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

Ankara-based flight simulator manufacturer HAVELSAN has officially broken ground on a major new production and integration facility. According to a company press release, the new site is designed to significantly expand the firm’s manufacturing capacity for both civil and military flight simulators, reinforcing Türkiye’s growing footprint in the global aviation training industry.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the 17,000-square-meter facility drew high-profile attendance, chaired by the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He was joined by HAVELSAN Chairman Prof. Dr. Hacı Ali Mantar, CEO Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar, and various senior government and industry officials, underscoring the strategic national importance of the project.

Once operational, the expansion is projected to transform the regional aerospace manufacturing landscape. The company stated that the development will position HAVELSAN as the largest full flight simulator production center across Europe and the Middle-East.

Expanding Manufacturing Capacity and Infrastructure

The new Simulator Production and Integration Facility will drastically increase HAVELSAN’s output capabilities. The official press release details that the site will allow the company to produce more than 30 flight simulators annually. Furthermore, the expansive floor plan will enable the simultaneous development of up to 16 simulators at various stages of production and integration.

When combined with HAVELSAN’s existing infrastructure in Ankara, the manufacturer’s total concurrent capacity will reach up to 40 commercial and military simulators under development and operation at any given time. The facility is scheduled to enter service in 2027. According to the company, this expansion is expected to create hundreds of high-skilled engineering and technical jobs in the Ankara region, bolstering the local aviation and defense technology ecosystem.

“The expansion will position HAVELSAN as the largest full flight simulator production center in Europe and the Middle East, reinforcing Türkiye’s growing role in the global flight simulation and aviation training industry,” the company noted in its release.

Advancing Simulator Technology and National Aerospace

Beyond sheer volume, the new center will serve as a hub for HAVELSAN’s next-generation simulator technologies. A key highlight from the announcement is the integration of the recently introduced STARVIEW-B collimated display system. Developed entirely in-house by HAVELSAN’s Display Systems team, STARVIEW-B is engineered to deliver high-fidelity visual representation, enhancing pilot immersion and procedural accuracy in advanced training environments.

This technological push aligns with a broader strategy of achieving greater independence in simulator subsystems. The company emphasized that these advancements support its goal of developing globally competitive full flight simulators through its STARLINE FSTD product portfolio. HAVELSAN brings more than 40 years of experience to the table, noting that upon completion of its current backlog, it will have delivered over 400 simulators for more than 60 military and civil platforms worldwide.

Supporting Domestic and Defense Aviation

In recent years, HAVELSAN has actively expanded its simulator production to support the domestic commercial aviation sector. The press release highlights key customers including Turkish Airlines, SunExpress, and the International Flight Training Center (IFTC). Additionally, the company plays a critical role in national aerospace defense initiatives, contributing simulator technology to the HÜRJET, HÜRKUŞ, KAAN, and GÖKBEY programs.

AirPro News analysis

We view HAVELSAN’s infrastructure investment as a clear indicator of Türkiye’s broader ambition to localize critical aerospace supply chains and reduce reliance on Western defense and aviation imports. By scaling up to produce 30 simulators annually and developing proprietary subsystems like the STARVIEW-B display, HAVELSAN is not only securing domestic contracts for high-profile programs like the KAAN fighter but also positioning itself as a formidable export competitor in the Middle Eastern and European markets. The 2027 timeline suggests a rapid construction phase, reflecting strong governmental backing, as evidenced by the presidential presence at the groundbreaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new HAVELSAN simulator facility open?
The new 17,000-square-meter facility is scheduled to enter service in 2027.

What will the production capacity of the new center be?
According to the company, the facility will be capable of producing more than 30 flight simulators annually and developing up to 16 simulators simultaneously.

What new technologies will be supported at the site?
The facility will support next-generation technologies, including HAVELSAN’s in-house STARVIEW-B collimated display system, designed for high-fidelity visual training environments.

Sources

• HAVELSAN

This article is based on an official press release from Fokker Services Group.

Fokker Services Group (FSG) and Air Nostrum Engineering and Maintenance (ANEM) have officially renewed and expanded their component support partnership. According to a company press release, the Valencia, Spain-based maintenance arm of Airlines Air Nostrum signed a new long-term power-by-the-hour (PBH) agreement to cover its expanding fleet of 30 Mitsubishi CRJ NG aircraft.

