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

This article is based on official announcements from the Turkish Defense Industry Agency (SSB) and Turkish Aerospace Industries.

Turkish Aerospace Subsidiary TEI Secures $2.95 Billion Engine Production Order

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has started 2026 with a significant milestone, announcing that its engine manufacturing subsidiary, TUSAS Engine Industries (TEI), has secured a massive $2.95 billion export order. The agreement, revealed on Friday by the Turkish Defense Industry Agency (SSB), covers high-value engine production technologies and maintenance services for an international client.

According to the official statement from SSB President Haluk Görgün, the deal encompasses 22 different engine programs serving both civil and Military-Aircraft sectors. This contract marks the first major export success for the Turkish defense industry in 2026 and propels TEI’s total order backlog to a record $8.2 billion.

The announcement underscores Turkey’s growing influence in the global aerospace supply chain, shifting from a purchaser of technology to a critical manufacturing hub for advanced aviation components.

Deal Scope and Financial Impact

The $2.95 billion agreement is one of the largest single export Orders in TEI’s history. While the specific customer was not named in the initial public release, the scope of work is extensive. Officials confirmed that the contract includes the production of high-tech engine parts as well as MRO services.

Deliveries and services under this new contract are scheduled to commence in 2026. The infusion of this order significantly strengthens TEI’s financial outlook, bringing its total confirmed order volume to $8.2 billion. This backlog ensures sustained production activity and highlights the company’s capacity to handle large-scale, long-term international commitments.

In a statement regarding the deal, SSB President Haluk Görgün emphasized the strategic importance of the contract:

“While 2025 ended with record-breaking achievements, TEI has achieved its first major export success of 2026. The $2.95 billion order won from abroad is a strong confirmation that Türkiye is among the world’s leading centers in high value-added engine production technologies.”

Haluk Görgün, President of the Turkish Defense Industry Agency (SSB)

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Strategic Expansion of Turkish Aviation

This agreement aligns with Turkey’s broader strategy to treat defense and aviation as a “holistic ecosystem.” By integrating deeply into global supply chains while simultaneously developing indigenous platforms, Turkish companies are aiming to secure long-term sustainability.

Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu, General Manager of TAI, noted that the deal validates the engineering competence and production discipline established at TEI over the last four decades. The company, which was established in 1985, has evolved into a Manufacturing powerhouse capable of producing over 1,500 different parts for 50 distinct engine programs.

Demiroğlu expressed optimism for the year ahead, stating:

“The $2.95 billion export success… confirms our quality and capabilities in engine production. This good start has reinforced our belief that 2026 will be a year full of breakthroughs.”

Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu, General Manager of TAI

AirPro News Analysis

The GE Aerospace Connection

While the official announcement refers to an unnamed “international client,” AirPro News notes that TEI’s corporate structure provides strong context for this order. TEI is a joint venture between Turkish Aerospace Industries (50.5%), GE Aerospace (46.2%), and other Turkish foundations. TEI is already the largest supplier of structural parts for several GE engines globally.

The mention of “22 distinct engine programs” and a mix of civil and military applications strongly suggests a renewal or expansion of agreements related to major global platforms. TEI is a critical supplier for the LEAP engine (powering the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo), the GEnx (Boeing 787), and the F110 engine (F-16 fighter jets). Given the current global strain on aviation supply chains and the desperate need for increased engine production rates, a $3 billion commitment likely represents a long-term lock-in of manufacturing capacity for these high-demand programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the customer for this $2.95 billion order?
The official announcement did not name the specific client, referring only to an “international” source. However, given TEI’s joint venture status, the order is likely linked to major global OEMs such as GE Aerospace.

What does the contract cover?
The contract covers the production of high-value engine parts and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) services across 22 different civil and military engine programs.

When will production begin?
Deliveries and services associated with this new order are scheduled to begin in 2026.

What is TEI’s total backlog?
With the addition of this $2.95 billion deal, TEI’s total order backlog has reached $8.2 billion.

Sources

• Caspian Post
• Turkish Defense Industry Agency (SSB) Official Announcement