MRO & Manufacturing
AJW Group Secures A330 Airframe Support Contract with ASL Aviation
AJW Group signs a four-year Time and Materials contract to provide airframe-only support for ASL Aviation Holdings’ Airbus A330ceo aircraft.
This article is based on an official press release from AJW Group.
AJW Group Secures A330 Support Contract with ASL Aviation Holdings
AJW Group, an independent specialist in aircraft component parts and supply chain solutions, has officially announced a new support contract with ASL Aviation Holdings. According to a press release issued on March 4, 2026, the agreement covers the support of two Airbus A330ceo (Current Engine Option) aircraft operated by ASL Airlines Ireland.
This new deal marks the renewal of a strategic partnership between the two aviation entities. Previously, AJW Group provided support for ASL’s fleet of Boeing 737 Classic aircraft. The current agreement focuses on airframe-only support and is structured on a Time and Materials (T&M) basis, designed to offer operational flexibility while ensuring access to AJW’s global inventory hubs.
The contract has been signed for an initial four-year term. It signifies a continued expansion for ASL Aviation Holdings as they integrate widebody aircraft into their predominantly narrowbody fleet, leveraging AJW’s logistics network to minimize downtime.
Contract Structure and Operational Scope
While AJW Group markets this agreement under its broader “Power-by-the-Hour” (PBH) portfolio, the specific commercial terms operate on a Time and Materials basis. This distinction is significant for fleet operators managing smaller sub-fleets.
Time and Materials vs. Fixed Rate
In a standard Power-by-the-Hour arrangement, airlines typically pay a fixed hourly rate to cover all unscheduled maintenance events, providing budget predictability. However, under the T&M terms specified in this announcement, ASL Airlines Ireland will pay for specific services and components as they are utilized. This structure allows the airline to retain the logistical benefits of a PBH contract, such as guaranteed access to spares and engineering expertise, without committing to a flat rate that may not be cost-efficient for a fleet of just two aircraft.
Airframe-Only Support
The agreement is strictly limited to “airframe-only” support. In aviation maintenance terminology, this generally covers structural components, avionics, and rotable parts, but explicitly excludes the engines and often the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). These high-value assets are typically covered under separate agreements with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Executive Commentary
Both companies expressed optimism regarding the renewed collaboration, citing their previous successful history with the Boeing 737 Classic program.
Scott Symington, Chief Commercial Officer at AJW Group, highlighted the alignment between the contract structure and ASL’s operational needs:
“AJW’s partnership with ASL is built on trust and our shared commitment to operational excellence, and we’re excited to be working with them again. Supporting two A330ceo aircraft aligns well with AJW’s expertise and growth, and this agreement allows us to provide flexible, effective support to meet their operations.”
, Scott Symington, Chief Commercial Officer, AJW Group
Colin Grant, Chief Operating Officer of ASL Aviation Holdings, emphasized the confidence the group places in AJW’s support capabilities:
“Having AJW supporting these aircraft gives us confidence in the ongoing operation of our A330ceo fleet. Their airframe-focused approach fits well with our operational requirements, and we look forward to working closely with their team as this programme develops.”
, Colin Grant, Chief Operating Officer, ASL Aviation Holdings
AirPro News Analysis
Strategic Fleet Evolution: The inclusion of Airbus A330ceo aircraft in ASL’s fleet represents a notable shift for the operator, which is globally recognized as the largest operator of Boeing 737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter) aircraft. The move into the widebody segment suggests ASL is targeting longer-range routes and higher-capacity cargo operations, potentially to serve major integrator clients like DHL or Amazon who require intercontinental reach.
The Logic of T&M for Small Fleets: Opting for a Time and Materials contract rather than a full PBH rate is a calculated financial decision. For a small sub-fleet of only two aircraft, the statistical variance in component failure makes a fixed hourly rate difficult to price competitively for both parties. A T&M model mitigates risk for the provider while giving the operator “pay-as-you-go” flexibility, all while maintaining the critical safety net of immediate parts availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between A330ceo and A330neo?
The “ceo” stands for “Current Engine Option,” referring to the original generation of the Airbus A330 family. The “neo” (New Engine Option) refers to the updated version with more efficient engines and aerodynamic improvements. ASL is operating the ceo variant.
What does “Airframe-only” mean in this context?
