This article is based on an official press release from AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings.

AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings Announces New Dubai Facility to Strengthen Middle-East Support

AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings has officially announced plans to launch a new color blending and distribution facility in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. According to a press release issued on January 29, 2026, the new site is scheduled to become operational in the second quarter of 2026. The facility is designed to serve as a regional hub, offering locally blended and stocked coating solutions tailored to the specific requirements of commercial aviation operators, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organizations, and OEMs across the Middle East.

The expansion aims to reduce lead times and improve efficiency for regional partners by localizing the supply chain. The Dubai facility will feature automated and precision control processes to ensure color accuracy consistent with AkzoNobel’s global standards. Key capabilities will include the local blending of the company’s flagship coating systems, including Aerobase, Aerodur 3001, and Eclipse colors.

Operational Capabilities and Strategic Goals

The primary objective of the new Dubai site is to provide streamlined access to essential aerospace materials. In addition to on-site color blending, the facility will stock a comprehensive inventory of primers, topcoats, and thinners. By positioning these resources within the region, AkzoNobel intends to support the operational planning of Airlines and MROs, minimizing the downtime associated with waiting for materials to be shipped from Europe or North America.

Xavier Rijmenans, EMEA Sales Director for AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings, emphasized the importance of this investment for the company’s long-term strategy in the region.

“We work closely with established partners in the Middle East who rely on our trusted solutions. By expanding our color blending and distribution capabilities, we are not only reducing lead times but also strengthening regional support, helping customers to scale their operations and respond to increasing demand in the region.”

Xavier Rijmenans, EMEA Sales Director, AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings

Rijmenans further noted that this operational model has already been proven effective across Asia, Europe, and North America, suggesting that Middle Eastern customers will see immediate benefits in terms of access to high-quality, locally blended coatings.

AirPro News Analysis: Regional Context and Market Dynamics

The following section contains analysis by AirPro News based on industry data and background research.

The timing of AkzoNobel’s expansion aligns with a period of significant growth in the Middle East aviation sector. With major fleet expansions underway, including the aggressive entry of Riyadh Air and continued growth from legacy carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways, the demand for MRO services is projected to rise sharply. By establishing a local blending facility, AkzoNobel is positioning itself to compete more effectively against rival Manufacturers such as PPG Aerospace and Sherwin-Williams, both of which maintain active footprints in the region.

Furthermore, the specific product focus addresses the unique environmental challenges of the Middle East. The region’s high solar irradiance and prevalence of sandstorms require high-performance coatings capable of resisting erosion and UV degradation. Localizing the production of systems like Aerobase and Aerodur allows AkzoNobel to respond rapidly to the maintenance needs of aircraft subjected to these harsh “desert factor” conditions.

This move also occurs against the backdrop of broader corporate shifts. In November 2025, AkzoNobel and Axalta Coating Systems announced a definitive agreement to merge. While the Dubai facility is an AkzoNobel initiative, it strengthens the company’s infrastructure ahead of the expected transaction close in late 2026 or early 2027.

Technical Focus: Featured Product Lines

According to the press release and technical specifications, the new facility will focus on three primary product lines, each serving distinct roles in aircraft maintenance and livery application:

• Aerobase: A base coat/clear coat system designed for durability and speed. It is favored for its opacity and color retention, which can reduce the number of layers required, thereby saving weight and application time.
• Aerodur 3001: A specialized base coat known for its chemical resistance, often utilized in systems requiring protection against hydraulic fluids and harsh aviation chemicals.
• Eclipse: A polyurethane topcoat widely used in both commercial and general aviation for its high gloss retention and resistance to staining and UV damage.

AkzoNobel has invited industry stakeholders to learn more about the new facility at MRO Middle East 2026. The team will be available at Booth 1620 to discuss how local stock availability can assist in reducing turnaround times.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new Dubai facility open?

The facility is scheduled to become operational in Q2 2026.

What specific services will be available?

The site will offer local color blending for specific coating lines and stock primers, topcoats, and thinners to ensure faster delivery times.

Where can I find the AkzoNobel team at MRO Middle East 2026?

