MRO & Manufacturing
DELO and Böllhoff Launch 8-Second Curing Fastener for Aerospace Interiors
DELO Adhesives and Böllhoff unveil a fast-curing bonded fastener system for aerospace interiors, enhancing production speed and reducing cabin weight.
This article is based on an official press release from DELO Adhesives and Böllhoff.
DELO and Böllhoff Unveil 8-Second Curing Fastener for Aerospace Interiors
In a move designed to accelerate aircraft production and reduce cabin weight, German manufacturers DELO Adhesives and Böllhoff have announced a strategic partnership to adapt the ONSERT® fastening technology for the aerospace sector. The collaboration, detailed in a joint press release issued on February 19, 2026, introduces a bonding solution that reportedly cures in under eight seconds, significantly outpacing traditional epoxy methods.
The new system combines Böllhoff’s transparent plastic fastening elements with DELO’s specialized PHOTOBOND FB4151 adhesive. According to the companies, this technology is engineered to replace conventional screws, rivets, and slow-curing liquid adhesives, addressing the industry’s dual need for lightweighting and automated assembly. The solution is scheduled to be showcased at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg from April 14–16, 2026.
Rapid Curing for High-Volume Production
The core innovation highlighted in the announcement is the speed of the bonding process. While traditional two-part epoxies often require minutes or hours to reach handling strength, the DELO PHOTOBOND FB4151 adhesive is designed to cure in approximately eight seconds using UV or visible light irradiation. This capability is intended to facilitate robotic “pick-and-place” assembly, moving aerospace manufacturing closer to the high-speed efficiency standards seen in the automotive industry.
Sebastian Stasch, Product Manager for Industrial Solutions at DELO, emphasized the transfer of this technology from automotive to aerospace applications:
“Our light-curing adhesives have been successfully established in the automotive industry for years. Now they also enable efficient manufacturing processes with short cycle times and great freedom of design in the aerospace industry.”
Technical specifications provided by the manufacturers indicate that despite the rapid cure time, the adhesive maintains high structural integrity. The bond reportedly achieves a compression shear strength of approximately 20 MPa and offers high flexibility with an elongation at break of roughly 80%. This flexibility is critical for withstanding the vibrations and thermal expansion differences inherent in flight operations, with a stated operating temperature range of -40°C to +120°C.
Preserving Composite Integrity
A significant advantage of the ONSERT® system, as outlined in the release, is the elimination of drilling. Modern aircraft, such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, rely heavily on composite materials like carbon fiber and honeycomb panels. Drilling holes into these materials can create stress concentrations, weaken the structural integrity, and generate hazardous dust.
By using a bonded fastener system, where a cable holder, clip, or stud is glued directly to the panel, manufacturers can preserve the substrate’s strength. Franz Drüke, Product Manager at Böllhoff, noted the reliability of the joint system:
“The combination of the ONSERT fastening element from Böllhoff and the DELO adhesive creates a powerful joining technology for aircraft interiors, lightweight, process-reliable and ideal for series production.”
The technology has already found a prominent adopter. According to the release, Recaro Aircraft Seating is utilizing the system in its CL6720 business class seat. Each seat requires approximately 100 attachment points for cable routing to support in-flight entertainment, power, and lighting systems. The switch to bonded fasteners contributes to weight reduction, a critical factor for fuel efficiency, and streamlines the complex assembly of seat electronics.
Regulatory Compliance
Safety remains the paramount concern in aerospace interiors. The press release confirms that the new fastening solution meets the rigorous flammability and toxicity standards required for cabin materials. Specifically, the system complies with FAR Part 25 § 25.853 (Vertical Burn Test) and meets Airbus standard ABD0031 for smoke density and toxic gas emissions.
AirPro News Analysis
The introduction of an 8-second curing cycle represents a significant shift for aerospace interiors. Historically, the “curing bottleneck” of traditional epoxies has limited the speed at which cabin sub-assemblies can be produced. As airlines pressure manufacturers to clear record backlogs, technologies that enable automation are becoming essential rather than optional.
