This article is based on an official press release from Boeing.

Boeing Signs Historic Landing Gear Exchange Deal with Singapore Airlines Group

SINGAPORE, On February 4, 2026, at the Singapore Airshow, Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced the signing of the largest Landing Gear Exchange (LGE) contract in the company’s history. The agreement with the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group covers a fleet of more than 75 Commercial-Aircraft, encompassing both the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner families.

According to the company’s official statement, this program is designed to support the maintenance operations of both Singapore Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot. By leveraging Boeing’s global inventory, the Airlines group aims to streamline supply chain management and reduce the time aircraft spend out of service for landing gear overhauls.

Scope of the Agreement

The contract represents a significant expansion of Boeing Global Services’ aftermarket support. While financial terms were not disclosed, the scale of the agreement, covering over 75 aircraft, surpasses all previous landing gear exchange contracts secured by the Manufacturers.

Under the terms of the deal, Boeing will provide exchange services for:

• Boeing 737 MAX aircraft operated by Singapore Airlines.
• Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft operated by both Singapore Airlines and Scoot.

The Landing Gear Exchange program offers a distinct alternative to traditional maintenance models. Instead of removing landing gear, sending it to a shop for overhaul, and waiting months for the same set to be returned, the program allows airlines to swap out old gear for fully overhauled and certified sets from Boeing’s inventory immediately.

Operational Benefits

Boeing states that this model significantly reduces aircraft downtime (AOG). By eliminating the need for the airline to purchase and store expensive spare landing gear sets, the program also improves capital efficiency. The integration of Boeing’s inventory data with the carrier’s maintenance planning is intended to ensure parts are available precisely when scheduled maintenance occurs.

“By combining our global inventory and rapid distribution capabilities with the carrier’s maintenance planning, this agreement helps deliver parts faster and closer to operations, reducing downtime and supporting consistent, reliable service.”

, William Ampofo, Senior Vice President, Parts & Distribution and Supply Chain, Boeing Global Services

AirPro News Analysis

Contextualizing the “Largest-Ever” Claim

While Boeing’s press release highlights the record-breaking nature of this contract, a look at historical data clarifies the magnitude of the deal. Previous LGE agreements have typically covered significantly smaller fleets. For instance, industry data indicates that the launch customer for the 777 LGE program, Air Canada, signed for a fleet of 23 aircraft in 2014. More recently, Air Premia signed a similar agreement in late 2025 for a fleet of eight aircraft.

The Singapore Airlines deal, covering more than 75 tails, is roughly three times larger than these benchmarks. This suggests a shift in strategy for major carriers, who are increasingly outsourcing complex inventory management to OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to mitigate Supply-Chain volatility.

Strategic Importance for Boeing Global Services

This announcement underscores the growing importance of the Boeing Global Services division. As the manufacturing side of the business faces cyclical challenges, long-term service contracts provide a stable, high-margin revenue stream. Securing a contract of this size with a premier carrier like Singapore Airlines validates the “services-led” growth strategy Boeing has pursued at recent airshows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Landing Gear Exchange (LGE) program?
An LGE program allows an airline to replace landing gear requiring overhaul with a certified, ready-to-install set from the manufacturer’s inventory. This avoids the long wait times associated with overhauling the airline’s own specific gear.

Which airlines are included in the Singapore Airlines Group deal?
The deal covers the main carrier, Singapore Airlines, and its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot.

Why is this deal significant?
It is the largest landing gear exchange contract Boeing has ever signed, covering over 75 aircraft, which helps the airline reduce inventory costs and maintenance downtime.

Sources

• Boeing Media Room

This article is based on an official press release from the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

DLR Successfully Tests “Artificial Muscles” to Slash Helicopters Noise and Vibration

Researchers at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), in collaboration with a consortium of international aerospace agencies, have successfully demonstrated a new rotor technology capable of significantly reducing helicopter noise and vibration. The breakthrough, achieved under the Smart Twisting Active Rotor (STAR) project, utilizes “artificial muscles” to actively twist rotor blades during flight without the need for heavy mechanical components.