The team will be located at Booth 1620.

Sources

• AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings
• Aviation Week & MRO Network (Market Data)

This article is based on an official press release from AXISCADES Technologies Limited and verified market research.

AXISCADES Partners with Embraer Subsidiary OGMA to Expand MRO Capabilities in India and MENA

AXISCADES Technologies Limited has announced a strategic partnership with OGMA-Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal, S.A., a subsidiary of Embraer, to provide comprehensive Aerospace Manufacturing, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services. The agreement marks a significant expansion for the Indian engineering solutions provider as it moves to capture a larger share of the aerospace value chain in India, the UAE, and the MENA region.

According to the company’s announcement, the collaboration will focus on supporting Embraer fleets as well as aircraft from other major manufacturers. By leveraging OGMA’s certifications and technical heritage, AXISCADES aims to establish indigenous capabilities for airframe engineering, engine maintenance, and certification services that have historically been outsourced to foreign facilities.

Strategic Scope and Market Focus

The partnership is designed to merge AXISCADES’ established expertise in avionics, system integration, and digital engineering with OGMA’s century-long experience in heavy maintenance and aerostructures. OGMA, which is 65% owned by Embraer and 35% by the Portuguese government, brings critical certifications from global aviation authorities including EASA and the FAA.

The agreement targets three primary geographic markets: India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Within India, the collaboration will specifically address the maintenance needs of the existing Embraer fleet. This includes commercial aircraft operated by regional carriers such as Star Air, as well as critical defense platforms used by the Indian Air Force (IAF), such as the “Netra” Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems and VVIP transport jets.

Beyond the Embraer ecosystem, the alliance intends to service platforms from other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). OGMA holds authorized maintenance center status for several key industry players, including Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney. This multi-OEM capability is expected to allow AXISCADES to bid for broader maintenance contracts involving engines and airframes widely used by Indian commercial carriers.

Infrastructure Development: The Bengaluru Hub

To support these new capabilities, AXISCADES is currently developing a large-scale integrated Aerospace and Defence manufacturing and MRO hub. Located near the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, the facility is positioned to become one of India’s largest independent MRO centers.

According to details released by the company, the new infrastructure will feature:

• Dedicated hangars and speed shops for rapid maintenance.
• Specialized engine shops and a Welding Center of Excellence.
• Facilities for strategic electronics manufacturing and system integration.
• Certification testing infrastructure to support indigenous approvals.

Industry data indicates that full-scale operations at this facility, often referred to in planning documents as the Atmanirbhar Defence Centre, are projected to commence by 2027. The hub aims to reduce the reliance of Indian operators on foreign MROs, a market gap where approximately 80% of India’s $1.85 billion MRO demand is currently serviced abroad.

Leadership Perspectives

Both companies have framed the partnership as a critical step toward building self-reliant aerospace ecosystems in India. Alfonso Martinez, CEO-International at AXISCADES, emphasized the strategic shift toward high-value services.

“This MoU with OGMA is a significant step in AXISCADES’ journey to build world-class aerospace and defence MRO and engineering capabilities. By combining OGMA’s deep expertise in airframe and engine MRO with our strong engineering, manufacturing, and infrastructure roadmap, we aim to create a robust ecosystem that addresses global market opportunities in high-growth regions such as India, the UAE and MENA, while supporting India’s self-reliance objectives.”

, Alfonso Martinez, CEO-International, AXISCADES Technologies Ltd

Paulo Monginho, CEO of OGMA, highlighted the opportunity to extend the Portuguese company’s reach into the rapidly growing Indian aviation sector.

“We are pleased to partner with AXISCADES, a company that brings strong and proven capabilities along with a clear vision for aerospace and defence growth. This collaboration allows us to expand our footprint while jointly delivering high-quality, certified MRO and engineering solutions to India & Global Customers.”

, Paulo Monginho, CEO, OGMA

AirPro News Analysis

This partnership represents a pivotal transition for AXISCADES from a pure-play engineering services provider to a tangible asset-heavy player in the aerospace supply chain. By partnering with an OEM subsidiary like OGMA, AXISCADES bypasses the decades-long learning curve typically required to achieve certification for heavy maintenance and engine overhaul.

