MRO & Manufacturing
Embraer Marks 25 Years of Aeronautical Engineering Master’s Program
Embraer’s Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering program celebrates 25 years, graduating 1,800+ engineers with a 96% hiring rate.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
In March 2026, Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer is marking the 25th anniversary of its Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering Program, known locally as the Programa de Especialização em Engenharia (PEE). Launched in 2001, the initiative serves as the company’s premier pipeline for highly specialized engineering talent, operating in close partnership with Brazil’s prestigious Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA).
According to the official press release, the program has successfully graduated over 1,800 engineers since its inception. These alumni have gone on to play instrumental roles in designing and developing some of Embraer’s most recognizable modern aircraft, including the E-Jets commercial family, the KC-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft, and the Phenom and Praetor executive jets.
As the global aerospace sector faces ongoing talent shortages, Embraer’s proprietary educational pipeline stands out for its remarkable retention and success metrics. Company statistics indicate that the program boasts a historical hiring rate of over 96%, effectively transitioning students from the classroom directly into the manufacturer’s engineering workforce.
The PEE functions as a professional master’s degree recognized by Brazil’s Ministry of Education (MEC). Embraer notes that the curriculum spans 18 months of full-time dedication, utilizing a blended learning approach. Classes are conducted both remotely and in-person at Embraer’s headquarters and the ITA campus in São José dos Campos, São Paulo.
Demand for the program is exceptionally high. Embraer reports receiving an average of 5,000 applications annually from across Brazil for a cohort of just 45 to 90 available spots. Currently, 90 professionals are enrolled in the training, which encompasses approximately 3,000 hours of theoretical and practical “learn by doing” instruction. The courses are taught by a combination of ITA professors, seasoned Embraer professionals, and external aerospace consultants.
To attract top-tier talent, Embraer provides substantial financial backing to its participants. According to program details, selected students receive a monthly scholarship of R$ 5,000 (approximately $925 USD), which increases by 20% during their second year. Additionally, participants are granted comprehensive benefits, including medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and meal allowances.
Eligibility is broad yet rigorous. The program accepts recent graduates from nearly 30 different engineering disciplines, ranging from Aerospace and Mechanical to Software and Robotics. Advanced English proficiency is a strict prerequisite, reflecting the global nature of Embraer’s operations. Beyond technical prototyping and aeronautical technologies, Embraer emphasizes that the PEE curriculum heavily integrates interpersonal skills. Training modules focus on leadership, communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence. This holistic approach is designed to prepare engineers not just for technical problem-solving, but for collaborative leadership roles within the company.
The program is also making strides in diversifying the aerospace engineering field. Embraer highlighted that its most recent cohort achieved a record 29% female participation, signaling a positive shift in gender representation within a traditionally male-dominated sector.
Company leadership views the program as a cornerstone of their corporate strategy. Andreza Alberto, Vice President of People, ESG, and Corporate Communications at Embraer, emphasized the program’s evolutionary nature:
“Over these 25 years, the PEE has been in constant evolution to adapt the specialization of professionals to the company’s needs and challenges. In addition, it provides a unique career opportunity through the development of technical and personal skills…”
Similarly, Luís Carlos Affonso, Vice President of Engineering and Technological Development, credited the program with driving the company’s product success:
“The PEE has allowed us to attract and develop differentiated talents who, over the last 25 years, have greatly contributed to the creation of hugely successful products such as the E-Jets, KC-390, Phenoms, and Praetors.”
We view the 25th anniversary of the PEE program not just as an educational milestone, but as a critical component of Embraer’s broader corporate momentum. In early March 2026, Embraer reported record-breaking financial results for the 2025 fiscal year, generating $7.58 billion in revenue, an 18% year-over-year increase. Furthermore, the company delivered 244 aircraft and saw its firm order backlog surge to an all-time high of $31.6 billion.
