MRO & Manufacturing
Aequs Group Signs ₹4,000 Crore Aerospace Cluster MoU in Tamil Nadu
Aequs Group partners with Tamil Nadu to develop a ₹4,000 crore aerospace cluster in Krishnagiri, creating 7,000 jobs and focusing on aircraft engine components.
On February 16, 2026, Aequs Group, a diversified contract manufacturing firm, formally entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu to establish a new Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Cluster. The agreement outlines a major infrastructure project in the Krishnagiri district designed to bolster India’s capabilities in high-precision engineering.
According to the official announcement, the project carries a total investment potential of ₹4,000 crore (approximately $480 million) and aims to generate roughly 7,000 employment opportunities. This initiative marks a strategic expansion for Aequs, extending its operational footprint beyond its established base in Karnataka to the rapidly developing industrial corridors of Tamil Nadu.
The MoU was signed by Aequs Chairman & CEO Aravind Melligeri and representatives from Guidance Tamil Nadu, the state’s investment promotion agency. The proposed cluster will be situated in the SIPCOT Industrial Park in Shoolagiri, Krishnagiri District. This location is strategically significant due to its proximity to the Karnataka border and the established Hosur industrial belt.
The press release details a structured investment plan over the next decade. Of the total projected ₹4,000 crore investment:
The facility is designed to replicate Aequs’ “ecosystem” model, previously deployed in Belagavi. By offering plug-and-play industrial infrastructure, the cluster aims to support both Aequs’ own units and downstream suppliers, creating a consolidated supply-chain for global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
A core objective of the new cluster is to host India’s first fully vertically-integrated aircraft engine manufacturing project. The scope of manufacturing outlined in the agreement includes aero-engine components, landing gear systems, and ultra-precision machining.
Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Industries, T.R.B. Rajaa, highlighted the significance of this development for the state’s industrial ambitions:
“This investment strengthens our place in global aero-engine supply chains and signals confidence in our infrastructure, skilled workforce, and policy continuity. It reflects the government’s approach towards distributed growth.”
The project aligns with the Tamil Nadu Aerospace & Defence Industrial Policy, which targets substantial job creation and investment inflows over the coming decade. By securing this deal, the state continues to position the Krishnagiri-Hosur region as a premier hub for advanced manufacturing. This move represents a significant diversification for Aequs. While the company is headquartered in Belagavi, Karnataka,where it operates India’s first notified precision engineering SEZ,the decision to expand into Tamil Nadu suggests a strategy of leveraging regional strengths. The “Little England” region of Hosur offers a deep talent pool in automotive and engineering sectors, which is critical for the high-precision requirements of aerospace manufacturing.
Furthermore, the timing of the agreement coincides with other major investments in the region, such as the ₹1,980 crore MoU signed with Japanese firm MinebeaMitsumi on the same day. We observe that this clustering of high-value manufacturing units is likely to accelerate the development of specialized vendor bases in the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border region, reducing logistics costs and lead times for global aerospace contracts.
What is the total value of the investment? Where will the new cluster be located? How many jobs will be created? What will be manufactured at this facility?
Aequs Group Signs MoU for ₹4,000 Crore Aerospace Cluster in Tamil Nadu
Investment Breakdown and Infrastructure Plans
Financial Commitments
Strategic Focus: Vertical Integration
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The total investment potential for the cluster is ₹4,000 crore. Aequs will directly invest ₹1,900 crore, with the remaining amount expected from partners joining the ecosystem.
The facility will be built at the SIPCOT Industrial Park in Shoolagiri, Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu.
The project is projected to generate approximately 7,000 jobs over the course of its development.
The cluster will focus on aero-engine components, landing gear systems, and advanced aerospace sub-assemblies.
Sources
Photo Credit: Aequs Group
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.
This article is based on an official press release from Joramco.
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.
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
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, 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. 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.
Joramco Signs Maintenance Agreement with ULS Airlines Cargo for Airbus A310 Fleet
Scope of the Agreement
Operational Context and Industry Background
Joramco’s Regional Expansion
ULS Airlines Cargo Fleet Strategy
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Joramco
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.
This article is based on an official press release from Satair.
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.
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 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.
Under the terms of the MoU, the companies will collaborate on several key fronts: “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
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.
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.
GAMECO is a joint venture between China Southern Airlines (50%) and Hutchison Whampoa (China) (50%). It is headquartered at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
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.
Satair and GAMECO Expand Strategic Partnership into Used Serviceable Material Market
Deepening a Decade-Long Relationship
The Strategic Shift to Circular Economy
Operational Objectives
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Used Serviceable Material (USM)?
Who owns GAMECO?
What is the significance of the Singapore Airshow 2026?
Sources
Photo Credit: Satair
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.
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.
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.”
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. 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.”
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.
Facility Upgrades and Operational Focus
Localization of Decision-Making
AirPro News Analysis: Strategic Timing and Market Context
Sources
Photo Credit: FDH Aero
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