AMES Announces Major Expansion of Dubai MRO Capabilities for 2026

Aerostructures Middle East Services (AMES), the 50/50 joint venture between Safran Nacelles and Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M), has officially announced the launch of a significant growth phase beginning in 2026. According to the company’s announcement, this expansion is designed to meet surging demand for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services across the Middle-East and Indian subcontinent.

The expansion centers on the construction of a new industrial workshop within the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) in Dubai. The project aims to bolster the region’s capacity to support next-generation aircraft fleets, specifically targeting the Airbus A320neo, A330neo, and Boeing 777 platforms.

Scaling Industrial Capacity and Workforce

The core of the announcement details a substantial increase in physical infrastructure and human capital. AMES plans to construct a new facility adding 1,900 square meters of industrial floor space. The company states that this addition represents a 40% increase in workshop area compared to its 2025 operational footprint.

Construction is scheduled to commence in 2026, with the new workshop expected to become fully operational by 2027. To support this physical expansion, AMES has committed to a major recruitment drive. The joint venture plans to double its workforce, targeting a total of approximately 100 employees by the end of 2026.

“The recent contracts signed by the parent companies prove the dynamism of the region and the need to strengthen our capacity in terms of infrastructure, material and human resources.”

, Dimitri Fauron, Co-Director of AMES

Strategic Drivers and Technical Capabilities

The decision to expand follows a period of sustained growth for the MRO provider. In 2024, AMES completed an initial extension that doubled its capacity for radome and fan stator module repairs. The upcoming 2026 phase is a direct response to what the company describes as “strong growth in demand” from regional airlines.

The new facility will feature specialized equipment to handle complex repairs, including a large-capacity autoclave. This equipment is essential for high-quality repairs of composite materials, such as radomes and nacelle components. The expansion will also support the company’s status as a licensed repair station for LEAP-1A nacelles, a critical component for the Airbus A320neo family.

“New licenses, such as the one for the A320neo, and strategic tools allow us to develop complex repair capabilities, including the replacement of main structural components.”

, Aymeric Verdier, Co-Director of AMES

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AirPro News Analysis

At AirPro News, we view this expansion as a clear indicator of the “glocal” strategy increasingly adopted by major aerospace conglomerates. By localizing heavy maintenance capabilities in Dubai, Safran and AFI KLM E&M are effectively reducing turnaround times for Middle Eastern carriers, mitigating the logistical costs and delays associated with shipping large components like nacelles to Europe or the US.

Furthermore, the doubling of the workforce signals a maturing of the local aerospace labor market in the UAE. As global supply chains remain susceptible to bottlenecks, the ability to perform complex composite repairs and structural replacements locally enhances the operational resilience of airlines in the region.

Sources

Sources: Safran Group

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

GE Aerospace and Thai Aviation Industries Sign MoU to Localize Defense MRO in Thailand

At the Singapore Airshow on February 4, 2026, GE Aerospace and Thai Aviation Industries Co. Ltd. (TAI) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement marks a significant step toward establishing local Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities for the engines that power the Royal Thai Armed Forces’ critical air and naval assets.

According to the official announcement, the partnership aims to explore and develop in-country support for GE Aerospace engines. This move is designed to enhance fleet readiness, reduce turnaround times for maintenance, and support Thailand’s broader strategic goal of becoming a regional aviation hub.

The MoU was signed by Rita Flaherty, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace, and Air Chief Marshal Piboon Vorravanpreecha, Managing Director of TAI. The collaboration focuses on reducing the reliance on foreign facilities for engine servicing, ensuring that Thailand’s defense infrastructure becomes more self-reliant.

Scope of the Agreement: Air and Naval Power

The collaboration covers a wide range of propulsion systems used across the Royal Thai Air Force, Army, and Navy. Based on fleet data and the agreement details, the partnership targets four specific engine families that are central to Thailand’s defense operations.

Fighter Jet Propulsion

The agreement addresses the maintenance needs of Thailand’s fighter fleet. This includes the F404 engine, which powers the Royal Thai Air Force’s active fleet of Saab Gripen C/D fighters. Additionally, the MoU encompasses the F414 engine, the powerplant for the newly ordered Saab Gripen E/F fighters. As the Royal Thai Air Force modernizes its fleet with these next-generation aircraft, establishing local MRO support for the F414 is a critical component of the transition.

Helicopter Fleets

Rotary-wing assets are also a primary focus. The MoU includes support for the T700 engine family, which powers the Royal Thai Army’s UH-60L/M Black Hawk fleet and the Royal Thai Navy’s Seahawk and Knighthawk helicopters. Furthermore, the agreement covers the CT7 engine, a commercial variant of the T700 used in the Royal Thai Air Force’s Sikorsky S-92 helicopters, which are utilized for Head of State and VVIP transport.

Naval Gas Turbines

Beyond aviation, the partnership extends to maritime defense. The LM2500 gas turbine, a derivative of GE’s aircraft engines, serves as the main propulsion system for the Royal Thai Navy’s most significant vessels. This includes the aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet, the stealth frigate HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, and the Naresuan-class frigates. Ensuring local maintenance for these turbines is vital for maintaining maritime security and operational availability.

