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

Embraer and Hindalco Sign Strategic MoU to Explore Aerospace Aluminum Manufacturing in India

On February 20, 2026, Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindalco Industries Ltd., the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group. The agreement establishes a framework to evaluate the manufacturing of aerospace-grade aluminum raw materials within India, marking a significant step in Embraer’s efforts to diversify its global Supply-Chain.

According to the company’s official statement, the partnership aims to identify local partners capable of supplying high-performance materials for the aerospace sector. This initiative directly supports the Indian government’s “Make in India” program, which encourages multinational corporations to manufacture products domestically.

Strengthening the Supply Chain

The collaboration focuses on conducting exploratory activities to assess the feasibility of producing specific aluminum alloys required for Manufacturing. By tapping into Hindalco’s established industrial capabilities, Embraer seeks to build a more resilient and localized supply network.

Roberto Chaves, Executive Vice President of Global Procurement and Supply Chain at Embraer, emphasized the long-term strategic value of the agreement in a statement released by the company:

“This joint action reinforces our focus to identifying local partners that can become our suppliers and, in doing so, accelerate the development of the Indian industrial base. The initiative enhances Embraer’s engagement to advancing the aerospace ecosystem in India, creating long-term value across the entire supply chain.”

Hindalco Industries is recognized globally for its Sustainability practices, having been ranked as the world’s most sustainable aluminum company by the S&P Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for five consecutive years (2020–2024). The company’s subsidiary, Hindalco-Almex Aerospace Limited (HAAL), is currently the only manufacturer of aerospace and defense-grade aluminum alloys in India, holding the critical AS9100 Certification.

Strategic Context: The C-390 Millennium Bid

While the press release focuses on material sourcing, industry observers note that this move aligns with Embraer’s broader campaign to secure defense Contracts in India. Embraer is currently positioning its C-390 Millennium aircraft for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) tender.

To bolster its bid, Embraer has previously partnered with Mahindra to establish a local assembly line should the C-390 be selected. Integrating Hindalco into the supply chain for raw materials would significantly increase the indigenous content of the aircraft, making the proposal more attractive under India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) defense procurement policies.

Sustainability Alignment

The partnership also addresses environmental goals shared by both entities. Embraer has committed to achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040. Hindalco’s focus on “green aluminum” and its subsidiary Novelis’s leadership in aluminum recycling provide a pathway for Embraer to reduce the lifecycle carbon footprint of its aircraft. The use of recycled secondary aluminum and lightweight alloys is a growing trend in aerospace engineering designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

AirPro News Analysis

We view this MoU as a calculated geopolitical and logistical maneuver by Embraer. Post-pandemic supply chain disruptions have forced major OEMs to move away from single-source dependencies. By establishing a foothold in India, Embraer is not only mitigating risk but also aggressively courting the Indian defense sector.

For Hindalco, this validates its transition from a raw material supplier to a specialized aerospace partner. If this exploratory phase leads to a definitive supply agreement, it could position India as a critical node in the global high-tech manufacturing network, moving the country beyond simple assembly roles and into the production of complex, high-value metallurgical components.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the MoU?
The Memorandum of Understanding aims to evaluate the feasibility of manufacturing aerospace-grade aluminum in India to support Embraer’s global supply chain.

Who is Hindalco Industries?
Hindalco is an Indian aluminum and copper manufacturing company, part of the Aditya Birla Group. It is a global leader in sustainable aluminum production and recycling.

How does this relate to the C-390 Millennium?
Sourcing raw materials locally in India strengthens Embraer’s bid for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft contract by increasing the “indigenous content” of their proposal.

Is this a binding manufacturing contract?
No. Currently, it is an MoU to conduct “exploratory activities” and assess potential business opportunities. Definitive agreements would likely follow successful evaluations.

Sources

• Embraer

This article is based on an official press release from AFI KLM E&M.

AFI KLM E&M Receives First LEAP-1B Spare Engine, Bolstering MRO Support Capabilities

Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) has officially taken delivery of its first LEAP-1B spare engine, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategy to support the global fleet of new-generation narrowbody aircraft. Announced on February 17, 2026, in Amsterdam, this delivery is the first tangible result of a purchase agreement signed with CFM International in January 2025.

The acquisition is part of a broader initiative to secure asset availability for airline customers. According to the company’s announcement, the new spare engine will be deployed to support operators of the Boeing 737 MAX, ensuring operational continuity during scheduled maintenance events or unexpected disruptions.

Strategic Expansion of the Spare Engine Pool

The delivery stems from a purchase agreement finalized on January 9, 2025, between AFI KLM E&M and CFM International. As detailed in the company’s statement, the deal covers the acquisition of up to 10 spare engines. This portfolio includes both the LEAP-1A, which powers the Airbus A320neo family, and the LEAP-1B, the exclusive powerplant for the Boeing 737 MAX family.

By owning a dedicated pool of spare engines, AFI KLM E&M aims to mitigate the impact of supply chain constraints that have affected the aviation industry. The availability of these assets allows the maintenance provider to offer immediate engine swaps, significantly reducing “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) time for its clients.

Executive Commentary

Jean-Louis Forest, Senior Vice President of Engines Product at AFI KLM E&M, highlighted the operational benefits of this investment in the official release:

“The arrival of our first spare LEAP-1B engine represents a strategic step forward for AFI KLM E&M and our airline partners. This investment not only strengthens our commitment to operational excellence but also ensures that we can deliver faster, more reliable support when our customers need it most.”

