This article is based on an official press release from ExecuJet MRO Services.

ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium Secures FAA Part 145 Approval

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.

Scope of FAA Approval and Aircraft Capabilities

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.

Authorized Aircraft Models

The press release details the specific aircraft types now approved for maintenance under the FAA certificate:

• Dassault Aviation: Base maintenance (up to C-checks) for Falcon 7X, Falcon 8X, Falcon 900EX EASy/DX/LX, and Falcon 2000 EX EASy/DX.
• Bombardier: Line maintenance for Challenger 300/350, Global 5000/5500, and Global 6000/6500.
• Cessna (Textron Aviation): Line and base maintenance for Citation 560 XL/XLS and the Citation 525 series (525, 525A, 525B, 525C).

Facility Roles

ExecuJet operates two key sites in Belgium, each with a distinct focus under the new approval:

• Brussels International Airport (EBBR): With a 5,000 m² hangar and extensive parking, this facility focuses on line maintenance and Aircraft on Ground (AOG) support, catering primarily to transient aircraft.
• Kortrijk-Wevelgem International Airport (EBKT): Featuring a 4,580 m² hangar, this site is designated for heavy base maintenance, including major inspections and repairs.

Strategic Importance for European Operations

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.

AirPro News Analysis

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FAA Part 145 certification?

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.

Can ExecuJet Belgium now perform warranty work on US-registered aircraft?

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.

Does this cover all ExecuJet locations in Europe?

This specific announcement pertains only to ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium, covering its facilities at Brussels International Airport and Kortrijk-Wevelgem International Airport.

Sources

• ExecuJet MRO Services