MRO & Manufacturing
GE Aerospace and Airbus Advance Next-Gen Helicopter Propulsion Design
GE Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters progress joint research on a clean-sheet helicopter propulsion system to reduce fuel use and emissions.

This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace.
On March 10, 2026, GE Aerospace announced the progression of its joint research collaboration with European rotorcraft manufacturer Airbus Helicopters. According to the official press release, the two aerospace giants are advancing their efforts to develop a clean-sheet, next-generation helicopter propulsion system. This partnership, which was initially unveiled at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2024, aims to drastically reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions for future rotorcraft.
Having successfully completed the foundational research phase, the collaboration is now entering a critical new stage. The companies are shifting their focus toward detailed engine design concepts and evaluating component-level efficiencies. We note that this development represents a significant milestone in the rotorcraft industry’s broader push toward decarbonization, mirroring sustainability trends currently driving fixed-wing commercial aviation.
Advancing to Detailed Design Concepts
The transition from foundational research to detailed design marks a pivotal moment for the GE Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters partnership. The shared objective, as outlined in the company’s announcement, is to mature a propulsion architecture that establishes new industry benchmarks for efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility without compromising the rigorous performance and durability required by next-generation rotorcraft.
To achieve these ambitious goals, GE Aerospace stated it is utilizing its proprietary lean operating model, known as FLIGHT DECK. Championed by CEO Larry Culp, this system is built on principles of continuous improvement, respect for people, and a customer-driven focus. By applying the FLIGHT DECK methodology, which relentlessly targets Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC), GE aims to eliminate engineering waste and accelerate the timeline for bringing this sustainable turboshaft engine to the testing and fielding stages.
“GE Aerospace is excited to enter this next phase with Airbus Helicopters to advance the technologies and design approaches that can shape the future of helicopter propulsion. Together, we are focused on understanding what it will take to deliver meaningful sustainability and efficiency gains, while continuing to meet the demanding mission needs of our helicopter operators.”
— Elissa Lee, Executive Director of Commercial Turboshaft Engines at GE Aerospace
The Strategic Shift in Rotorcraft Propulsion
Diversifying the Supply Chain
Historically, Airbus Helicopters has relied heavily on European engine manufacturer Safran Helicopter Engines, as well as Pratt & Whitney Canada, to power its civil and military rotorcraft fleets. Prior to this clean-sheet project, GE’s presence on Airbus-linked products was largely limited to the CT7 engine, which is offered as an option on the NHIndustries NH90 military helicopter.
According to the provided research data, this partnership represents a major diversification of Airbus’s Supply-Chain. For GE Aerospace, which already dominates the military rotorcraft engine market with powerplants like the T700 (used on the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache), this collaboration opens a massive door. Airbus Helicopters was previously the only major civil manufacturer not utilizing GE engines.
AirPro News analysis
At AirPro News, we view this advancement as a highly strategic maneuver for both entities. For Airbus, Partnerships with a U.S.-based engine powerhouse like GE Aerospace provides a hedge against supply chain bottlenecks and introduces fresh technological competition into its vendor ecosystem. Furthermore, GE’s 2024 clarification that this engine will be a “clean-sheet design,” potentially incorporating elements of hybridization rather than deriving from existing models like the Catalyst or CT7, signals a willingness to take substantial research and development risks to capture commercial market share.
Following its 2024 spin-off as an independent public company, GE Aerospace has maintained a massive global footprint. Company data indicates an installed base of approximately 50,000 commercial and 30,000 military aircraft engines, supported by roughly 57,000 employees. Successfully fielding a commercial engine with Airbus would solidify GE’s dominance across both civil and defense rotorcraft sectors, while simultaneously addressing the urgent industry mandate for decarbonization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary goal of the GE Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters partnership?
The collaboration aims to develop a clean-sheet, next-generation helicopter Propulsion system focused on significantly reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while maintaining high performance and reliability.
What is the FLIGHT DECK model mentioned by GE Aerospace?
FLIGHT DECK is GE Aerospace’s proprietary lean operating system. It focuses on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) to eliminate waste in the engineering process and accelerate the development timeline of new technologies.
Why is this partnership historically significant for the industry?
Airbus Helicopters has traditionally relied on Safran and Pratt & Whitney Canada for its engines, making it the only major civil manufacturer not utilizing GE engines. This partnership diversifies Airbus’s supply chain and allows GE Aerospace to significantly expand its footprint in the commercial Helicopters market.
Sources: GE Aerospace Press Release
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
MRO & Manufacturing
Velo3D Triples Capacity With New Livermore Manufacturing Facility
Velo3D opens a 288,747-sq-ft Livermore campus to expand metal additive manufacturing for aerospace and defense.