The timing aligns with broader geopolitical and economic trends. The “China Plus One” strategy is driving global OEMs to diversify their supply chains, while the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative is pressuring defense and civil operators to localize maintenance spending. With the Indian MRO market projected to grow to nearly $6 billion by the early 2030s, the ability to service Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce engines domestically could position AXISCADES to capture revenue that currently flows to Singapore or Europe.

However, execution will depend heavily on the timely completion of the Bengaluru facility. While the strategic intent is clear, the physical infrastructure required to handle heavy checks and engine overhauls is capital-intensive and subject to regulatory complexities. If successful, this venture could serve as a model for how Indian engineering firms can leverage European technical partnerships to build sovereign defense capabilities.

Sources

• AXISCADES Official Announcement

This article is based on an official press release from AAR CORP. and verified industry data.

AAR CORP. Completes Major MRO Expansion in Oklahoma City to Support Alaska Airlines Fleet

AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, has substantially completed a major expansion of its Airframe Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. According to the company’s official announcement on January 28, 2026, the project adds significant capacity designed to support a long-term commitment from Alaska Airlines.

The expansion creates 200 new full-time jobs in the region and introduces advanced digital capabilities to the maintenance floor. The new facility is situated adjacent to AAR’s existing hangar, reinforcing the company’s 50-year presence in Oklahoma. This development comes as airlines increasingly seek to secure long-term maintenance slots to ensure fleet reliability amid high travel demand.

Facility Specifications and Capacity

The newly completed project involves the addition of more than 80,000 square feet of hangar and warehouse space. AAR reports that the expansion includes three new maintenance bays specifically configured to accommodate all variants of the Boeing 737, including the larger 737 MAX 10 model. This physical growth allows AAR to induct additional Alaska Airlines aircraft immediately.

The total cost of the project was approximately $37.5 million. Funding was supported by a collaborative effort between the private sector and state government. The State of Oklahoma provided a $20 million grant to facilitate the construction, while the Oklahoma City Airport Trust offered rent concessions to ensure the project’s viability.

Strategic Partnerships with Alaska Airlines

This expansion is the direct result of a deepened partnership between AAR and Alaska Airlines, a relationship that has spanned over two decades. The new bays are dedicated primarily to servicing Alaska’s growing fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft.

In a statement regarding the completion of the facility, John M. Holmes, Chairman, President, and CEO of AAR, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project:

“We are very grateful for Alaska’s trust… We are excited for this new chapter and our decades-long relationship.”

Holmes further noted that the “friendly environment” of the airport and the “availability of labor” were critical pillars that enabled the expansion to proceed.

Digital Transformation and “Paperless” Operations

Beyond physical square footage, the expansion marks a technological milestone for AAR. The company describes the new facility as a leader in digital MRO operations. According to the announcement and industry data, AAR is implementing a fully paperless maintenance system, a move they claim is an industry first for a third-party MRO operating across multiple customers.

The initiative replaces traditional paper work packages, which can exceed 600 pages per check, with digital tablets and interfaces. This shift is designed to reduce turnaround times, improve compliance tracking, and eliminate significant paper waste. The system utilizes software integrations such as Airvolution for cloud-based repair management and Trax for maintenance workflows.

AirPro News Analysis

The completion of AAR’s Oklahoma City expansion highlights a critical trend in the aviation aftermarket: the race for dedicated capacity. As airlines like Alaska Airlines extend the lifecycles of their existing fleets while awaiting new deliveries, the demand for heavy maintenance slots has outpaced supply. By securing dedicated bays, Alaska Airlines mitigates the risk of maintenance bottlenecks.

Furthermore, the shift toward a “paperless” hangar is not merely an environmental gesture; it is an efficiency play. In the low-margin MRO sector, digitizing task cards allows for real-time data entry and faster regulatory audits, potentially shaving hours or days off a heavy check. If AAR successfully scales this digital model across its network, it could set a new standard for third-party maintenance efficiency.

Sources

Sources: AAR CORP. Press Release