According to the DLR, wind tunnel tests conducted in late 2025 confirmed that the system reduces noise during the critical landing phase by up to 7 decibels (dB) and cuts hub vibrations by more than 50 percent. These results mark a significant step forward for rotorcraft engineering, particularly for the emerging Urban Air Mobility (UAM) sector where noise pollution is a primary barrier to adoption.

The STAR Project: How Active Twisting Works

Traditional helicopter rotors rely on complex mechanical linkages, swashplates, and hydraulic systems to change blade pitch. While effective for basic flight control, these systems are often too slow or heavy to counteract the rapid, complex aerodynamic interactions that generate the characteristic “whop-whop” sound of a helicopter, known as Blade-Vortex Interaction (BVI).

The STAR project takes a fundamentally different approach. Instead of mechanical flaps, the rotor blades are equipped with piezoceramic actuators integrated directly into the blade skin. When an electrical voltage is applied, these actuators expand or contract, functioning like artificial muscles to twist the blade.

Static and Dynamic Control

The DLR reports that this system allows for both static and dynamic twisting. Static twisting adjusts the blade for general flight regimes, such as hovering or cruising. However, the system’s true innovation lies in its dynamic capabilities. The actuators can twist the blades hundreds of times per second, allowing the rotor to adapt instantaneously to changing airflow and neutralize the aerodynamic shocks that cause noise and vibration.

“The special thing about this approach is that the active twisting of a rotor blade requires no mechanical components and is only minimally affected by the centrifugal forces acting on the rotor blades.”

, Berend Gerdes van der Wall, Project Manager at DLR Institute of Flight Systems

Wind Tunnel Results: Efficiency and Comfort

The technology was validated during a three-week campaign at the Large Low-Speed Facility (LLF) of the German-Dutch Wind Tunnels (DNW) in the Netherlands. The team utilized a four-meter diameter model rotor, a 40 percent scale model of a BO 105 helicopter rotor, to gather acoustic and aerodynamic data.

Significant Noise Reduction

Data collected during the tests revealed a noise reduction of up to 7 dB during descent. In acoustic terms, a reduction of this magnitude corresponds to cutting the perceived noise intensity by more than half for observers on the ground. This reduction is critical for operations over populated areas, where landing noise is often the most disruptive phase of flight.

Vibration Dampening

In addition to acoustic benefits, the system demonstrated a massive improvement in ride quality. Vibrations acting on the rotor hub were reduced by over 50 percent. According to the project data, this reduction not only improves passenger comfort but also decreases mechanical stress on the aircraft, potentially extending the lifespan of critical components.

“The results show that efficiency increased while noise and vibration were significantly reduced. During the measurement campaign, we were able to successfully test our concept in a realistic environment.”

, Berend Gerdes van der Wall, DLR

International Collaboration

While led by DLR, the STAR project represents a major global effort in aerospace research. The technology was developed and tested with contributions from several leading organizations, ensuring the data is validated across different engineering standards.

The consortium includes:

• NASA and the U.S. Army (USA)
• ONERA (France)
• JAXA (Japan)
• KARI and Konkuk University (South Korea)
• DNW (German-Dutch Wind Tunnels)

AirPro News Analysis

The success of the STAR project has implications far beyond traditional helicopters. As the aviation industry pivots toward eVTOL vehicles for air taxis, noise remains the single largest hurdle to regulations approval and public acceptance. A 7 dB reduction is not merely an incremental improvement; it could be the difference between a vertiport being approved in a city center or being pushed to the outskirts.

Furthermore, the elimination of mechanical parts in favor of solid-state piezoceramic actuators aligns with the industry’s push for lower maintenance costs. If this technology scales effectively from the 40 percent model to full-size aircraft, we expect to see “active twisting” blades become a standard feature in next-generation military and civilian rotorcraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary benefit of the STAR rotor system?
The system reduces helicopter noise by up to 7 dB and vibrations by over 50 percent without using heavy mechanical parts.