Furthermore, the focus on “no-drill” solutions aligns with the broader industry push toward Net Zero 2050. By protecting the integrity of lightweight composites, manufacturers can utilize thinner, lighter panels without reinforcing drill sites, ultimately shaving kilograms off the empty weight of the aircraft. While individual fasteners save only grams, the cumulative effect across thousands of attachment points in a wide-body cabin offers measurable fuel savings over the aircraft’s lifespan.
Sources
Photo Credit: DELO
MRO & Manufacturing
Global Turbine Asia Strengthens Malaysia Aerospace Sector with Strategic Partnerships
Global Turbine Asia signs agreements with Airbus Defence, UPNM, and PERHEBAT to advance Malaysia’s aerospace MRO capabilities and talent development.
This article is based on an official press release from Global Turbine Asia.
Global Turbine Asia Forges Strategic Partnerships to Boost Malaysia’s Aerospace Sector
Global Turbine Asia Sdn. Bhd. (GTA) has announced a series of strategic agreements aimed at advancing Malaysia’s aerospace and defense ecosystem. The Malaysian-based engine MRO provider is seeking to expand its technical capabilities and cultivate local talent through new cross-border and domestic collaborations.
According to an official press release issued on April 22, 2026, the company exchanged Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Airbus Defence and Space and Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM). Additionally, GTA signed a Note of Understanding (NoU) with Perbadanan Hal Ehwal Bekas Angkatan Tentera (PERHEBAT).
The signing ceremonies took place in Kuala Lumpur and were witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Defence, Dato’ Seri Haji Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, alongside other key government officials. The company stated that these agreements align with evolving regional industry needs by focusing on commercial cooperation, research partnerships, and long-term capability building.
Expanding MRO Capabilities and Academic Collaboration
The newly announced MoU with Airbus Defence and Space is designed to evaluate opportunities for developing Malaysia’s military aircraft MRO capabilities. As part of this agreement, Airbus will assess GTA as a potential beneficiary of the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP).
The press release noted that this collaboration aims to advance local aerospace self-reliance, facilitate the transfer of knowledge and capabilities, and integrate the local supply chain, pending necessary approvals. By working closely with a major original equipment manufacturer, GTA hopes to elevate its service offerings for military operators.
Fostering Innovation with UPNM
In parallel, GTA’s MoU with Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) focuses on bridging the gap between industry and academia. The company indicated that this partnership will strengthen collaborative efforts in research, innovation, talent development, and technical services, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals for the aerospace sector.
Supporting Armed Forces Veterans
Beyond technical and academic partnerships, GTA is also prioritizing workforce transition initiatives. The Note of Understanding signed with PERHEBAT is specifically tailored to support retiring Malaysian Armed Forces personnel and veterans.
According to the official announcement, the collaboration will provide veterans with industrial training, workplace exposure, and potential employment opportunities. The joint initiative includes job-skills alignment and program monitoring to enhance the employability and well-being of former military personnel transitioning into the civilian workforce.
“These MoUs mark an important step in strengthening GTA’s role within the aerospace and defence ecosystem,” stated Dato’ Nonee Ashirin Dato Mohd Radzi, Executive Chairman of Global Turbine Asia, in the press release.
AirPro News analysis
These agreements highlight a growing trend among regional MRO providers to integrate supply chain capabilities with comprehensive talent development strategies. By partnering simultaneously with an international aerospace leader like Airbus, a national defense university, and a veterans’ affairs organization, GTA is positioning itself to secure a more resilient, highly trained workforce. We observe that such multi-tiered partnerships are increasingly vital for companies looking to expand their technical footprint in the highly specialized defense sector while fulfilling local industrial collaboration requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Global Turbine Asia (GTA)?
Established in 2010, Global Turbine Asia is an independent engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider based in Malaysia. According to company statements, it serves both military and civil operators and is a Certified Maintenance Centre for Safran Helicopter Engines.
What is the purpose of the Airbus Defence and Space MoU?