It means the support contract covers the aircraft’s body, wings, landing gear, and internal systems (avionics, hydraulics), but excludes the engines, which are usually maintained under a separate contract with the engine manufacturer.
Where is AJW Group located?
AJW Group is headquartered in Slinfold, United Kingdom, with significant maintenance facilities in Montreal, Canada (AJW Technique).
Sources
Photo Credit: AJW
MRO & Manufacturing
Pratt & Whitney Canada Invests $275M CAD in Longueuil Plant
Pratt & Whitney Canada commits $275M CAD to automate its Longueuil facility, backed by federal and Quebec government support.
Pratt & Whitney Canada will inject $275 million CAD into its Longueuil manufacturing facility to integrate automated production lines and advanced digital processes, securing 650 jobs in the Quebec aerospace sector.
Announced on July 21, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow, the modernization project is backed by up to $34 million CAD from the Government of Canada, alongside support from the Quebec government. The investment targets the engine manufacturer’s global headquarters and largest manufacturing site, representing approximately $195.5 million USD in capital upgrades.
Upgrading industrial capacity for turbine production
The capital injection will fund the installation of modernized machinery and automated production lines at the Longueuil plant. Pratt & Whitney Canada, an RTX business, produces turbine engines for regional aircraft, business jets, general aviation, and rotorcraft platforms. By implementing advanced digital manufacturing processes, the company aims to increase production efficiency and precision to meet rising global demand for its propulsion systems.
In a press release detailing the investment, Pratt & Whitney Canada President Satheeshkumar Kumarasingam stated the upgrades will strengthen industrial capacity and enable the manufacturer to better support its customers.
“It also reinforces our longstanding role as a pillar of the Québec aerospace ecosystem and a major contributor to Canadian aviation,” Kumarasingam said.
Federal and provincial government support
The modernization effort is a joint public-private initiative. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is providing up to $34 million CAD through the federal Strategic Response Fund. The Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie du Québec is also supporting the project, though specific provincial funding figures were not disclosed in the initial announcement.
The Longueuil facility currently employs nearly 4,500 people. According to the federal government, the financial engagement will directly maintain 650 jobs at the site. The announcement was coordinated with Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, highlighting the strategic importance of the aerospace sector to the regional economy.
AirPro News analysis
We view this $275 million CAD investment as a necessary step for Pratt & Whitney Canada to protect its manufacturing base against ongoing global supply chain pressures. By shifting toward automated production lines and digital processes, the engine manufacturer is positioning its legacy Longueuil facility to handle higher production rates with greater consistency. Announcing the capital upgrade at the Farnborough International Airshow serves a dual purpose: reassuring global airframers of the company’s capacity to deliver on engine backlogs while demonstrating the Canadian government’s willingness to subsidize critical aerospace infrastructure.
Sources: Pratt & Whitney Canada
Photo Credit: Pratt & Whitney Canada
MRO & Manufacturing
ExecuJet Belgium Earns EASA and FAA Approval for Falcon 6X
ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium secures EASA and FAA certification for Falcon 6X line and heavy maintenance plus AOG support.
ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium has secured regulatory approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to perform line and heavy maintenance on the Dassault Falcon 6X.
Announced in a company press release on July 13, 2026, the dual certification allows the Brussels-based facility to service the growing global fleet of the 5,500-nautical-mile range business jet. The approval also expands the company’s Dassault MRO GoTeam capabilities to include aircraft-on-ground (AOG) support for the Falcon 6X.
Expanding global support for the Falcon 6X
In addition to EASA and FAA certification, the Brussels facility received maintenance approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bermuda, the Department of Civil Aviation of Aruba, and the Office of the Director of Civil Aviation in Guernsey. These combined authorizations enable ExecuJet Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Services to support a wide registry of international operators.
Matthijs Hutsebaut, Regional Vice President for Europe at ExecuJet MRO Services, highlighted the operational impact of the new certifications.
“EASA and FAA are the world’s two most internationally recognised civil aviation regulators. This approval is significant as it means we are now internationally certified to do line and heavy maintenance on all in-production Falcon aircraft types,” Hutsebaut stated.
According to the company, there are currently more than 30 Dassault Falcon 6X aircraft operating worldwide. Hutsebaut noted that demand for maintenance and support services is scaling alongside the active fleet. He added that the combination of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) expertise and AOG capabilities positions the facility to provide comprehensive support to operators.
