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

Pilatus Aircraft Breaks Ground on Major U.S. Manufacturing Hub in Florida

Swiss aerospace manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft Ltd has officially broken ground on a new flagship facility at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ) in Florida. The ceremony, held in late January 2026, marks a pivotal shift in the company’s strategy, transitioning its U.S. operations from sales and service, to full-scale manufacturing. According to the company, the new site is designed to become a “center of excellence” serving North-America and South America.

The expansion represents a significant financial commitment to the region. Pilatus has outlined a phased development plan on the 17-acre site, beginning with a sales and service center and evolving into a final assembly line for its popular PC-12 and PC-24 aircraft. Company officials stated that the move is intended to streamline logistics and place production closer to their largest customer base.

Investment and Facility Specifications

According to details released by Pilatus and the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, the project involves a substantial capital investment and a long-term construction timeline. The initial phase, focused on a Sales and Service Center, is valued at approximately $50 million. Upon the completion of all phases, including the manufacturing plant, the total projected investment is estimated at $200 million.

The facility will be constructed in two primary stages:

• Phase 1: A 70,000-square-foot facility dedicated to sales, service, and aircraft delivery, expected to open in late 2027.
• Phase 2: A 110,000-square-foot manufacturing and assembly plant, scheduled to follow by the end of the decade.

In terms of employment, Pilatus projects the creation of approximately 50 initial jobs in sales, service, and design. As manufacturing operations ramp up, the company expects the workforce to grow to over 300 employees, including mechanics, engineers, and technicians.

Strategic Shift: “In America, for Americans”

Historically, Pilatus has concentrated its production capabilities at its headquarters in Stans, Switzerland. This new Florida facility represents a strategic diversification of its supply chain. By establishing a final assembly line in the United States, Pilatus aims to mitigate risks associated with currency fluctuations and transatlantic shipping logistics.

Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, emphasized the importance of the U.S. market in the company’s official statement:

“This flagship facility will be our fifth location in the USA, and will set new standards for quality, expertise, and technology in the southeastern United States. In America, we will build airplanes for Americans. We are establishing Sarasota as a major production site, serving our customers right where they are.”

This development coincides with the consolidation of the manufacturer’s American operations. Effective January 1, 2026, the company integrated its various U.S. entities into a single organization, Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd. The Sarasota facility will serve as the headquarters for this unified entity.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision by Pilatus to establish final assembly lines in Florida mirrors a broader trend among European aerospace manufacturers seeking to “onshore” production in their most lucrative markets. Similar to Airbus‘s establishment of assembly lines in Mobile, Alabama, Pilatus is moving to insulate itself from supply chain volatility while embedding itself deeply into the local economy. By marketing “American-built” aircraft, Pilatus likely aims to strengthen its appeal to U.S. corporate and private operators who prioritize domestic sourcing, while simultaneously reducing the lead times and costs associated with ferrying aircraft from Switzerland.

Sustainability and Resilience

The new facility is being designed with strict environmental and safety standards. Pilatus has announced that the site is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. Key sustainability features include rooftop solar panels to reduce dependency on the local power grid and the utilization of well water for irrigation to minimize impact on public utilities.

Given the location in Florida, resilience against severe weather is a core component of the design. The buildings are engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds with a safety margin exceeding code requirements by 15%. Additionally, the facility will feature raised floors to mitigate flood risks.

Rick Piccolo, President and CEO of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, highlighted the regional impact of the agreement:

“This agreement marks a significant milestone in the economic development not only of the airport but also the region.”

Background on Pilatus Aircraft

Founded in 1939, Pilatus remains the only Swiss company to develop, produce, and sell aircraft globally. The company is best known for the PC-12, the world’s best-selling single-engine turboprop, and the PC-24, a “Super Versatile Jet” capable of operating from short, unpaved runways. Prior to this expansion, Pilatus maintained a U.S. footprint primarily through its facility in Broomfield, Colorado, employing roughly 400 people across the country.

Sources

• Pilatus Aircraft Ltd

This article is based on an official press release from the Connecticut National Guard.

