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

Joramco Secures First-Ever 5-Year Heavy Maintenance Agreement with Condor

Joramco, the Amman-based maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider, and engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has announced a strategic five-year partnership with German leisure airline Condor. The agreement, signed on February 4, 2026, at the MRO Middle East exhibition in Dubai, marks the first collaboration between the two organizations.

Under the terms of the new contract, Joramco will perform heavy maintenance checks on Condor’s entire Airbus fleet. This agreement underscores the growing capabilities of the Middle East aviation sector to support major European carriers and aligns with Condor’s ongoing fleet modernization strategy.

Scope of the Strategic Partnership

According to the official announcement, the five-year deal covers base maintenance services for Condor’s full range of Airbus aircraft. This includes the Airbus A320ceo and A320neo narrowbodies, as well as the widebody Airbus A330neo (A330-900). The maintenance work is scheduled to take place at Joramco’s facility at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan.

Fraser Currie, Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer at DAE Engineering, emphasized the significance of winning the trust of a major European operator. In a statement regarding the deal, Currie said:

We are thrilled to embark on this new partnership with Condor. Our commitment to operational excellence has positioned us as a partner of choice for airlines all over the world, and this long-term agreement is a testament to the trust airlines put in us. We look forward to building on this collaboration and exploring more opportunities to grow together.

Supporting Fleet Modernization

Condor is currently in the midst of a comprehensive fleet renewal program, transitioning away from older Boeing 767s toward a more efficient, all-Airbus operation. The airline requires reliable maintenance slots to ensure the operational readiness of its new A330neo and A320neo aircraft. By securing a five-year pipeline with Joramco, Condor aims to stabilize its maintenance planning.

Heiko Holm, Managing Director and CTO at Condor, noted that Joramco’s reputation for quality was a deciding factor in the agreement:

We are delighted to enter into this strategic partnership with Joramco for heavy maintenance services across our entire Airbus fleet… Joramco’s strong reputation for quality and reliability perfectly supports our commitment to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and further development of our digital maintenance strategy.

AirPro News Analysis: The Shift to Middle East MROs

This agreement highlights a continuing trend where European carriers are increasingly looking to the Middle East for heavy maintenance solutions. Joramco, which holds approvals from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), offers a competitive advantage by combining lower labor costs with high regulatory standards and expansive infrastructure.

The timing of this deal is notable, following Joramco’s operational launch of “Hangar 7” in late 2024. This expansion significantly increased the provider’s capacity, allowing them to accommodate large-scale fleet contracts like Condor’s without displacing existing customers. For Condor, outsourcing heavy checks to Jordan rather than relying solely on European providers or in-house subsidiaries suggests a strategic pivot to optimize operating costs while maintaining strict safety compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft are covered under this agreement?
The agreement covers Condor’s entire Airbus fleet, including the A320ceo, A320neo, and A330neo.

Where will the maintenance be performed?
All heavy maintenance checks will be conducted at Joramco’s MRO facility located at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan.

How long is the contract?
The partnership is valid for five years, starting from the signing date in February 2026.

Is this a renewal of an old contract?
No. This is the first time Joramco and Condor have signed a maintenance agreement.

Sources

• Joramco Official Press Release

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

GE Aerospace Launches New Module Repair Operations in Singapore with US$300 Million Investment Plan

GE Aerospace has officially commenced new module repair operations at Seletar Aerospace Park in Singapore, marking a significant expansion of its maintenance capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. The opening ceremony, held on February 4, 2025, signals the beginning of a newly announced US$300 million (approximately S$400 million) investment plan scheduled to span from 2025 through 2029.

According to the company’s announcement, this investment is designed to enhance MRO capabilities specifically for the CFM LEAP engine family. The facility will focus on high-tech repairs for High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) modules, integrating advanced artificial intelligence and automation to streamline operations. This move reinforces Singapore’s position as a critical node in the global aviation supply chain, where it currently handles approximately 60% of GE Aerospace’s global repair volume.

Strategic Expansion and Technological Integration

The new facility at Seletar Aerospace Park represents a shift up the value chain for the site, moving from component manufacturing to complex module repair. The operations will specifically service the CFM LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines, which power the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX families respectively. By focusing on module repair, servicing major sub-assemblies rather than individual small parts, GE Aerospace aims to facilitate faster maintenance cycles.

In addition to physical repair capabilities, the investment includes the establishment of an AI Center of Excellence. This initiative will deploy automated digital inspection tools and predictive maintenance technologies. According to GE Aerospace, these “Smart Factory” features are intended to reduce human error and accelerate the inspection process.

Tim McQueen, Executive Director of the Global Component Repair Network at GE Aerospace, highlighted the regional importance of this expansion:

“This expansion at Seletar Aerospace Park underscores our commitment to building in-region MRO capabilities that help reduce turnaround time and enhance connectivity for our customers across APAC and the Middle East.”

Economic Impact and Industry Partnership

The expansion is supported by key Singaporean industrial partners, including JTC Corporation (JTC) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). The investment aligns with broader industry goals to support a projected 33% increase in engine volume over the next five years. Furthermore, the facility targets a 28% reduction in turnaround time (TAT) for repairs, a critical metric for airline operators seeking to maximize fleet availability.

Zheng Jingxin, Vice President and Head of Mobility at the EDB, noted the significance of the investment for the local ecosystem:

“GE Aerospace’s new engine module repair facility reflects Singapore’s continued attractiveness as a trusted and reliable hub for aerospace operations… This latest investment adds advanced technologies and new repair capabilities to our advanced manufacturing ecosystem.”