Jean-Louis Forest, SVP Engines Product, AFI KLM E&M

Enhancing the “LEAP Premier MRO” Network

This delivery reinforces AFI KLM E&M’s status within the CFM branded service network. The company has been aggressively ramping up its capabilities to handle the growing volume of LEAP engines entering heavy maintenance cycles. In October 2025, the MRO provider celebrated the induction of its 101st LEAP engine and announced targets to increase capacity to handle 300 LEAP shop visits annually.

The spare engine will support various maintenance interventions, including:

• Quick Turn (QT) Maintenance: Rapid repairs, such as turbine blade replacements, performed without full engine disassembly.
• Performance Restoration Shop Visits (PRSV): Comprehensive overhauls to restore engine efficiency and time-on-wing.

To support these activities, AFI KLM E&M has completed the industrialization of its test cells at both Paris-Orly and Amsterdam-Schiphol airports. These facilities are now fully certified for full-thrust testing of both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B models.

Joint Venture Developments

In addition to direct purchases, the company is exploring other avenues to expand its asset pool. In June 2025, AFI KLM E&M entered negotiations with the lessor AerCap to establish a joint venture dedicated to LEAP engine leasing. This multi-pronged approach, combining direct ownership with strategic partnerships, is designed to provide a robust safety net for airline customers facing a volatile leasing market.

AirPro News Analysis

The delivery of this LEAP-1B spare engine is more than a routine logistical update; it addresses a critical bottleneck in the current aviation aftermarket. With global supply chains still recovering and new engine production rates under pressure, spare engines have become one of the most valuable assets in the industry.

For airlines, the difference between a profitable quarter and a loss can sometimes hinge on aircraft utilization rates. By securing its own inventory of spares, AFI KLM E&M reduces its dependence on the spot market, where lease rates have surged. This move signals a shift among top-tier MROs toward becoming “nose-to-tail” asset managers rather than just repair shops, offering airlines a guarantee of mobility that goes beyond fixing hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B?

The LEAP-1A is designed for the Airbus A320neo family, while the LEAP-1B is the exclusive engine for the Boeing 737 MAX family. While they share core technology, they differ in size and interface to fit their respective airframes.

Why is owning spare engines important for an MRO provider?

Owning spares allows an MRO to provide immediate replacements to airlines while their original engines are being repaired. This minimizes aircraft downtime and protects airlines from shortages in the external leasing market.

How many spare engines did AFI KLM E&M order?

The agreement signed in January 2025 covers the purchase of up to 10 spare engines, comprising a mix of LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B models.

Sources

• AFI KLM E&M Press Release

West Star Aviation Breaks Ground on Major Expansion at Chattanooga (CHA)

West Star Aviation has officially broken ground on a significant expansion project at its Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) campus in Tennessee. Announced on February 18, 2026, the development is designed to address increasing customer demand for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. According to the company, the project will expand the Chattanooga site to approximately 400,000 square feet, with a targeted completion date of February 2027.

The expansion includes the construction of new hangar space and the enhancement of existing facilities, aiming to streamline workflow and improve the customer experience. West Star Aviation states that the project will also drive local economic growth by creating hundreds of new skilled positions over the next five years.

Facility Upgrades and New Infrastructure

The development plan outlines substantial additions to the campus, focusing on increasing capacity and integrating critical support shops. A key component of the project is the construction of Hangar 26, which will feature a 40,000-square-foot hangar bay supported by 15,000 square feet of shop and office space. This new facility will include customer and program offices, climate-controlled storage for aircraft interiors, and an improved customer lounge.

In its press release, West Star Aviation detailed the safety and efficiency upgrades planned for Hangar 26, noting the inclusion of an overhead crane, fall protection systems, and dedicated fire-rated document storage.

Simultaneously, the existing Hangar 27 will undergo a major expansion with a new two-story, 30,000-square-foot addition. This space is designated to house an expanded Aircraft Service Department, as well as specific shops for accessories, composites, and sheet metal. By consolidating these functions, the company aims to reduce turnaround times and improve communication between technical teams.

Economic Impact and Workforce Growth

Beyond the physical infrastructure, the expansion represents a significant investment in the regional workforce. West Star Aviation currently employs more than 500 team members at its Chattanooga location. The company projects that the new facilities will create up to 200 additional skilled positions over the next five years.

Mike Ditmeyer, Vice President and General Manager of the Chattanooga location, emphasized the importance of the project for both the company and the community:

“The site expansion strengthens our foundation to support our customers’ maintenance needs and further develop our team’s expertise. The pride, quality, and teamwork of this group are at the heart of this facility.”

The groundbreaking event was attended by local leaders, including Weston Wamp, Mayor of Hamilton County, and Jack McAfee, Vice President of Operations with the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority. West Star Aviation acknowledged the support of several partners, including the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Electric Power Board, and the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce.

AirPro News Analysis

This expansion underscores the strategic importance of Chattanooga as a central hub for business aviation in the Southeast. By increasing its footprint to 400,000 square feet, West Star Aviation is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the MRO Market-Analysis, which has seen sustained demand for heavy maintenance and modifications. The consolidation of specialty shops (composites, sheet metal) directly adjacent to hangar bays suggests a focus on efficiency, a critical metric for operators looking to minimize aircraft downtime.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the expansion expected to be finished?
West Star Aviation targets a completion date of February 2027.

How many jobs will be created?
The company expects to add up to 200 skilled positions over the next five years.

What specific facilities are being added?
The project includes a new 40,000 sq. ft. hangar (Hangar 26) with support space, and a 30,000 sq. ft. two-story addition to Hangar 27.

Sources

• West Star Aviation