To execute on a $31.6 billion backlog, securing intellectual capital is just as vital as securing physical supply chains. While global competitors like Boeing and Airbus frequently grapple with engineering bottlenecks and talent attrition, Embraer’s deep, 25-year integration with ITA provides a reliable, highly calibrated talent moat. By funding and shaping the curriculum of its future workforce, Embraer ensures that incoming engineers are immediately productive and aligned with the company’s specific technological roadmaps, particularly in the development of next-generation sustainable aviation technologies.
The Programa de Especialização em Engenharia (PEE) is an 18-month Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering program run by Embraer in partnership with the Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA). It serves as a specialized training and recruitment pipeline for the company.
According to Embraer, historically over 96% of the program’s participants are hired by the company upon completing their training. The program is open to recent graduates from nearly 30 engineering fields, including Aeronautical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, and Software engineering. Applicants must also possess advanced English proficiency.
Sources: Embraer Press Release
Embraer Celebrates 25 Years of Its Elite Aeronautical Engineering Master’s Program
A Highly Competitive Pipeline for Innovation
Program Structure and Selectivity
Financial Support and Student Benefits
Cultivating the Next Generation of Engineers
Diversity and Soft Skills Development
Strategic Importance Amidst Record Growth
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Embraer PEE program?
What is the hiring rate for graduates?
Who is eligible to apply?
Photo Credit: Embraer
MRO & Manufacturing
Airhub Aviation Secures Maintenance Deal with AerCap at Siauliai Airport
Airhub Aviation partners with AerCap for base maintenance, EASA modifications, and storage at Siauliai International Airport in Lithuania.
This article is based on an official press release from Airhub Aviation.
Airhub Aviation has secured a strategic maintenance agreement with AerCap, the world’s largest aircraft lessor. The deal designates Airhub Aviation as a strategic Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) partner for AerCap, focusing on base maintenance and aircraft redelivery services.
According to the official press release, the services will be conducted at Airhub Aviation’s facility located at Siauliai International Airport (SQQ) in Lithuania. The partnership aims to support narrow-body aircraft transitions, deliveries, and re-deliveries throughout Europe and the Middle-East.
This agreement highlights the growing demand for efficient MRO and transition services in the commercial leasing sector, ensuring that aircraft downtime is minimized during critical handover periods between operators.
Under the newly announced agreement, Airhub Aviation will deliver a comprehensive suite of base maintenance services tailored to AerCap’s customer base. The press release notes that these services include EASA modifications, such as avionics upgrades and cabin reconfigurations (LOPA mods), alongside engine swaps and landing gear replacements.
To facilitate rapid aircraft inductions, Airhub Aviation is allocating a dedicated ad-hoc bay. This infrastructure is specifically designed to ensure minimal downtime for both lessors and operators during the transition phase, a critical metric for asset profitability.
Oleg Novak, Managing Director of Airhub Aviation, emphasized the strategic importance of the deal in a company statement, noting the facility’s readiness to handle complex lessor requirements.
“This partnership cements our position as a key player in aircraft transitions and maintenance. Our Siauliai facility is purpose-built for fast-turnaround base maintenance, aircraft modifications, engine swaps, as well as long-term storage, critical services for lessors managing fleet transitions.”
Novak further stated that the company looks forward to building its relationship with AerCap beyond asset leasing and trading, expanding deeply into the MRO segment. Beyond standard MRO services, Airhub Aviation is leveraging its broader expertise to support AerCap’s fleet. The company’s asset management division will provide mid-life aircraft support, which encompasses parts harvesting, component repair management, and optimized inventory solutions for operators and leasing houses.
The Siauliai facility itself offers significant logistical advantages. According to the press release, the site features extensive long-term parking capacity capable of accommodating up to 25 narrow-body aircraft simultaneously. The company states this is one of the largest capacities available in the region.
Siauliai International Airport provides cost-effective storage and transition solutions due to its proximity to key European markets. Furthermore, as a NATO base airport, SQQ offers high-security infrastructure and round-the-clock operational flexibility, which are crucial factors for lessors protecting high-value aviation assets.
