MRO & Manufacturing
Daher Secures Contract for Second Airbus A321 Assembly Line in Toulouse
Daher expands its industrial services contract to include a second Airbus A321 final assembly line at Toulouse’s Jean-Luc Lagardère site.
This article is based on an official press release from Daher.
ORLY, France, Daher has officially expanded its industrial footprint within the Airbus ecosystem, announcing on January 21, 2026, that it has been awarded the industrial services contract for the second A321 final assembly line (FAL) in Toulouse. This new agreement effectively doubles the company’s operations related to the single-aisle jetliner at the historic Jean-Luc Lagardère site.
According to the company’s announcement, this expansion complements the renewal of its existing contract for the first A321 FAL, where Daher has served as the lead service provider since 2022. The dual contracts solidify Daher’s position as a critical partner in Airbus’s efforts to ramp up Manufacturing of its best-selling narrowbody aircraft.
The newly awarded contract tasks Daher with a specific set of “industrialization” duties essential for the smooth flow of the final assembly process. These services are distinct from general logistics, involving hands-on technical preparation of major aircraft sections before they enter the final joining stages.
As detailed in the press release, the work packages include:
By managing these upstream tasks, Daher aims to ensure quality control and maintain a consistent workflow for Airbus technicians working on the main assembly line.
Cédric Eloy, the CEO of Daher Industrial Services, emphasized that the new contract allows the company to leverage synergies between the two parallel assembly lines located within the same facility.
“This expansion reflects the strength of our Partnerships with Airbus. We successfully supported the launch of the first Airbus A321 FAL, and we’re now continuing the journey with the second final assembly line. By pooling expertise and strengthening synergies, we provide Airbus with a reliable and competitive operating model.”
— Cédric Eloy, CEO of Daher Industrial Services
While the official release focuses on the Contracts award, AirPro News notes that this development is a significant milestone in Airbus’s broader industrial strategy. The Jean-Luc Lagardère facility, once the home of the A380 superjumbo, has been aggressively repurposed to address the massive backlog for the A321neo family. Industry data indicates that the A321neo now accounts for approximately 60% of the A320 Family backlog. To meet Deliveries commitments, Airbus has set a production target of 75 A320-family aircraft per month by 2026/2027. The activation of a second line in Toulouse is critical to achieving this rate.
For Daher, this contract validates its strategic pivot toward high-value industrial services. Following its acquisition of Assistance Aéronautique et Aérospatiale (AAA) in 2023, Daher has significantly bolstered its workforce capabilities. By securing the role of lead service provider on both Toulouse lines, Daher mitigates operational risks for Airbus, providing a single, integrated workforce to manage the complex preparatory phases of production.
What is the Jean-Luc Lagardère site? What is the difference between the two contracts mentioned? What specific tasks will Daher perform?
Daher Doubles Operational Scope with Second Airbus A321 Assembly Line Contract
Scope of Industrial Services
Executive Commentary
AirPro News Analysis: The Strategic Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Located in Toulouse, France, this massive facility was originally built to assemble the Airbus A380. Since the end of A380 production, it has been converted to house modern final assembly lines for the A320 and A321 families.
Daher has held the contract for the first A321 line at this site since 2022; this contract was renewed at the end of 2025. The new announcement concerns the second line, which doubles the volume of work Daher performs at the site.
Daher technicians will handle the “stuffing” and preparation of sections, including installing electrical systems, cabin equipment, and preparing wings for attachment, rather than the final structural joining of the aircraft.
Sources
Photo Credit: Daher
MRO & Manufacturing
GE Aerospace Q4 Orders Surge 74 Percent with Strong 2026 Outlook
GE Aerospace reports 74% Q4 order growth and strong 2025 financials, projecting continued expansion and improved defense deliveries in 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace.
GE Aerospace concluded its 2025 fiscal year with a robust fourth-quarter performance, reporting significant growth in orders and revenue that surpassed Wall Street expectations. In an official press release issued on January 22, 2026, the company announced a 74% year-over-year increase in orders for the fourth quarter, driven by sustained demand for commercial engines and a recovery in defense deliveries.
Despite the strong financial results, which included a “beat and raise” on earnings per share and revenue, the company’s stock price experienced volatility in trading sessions following the announcement. While the aviation giant projects continued double-digit growth into 2026, market analysts suggest the immediate stock reaction reflects profit-taking after a year of substantial gains.
According to the company’s financial report, GE Aerospace delivered double-digit growth across key metrics. For the fourth quarter of 2025, the company reported total orders of $27.0 billion, a massive 74% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Adjusted revenue for the quarter reached $11.9 billion, rising 20% year-over-year and beating analyst consensus estimates of approximately $11.2 billion.
Profitability metrics also showed strength. The company reported an adjusted Earnings Per Share (EPS) of $1.57 for the quarter, a 19% increase that exceeded the consensus estimate of $1.43. Operating profit grew by 14% to $2.3 billion.
For the full year of 2025, GE Aerospace highlighted the following results:
The company also noted a substantial backlog of approximately $190 billion, which management indicated represents nearly five years of revenue visibility at current production rates.
The press release and accompanying presentation materials attributed the strong performance to high demand in both the Commercial Engines & Services (CES) and Defense sectors.
Commercial services revenue grew 26% for the full year. This surge is largely attributed to higher volumes of shop visits and spare parts sales as airlines continue to fly older aircraft to meet travel demand. Additionally, the company achieved a record number of LEAP engine deliveries, which rose 28% year-over-year. The Defense & Propulsion Technologies segment showed signs of overcoming previous supply chain hurdles. Defense engine deliveries increased 30% year-over-year, while orders in the segment jumped 61% in the fourth quarter. This indicates an easing of the constraints that had previously limited output in this critical sector.
“The proprietary FLIGHT DECK lean operating model [is credited] for improving turnaround times and output.”
, Larry Culp, CEO (Summarized from company remarks)
Looking ahead, GE Aerospace management provided guidance for 2026 that projects continued expansion, albeit at a stabilizing rate compared to the rapid post-pandemic recovery phase. The company forecasts low double-digit growth in adjusted revenue and expects operating profit to land between $9.85 billion and $10.25 billion.
CFO Rahul Ghai also confirmed expectations that the LEAP engine program will reach profitability in 2026, a significant milestone for the company’s long-term margin expansion strategy. The guidance for adjusted EPS is set between $7.10 and $7.40, with Free Cash Flow projected between $8.0 billion and $8.4 billion.
The results from GE Aerospace reinforce the “aviation supercycle” narrative currently dominating the sector. With major airframers facing production delays, airlines are forced to extend the lifecycles of their existing fleets. This dynamic directly benefits GE Aerospace, which generates high-margin revenue from the aftermarket services and parts required to keep older engines operational.
Furthermore, the 30% increase in defense deliveries suggests that the worst of the supply chain disruptions may be resolving. This operational improvement allows the company to convert its massive $190 billion backlog into recognized revenue more efficiently. However, the market’s “sell the news” reaction, dropping the stock 3-6% despite the beat, highlights investor caution regarding valuation multiples after a ~70% rally over the last year.
GE Aerospace Reports 74% Surge in Q4 Orders, Issues Optimistic 2026 Guidance
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results
Operational Highlights: Services and Defense
Commercial Engines & Services
Defense Recovery
2026 Outlook and Guidance
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
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
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