The agreement aims to evaluate opportunities to develop Malaysia’s military aircraft MRO capabilities and assess GTA as a potential Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) beneficiary, facilitating knowledge transfer and supply chain integration.
Sources
Photo Credit: Global Turbine Asia
MRO & Manufacturing
Liebherr Begins First Airbus A350 Nose Landing Gear Overhaul in Germany
Liebherr-Aerospace has started the first in-house overhaul of an Airbus A350 nose landing gear at its Lindenberg facility as the fleet matures.
This article is based on an official press release from Liebherr.
Liebherr-Aerospace has officially commenced the first-ever overhaul of an Airbus A350 nose landing gear at its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) facility in Lindenberg, Germany. According to a company press release, the induction of the first operator’s landing gear marks a historic milestone for the aerospace supplier, which originally developed and manufactured the system.
As the global fleet of Airbus A350 Commercial-Aircraft continues to mature, the transition from production to lifecycle support is becoming increasingly prominent. The commencement of scheduled heavy MRO for these high-cycle components represents a significant operational phase for both Airlines and Manufacturers.
In-House OEM Overhaul Operations
The first A350 nose landing gear system from an active operator has already been inducted into the overhaul process at the Lindenberg site. In its press release, Liebherr confirmed that it will utilize its extensive experience as an OEM and competence center for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) to perform all necessary activities entirely in-house.
By keeping the overhaul process within its own facilities, the company aims to maintain strict quality control and ensure that the complex systems are restored to optimal operational standards.
“We are very pleased to start with the overhaul of Airbus A350 nose landing gears. As an OEM and long-standing partner of the international aviation industry, we vest great importance in quality, reliability and safety. The close cooperation with the airlines is a testament to the trust our customers place in our expertise and technical know-how.”
, Alex Vlielander, Chief Customer Officer at Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS, in a company press release
The A350 Nose Landing Gear System
The nose landing gear system for the Airbus A350 was developed, manufactured, and certified by Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH. The German facility serves as Liebherr’s primary center of competence for flight controls, landing gear systems, gears, gearboxes, and electronics.
According to historical data from Liebherr, the A350 nose landing gear is the largest landing gear ever developed and produced by the Lindenberg facility, consisting of over 1,000 individual components. The system integrates high-load structural elements with precision actuation and high-pressure hydraulics designed specifically for long-haul operations.
AirPro News analysis
The induction of the first A350 nose landing gear for overhaul highlights a broader industry shift as early-generation A350s, which first entered commercial service in 2015, according to industry reports by Aviation Jeta, reach the operational hours and cycles that mandate heavy maintenance. Landing gear overhauls are among the most complex MRO segments, requiring specialized tooling and rigorous certification processes.
To accommodate the growing demand for these services, Liebherr is actively expanding its footprint. According to reporting by Aviation Week, the company is replacing older infrastructure at the Lindenberg site to expand its customer service and assembly areas by approximately 65,000 square feet, positioning itself to handle higher MRO volumes as the A350 fleet ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Airbus A350 nose landing gear overhaul taking place?
The overhaul is being conducted entirely in-house at Liebherr-Aerospace’s OEM facility in Lindenberg, Germany.
Who manufactures the A350 nose landing gear?
The system was developed, manufactured, and certified by Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH, which serves as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the component.
Sources
Photo Credit: Liebherr
MRO & Manufacturing
Envoy Air Opens Maintenance Center of Excellence in Little Rock Arkansas
Envoy Air invests over $600,000 to establish a Maintenance Center of Excellence at Little Rock airport, enhancing aircraft repair capabilities and creating skilled jobs.
Envoy Air, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, has announced a significant expansion of its aircraft maintenance operations in Arkansas. According to a company press release, the regional carrier is establishing its first-ever Maintenance Center of Excellence at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock.
The strategic move is designed to bring advanced, specialized aircraft maintenance capabilities in-house to better support the airline’s growing fleet. Envoy stated that the expansion will be backed by a capital investment of more than $600,000 in the Little Rock facility.