This development builds upon a pre-existing support framework between the two aviation entities. We note that the expanded scope aims to enhance operational performance and long-term planning stability for the Spanish regional carrier’s CRJ operations.

Details of the ABACUS Program Agreement

The nose-to-tail, full-service agreement will be executed through FSG’s established ABACUS Program. As outlined in the official release, the program is specifically tailored to meet Air Nostrum’s rigorous operational demands.

The ABACUS framework integrates several critical maintenance and supply chain functions. These include component maintenance services, inventory support and leasing, and guaranteed parts availability. Furthermore, the program provides 24/7 operational support designed to bolster fleet reliability while ensuring predictable, flight-hour-based cost controls for the airline’s daily operations.

Leadership Perspectives and Operational Impact

Both organizations emphasized the strategic value of the renewed Contracts. The agreement is expected to secure continued service reliability and sustainable value for Air Nostrum’s regional network.

“The nature of our business mandates efficiency, flexibility and reliability. Therefore we see great value in the FSG’s ABACUS program and know that their support will help us to provide the highest level of dispatch reliability to serve our customers,” stated Fermin Tirado, Managing Director of ANEM, in the press release.

Dirk Hanenberg, Managing Director of Fokker Services Group, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative nature of the relationship.

“With decades of experience in regional aircraft support, we understand the importance of ensuring component availability at the right time, place and configuration, while continuously enhancing reliability and cost control,” Hanenberg noted in the official announcement.

Air Nostrum and Fokker Services Group Background

Air Nostrum operates as the leading regional aviation company in Spain, flying under the Iberia Regional Air Nostrum brand for the Iberia Group. The airline connects 59 destinations across nine countries in Europe and North Africa. According to the provided company data, Air Nostrum operates a total modern fleet of 45 next-generation aircraft, employs 1,600 professionals, and has transported over 115 million passengers throughout its 32-year history.

Fokker Services Group operates as an independent aerospace service provider with a global footprint, maintaining facilities in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The company specializes in modifications, engineering, component and material services, and airframe maintenance for commercial, VIP, cargo, and defense markets.

AirPro News analysis

Power-by-the-hour (PBH) agreements like the ABACUS program remain a cornerstone strategy for regional airlines seeking to mitigate Supply-Chain volatility. By shifting the burden of inventory management and component repair to specialized third-party providers like Fokker Services Group, carriers such as Air Nostrum can lock in predictable maintenance costs. This predictability is crucial for regional operators operating on tight margins, as it directly correlates flight hours to maintenance expenditures while safeguarding dispatch reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a power-by-the-hour (PBH) agreement?

A power-by-the-hour agreement is a MRO contract where an airline pays a fixed rate per flight hour to a service provider. In exchange, the provider covers component maintenance, repair, and inventory support, ensuring cost predictability.

How many aircraft are covered under this specific agreement?

The renewed agreement covers Air Nostrum’s current fleet of 30 Mitsubishi CRJ NG Commercial-Aircraft.

What is the ABACUS Program?

The ABACUS Program is Fokker Services Group’s comprehensive component support solution, which combines maintenance services, inventory leasing, guaranteed availability, and round-the-clock operational support.

Sources: Fokker Services Group

This article summarizes reporting by Business Standard (Press Trust of India) and incorporates supplementary industry market data.

Haveus Aerotech India has officially upgraded its Gurugram facility to provide specialized maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) services for aircraft brakes and wheels. According to initial reporting by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the facility is now equipped to service up to 72 different types of aircraft, marking a significant milestone in localizing critical aviation maintenance.

This development arrives as the Indian aviation sector seeks to reduce its heavy reliance on foreign MRO services. Historically, domestic airlines have outsourced a significant portion of their maintenance work abroad, incurring high logistical costs and extended aircraft downtime.

With India’s commercial fleet expanding rapidly, the push to build robust domestic MRO infrastructure has become an economic imperative. The Gurugram facility’s upgrades represent a foundational step in retaining valuable foreign exchange and streamlining operations for both scheduled carriers and general aviation operators.