Metal additive manufacturing provider Velo3D is tripling its production capacity with a new 288,747-square-foot facility in Livermore, California, aiming to support the aerospace and defense sectors as they transition from prototyping to full-scale 3D-printed component production.
In a press release issued on June 30, 2026, the company detailed plans to bring the new production campus online later this year. The expansion creates one of the largest metal additive manufacturing footprints in North America, while Velo3D retains its existing Fremont, California, headquarters as a dedicated research and development hub.
Facility specifications and production scale
The Livermore site dedicates 270,000 square feet specifically to manufacturing operations. The building features 36-foot clear heights, providing nearly 10 million cubic feet of vertical volume required to house the company’s large-format additive manufacturing systems.
At launch, the facility is designed to support more than 40 large-format systems. The site infrastructure allows for future expansion to accommodate over 100 metal 3D printers. Combined with the Fremont location, Velo3D will have the capacity to support a total of 125 machines.
“We believe additive manufacturing should be accessible, scalable, and production-ready,” said Michelle Sidwell, Chief Revenue Officer at Velo3D.
Aerospace and defense market momentum
The physical expansion follows a period of revenue growth driven by defense and aerospace contractors adopting the company’s Rapid Production Solutions (RPS) and Sapphire metal 3D printers. In May 2026, Velo3D reported first-quarter revenue of $13.8 million, representing a 48 percent year-over-year increase.
Earlier in 2026, the company secured an $11.5 million multi-year production agreement with a major U.S. defense contractor. This followed a February 10, 2026, announcement that Velo3D was selected as the first qualified additive manufacturing provider for the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center.
Financial analysts have noted the company’s alignment with domestic manufacturing initiatives. On June 25, 2026, Needham analyst Austin Bohlig initiated coverage of Velo3D with a Buy rating and a $33 price target, forecasting $65 million in revenue for 2026.
“We believe the company’s leading metal additive manufacturing platform is becoming a critical enabling technology for the reindustrialization of the U.S. aerospace and defense (A&D) industrial base,” Bohlig stated.
Market positioning and conflicting outlooks
On June 29, 2026, Velo3D was officially added to the Russell 3000 Index and the Russell Microcap Index. Chief Executive Officer Arun Jeldi indicated the inclusion is intended to broaden the company’s visibility among institutional investments.
AirPro News analysis
We observe a sharp divergence in market sentiment surrounding Velo3D’s growth trajectory. While the company is executing tangible physical expansions and securing multi-million dollar defense contracts, it faces aggressive skepticism from some market participants. The simultaneous June 25, 2026, release of Needham’s bullish forecast and a bearish short-seller report from Morpheus Research highlights this tension. Morpheus characterized the business as a “promotional grift,” contrasting starkly with the company’s reported 17.2 percent gross margin improvements and transition to full-scale production. The successful activation and utilization of the Livermore facility later in 2026 will likely serve as the primary indicator of whether the aerospace supply chain can sustain this expanded capacity.
Sources: Velo3D, Inc. / PR Newswire
Photo Credit: Velo3D
MRO & Manufacturing
MT-Propeller FAA STC Approved for Pilatus PC-12/47G
MT-Propeller’s seven-blade Silent 7 composite propeller receives FAA STC for the Pilatus PC-12/47G, with no engine modifications required.

MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH has secured an amended Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to install its seven-blade “Silent 7” composite propeller on the Pilatus PC-12/47G. The approval, issued on June 02, 2026, expands the certified applications for the MTV-47 propeller system without requiring engine modifications.
The company publicly announced the Certification on June 11, 2026. The FAA approval (STC SA02742NY) follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) STC issued on January 22, 2026, and a Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) Letter of Acceptance from July 31, 2024. The upgrade targets operators seeking improved short-field performance and compliance with stringent European noise Regulations.
Performance and noise reduction metrics
According to MT-Propeller’s official STC data sheet, the MTV-47 installation delivers measurable performance gains for the PC-12/47G. The certified ground roll distance is reduced by approximately 10 percent, while the takeoff distance over a 50-foot obstacle decreases by 15 percent compared to the original four-blade metal propeller. The composite propeller has a maximum diameter of 102.36 inches (260 cm) and an installed weight of 221.8 pounds (100.6 kg), including the spinner.
Noise abatement is a primary feature of the “Silent 7” design. The manufacturer reports an approximate 4 dB(A) reduction in exterior noise levels. Inside the aircraft, cabin noise is reduced by 6 to 7 dB(A), depending on the specific seating location. This acoustic performance allows the PC-12/47G to comply with strict European noise standards, including Germany’s 2010 Landeplatz Lärmschutz Verordnung, enabling unrestricted operations at noise-sensitive airports.