We view this agreement as a strong indicator of the current pressures within the aircraft leasing market. With global supply chain constraints and high demand for narrow-body aircraft, lessors like AerCap require reliable, fast-turnaround MRO partners to keep their assets generating revenue rather than sitting idle in transition.
By securing a general terms agreement with the world’s largest lessor, Airhub Aviation not only validates the technical capabilities of its Siauliai facility but also positions itself favorably for future asset leasing and trading opportunities. The integration of maintenance, parking, and parts harvesting in a single, secure European location creates a highly efficient one-stop-shop for mid-life aircraft transitions, a model that is becoming increasingly attractive to major leasing firms.
What services will Airhub Aviation provide to AerCap? Where is the maintenance facility located? How many aircraft can the Siauliai facility store?
Expanding MRO Capabilities for Global Lessors
Leadership Perspectives
Infrastructure and Asset Management at Siauliai
Strategic Location Advantages
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Airhub Aviation will provide base maintenance, EASA modifications (including avionics and cabin reconfigurations), engine swaps, landing gear replacements, and long-term storage.
The services will be carried out at Airhub Aviation’s facility at Siauliai International Airport (SQQ) in Lithuania.
According to the company, the facility can accommodate up to 25 narrow-body aircraft simultaneously for long-term parking.Sources
Photo Credit: Airhub Aviation
MRO & Manufacturing
Jet AirWerks and Stratton Aviation Partner for CFM56 Engine Teardowns
Jet AirWerks and Stratton Aviation announce a partnership for CFM56-5B and 7B engine teardowns to enhance USM supply and MRO efficiency.
This article is based on an official press release from Jet AirWerks, LLC and Stratton Aviation, LLC.
Jet AirWerks, LLC and Stratton Aviation, LLC have officially entered into a new agreement to conduct teardowns of CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines. The teardown operations will take place at the Jet AirWerks Engine Services Center located in Arkansas City, Kansas.
According to a joint press release, the collaboration brings together Jet AirWerks, an FAA Part 145 Repair Station specializing in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, and Stratton Aviation, a global commercial aviation aftermarket company focused on asset acquisition and end-of-life services.
The partnership aims to address the growing industry demand for Used Serviceable Material (USM) by streamlining the engine teardown and parts overhaul process. To support the new agreement, Jet AirWerks has already invested in additional gantry space, ensuring dedicated induction slots for Stratton Aviation’s assets.
The newly announced agreement is designed to optimize the lifecycle management of CFM56 engines, which are widely used in commercial aviation. By conducting teardowns directly at the Jet AirWerks facility, the two companies intend to reduce turnaround times and improve the availability of aftermarket parts.
Executives from both companies highlighted the operational benefits of the partnership in their official statements. John Moeder, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Jet AirWerks, emphasized the potential for facility growth.
“We’re very excited to grow our partnership with Stratton. This agreement streamlines the process from engine induction to the overhaul of parts coming directly from teardown and makes it possible for us to invest more in our Engine Services Center.”
As noted in the press release, Moeder’s remarks underscore the strategic value of integrating teardown and overhaul processes under one roof.
The aviation aftermarket relies heavily on the availability of high-quality USM to keep maintenance costs manageable for airlines and leasing companies. Stratton Aviation, which operates its own dual-certified FAA and EASA Part 145 repair station, plans to significantly expand its portfolio of CFM56 assets throughout 2026. Nicole Sobers, Vice President of CFM Engines for Stratton Aviation, pointed to the critical need for reliable supply chains in the current MRO landscape.
“As demand for Used Serviceable Material (USM) continues to grow, partnerships like this are crucial to maintaining reliable supply for our global customers. Dedicated teardown capacity and rapid turnaround times allow us to convert newly acquired whole assets into available inventory within weeks.”
According to the company’s announcement, this rapid conversion of whole engines into available inventory is a primary driver behind the collaboration.
