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Boeing Retires Final 787-8 Test Aircraft ZA004 After 16 Years

Boeing retires ZA004, the last 787-8 test aircraft, after 16 years of flight testing and key contributions to engine and battery system improvements.

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

End of an Era: Boeing Retires Final 787-8 Test Aircraft ZA004

After nearly 16 years of service as a dedicated “flying laboratory,” Boeing has officially retired ZA004 (Registration N7874), the last remaining flight-test aircraft from the original 787-8 Dreamliner program. According to an official announcement from Boeing, the aircraft concluded its final mission on February 11, 2026, marking the transition of the Dreamliner family from a developmental phase into a fully mature operational stage.

The aircraft, which accumulated over 2,250 flight hours across more than 670 test flights, was flown one last time from Boeing Field (KBFI) in Seattle to Pinal Airpark (KMZJ) in Marana, Arizona. There, it will be stored and likely used for parts reclamation to support active fleets.

A Unique History in the Skies

ZA004 holds a unique place in the history of the 787 program. As the fourth Dreamliner ever built, it was originally manufactured for Northwest Airlines prior to that carrier’s merger with Delta Air Lines in 2008. However, due to early program delays and the subsequent merger, the airframe was never delivered to a commercial customer. Instead, Boeing retained the aircraft, repurposing it as a dedicated testbed, a role it fulfilled for its entire operational life.

Unlike its siblings in the original test fleet, ZA001 through ZA006, ZA004 remained in service significantly longer. While the first three test aircraft were donated to museums and others were scrapped, ZA004 continued to validate new technologies for over a decade. John Murphy, the 787 Chief Project Engineer, highlighted the rarity of such a long service life for a test asset.

“Sixteen years of service with The Boeing Company, that’s a legacy few test airplanes achieve.”

John Murphy, 787 Chief Project Engineer (via Boeing)

Critical Contributions to Aviation Safety

Throughout its tenure, ZA004 served as a workhorse for systems reliability and propulsion testing. Boeing data indicates the aircraft was central to several critical engineering milestones that allowed the global 787 fleet to grow to over 1,100 aircraft.

Propulsion and Power Systems

The aircraft was the primary platform for testing upgrades to the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine. It played a vital role in certifying the “TEN” and “XE” improvement packages, which were designed to resolve durability issues and extend time-on-wing for airline operators. Furthermore, following the global grounding of the 787 fleet in 2013, ZA004 was instrumental in validating the redesigned battery containment system and updated power distribution software, paving the way for the fleet’s return to service.

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The ecoDemonstrator Program

In 2014, Boeing utilized ZA004 for its ecoDemonstrator program. During this phase, the aircraft tested more than 25 new technologies aimed at reducing noise and improving fuel efficiency. These tests included aerodynamic enhancements and software designed to optimize flight paths, many of which have since been integrated into commercial operations.

The Final Mission

The retirement flight on February 11, 2026, was piloted by Captains Heather Ross and Craig Bomben. In a symbolic nod to the aircraft’s history, these were the same two pilots who sat in the cockpit for ZA004’s maiden flight on February 24, 2010.

According to Boeing, the decision to retire the aircraft was driven by economics. As the airframe approached a major heavy maintenance check (D-check), the company determined that maintaining a dedicated -8 testbed was no longer cost-effective given the maturity of the 787 platform.

“To the casual observer it looks like an old airplane, but it’s always been the future.”

Captain Heather Ross, Boeing Chief Pilot (via Boeing)

AirPro News Analysis

The retirement of ZA004 signals a definitive shift in the lifecycle of the 787 program. For years, the presence of a dedicated test airframe allowed Boeing to rapidly prototype fixes and upgrades, most notably during the battery crisis of 2013. The decision to retire the asset without a direct replacement suggests that Boeing views the 787-8 platform as sufficiently stable, requiring fewer experimental resources than it did during its volatile early years.

While the aircraft will no longer fly, its components will likely continue to keep other Dreamliners in the air, serving as a donor source for a fleet that now spans the globe. This move aligns with broader industry trends where mature airframe programs rely on operational data from airline partners rather than maintaining expensive, dedicated manufacturer test fleets.


Sources: Boeing News Now

Photo Credit: Boeing

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MRO & Manufacturing

Joramco Signs Airbus A310 Maintenance Deal with ULS Airlines Cargo

Joramco secures a maintenance agreement with ULS Airlines Cargo for Airbus A310 freighter fleet, enhancing support for legacy cargo aircraft.

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

Joramco Signs Maintenance Agreement with ULS Airlines Cargo for Airbus A310 Fleet

Joramco, the Amman-based maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider and the engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has officially announced a new maintenance agreement with Turkish operator ULS Airlines Cargo. The deal was publicized on February 5, 2026, during the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, marking a significant step in Joramco’s continued expansion into the specialized cargo sector.

According to the company’s announcement, the agreement covers base maintenance services specifically for ULS Airlines Cargo’s fleet of Airbus A310 freighters. This partnership underscores the continued operational relevance of legacy widebody aircraft in the global logistics chain and highlights Joramco’s technical capacity to support aging airframes.