Strategic Implications for Thailand

This agreement represents a shift in how Thailand manages its defense supply chain. By partnering with TAI, a government-majority entity established to oversee military aviation maintenance, GE Aerospace is aligning with Thailand’s national policy to localize high-value industrial work.

“The MoU explicitly includes the possibility of opening a dedicated MRO shop in Thailand, which would reduce the need to send engines abroad for servicing.”

Industry reporting on the GE Aerospace/TAI agreement

Currently, major engine maintenance often requires shipping assets to facilities in the United States or Europe, which can lead to extended downtime. Localizing these capabilities allows the Royal Thai Air-Forces to maintain higher readiness levels, particularly for critical assets like the Black Hawk helicopters and naval frigates.

AirPro News Analysis

Supply Chain Resilience: The timing of this agreement highlights a growing trend among Southeast Asian nations to insulate their defense capabilities from global supply-chain disruptions. By securing a local MRO partner, Thailand mitigates the risks associated with international logistics delays.

Economic Growth: The Southeast Asian MRO market is projected to see significant growth through 2026. By capturing this work domestically through TAI, Thailand retains economic value that would otherwise be outsourced. This partnership positions TAI not just as a service provider for the Thai military, but potentially as a future regional hub for GE engine support.

About the Partners

Thai Aviation Industries Co. Ltd. (TAI) was established in 2003 and is Thailand’s premier aircraft repair center. Majority-owned by the Thai government, it serves as the designated depot for military aviation maintenance, tasked with driving the country’s “aviation hub” policy.

GE Aerospace is a global leader in jet and turboprop engines. The company has been aggressively expanding its footprint in the Asia-Pacific region, identifying it as a high-growth market for both commercial and defense sectors. This MoU reinforces GE’s commitment to supporting its international defense customers through localized solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the agreement signed?

The MoU was signed on February 4, 2026, during the Singapore Airshow.

What engines are covered under the MoU?

The agreement covers the F404 and F414 fighter jet engines, T700 and CT7 helicopter engines, and the LM2500 naval gas turbine.

Will this lead to a new factory in Thailand?

The MoU explores the possibility of opening a dedicated MRO shop in Thailand, though specific timelines for facility construction have not yet been finalized.

Sources

• GE Aerospace

This article summarizes reporting by WBAL-TV and Greg Ng.

FedEx A300 Suffers Nose Gear Collapse During Maintenance at BWI

Emergency response teams were dispatched to Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, following a ground incident involving a FedEx Express cargo aircraft. According to reporting by WBAL-TV, the nose landing gear of the parked aircraft collapsed while it was situated outside a maintenance hangar.

The incident occurred while the aircraft was stationary and undergoing routine maintenance work. Both airport officials and FedEx have confirmed that there were no injuries to maintenance personnel or first responders. Because the event took place away from the active runways near the hangar facilities, commercial passenger operations at BWI were not impacted.

Incident Overview and Official Statements

The aircraft involved has been identified as an Airbus A300-600F, registered as N682FE. Data from flight tracking services indicates the jet had recently arrived from Memphis before being taken out of service for maintenance. Images circulating on social media and referenced by WBAL-TV show the aircraft’s nose resting directly on the tarmac with the forward gear strut retracted or collapsed beneath it.

FedEx Response

In a statement regarding the event, FedEx confirmed the safety of their team members. As reported by multiple outlets including WBAL-TV and Simple Flying, the company stated:

“We are aware of an incident involving one of our parked aircraft undergoing maintenance in Baltimore. No one was injured as a result of this incident, and we are thankful for the swift response of our team members and first responders.”

Airport Operations

BWI officials characterized the event as a “mechanical malfunction.” Fire and rescue crews responded immediately to the scene as a precaution, though no fire was reported. The aircraft remains grounded while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and company maintenance teams assess the structural damage and determine the cause of the gear failure.

Aircraft Profile: N682FE

The airframe involved, N682FE, is a veteran of the FedEx fleet. According to fleet data, the aircraft is approximately 27 years old, having been delivered in the late 1990s. The Airbus A300-600F serves as a workhorse for the logistics giant, frequently utilized for short-to-medium-haul domestic routes. Prior to this maintenance stop, flight logs show the aircraft was active on routes connecting Memphis (MEM), Lubbock (LBB), and Baltimore (BWI).

AirPro News Analysis: Ground Maintenance Risks

While the specific cause of this collapse is currently under investigation, nose gear failures on parked aircraft are distinct from landing incidents. In our analysis of similar maintenance-related events, these collapses are often attributed to procedural or mechanical safeguards.

When an aircraft is on jacks or undergoing specific hydraulic tests, mechanics typically insert “downlock pins” (often called safety pins) into the landing gear assembly to physically prevent retraction. If these pins are not installed, are damaged, or are bypassed during a “gear swing” test, a loss of hydraulic pressure can cause the heavy nose section to fold the gear strut. Alternatively, fatigue in the drag brace, the component responsible for locking the gear in the extended position, can lead to failure, particularly in aging airframes.

This incident follows a generally strong safety record for FedEx, though the carrier has dealt with gear issues in the past, including a Boeing 757 belly landing in Chattanooga in 2023. However, unlike those flight incidents, this event poses no risk to public airspace safety as it was strictly a ground maintenance occurrence.

Sources:

• WBAL-TV
• FlightRadar24