This article is based on an official press release from Mecadaq Group.

Mecadaq Group Acquires Echeverria and Lopez to Accelerate Aerospace Supply Chain Consolidation

Mecadaq Group, a specialist in high-precision aerospace manufacturing with operations in France and the United States, has announced the acquisitions of two strategic companies: Echeverria and Lopez. The announcement, made on January 21, 2026, marks the first major expansion for the group since the investment firm CAPZA became its majority shareholder in July 2025.

According to the company’s statement, these acquisitions are part of an aggressive “buy-and-build” strategy designed to consolidate the fragmented aerospace supply chain. By integrating these new entities, Mecadaq aims to diversify its capabilities beyond airframe manufacturing into interiors and engine maintenance. The group has set a financial target to achieve over €150 million in annual revenue by 2030.

Strategic Acquisitions: Echeverria and Lopez

The two acquired companies bring distinct specializations that broaden Mecadaq’s service portfolio and strengthen its local footprint in southwest France.

Echeverria: Expanding into Interiors

Located in Hendaye, France, Echeverria specializes in the precision machining and assembly of complex components for aircraft seats and cabins. This acquisition opens a new vertical for Mecadaq in the “Interiors” market. The company notes that Echeverria is a key supplier for Airbus Atlantic, providing structures for pilot seats and cabin frameworks.

Lopez: Establishing an MRO Division

The second acquisition, Lopez, is based in Tarnos, France, near Mecadaq’s headquarters. Lopez focuses on Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for helicopter engines. Their capabilities include grinding, lapping, hydraulic testing, and compliance restoration for critical parts. According to Mecadaq, this move establishes a dedicated division for engine maintenance and reinforces the group’s relationship with Safran Helicopter Engines, a long-standing partner of Lopez.

Financial Backing and Long-Term Strategy

This expansion is fueled by Mecadaq’s new financial structure following the entry of CAPZA as the majority shareholder in mid-2025. The investment firm’s Flex Equity strategy replaced the previous backer, Activa Capital. Additionally, Mecadaq President Julien Dubecq and his management team have reinvested in the transaction, signaling a long-term commitment to the group’s growth.

“The aerospace supply chain remains highly fragmented. Mecadaq’s strategy is to act as a consolidator, acquiring smaller, specialized firms to increase ‘share of wallet’ with major OEMs.”

, Summary of Mecadaq Group Strategy

Advertisement

The group’s ambition is to triple its size relative to its 2018-2020 baseline. To reach the €150 million revenue target by 2030, Mecadaq plans to pursue a mix of organic growth and further acquisitions across Europe and the United States.

AirPro News Analysis

The acquisition of Echeverria and Lopez highlights a critical trend in the aerospace sector: the consolidation of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers. As major OEMs like Airbus and Boeing ramp up production rates, smaller suppliers often face pressure to scale operations and maintain financial resilience. By absorbing specialized firms, mid-sized groups like Mecadaq can offer a more robust, multi-service value proposition,ranging from manufacturing to maintenance,thereby securing their positions as critical partners in the global supply chain.

Company Profile and Global Footprint

Headquartered in Tarnos, France, Mecadaq Group employs approximately 350 people (prior to these recent acquisitions). The company specializes in high-precision machining, including turning, milling, and gear shaping, for the aerospace and defense sectors.

Mecadaq operates a transatlantic model to serve major industrial hubs:

• France: Facilities in Tarnos, Marignier, Chanteloup-les-Vignes, Pessac, and now Hendaye.
• United States: A facility in Kirkland, Washington, strategically located near Boeing’s assembly lines.

The company’s client roster includes major industry players such as Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, Safran, Thales, and Spirit AeroSystems. Mecadaq produces parts for key commercial programs like the A320, B737, A350, and B787, as well as the Rafale defense program.

Sources

• Mecadaq Group

This article is based on an official press release from Deutsche Aircraft.

Deutsche Aircraft Selects Comtronic GmbH for D328eco Overhead Panels

Deutsche Aircraft has officially announced the selection of Comtronic GmbH to supply the complete overhead panel for the D328eco cockpit. According to the company’s press release, this partnership marks a significant step in the development of the 40-seat regional turboprop, ensuring that the flight deck meets modern ergonomic and technical standards.

The agreement tasks Comtronic, a subsidiary of the French industrial group MAFELEC Team, with delivering a “turnkey” solution. This includes the design and manufacturing of illuminated panels, sub-panels, and custom control units tailored specifically for the D328eco’s avionics suite. The selection underscores Deutsche Aircraft’s focus on securing a robust, regional supply chain for its flagship program, which targets entry into service in late 2027.