Scope of the Agreement

Under the terms of the contracts, Joramco will perform heavy maintenance checks at its facility at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. The agreement focuses on the Airbus A310, a widebody aircraft that has become a niche workhorse in the Cargo-Aircraft industry. By securing this contract, Joramco reinforces its position as a key service provider for cargo operators in the region, leveraging its regulatory approvals from major bodies such as EASA, the FAA, and the JCARC.

Adam Voss, the CEO of Joramco, emphasized the strategic nature of the collaboration in a statement released during the signing ceremony.

“This agreement with ULS Airlines Cargo is a strong endorsement of Joramco’s expertise in supporting specialized cargo operations. As the air cargo sector continues to play a critical role in global supply chains, operators are increasingly seeking MRO partners that combine technical depth with operational flexibility.”

, Adam Voss, CEO of Joramco

Operational Context and Industry Background

Joramco’s Regional Expansion

This agreement follows a period of significant growth for Joramco. As the engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), the company has aggressively expanded its capabilities. Recent developments include the opening of “Hangar 7,” which has increased the facility’s capacity to 22 parallel maintenance lines. The provider has also recently added maintenance capabilities for the Airbus A330, broadening its service portfolio to accommodate modern converted freighters alongside legacy models like the A310.

ULS Airlines Cargo Fleet Strategy

ULS Airlines Cargo, headquartered in Istanbul, operates a fleet that balances legacy efficiency with modernization. While the carrier has recently integrated Airbus A330-300P2F (Passenger-to-Freighter) aircraft to expand capacity, the Airbus A310-300F remains a core component of its operations. Maintaining these out-of-production aircraft requires specialized MRO support to ensure high dispatch reliability, a critical metric for cargo operators managing tight global schedules.

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AirPro News Analysis

The Longevity of the A310: While the aviation industry often focuses on next-generation aircraft, the agreement between Joramco and ULS highlights the enduring value of the Airbus A310 in the freight sector. For MRO providers, maintaining the technical expertise, tooling, and supply chains for these “old workhorses” is a lucrative niche. As fewer shops retain the capability to perform deep base maintenance on legacy types, providers like Joramco are well-positioned to capture this specialized market share.

Regional MRO Growth: The timing of this announcement at MRO Middle East 2026 reflects the broader trend of the region becoming a global hub for aviation maintenance. With facilities in Jordan and the UAE expanding capacity, Middle Eastern MROs are increasingly attracting contracts from European and neighboring operators who require cost-effective, high-quality heavy maintenance solutions.

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Photo Credit: Joramco

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MRO & Manufacturing

Satair and GAMECO Expand Partnership in Used Serviceable Material Market

Satair and GAMECO signed a MoU at Singapore Airshow 2026 to develop the Used Serviceable Material market, enhancing supply chain flexibility and sustainability.

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

Satair and GAMECO Expand Strategic Partnership into Used Serviceable Material Market

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, amidst the industry gatherings at the Singapore Airshow, Satair and Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company (GAMECO) announced a significant expansion of their long-standing collaboration. The two entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop capabilities in the Used Serviceable Material (USM) segment, marking a strategic shift toward circular economy practices in the aerospace aftermarket.

According to the official announcement, this agreement aims to leverage the respective strengths of both companies, Satair’s global distribution network and GAMECO’s extensive industrial repair capabilities, to manage the repair and recirculation of used aircraft parts. The move is designed to enhance supply chain flexibility, reduce material costs for operators, and support broader sustainability goals within the aviation sector.

Deepening a Decade-Long Relationship

While the focus on USM represents a new chapter, the relationship between Satair, an Airbus subsidiary, and GAMECO, a leading MRO provider in China, spans more than ten years. The partnership has historically focused on inventory management and new parts distribution.

In 2015, GAMECO became the first customer in China to adopt Satair’s Airbus Managed Inventory (AMI) solution, a service designed to automate the replenishment of high-usage expendables. This agreement was extended in 2021, followed by a broader multi-year agreement for Integrated Material Services (IMS) in 2022. Most recently, in 2025, the companies signed a Letter of Intent to expand IMS support to the Airbus A350 platform.

The new MoU signed at the 2026 Singapore Airshow signals a transition from managing new inventory to monetizing the lifecycle of existing assets. By focusing on USM, the partners intend to offer airlines a cost-effective alternative to new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) parts, particularly valuable for maintaining mature fleets.

The Strategic Shift to Circular Economy

The aviation industry is increasingly prioritizing sustainability, and the “circular economy”, where parts are repaired and reused rather than scrapped, is a central theme of the 2026 Singapore Airshow. The Satair-GAMECO collaboration addresses this directly by aiming to reduce waste and the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new components.

Operational Objectives

Under the terms of the MoU, the companies will collaborate on several key fronts:

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  • Repair Management: Coordinating the repair of used parts to restore them to serviceable condition.
  • Market Development: Jointly identifying and pursuing opportunities within the growing USM market.
  • Cost Efficiency: Providing operators with lower-cost material solutions without compromising safety or certification standards.