Connecticut Guard’s 1109th AVCRAD: A Critical Hub for Army Aviation Sustainment

In Groton, Connecticut, the 1109th Aviation Classification and Repair Depot (AVCRAD) continues to serve as a vital logistical artery for the U.S. Army’s rotary-wing fleet. According to an official release from the Connecticut National Guard, the facility, co-located with the 1109th Theater Aviation Support Maintenance Group (TASMG), provides specialized “sustainment-level” maintenance that extends far beyond standard field repairs.

As one of only four such National Guard facilities in the United States, the 1109th AVCRAD is responsible for supporting Army National Guard aviation assets across 14 Northeastern states and the District of Columbia. This regional responsibility encompasses approximately 325 helicopters stationed at 24 different facilities, ensuring that the fleet remains operational for both domestic disaster response and overseas deployment.

Defining Sustainment-Level Maintenance

To understand the significance of the Groton facility, it is necessary to distinguish between the two primary tiers of Army aviation maintenance: field level and sustainment level. While field units perform “on-system” repairs, such as replacing starters or fixing leaks to return aircraft to flight status quickly, the AVCRAD is tasked with “off-system” heavy lifting.

According to the National Guard, the 1109th AVCRAD is capable of stripping a helicopter down to the frame and rebuilding it to factory standards. This process involves complex tasks including:

• Complete engine and transmission overhauls.
• X-ray inspections of airframes to detect metal fatigue.
• Stripping and repainting entire aircraft.
• Manufacturing parts that are otherwise unavailable in the supply chain.

The facility services the Army’s core rotary platforms, including the UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, and AH-64 Apache. By performing these deep-level refurbishments, the depot ensures older airframes can continue to fly safely, bridging the gap between current operations and future fleet modernization.

Economic Impact and Strategic Value

The financial implications of the AVCRAD’s operations are substantial. Rather than purchasing new aircraft, which can cost tens of millions of dollars, the Department of Defense relies on depots like the 1109th to extend the service life of existing assets.

In a statement regarding the facility’s impact, 1st Sgt. Jarod Meekhoff, a Quality Control Inspector at the unit, highlighted the cost-efficiency of their mission:

“Refurbishing an aircraft saves the Department of Defense and, in turn, the U.S. taxpayer millions of dollars every year.”

1st Sgt. Jarod Meekhoff, Connecticut National Guard

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A notable example of this capability cited in reports involves the reconstruction of two CH-47 Chinook helicopters. These aircraft had been classified as “battle-damaged” following hard landings in Iraq and were grounded. Instead of scrapping the airframes, the AVCRAD team rebuilt them to factory specifications, saving the military the cost of procuring new heavy-lift helicopters, which can exceed $30 million per unit.

Innovation in Environmental Safety

Beyond mechanical repairs, the 1109th AVCRAD has been recognized for modernizing maintenance processes. The facility implemented the aviation industry’s first non-chromium-6-based coating and painting system. Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen traditionally used in aerospace anti-corrosion coatings. By eliminating this hazardous material, the Groton facility has improved safety conditions for its workforce while reducing its environmental-impact.

AirPro News Analysis

The strategic placement of the 1109th AVCRAD in the Northeast offers a dual advantage. Domestically, it ensures that governors in the region have access to operational rotary-wing assets for emergency response, such as during hurricanes or floods, without relying solely on active-duty logistics chains that may be overextended.

Furthermore, the facility’s certifications, including ISO 9001:2015 and AS 9110, position it to handle specialized contracts typically reserved for major defense contractors. As the U.S. Army looks toward Future Vertical Lift (FVL) platforms later in the decade, the technical expertise cultivated at depots like the 1109th will likely be essential for integrating new technologies while sustaining the enduring fleet of Black Hawks and Apaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the 1109th AVCRAD and the TASMG?
The AVCRAD refers to the physical depot and facility capabilities, while the TASMG (Theater Aviation Support Maintenance Group) refers to the personnel. While the facility is static in Groton, the TASMG soldiers are deployable and can form “Task Force AVCRAD” to provide theater-level maintenance in combat zones.

How many AVCRADs are there in the United States?
There are only four National Guard AVCRAD facilities nationwide. They are located in Connecticut, Mississippi, Missouri, and California.

Does the facility only employ soldiers?
No. The workforce at the 1109th is a mix of uniformed National Guard soldiers and highly skilled civilian contractors, many of whom are trained as certified airframe and powerplant mechanics.

Sources

• Connecticut National Guard

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

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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