Scope of the Partnership

Under the terms of the agreement, Comtronic GmbH will provide a comprehensive suite of cockpit interface solutions. Based in Schönau, Germany, the supplier brings nearly 50 years of aerospace experience to the project. The scope of supply involves advanced optical and photometric engineering designed to ensure uniform illumination and anti-glare performance, critical factors for pilot situational awareness.

The overhead panel is a vital component of the cockpit, housing controls for essential systems such as fuel, electrical power, and bleed air. Deutsche Aircraft notes that the new panels will be optimized for both day and night readability, integrating Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) compatibility where necessary.

Gilles Heinrich, President of the MAFELEC Team, commented on the collaboration in the official release:

“This contract reflects the strong alignment between our organizations and our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable solutions for the aerospace industry.”

The components will undergo rigorous qualification testing to meet aerospace standards, including RTCA/DO-160 and MIL-STD requirements, ensuring they can withstand the vibration and temperature extremes inherent in regional flight operations.

Modernizing the D328 Platform

The D328eco is an advanced modernization of the legacy Dornier 328 platform. While it retains the proven aerodynamic characteristics of its predecessor, the new aircraft features a fuselage stretched by approximately two meters to accommodate 40 passengers. A key element of this modernization is the transition to a fully digital glass cockpit featuring the Garmin G5000 avionics suite.

Comtronic’s contribution is essential to this digital transition. While the avionics suite handles flight data and navigation, the overhead panel remains the physical interface for systems management. By integrating modern “Human-Machine Interface” (HMI) technology, the new panel is designed to reduce pilot cognitive load. This aligns with the aircraft’s broader operational goals, which include future single-pilot capability, although initial certification is planned for two pilots.

AirPro News Analysis

Strategic Supply Chain Localization
The selection of Comtronic GmbH highlights a strategic move by Deutsche Aircraft to insulate the D328eco program from global supply-chain volatility. By choosing a German supplier located in Schönau, the manufacturer shortens logistics chains and ensures closer engineering collaboration. In an era where aerospace production is frequently bottlenecked by parts shortages, relying on established regional partners like Comtronic, backed by the larger MAFELEC Team, reduces risk for the 2027 delivery timeline.

Bridging Legacy and Digital
Integrating a physical overhead panel with a digital Garmin G5000 suite represents a specific engineering challenge: blending tactile reliability with digital sophistication. We observe that this partnership emphasizes the industry’s focus on “tactile ergonomics.” Even in glass cockpits, pilots rely on physical switches for critical systems to build muscle memory. Comtronic’s expertise in high-uniformity lighting ensures that these physical controls remain distinct and readable, preventing mode confusion during complex operations.

Technical Specifications and Sustainability

The D328eco is engineered to be a leader in sustainability for the regional sector. Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT-S engines, the aircraft is designed to operate on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The efficiency of these engines, combined with the advanced cockpit systems, aims to lower operating costs and emissions compared to older regional jets and turboprops.

Comtronic’s panels contribute to this ecosystem by adhering to strict weight and power consumption standards, which are critical for maximizing the efficiency of the aircraft. The supplier’s ability to deliver NVIS-compatible lighting also suggests that Deutsche Aircraft is positioning the D328eco for versatility, potentially serving in special mission roles (such as search and rescue) in addition to commercial passenger transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the D328eco?
The D328eco is a 40-seat regional turboprop developed by Deutsche Aircraft. It is a modernized, sustainable version of the Dornier 328, featuring new engines, a stretched fuselage, and a digital cockpit.

Who is Comtronic GmbH?
Comtronic GmbH is a German aerospace supplier based in Schönau and a member of the French MAFELEC Team. They specialize in Human-Machine Interface (HMI) solutions, including illuminated panels and control units.

When will the D328eco enter service?
Deutsche Aircraft targets late 2027 for the D328eco’s entry into service (EIS).

Why is the overhead panel important?
The overhead panel contains physical controls for critical aircraft systems like fuel, hydraulics, and power. Its design impacts pilot workload, safety, and ease of operation, particularly in low-light or high-stress conditions.

Sources

• Deutsche Aircraft Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Duncan Aviation.

Duncan Aviation Restructures Component Pricing to Combat Supply Chain Volatility and Safety Risks

On January 20, 2026, Duncan Aviation announced a comprehensive restructuring of its pricing models for component repairs and exchanges. The Lincoln, Nebraska-based MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) provider stated that the changes are designed to offer operators greater financial predictability while addressing safety concerns regarding the influx of low-cost “as-removed” parts in the aviation aftermarket.

