on N-registered Falcons, Dassault ensures that European owners of US-registered jets remain within the OEM’s ecosystem for major maintenance events. Furthermore, the inclusion of Bombardier and Cessna capabilities indicates that ExecuJet intends to maintain its status as a multi-OEM service provider, rather than shifting exclusively to Dassault products.
FAA Part 145 certification allows a maintenance facility (repair station) to perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations on aircraft and products under US jurisdiction. For facilities outside the US, this is known as a Foreign Repair Station approval.
While the press release confirms the legal authority to perform maintenance and release aircraft to service under FAA rules, warranty work typically requires specific authorization from the aircraft manufacturer (OEM). ExecuJet is a Dassault subsidiary, implying strong support for Falcon jets, but specific warranty agreements for other OEMs would depend on separate service center agreements.
This specific announcement pertains only to ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium, covering its facilities at Brussels International Airport and Kortrijk-Wevelgem International Airport.
ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium Secures FAA Part 145 Approval
Scope of FAA Approval and Aircraft Capabilities
Authorized Aircraft Models
Facility Roles
Strategic Importance for European Operations
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FAA Part 145 certification?
Can ExecuJet Belgium now perform warranty work on US-registered aircraft?
Does this cover all ExecuJet locations in Europe?
Sources
Photo Credit: ExecuJet
MRO & Manufacturing
Daher Renews Airbus A350 and A330 Cabin Outfitting Contracts
Daher renews contracts with Airbus to support A350 and A330 cabin outfitting, expanding workforce for increased production in Toulouse.
This article is based on an official press release from Daher.
On January 21, 2026, industrial partner Daher announced the renewal of critical cabin outfitting contracts for the Airbus A350 and A330 programs. The agreement solidifies Daher’s presence on the final assembly lines in Toulouse, France, positioning the company to support Airbus’s aggressive production targets for its widebody jetliners.
According to the company’s official statement, these renewals, finalized in October, cover a significant scope of work including installation, assembly, quality inspection, and technical support. The deal underscores the long-standing relationship between the two aerospace entities, with Daher taking on increased responsibility as Airbus ramps up output to meet global demand.
The primary focus of the expanded partnership is the A350 program. As Airbus aims to increase production rates to 12 aircraft per month by 2028, Daher is scaling its operations to match the assembly line’s requirements. Under the terms of the renewed contract, Daher is responsible for cabin outfitting on one out of every two A350 aircraft assembled in Toulouse.
To accommodate this surge in activity, Daher is significantly expanding its workforce. The company currently assigns nearly 200 personnel to the A350 cabin outfitting program. According to the press release, this team is projected to grow to 260 employees by the end of 2026. This workforce expansion is critical for preventing bottlenecks in the labor-intensive cabin finishing stage.
Daher’s role on the A350 line is described as providing “high value-added services.” Beyond standard installation, the company manages:
While the A350 program focuses on growth, the A330 contract renewal emphasizes stability and continuity. Daher and Airbus have collaborated on the A330 program for more than 30 years. The current agreement covers three specific work packages for the widebody jetliner:
Production for the A330 has stabilized at a rate of four aircraft per month. To maintain this steady pace, Daher employs a dedicated team of 45 experts who ensure just-in-time execution for these specific components.
The renewals reflect a strategic alignment between Airbus’s production goals and Daher’s industrial capabilities. Cédric Eloy, the CEO of Daher Industrial Services, highlighted the significance of the agreement in the company’s official announcement.
“These renewals confirm Daher’s strategic role and our ability to support the production ramp up of long haul aircraft programs.”
, Cédric Eloy, CEO of Daher Industrial Services
The renewal of these contracts signals a continued shift in the aerospace supply chain toward “Tier 1” industrial service models. Unlike traditional staffing arrangements where suppliers provide labor, Daher assumes full responsibility for specific work packages, including supply chain management and quality control. By locking in a partner for 50% of the A350 cabin work, Airbus effectively de-risks a complex phase of final assembly during a critical ramp-up period. For Daher, the expansion of the A350 team to 260 employees by 2026 illustrates the tangible impact of widebody market recovery on the aerospace employment ecosystem in the Occitanie region.
Daher Strengthens Airbus Partnership with Renewed A350 and A330 Contracts
Supporting the A350 Production Ramp-Up
Scope of A350 Services
A330: Maintaining Stability and Expertise
Executive Commentary
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Daher
MRO & Manufacturing
GE Aerospace Launches Robotic White Light Inspection for Engine Maintenance
GE Aerospace introduces robotic white light scanning at Cincinnati to automate turbine disk inspections and create digital twins for maintenance.
This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace.