Furthermore, the company projects that the new center will generate numerous high-skill maintenance roles over the next two years, bolstering the local aviation workforce and reinforcing Envoy’s operational footprint in the region.
Upgrading Fleet Maintenance Capabilities
The transition of the existing Little Rock facility into a Maintenance Center of Excellence marks a notable upgrade in the type of work Envoy technicians will perform on-site. The press release detailed that the Little Rock team will now handle advanced maintenance tasks that are critical to long-term fleet reliability.
These new specialized capabilities include sheet metal repair, carbon composite repairs, and comprehensive landing gear inspections. By centralizing these complex maintenance functions at LIT, Envoy aims to streamline its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) processes.
“We’re excited to expand our maintenance operation in Little Rock and build on the strong foundation our team has established at LIT. This Center of Excellence allows us to grow specialized capabilities while creating meaningful career opportunities and continuing to invest in the communities where our crews live and work.”
The above statement was provided in the official release by Jay Murray, Vice President of Maintenance at Envoy.
Strengthening the Arkansas Aviation Sector
Envoy Air already maintains a robust presence in the state of Arkansas. Beyond the newly upgraded Little Rock base, the airline operates another aircraft maintenance facility at Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA). Additionally, Envoy provides ground handling and customer service operations for American Airlines at both the LIT and XNA airports.
The establishment of the Maintenance Center of Excellence was celebrated by state and local officials, highlighting the economic benefits of aviation infrastructure investments.
“Arkansas’ aviation industry is continuing to take off, and Envoy’s investment is helping drive what comes next. Envoy’s Center of Excellence brings advanced maintenance, specialized training and high-skill careers together under one roof, giving Arkansas a lasting edge and putting us at the forefront of where companies choose to grow.”
Arkansas Governor Sanders praised the initiative in the company’s announcement, noting the positive impact on the capital city’s workforce and the state’s broader aviation industry.
Across its broader network, Envoy supports American Airlines at more than 120 locations throughout North America and the Caribbean. The Little Rock expansion is framed by the company as a continued investment in its personnel and the communities that anchor the regional network.
AirPro News analysis
While a $600,000 facility investment may appear modest compared to the multi-million dollar MRO hangars built by mainline carriers, its significance lies in the strategic localization of specialized skills. Regional airlines like Envoy operate high-cycle fleets that require rigorous, specialized upkeep, particularly concerning landing gear and composite materials.
By establishing a dedicated Center of Excellence, we observe Envoy taking proactive steps to insulate its supply chain and maintenance pipelines. Bringing carbon composite and sheet metal repairs to a centralized, in-house hub reduces reliance on third-party vendors, which can often be a bottleneck in regional aviation. Furthermore, the commitment to creating high-skill roles over the next two years aligns with a broader industry push to attract and retain qualified aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) amid ongoing global workforce shortages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Envoy Air Maintenance Center of Excellence?
It is a newly upgraded facility at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock, Arkansas, dedicated to advanced aircraft maintenance tasks such as sheet metal repair, carbon composite repairs, and landing gear inspections.
How much is Envoy investing in the Little Rock facility?
According to the company’s press release, Envoy plans to invest more than $600,000 to establish the new center and upgrade its capabilities.
Will the new facility create jobs?
Yes. Envoy expects the expansion to create numerous high-skill maintenance roles over the next two years as the facility ramps up its specialized operations.
Sources
Photo Credit: Envoy Air
-
Airlines Strategy3 days agoJetBlue Secures $500M Aircraft-Backed Financing to Support Turnaround
-
Technology & Innovation4 days agoDubai Completes World’s First Commercial Vertiport at DXB Airport
-
Commercial Aviation7 days ago11th Circuit Rules Spirit Airlines Must Pay Withheld TSA Security Fees
-
Airlines Strategy6 days agoLufthansa CityLine Shutdown and Fleet Cuts Amid Fuel and Labor Crisis
-
Regulations & Safety5 days agoCirrus SR22 Safely Lands with Parachute After Power Loss in New Mexico