We observe that the partnership between Jet AirWerks and Stratton Aviation reflects a broader industry trend toward vertical integration in the engine teardown and USM markets. With supply chain constraints continuing to impact the production of new engine parts, the ability to quickly dismantle retiring CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines and route their components directly into the overhaul pipeline provides a distinct competitive advantage. Jet AirWerks, which was founded in 2007, appears to be leveraging this agreement to justify further capital investments in its Kansas facility, while Stratton secures the dedicated capacity necessary to execute its 2026 expansion plans.
The agreement specifically covers the teardown of CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines, according to the official press release.
The teardowns will be conducted at the Jet AirWerks Engine Services Center in Arkansas City, Kansas.
USM refers to used aircraft or engine parts that have been inspected, repaired, or overhauled to meet regulatory standards, allowing them to be safely reinstalled on active aircraft.
Enhancing Engine Teardown Capabilities
Leadership Perspectives
Expanding the CFM56 Asset Portfolio
Rapid Turnaround for Global Customers
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine types are covered under this agreement?
Where will the engine teardowns take place?
What is Used Serviceable Material (USM)?
Sources
Photo Credit: Jet AirWerks
MRO & Manufacturing
Daher Reports Record 2025 Revenue with Strategic Global Expansion
Daher achieved €1.9B revenue in 2025, expanding globally with new U.S. assembly line and advancing defense tech and sustainability.
French aerospace manufacturers Daher has reported a record-breaking financial performance for 2025, marking a pivotal milestone in its five-year “Take Off 2027” strategic plan. According to an official company press release, Daher achieved €1.9 billion in revenue, driven by aggressive international expansion, advancements in sovereign defense innovation, and a steadfast commitment to decarbonization.
The 2025 results highlight a period of rapid growth and transformation for the family-owned company. Alongside its financial-results, Daher announced significant operational milestones, including the rapid development of a new military drones and the expansion of its manufacturing footprint in the United States.
To support this new scale of operations, the company also revealed a major corporate leadership restructuring set to take effect in late March 2026, signaling a generational shift in its executive board as it prepares for the next phase of global aerospace demand.
Daher’s financial trajectory has shown marked acceleration under its current strategy plan. The company reported that its 2025 revenue reached €1.9 billion, a substantial increase from the €1.65 billion recorded in 2023. Furthermore, the manufacturer noted that it currently holds the equivalent of five years of revenue in its orders book, securing long-term operational stability.
This financial growth has been mirrored by a steady increase in human capital. According to the company’s release, Daher’s global workforce grew by 3.6% year-over-year, reaching 14,500 employees. In 2025 alone, the company recruited 2,772 external employees, split nearly evenly between France (1,427) and international locations (1,345). The company also highlighted its diversity and training initiatives, noting that women now represent 27% of the total workforce and 31% of new hires, while the Daher Learning Center delivered over 163,000 hours of training across its global facilities.
International operations now account for 55% of Daher’s total revenue, with 4,000 employees, representing 28% of its workforce, based outside of France. A cornerstone of this international strategy is the expansion of its manufacturing capabilities in the United States.
To meet robust demand in the Americas, which absorbs over 61% of TBM aircraft deliveries, Daher announced the construction of a third Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Witham Field in Stuart, Florida. Following a long-term lease renewal, this facility will assemble both TBM and Kodiak aircraft, complementing the company’s existing assembly lines in Tarbes, France, and Sandpoint, Idaho. The company projects that the first Florida-built aircraft will roll out in 2027.
Additionally, Daher expanded its global footprint in 2025 by opening new offices in Brazil to focus on aircraft sales and in the United Arab Emirates to bolster its industrial services. The company also consolidated its industrial service positions in Tianjin, China, supporting Airbus A320 and A321 final assembly lines. A major highlight of Daher’s 2025 operational year was its aggressive push into the aerospace and defense sectors, emphasizing what the company terms “sovereign innovation.” In June 2025, Daher was selected to co-develop the EyePulse Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone demonstrator.