The facility also introduces new sustainability measures, including REACH-compliant anti-corrosion coatings, ensuring operations meet stringent environmental safety standards.

AirPro News Analysis

The transition from component repair to module repair at the Seletar facility represents a significant maturation of the Asia-Pacific MRO market. “Module repair” allows for a “swap-and-go” maintenance approach, where entire sections of an engine (such as the High-Pressure Turbine) are replaced or serviced as a unit. This is distinct from component repair, which involves fixing individual blades or vanes.

For operators of the CFM LEAP engine, the workhorse of modern narrowbody fleets, this local capability is vital. By reducing the need to ship heavy engine modules to facilities in the United States or Europe, APAC carriers can expect significantly lower downtime. With the Asia-Pacific region projecting robust fleet growth, the capacity to handle high-stress components like HPTs locally will likely become a competitive differentiator for the Singapore hub.

Sources

• GE Aerospace

This article is based on an official press release from ST Engineering.

ST Engineering Secures Multi-Year LEAP-1A MRO Contract with Xiamen Airlines

ST Engineering has officially signed a multi-year agreement with Xiamen Airlines to provide comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the airline’s CFM LEAP-1A engines. Announced on February 4, 2026, during the Singapore Airshow, this contract marks a significant expansion of the 35-year partnership between the Singapore-based engineering group and the Chinese carrier.

Under the terms of the agreement, ST Engineering will perform the first Performance Restoration Shop Visit (PRSV) for the engines powering Xiamen Airlines’ Airbus A320neo family fleet. This deal underscores ST Engineering’s growing influence in the next-generation engine maintenance market and supports Xiamen Airlines’ operational transition as it integrates Airbus aircraft into its historically Boeing-centric fleet.

Scope of the Agreement

The contract focuses specifically on the CFM LEAP-1A engines, which power the Airbus A320neo family. According to the announcement, the agreement covers the maintenance requirements for Xiamen Airlines’ current narrowbody Airbus fleet, which consists of:

• 17 Airbus A321neo aircraft
• 2 Airbus A320neo aircraft

The primary service provided will be the Performance Restoration Shop Visit (PRSV). This is a major maintenance event intended to restore exhaust gas temperature (EGT) margins and fuel efficiency after engines have undergone significant operational cycles. By securing this agreement, Xiamen Airlines ensures that its relatively new Airbus fleet receives support from a facility with established expertise in LEAP engine technology.

Executive Commentary

Both companies emphasized the trust built over decades of cooperation. Tang Jianqi, Deputy General Manager of Engineering & Maintenance at Xiamen Airlines, highlighted the competitive nature of the selection process.

“The success of ST Engineering in winning this highly competitive bidding project… fully demonstrates its comprehensive competence in the engine maintenance industry, including quality, service, and pricing.”

, Tang Jianqi, Deputy General Manager of Engineering & Maintenance, Xiamen Airlines

Tay Eng Guan, Head of Engine Services at ST Engineering, noted that the contract reflects the airline’s confidence in their technical capabilities.

“This new agreement… is a testament to their strong confidence in our engine MRO capabilities, built on a robust track record of reliable and high-quality maintenance we have provided to their engine fleets over the years.”

, Tay Eng Guan, Head of Engine Services, ST Engineering

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Strategic Context and Market Impact

AirPro News Analysis

This agreement represents a pivotal moment for both entities. For Xiamen Airlines, a subsidiary of China Southern Airlines, the move secures critical support for its fleet modernization strategy. Historically known as an all-Boeing operator, the airline introduced Airbus aircraft in late 2022. Securing a regional MRO partner for the LEAP-1A engines is essential for maintaining the high service standards and operational reliability the airline is known for.

For ST Engineering, the deal validates its aggressive investment in next-generation capabilities. As the first independent MRO provider in Asia to join the CFM Branded Service Agreement (CBSA) network for LEAP engines, the company is positioning itself to capture the “maintenance wave” anticipated as engines delivered in the late 2010s reach their first major shop visits.

Capacity Expansion and Financials

To meet the rising demand for LEAP engine maintenance, ST Engineering is currently expanding its Singapore facility. The company aims to double its annual LEAP engine maintenance capacity to over 300 engines by 2027. This capacity growth is designed to support contracts exactly like the one signed with Xiamen Airlines, as well as future requirements for LEAP-1B engines powering Boeing 737 MAX fleets.

While the specific financial value of this contract was not disclosed, it contributes to a robust period for ST Engineering’s Commercial Aerospace division. The division reported a record $18.7 billion in total contract wins for the fiscal year 2025, with $1.7 billion secured in the fourth quarter alone.

A 35-Year Partnership

The collaboration between ST Engineering and Xiamen Airlines spans more than three decades, evolving alongside advancements in aviation technology. The partnership began with support for older engine types and has progressed through several generations of propulsion technology:

• Legacy Support: JT8D, CFM56-3, and CFM56-7B engines (supporting the Boeing 737 fleet).
• Current Support: CFM LEAP-1A (supporting the Airbus A320neo/A321neo fleet).
• Future Readiness: ST Engineering is preparing to support LEAP-1B engines, positioning itself to cover Xiamen Airlines’ Boeing 737 MAX fleet in the future.

This continuity ensures that as Xiamen Airlines diversifies its fleet, it retains a consistent maintenance partner capable of handling mixed-fleet requirements.

Sources

• ST Engineering