Gurugram Facility Capabilities and Fleet Coverage

Extensive Aircraft Support

The upgraded Gurugram site is designed to handle a diverse array of commercial, regional, and business aircraft. Based on the PTI report published by Business Standard, the facility’s service capabilities cover major manufacturers including Boeing and Airbus. Furthermore, it supports specialized regional and corporate jets such as the Bombardier Q400, Cessna Beechcraft, Embraer Global Express, and the Gulfstream Hawker Series.

By localizing the overhaul of brakes and wheels, components that endure high wear and require frequent servicing, Haveus Aerotech aims to alleviate the cost and time pressures traditionally faced by Indian Airlines.

“The lack of world-class brakes and wheels overhaul and repair facility had resulted in avoidable outgo of valuable foreign exchange…”
, Anshul Bhargava, Managing Director, Haveus Aerotech India (via PTI)

The Economic Impact of Localized MRO Services

Market Growth and Revenue Projections

The localization of aerospace services aligns closely with national initiatives aimed at self-reliance. According to industry market data, the Indian aircraft MRO market was valued at approximately $3.48 billion in 2024. Driven by favorable tax policies, including reductions in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on aircraft components, the market is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.8%, potentially reaching $6.88 billion by 2030.

Ratings agency Crisil has also forecasted that the revenue of the Indian MRO industry will grow by 50% by 2026, fueled by capacity additions from domestic suppliers like Haveus Aerotech.

Fleet Expansion and Workforce Demands

India currently stands as the third-largest civil aviation market globally. Industry estimates project that the country’s commercial aircraft fleet will triple to approximately 2,250 aircraft by 2035. To support this unprecedented growth and the 200 to 300 significant maintenance inspections required annually, India will need an estimated 34,000 new aircraft technicians and 35,000 pilots over the next decade.

“Indian MRO suppliers have good opportunities to grow their market shares over time in both domestic and international markets…”
, Jonas Murby, Principal at AeroDynamic Advisory

Haveus Aerotech’s Rapid Expansion (2024–2026)

Regulatory Approvals and Defense Entry

Since the initial announcement regarding the Gurugram facility, Haveus Aerotech has aggressively expanded its operational footprint. In March 2025, the company achieved a major regulatory milestone by securing European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval for its facilities in Delhi, Gurugram, and Bengaluru.

By October 2025, Haveus formally entered the defense manufacturing sector. The company was approved as a subcontractor for a leading Defense Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) to manage the assembly and testing of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and conduct non-destructive testing of aerospace components.

Eastern India Investments

In January 2025, the company announced a ₹50 crore (approximately $5.8 million) investment to construct a new MRO facility in Barrackpore, Kolkata. This strategic move is designed to serve domestic airlines operating in Eastern India, as well as aircraft from neighboring nations such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal.

Most recently, in March 2026, Haveus Aerotech received Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approval to expand services at its Bengaluru facility for specialized avionics, and at its Delhi site for temperature-controlled cargo containers.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that Haveus Aerotech’s trajectory from a specialized brakes and wheels repair center to a multi-state, defense-capable aerospace manufacturer mirrors the broader success of India’s aviation localization efforts. The strategic elimination of royalty charges and reduction of GST on components have clearly catalyzed domestic investments.

By securing EASA and DGCA approvals across multiple facilities, Haveus is positioning itself not merely as a domestic alternative, but as a highly competitive regional MRO hub capable of servicing South Asian and Middle Eastern operators. This reduces the logistical burden of shipping heavy components overseas and directly improves airline profitability by minimizing Aircraft on Ground (AOG) time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft types can Haveus Aerotech service at its Gurugram facility?
The facility is equipped to provide brakes and wheels MRO services for 72 types of aircraft, including models from Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier (Q400), Cessna, Embraer, and Gulfstream.

What is the projected value of the Indian MRO market?
Industry data projects the Indian MRO market will grow from $3.48 billion in 2024 to $6.88 billion by 2030, driven by an 11.8% CAGR.

Has Haveus Aerotech expanded beyond commercial aviation?
Yes. In October 2025, the company officially entered the defense manufacturing sector, handling the assembly and testing of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) for a Defense PSU.

Sources:

• Business Standard (Press Trust of India)
• Industry Research and Market Data (Web Search)