In a significant move toward automating the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector, GE Aerospace has unveiled a new robotic inspection system designed to alleviate the physical burden of inspecting critical jet engine components. Dubbed the “Dance of the White Light Robots” for the synchronized movement of its dual robotic arms, the technology was deployed in late 2024 at the company’s Services Technology Acceleration Center (STAC) in Cincinnati, Ohio.
According to the company, this system utilizes high-definition optical scanners and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to inspect High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) disks, components that operate in the hottest, most stressful sections of an aircraft engine. The technology represents the culmination of a five-year joint development effort between GE Aerospace Research in Niskayuna, New York, and the Global Automation and Robotics Center in Bromont, Quebec.
Prior to the introduction of this automated workstation, the inspection of HPT disks was a manually intensive process. Technicians relied on flashlights and mirrors to visually scrutinize every millimeter of the complex metal disks to identify scratches, dents, nicks, or corrosion. This method, while effective in the hands of skilled experts, was physically taxing and prone to human fatigue.
Sam Blazek, a Services Technology Leader at GE Aerospace, described the stark contrast between the traditional methods and the new automated workflow:
“Staring at the same part or feature for eight to 12 hours a day can make your head hurt… [we used to inspect] caveman style, by hand. We’re not trying to replace humans with this technology. We want to replicate them.”
The new system addresses these limitations by employing two articulated industrial robots that move in a pre-programmed, choreographed path over the engine part. Instead of lasers, the robots project white light patterns onto the surface to capture precise 3D topographical data. An AI algorithm then analyzes this data in real-time to detect defects that might be invisible to the naked eye.
One of the primary advantages of the white light system is its ability to generate a “digital twin” of the component. Unlike a human inspection, which typically results in a binary pass/fail decision or a repair order, the robot creates a comprehensive digital map of the part’s condition. This data is stored for future reference, allowing engineers to track specific wear patterns across a fleet of engines over time.
Jon Hootman, Engineering Director at STAC, emphasized the value of this data consistency in the company’s official statement: “My ability to have high-quality, consistent, repeatable mapping of the inspection results on a specific part is the magic. It’s the enabler to simplify the programming and logic for all sorts of post-inspection automation opportunities.”
The deployment of this technology at STAC serves as a proving ground before global rollout. The facility functions as an incubator for scaling MRO technologies. While specific speed metrics for this particular robot remain proprietary, GE Aerospace noted that similar AI-driven tools, such as the Blade Inspection Tool (BIT), have reduced inspection times by up to 50%.
By automating the data collection phase of inspection, GE Aerospace aims to shift the role of skilled technicians from repetitive observation to complex decision-making. The system flags potential defects, but human experts retain the authority to make the final “disposition” on whether a part requires repair or replacement.
The introduction of white light robotics at GE Aerospace highlights a critical trend in the aviation industry: the shift from reactive to predictive maintenance amidst a tightening labor market. The MRO sector currently faces a shortage of skilled technicians; automating high-fatigue tasks is essential to preserving the workforce.
Furthermore, the creation of “digital twins” for legacy engine parts marks a significant leap in asset management. By digitizing the physical state of HPT disks, airlines and MRO providers can theoretically predict component failures before they occur, moving beyond simple scheduled maintenance. This technology also lays the groundwork for fully automated repair chains, where data from the inspection robot could directly guide automated cleaning, blending, or coating machinery.
What is “white light” scanning? Does this robot replace human inspectors? Where is this technology currently used?
GE Aerospace Deploys “White Light” Robots to Revolutionize Engine Maintenance
From “Caveman Style” to Digital Twins
Creating a Permanent Digital Record
Operational Impact and Efficiency
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
White light scanning, also known as structured light scanning, projects a known pattern of light onto a surface. The system calculates the depth and surface information by analyzing how the pattern distorts when it hits the object, creating a highly accurate 3D model.
No. According to GE Aerospace, the goal is to replicate human observation capabilities while eliminating physical fatigue. The robots handle the data collection and initial screening, allowing human technicians to focus on complex decision-making and repairs.
The system was first deployed in the fall of 2024 at the Services Technology Acceleration Center (STAC) in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is primarily used for inspecting High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) disks.
Sources
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
-
Commercial Aviation4 days agoUnited Airlines Stores Boeing 777s Over Engine Parts Shortage
-
MRO & Manufacturing7 days agoBombardier Announces CAD 100M Manufacturing Expansion in Dorval
-
Technology & Innovation5 days agoHorizon Aircraft Reports $24M Cash and 2026 Prototype Timeline
-
Commercial Aviation3 days agoQantas Fleet Renewal and Cabin Upgrades for Western Australia
-
Commercial Space5 days agoSingapore Airshow 2026 Launches Space Summit and New Features