According to the company, the drone was designed, integrated, and completed its first flight by December 2025, a record development timeline of just six months. Utilizing a TBM 900 series airframe, the EyePulse project underscores Daher’s growing capabilities in complex system architecture, dual-use technology management, and high-level avionics integration for national defense applications.
Daher continues to invest heavily in its three technology centers to prepare for the next generation of commercial aircraft. At the Shap’in Tech Center in Nantes, France, the company is accelerating the industrialization of induction welding, automation, and recycling for thermoplastic composites. These material innovations are achieving weight savings of up to 15%, which the company states will be critical for supplying future single-aisle short- and mid-range aircraft.
In recognition of these advancements, Daher was awarded a 2025 JEC Innovation Award for its welded wing rib made of thermoplastic composites.
These technological investments are closely tied to Daher’s sustainability targets. The company has integrated a strict climate policy aligned with the Paris Agreement into its “Take Off 2027” plan, aiming to reduce operational emissions by 50% by 2032 compared to a 2022 baseline. As of early 2026, Daher reported it has already achieved a 15% reduction in emissions. Consequently, the independent Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) awarded Daher a Leadership score of “A-“, ranking it among the most committed aerospace companies regarding climate transition.
To support its expanded scale and future ambitions, Daher announced a significant leadership restructuring in March 2026. After 20 years with the group, including a decade as its leader, Didier Kayat will step down as Chairman and CEO on March 31, 2026.
The company announced that Thibault Scaramanga, previously Vice Chairman representing the Daher family, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors. Aymeric Daher has been named Executive Deputy CEO. Furthermore, the board of directors will be strengthened with the appointments of Marwan Lahoud and Éric Versey, the latter representing private equity investor Bpifrance.
We view Daher’s recent trajectory as a compelling case study in middle-market aerospace resilience and strategic foresight. By successfully balancing high-rate serial production for major OEMs like Airbus with proprietary aircraft manufacturing (the TBM and Kodiak lines) and defense contracting, Daher has effectively insulated itself against sector-specific downturns. The strategic pivot toward the United States, most notably the upcoming Florida assembly line, demonstrates a clear recognition that the Americas remain the primary growth engine for general aviation. By transitioning from a distinctly French manufacturer to a transatlantic aerospace player, Daher is positioning its supply chain closer to its largest customer base.
Furthermore, the company’s heavy investment in thermoplastic composites is not merely an environmental initiative; it is a core business strategy. As the industry looks toward the next generation of commercial airliners, weight reduction will be paramount for fuel efficiency and emissions compliance. Daher’s proven ability to industrialize these lightweight materials places it in a highly competitive position to secure lucrative aerostructures contracts in the coming decade.
Launched in 2023, “Take Off 2027” is Daher’s five-year strategic plan focused on international expansion, sovereign defense innovation, and decarbonization. The plan aims to solidify the company’s position as a large, profitable international aerospace player.
Daher is currently constructing a third Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Witham Field in Stuart, Florida. According to the company, the first aircraft built at this facility is expected to roll out in 2027.
The EyePulse is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) military drone demonstrator co-developed by Daher. Based on the TBM 900 series airframe, it was developed and flown in a record time of six months in 2025, highlighting Daher’s capabilities in defense and sovereign innovation.
Sources: Daher Press Release
Daher Reports Record 2025 Revenue Amid Strategic Expansion
Financial Growth and Global Expansion
Record Revenue and Workforce Expansion
Expanding the U.S. Manufacturing Footprint
Sovereign Innovation and Technological Advancements
The EyePulse MALE Drone
Thermoplastic Composites and Sustainability
Corporate Governance Restructuring
Leadership Changes for the Next Era
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Daher’s “Take Off 2027” plan?
When will the new Daher assembly line in Florida open?
What is the EyePulse drone?
Photo Credit: Daher
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