Engine compatibility and North American expansion
The amended STC covers the PC-12/47G alongside previously certified models, including the PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E. The MTV-47 propeller is approved for use with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B, PT6A-67P, and PT6E-67XP engines. MT-Propeller emphasized that the installation is a direct bolt-on upgrade requiring no modifications to the existing powerplant.
The FAA certification aligns with MT-Propeller’s recent efforts to expand its support infrastructure in North-America. In April 2026, the company announced the opening of MT-Propeller Canada Inc., a joint venture with AMK Aviation Inc. based in Murillo, Ontario. The new facility is designed to provide enhanced service, spare parts distribution, and field support for North American operators adopting the composite propeller systems.
AirPro News analysis
We note a discrepancy in the performance figures marketed by regional distributors compared to the official certification data. While Finnoff Aviation Products, the exclusive North American distributor for the upgrade, cites a 20 percent reduction in ground roll and a 23 percent reduction in obstacle clearance distance, MT-Propeller’s official June 2026 STC data sheet lists more conservative figures of 10 percent and 15 percent, respectively. Operators evaluating the upgrade should base their operational planning on the certified flight manual supplements rather than distributor marketing materials. The addition of the PC-12/47G to the STC ensures that newer airframes can utilize the seven-blade system, which has become increasingly popular for operators flying into noise-restricted European airfields or backcountry strips requiring maximum short-field performance.
Sources: MT-Propeller STC Data Sheet
Photo Credit: MT-Propeller
MRO & Manufacturing
Honeywell Aerospace Spin-Off Completed June 2026
Honeywell Technologies completed its aerospace spin-off on June 29, 2026, launching Honeywell Aerospace as an independent Nasdaq-listed company.

Honeywell Technologies finalized the spin-off of its aerospace division on June 29, 2026, officially dismantling the historic conglomerate to become a pure-play automation company.
In a press release issued on June 29, 2026, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company confirmed the completion of the transaction, which establishes Honeywell Aerospace as an independent, publicly traded entity. The milestone concludes a multi-year portfolio transformation that began in 2023 and previously saw the separation of Solstice Advanced Materials.
Financial restructuring and market debut
Concurrent with the aerospace spin-off, Honeywell Technologies executed a 1-for-2 reverse stock split. According to reporting by Benzinga, the reverse split reduced the company’s issued and outstanding shares from approximately 634 million to roughly 317 million. The company also reduced its authorized common shares from 2 billion to 1 billion.
Honeywell Aerospace shares were distributed at a 1-for-2 ratio to Honeywell Technologies shareowners of record as of June 15, 2026. The newly independent aerospace supplier commenced trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol “HONA,” while the legacy automation business continues to trade under the “HON” ticker.
Strategic shift to pure-play automation
The corporate restructuring effort was initiated in 2023. Honeywell communicated its intention to spin off its advanced materials business in October 2024, followed by the February 2025 announcement detailing the separation of its automation and aerospace divisions. The board of directors formally set the record date and expected timing for the final spin-off on June 5, 2026.
Vimal Kapur, chairman and chief executive officer of Honeywell Technologies, described the completion as a defining moment for the company.
“With the completion of this separation, we have successfully transformed Honeywell into three independent, industry-leading companies: Honeywell Technologies, Honeywell Aerospace and Solstice Advanced Materials. Each company is built around a distinct strategy with greater focus and financial flexibility to pursue a long-term growth agenda,” Kapur stated in the press release.
To reflect its new operational focus on the building, industrial, and process sectors, Honeywell Technologies will file a Current Report on Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. According to StreetInsider, this filing will present the former aerospace and advanced materials businesses as discontinued operations and provide recast historical financial data for fiscal years 2024, 2025, and the first quarter of 2026.
AirPro News analysis
The dissolution of the Honeywell conglomerate reflects a broader aerospace and industrial sector trend favoring specialized, pure-play operations over diversified holding companies. By isolating the aerospace division, Honeywell Aerospace can now pursue targeted capital allocation and mergers and acquisitions specific to aviation manufacturing and supply chain demands. For the legacy automation business, shedding the capital-intensive aerospace unit provides a clearer value proposition for investors focused on industrial technology and building automation. We expect the newly independent aerospace entity to face immediate scrutiny regarding its supply-chain resilience and production ramp-up capabilities as it operates without the financial buffer previously provided by the broader conglomerate.
Sources: Honeywell Technologies
Photo Credit: Nasdaq
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