“This agreement aims to enhance supply chain flexibility, reduce costs, and promote sustainability by focusing on the repair and reuse of aircraft components rather than relying solely on new parts.”

, Summary of the Satair announcement

AirPro News Analysis

We view this move as a critical strategic pivot for both entities in the post-pandemic aerospace landscape. Supply chain resilience remains a top priority for MROs and airlines alike. By establishing a robust pipeline for Used Serviceable Material, GAMECO secures a buffer against potential delays in new part manufacturing, ensuring consistent service levels for its primary stakeholders, including China Southern Airlines.

Furthermore, for Satair, this partnership reinforces its foothold in the Asia-Pacific region. As the OEM aftermarket becomes more competitive, the ability to offer a “blended” solution, comprising both new OEM parts and certified used material, allows Satair to capture a larger share of the maintenance spend on aging aircraft. This aligns with broader industry trends where OEMs are increasingly entering the USM space to maintain control over the asset lifecycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Used Serviceable Material (USM)?

USM refers to aircraft parts that have been removed from an aircraft, often during teardowns or upgrades, and have been repaired, overhauled, and recertified by aviation authorities to be safe for reuse. They are typically less expensive than factory-new parts.

Who owns GAMECO?

GAMECO is a joint venture between China Southern Airlines (50%) and Hutchison Whampoa (China) (50%). It is headquartered at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

What is the significance of the Singapore Airshow 2026?

Held from February 3–8, 2026, the Singapore Airshow is a premier aerospace event in Asia. The 2026 edition focuses heavily on sustainability, digitalization, and Advanced Air Mobility, providing the backdrop for this sustainability-focused MoU.

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Photo Credit: Satair

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MRO & Manufacturing

FDH Aero Expands Singapore Facility to Boost APAC Aerospace Supply Chain

FDH Aero has doubled its Singapore facility at Seletar Aerospace Park to improve supply chain speed and autonomy for the Asia-Pacific aerospace market.

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This article is based on an official press release from FDH Aero and additional background data regarding the Singapore Airshow 2026.

FDH Aero, a global provider of supply chain solutions for the aerospace and defense sectors, has officially opened its newly expanded facility at Seletar Aerospace Park in Singapore. The announcement, made on February 2, 2026, coincides with the eve of the Singapore Airshow 2026, marking a strategic push to solidify the company’s presence in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

According to the company’s official statement, the expansion effectively doubles FDH Aero’s operational footprint in Singapore. The upgraded facility is designed to transition the location from a standard logistics hub into a comprehensive regional distribution center capable of serving East and South Asia with greater autonomy and speed.

Facility Upgrades and Operational Focus

The expansion at Seletar Aerospace Park involves a significant reconfiguration of FDH Aero’s physical infrastructure. The company has added a completely new floor dedicated to executive offices and modern meeting suites, intended to foster closer collaboration with regional customers.

Simultaneously, the original floor space has been repurposed entirely for operations and warehousing. This shift allows the company to increase the volume of stock held locally, covering hardware, electrical components, and consumables. By positioning inventory closer to the point of use, FDH Aero aims to mitigate the supply chain delays that have historically impacted the aviation sector.

Matthew Lacki, President of FDH Hardware, emphasized the scale of this investment in the company’s press announcement:

“The grand opening of our expanded Singapore facility represents a significant milestone in our continued investment in the Asia-Pacific region. By doubling our space, we are increasing the scale and service of our operations, and empowering our local FDH Aero and PDQ Airspares teams with the environment they need to engage with customers and provide supply chain solutions locally.”

Localization of Decision-Making

A primary driver behind this expansion is the decentralization of command. Historically, multinational aerospace distributors have often relied on approvals from headquarters in the United States or Europe, creating time-zone latency in critical supply chain decisions.

FDH Aero stated that the new Singapore facility is structured to empower local teams to make real-time decisions. This operational autonomy is expected to drastically reduce lead times for airlines and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) providers in the region.

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Cody Ho, Managing Director of FDH Aero APAC, highlighted the importance of this cultural and operational shift:

“We are bringing strategic decision-making closer to our customers, so they can confidently act in real-time within one of the world’s fastest growing aviation markets. Our team is local and understands the unique cultural and technical needs of this market.”

AirPro News Analysis: Strategic Timing and Market Context

The timing of this expansion aligns with broader industry trends observed by AirPro News. By launching the facility immediately prior to the Singapore Air-Shows 2026, FDH Aero is positioning itself to capture attention during Asia’s largest aerospace event. The location at Seletar Aerospace Park places the distributor in the immediate vicinity of over 60 major aerospace companies, including key engine manufacturers and MRO firms.

Furthermore, this infrastructure growth supports FDH Aero’s evolving partnerships in the region. Industry data indicates that the APAC region is projected to be the fastest-growing aviation market globally. The expanded capacity is likely a necessary step to fulfill long-term agreements, such as the company’s strategic partnership with COMAC to support the C919 aircraft platform, a deal solidified in late 2024. By holding more inventory “in-region,” suppliers can better insulate Asian carriers from global logistics disruptions.

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Photo Credit: FDH Aero

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