How does the blade twist without mechanics?
It uses piezoceramic actuators embedded in the blade skin. These “artificial muscles” deform when voltage is applied, twisting the blade structure.

Who was involved in the testing?
The project was led by DLR (Germany) with partners including NASA, the U.S. Army, ONERA, JAXA, KARI, Konkuk University, and DNW.

Sources

• German Aerospace Center (DLR)

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

ExecuJet Haite Tianjin Secures Bonded Maintenance Status, Targeting International Fleet Efficiency

ExecuJet Haite Aviation Services China Co., Ltd. has officially obtained bonded maintenance approval for its facility at Tianjin Binhai International Airport (ZBTJ). Announced on February 2, 2026, this regulatory milestone allows the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider to import aircraft spare parts and equipment duty-free when utilized within its designated bonded area.

According to the company’s press release, this approval is designed to significantly reduce operating costs and shorten turnaround times for international clients. By leveraging the new customs status, ExecuJet Haite aims to streamline the logistics of importing critical components, a move expected to bolster its competitiveness against regional hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore.

Operational Benefits for Cross-Border Aviation

The core advantage of the bonded maintenance approval lies in the exemption from import duties for parts stored and used within the facility’s bonded zone. For business jet operators, particularly those with foreign-registered aircraft, this translates to a direct reduction in the tax burden associated with heavy maintenance visits.

In addition to cost savings, the facility anticipates a marked improvement in operational efficiency. The simplified customs procedures associated with the bonded status allow for faster access to spare parts, minimizing the downtime aircraft spend on the ground (AOG). Paul Desgrosseilliers, General Manager of ExecuJet Haite, emphasized the strategic importance of this development for the company’s diverse client base.

“This new status satisfies the demand of our international clients. While 60% of our work is for China-registered aircraft, 40% comes from a diverse international clientele. The bonded zone directly addresses their needs by significantly reducing costs and accelerating turnaround times.”

, Paul Desgrosseilliers, General Manager, ExecuJet Haite

Facility Capabilities and Reach

ExecuJet Haite operates a 10,000-square-meter facility at Tianjin Binhai International Airport, featuring 2,640 square meters of dedicated hangar space. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sichuan-based Haite Group but operates as a franchise of ExecuJet MRO Services, an entity owned by Dassault Aviation. This structure allows the facility to blend local market access with international service standards.

The facility holds Authorized Service Center (ASC) status for major OEMs including Gulfstream, Embraer, and Dassault Falcon Jet, and is certified to maintain Bombardier aircraft. Its regulatory approvals span the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), EASA, the FAA, and authorities in several offshore jurisdictions including the Cayman Islands and Bermuda.

AirPro News Analysis: The “Beijing Alternative”

The approval of bonded maintenance status for ExecuJet Haite signals a maturing of the aviation services market in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei economic triangle. Historically, international operators have often favored hubs with free-port status, such as Hong Kong, to avoid the complex taxation and customs delays associated with mainland China. By removing the “tax penalty” for foreign jets through bonded maintenance, Tianjin effectively positions itself as a cost-effective alternative to Beijing Capital Airport.

Policy-Driven Growth

This development aligns with broader trends within the Tianjin Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), which has aggressively promoted aviation MRO services. The “bonded maintenance outside comprehensive bonded zones” pilot program allows standalone facilities,like ExecuJet Haite’s hangar,to enjoy the benefits of a free trade zone without being physically located inside one, provided they meet strict customs supervision standards.

We observe that this move is likely to intensify regional competition. While Lufthansa Technik maintains a strong presence in Tianjin focusing on commercial airline support, ExecuJet Haite is solidifying its dominance in the business aviation sector. With 40% of its workload already coming from foreign-registered aircraft, the ability to offer duty-free maintenance is a critical differentiator that could draw traffic away from saturated hubs in Southern China.

Sources

• ExecuJet Haite Press Release