The new structure introduces tiered pricing for component repairs and two distinct options for core exchanges. According to the company, these changes allow customers to choose between lower upfront costs with traditional risk exposure or higher upfront costs that guarantee total price certainty. This strategic shift comes as the aviation industry continues to grapple with supply-chain instability and rising material costs.

A New Tiered Approach to Repairs and Exchanges

Duncan Aviation’s Parts & Rotables Sales and Component Services division has moved away from a one-size-fits-all billing model. Instead, the company has implemented a flexible structure that categorizes services based on the severity of the repair and the customer’s risk tolerance.

Component Repair Tiers

For operators sending their own units in for repair, Duncan Aviation now offers three specific levels of coverage:

• Essential Coverage (Minor Maintenance Repair): This tier targets routine repairs where major internal damage is not anticipated. It covers the most common unit failures, offering a cost-effective solution for standard maintenance events.
• Expanded Coverage (Major Maintenance Repair): Designed for units requiring more extensive work, this tier covers a broader range of complex failures that exceed standard fixes.
• Universal Flat Rate: This option provides a single, guaranteed price that covers all work required to return the unit to service. It eliminates variable costs, ensuring the operator knows the final bill before the unit is even shipped.

Core Exchange Options

For customers requiring an immediate replacement via a core exchange, the company has introduced two billing structures regarding “bill-backs”, the additional charges assessed if a returned core requires more repair than the standard allowance covers:

• Standard Exchange Rate: This option offers a lower upfront price but carries the risk of supplemental charges. If the customer’s returned core requires extensive repairs or expensive sub-components, they may be billed the difference later.
• Flat Rate Exchange: This option involves a slightly higher upfront fee but includes all necessary repairs to return the core to service. According to Duncan Aviation, this rate guarantees no follow-up charges provided the core has no “physical damage,” such as corrosion, water damage, or evidence of mishandling.

Addressing the “As-Removed” Market Risk

A primary driver behind this restructuring is the growing prevalence of “as-removed” parts, components harvested from retired aircraft and sold with minimal inspection. Duncan Aviation officials highlighted the safety risks associated with these parts, which often carry FAA Form 8130-3 airworthiness tags based solely on external visual checks.

Chris Gress, Business Development Manager for Duncan Aviation, emphasized that visual inspections are insufficient for ensuring the airworthiness of complex avionics and rotables.

“The aircraft component market is changing… We took a hard look at industry trends, specifically the influx of as-removed parts, and made changes to remain competitive while maintaining our standard of quality.”

, Chris Gress, Business Development Manager, Duncan Aviation

Gress further noted that critical internal damage, such as blown fuses, degraded wiring, or corrosion, cannot be detected without removing the unit’s cover and performing a functional test. By offering tiered pricing, Duncan Aviation aims to provide a competitive alternative to the gray market while ensuring parts undergo rigorous internal inspection and testing.

AirPro News Analysis

The introduction of the “Universal Flat Rate” and “Flat Rate Exchange” models represents a significant shift toward insurance-style pricing in the MRO sector. In a traditional Time and Material (T&M) model, the operator bears the financial risk of inflation and supply chain surprises; if a sub-component doubles in price, the final invoice reflects that increase.

By opting for a Flat Rate, operators are effectively paying a premium to transfer that risk to Duncan Aviation. For Directors of Maintenance managing strict annual budgets, this predictability is likely to be a strong selling point, eliminating the “sticker shock” that often accompanies complex avionics repairs. This move aligns Duncan Aviation with broader industrial trends where service providers bundle risk management into the sticker price of the product.

Company Background and Context

Duncan Aviation is the world’s largest family-owned business aircraft MRO provider. Headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, the company operates major facilities in Battle Creek, Michigan, and Provo, Utah, along with over 20 satellite avionics shops nationwide. The company has recently expanded its footprint, including a new engine overhaul facility announced in late 2025 and major hangar expansions completed over the last two years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main benefit of the Universal Flat Rate?

The primary benefit is total cost certainty. Operators know the exact cost of the repair before shipping the unit, protecting them from unexpected charges due to hidden damage or rising parts costs.

Does the Flat Rate Exchange cover all damage?

It covers all repairs necessary to return the unit to service, with the exception of “physical damage.” Duncan Aviation defines this as damage caused by external factors, such as water intrusion, corrosion, or dropping the unit.

Why is Duncan Aviation warning against “as-removed” parts?

The company warns that parts certified via visual inspection only (often found in the “as-removed” market) may harbor internal failures like bad wiring or corrosion, which could damage other aircraft systems upon installation.

Sources

Duncan Aviation Press Release