Broader network growth and recent milestones
The Falcon 6X approval in Belgium follows a series of recent capability expansions across the ExecuJet MRO Services global network, which operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation.
On June 11, 2026, the Belgium facility completed an extensive heavy maintenance project on a Dassault Falcon 7X. That project included an engine change, avionics upgrades, and the installation of a Starlink satellite communications system.
The company is also expanding its heavy maintenance footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. On June 3, 2026, ExecuJet MRO Services Australasia announced the expansion of its Dassault Falcon 7X heavy maintenance capabilities at its Sydney facility, with C-checks scheduled to commence in October 2026.
AirPro News analysis
As new clean-sheet aircraft designs like the Dassault Falcon 6X enter service and build flight hours, the availability of certified maintenance infrastructure becomes a critical factor for operator dispatch reliability. By securing EASA and FAA approvals at a major European hub, Dassault Aviation is leveraging its wholly-owned ExecuJet MRO Services subsidiary to capture aftermarket revenue while ensuring its newest flagship operators have immediate access to heavy maintenance and AOG recovery. We expect to see similar capability rollouts across other ExecuJet MRO Services regional hubs as the Falcon 6X fleet matures and approaches its first major scheduled maintenance intervals.
Photo Credit: ExecuJet MRO Services
MRO & Manufacturing
Jet Access Maintenance Becomes Starlink Dealer Amid Price Hike
Jet Access Maintenance joins the Starlink dealer network as SpaceX raises aviation hardware costs 38% and doubles its top-tier monthly plan.
Jet Access Maintenance has secured authorization as a Starlink dealer, expanding its in-flight connectivity upgrade offerings across three maintenance facilities on the same day SpaceX implemented a massive pricing restructure for its aviation internet service.
In a press release issued on July 7, 2026, the company confirmed it will now evaluate, acquire, install, and support Starlink Aviation solutions. The authorization allows Jet Access Maintenance to perform the upgrades at its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana; Nashville, Tennessee; and West Palm Beach, Florida.
Expanding MRO connectivity capabilities
The addition of Starlink hardware sales and activation support integrates into the company’s broader aircraft modernization initiatives. Installations will be completed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified technicians.
The MRO provider will handle ongoing maintenance, technical support, and integration with existing avionics systems for business aviation operators. Scott Dillon, President of Jet Access Maintenance, stated in the release that connectivity is an increasingly important part of the ownership and flight experience.
“By adding Starlink to our offering, we’re expanding the solutions available to our clients and helping them identify the connectivity platform that best supports their aircraft and mission requirements,” Dillon said.
SpaceX restructures Starlink Aviation pricing
The Jet Access Maintenance announcement coincides exactly with a major shift in Starlink’s business model. On July 7, 2026, SpaceX notified customers of a significant pricing restructure for its Starlink Business Aviation plans.
According to reporting by Aviation Week and Corporate Jet Investor, the top-tier Aviation Global Unlimited plan doubled in price from $10,000 to $20,000 per month. SpaceX also introduced a new mid-tier option, the Aviation Regional Unlimited plan, priced at $12,500 per month. This regional plan restricts unlimited data usage to a single continental region.
Hardware costs for business jets also saw a substantial increase. Holstein Aviation reported that the cost for Starlink Aviation hardware installation rose by approximately 38 percent, jumping from $145,000 to $200,000. Official Starlink Support documentation confirms these new rates take effect for existing customers on August 7, 2026.
AirPro News analysis
We note that the timing of this dealer authorization places Jet Access Maintenance in a unique position. The company is entering the Starlink dealer network just as the product undergoes its most significant pricing and tier-structure shift to date.
The 38 percent increase in hardware costs and the doubling of the global unlimited data plan alter the value proposition for mid-light jet operators. While Starlink remains a highly sought-after low-latency connectivity solution, the new $200,000 hardware baseline and $12,500 minimum monthly commitment will likely shift the primary upgrade market toward heavy jet and ultra-long-range aircraft operators. Jet Access Maintenance will need to navigate this new pricing reality as it pitches modernization initiatives to its existing client base.
Sources: Jet Access Maintenance, Aviation Week, Corporate Jet Investor, Starlink Support, Holstein Aviation
Photo Credit: Jet Access Maintenance
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