MRO & Manufacturing
GE Aerospace Invests €110M to Expand European Manufacturing in 2026
GE Aerospace invests over €110 million to expand manufacturing in Europe, hires 1,000+ workers, and funds training programs to support aerospace growth.
This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace.
On March 18, 2026, GE Aerospace announced a major strategic investment of more than €110 million (approximately $126.6 million) aimed at expanding its European manufacturing footprint. According to the official press release, the capital injection is designed to increase production capacity, accelerate the deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies, and fortify supply chain deliveries across the continent.
In addition to the significant infrastructure and equipment upgrades, the aerospace giant is pairing its financial commitment with a robust human capital initiative. The company stated it plans to hire over 1,000 new workers across Europe throughout 2026. This workforce expansion is accompanied by targeted funding for educational programs to help mitigate the critical skills shortage currently facing the global aerospace and defense sectors.
At AirPro News, we recognize that this European expansion represents a critical step in addressing industry-wide supply chain bottlenecks. By scaling up local manufacturing and testing capabilities, GE Aerospace is positioning itself to better meet the surging demand for both commercial and military engine programs.
According to the company’s announcement, the €110 million investment will be strategically distributed across manufacturing facilities in five European countries. Each location will receive targeted funding to upgrade specific technological and infrastructure capabilities.
Separate from the €110 million dedicated to manufacturing, GE Aerospace noted in its release that it plans to invest approximately €40 million in 2026 across its European Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) and component repair facilities. This specific funding is part of a broader $1 billion global MRO investment program that the company initially announced in 2024.
The primary objective of this capital injection is to address growing customer demand and improve delivery timelines across the aerospace sector. A substantial portion of the funds will be directed toward state-of-the-art engine test cells, advanced machining equipment, and the expansion of additive manufacturing (3D printing) capabilities.
According to the press release, these technological enhancements will directly support the production and testing of multiple engine programs. This includes commercial narrowbody and widebody engines, as well as military fighter jet and helicopter engines.
“This significant investment reflects our long-term commitment to the European aerospace industry, a crucial market for many of our key customers. By expanding advanced manufacturing and testing capabilities across Europe, we are better positioned to meet growing customer demand while supporting the communities and economies where we operate.” Recognizing that advanced manufacturing requires a highly trained workforce, GE Aerospace is actively investing in human capital alongside its physical infrastructure. The company’s commitment to hiring more than 1,000 new workers across Europe in 2026 is a direct response to the operational needs generated by this expansion. To ensure a steady pipeline of talent, the company is funding several educational initiatives. According to the announcement, GE Aerospace is providing workforce training grants to vocational schools in the UK and Italy, with a stated goal of reaching more than 800 students this year.
Furthermore, the company is expanding its “Next Engineers” program in Warsaw, Poland. GE Aerospace projects that this initiative will ultimately reach and equip more than 4,000 students for future careers in engineering, helping to secure the next generation of aerospace innovators.
We view this announcement as a clear indicator of GE Aerospace’s synchronized global strategy to scale up production capabilities and insulate its supply chain from regional disruptions. Europe currently represents the company’s largest global footprint outside of the United States, where it operates in 18 countries and employs approximately 13,000 engineers, innovators, and skilled manufacturers.
This €110 million European expansion follows closely on the heels of a recently announced $1 billion investment in GE Aerospace’s U.S. operations for 2026. By investing heavily in localized European manufacturing and MRO facilities simultaneously with its U.S. base, the company is actively working to reduce bottlenecks. This dual-pronged approach ensures readiness for both the anticipated growth in commercial aviation and the stringent requirements of the defense sector.
How much is GE Aerospace investing in Europe in 2026? Which European country is receiving the largest share of the investment? How many jobs will this investment create? What educational programs is GE Aerospace funding? Sources:
Breakdown of the €110 Million European Investment
Major Upgrades by Country
Additional MRO Funding
Strategic Objectives and Supply Chain Resilience
, Riccardo Procacci, President and CEO of Propulsion & Additive Technologies at GE Aerospace
Addressing the Aerospace Skills Shortage
Job Creation and Educational Grants
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
GE Aerospace is investing over €110 million in European manufacturing facilities, plus an additional €40 million across its European MRO and component repair facilities.
Italy is receiving the largest portion of the manufacturing investment, with €77 million allocated for engine test cells, advanced machining, additive manufacturing, and facility upgrades.
According to the company’s press release, GE Aerospace plans to hire more than 1,000 new workers across Europe throughout 2026.
The company is providing vocational training grants in the UK and Italy to reach over 800 students, and expanding its “Next Engineers” program in Poland, which aims to equip more than 4,000 students for engineering careers.
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
MRO & Manufacturing
Locatory.com Integrates Brazilian MRO Provider COMAF to Expand Aviation Marketplace
Locatory.com welcomes COMAF Indústria Aeronáutica, enhancing global access to certified MRO services and digital aircraft parts procurement.
This article is based on an official press release from Locatory.
Locatory.com has officially announced the addition of COMAF Indústria Aeronáutica to its global aviation marketplace. According to a company press release, this strategic integration aims to connect Latin American maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) expertise with a worldwide digital supply chain. The partnership provides airlines and operators globally with streamlined access to specialized repair capabilities and an extensive inventory of aircraft components.
For COMAF, joining the digital platform aligns with its strategy to expand its international presence and strengthen connections with operators across key growth regions. For Locatory.com, the addition of a veteran Brazilian MRO provider bolsters its network of reliable, globally coordinated maintenance solutions, further solidifying its position as a comprehensive hub for aviation procurement.
Founded in September 1977 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, COMAF brings nearly 50 years of experience to the Locatory network. According to background data provided alongside the announcement, the Part-145 component maintenance organization delivers fully in-house repair and overhaul solutions. The company holds active certifications from major global aviation authorities, including the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC).
The official press release notes that COMAF’s scope of work covers more than 20,000 part numbers, offering comprehensive nose-to-tail component support across a wide range of aircraft systems. These systems include landing gear and propellers, as well as electrical, pneumatic, electronic, avionics, and hydraulic components. Notably, the firm possesses strong technical expertise in maintaining components for ATR and Embraer aircraft platforms, providing critical support for these widely used regional aircraft.
Beyond its technical repair capabilities, COMAF operates a dedicated logistics management structure and an integrated repair management system. According to the company, this infrastructure provides customers with end-to-end visibility, from initial collection and customs coordination to repair control and final delivery. This integrated approach enables operators to reduce lead times, simplify the complexities of international logistics, and maintain predictable component availability.
Locatory.com, founded in 2010 as a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, operates as a digital aviation marketplace supported by advanced tools and API integrations. Corporate data indicates the platform connects over 25,000 industry members and provides access to more than 10 billion aircraft parts across over 150 warehouses worldwide, boasting a 95% search success rate.
By joining the platform, COMAF gains access to Locatory’s suite of digital solutions designed to modernize the aircraft parts aftermarket. According to the press release, these tools include Amber A.I., an artificial-intelligence-based email tool that automates the Request for Quote (RFQ) process by intelligently parsing emails for part numbers and instantly matching buyers with suppliers. Additionally, the platform offers an integrated Shipping Service that the company claims provides up to 70% savings on international deliveries, as well as a Surplus Inventory Management solution to help aviation businesses optimize warehouse space. “We are pleased to welcome COMAF Indústria Aeronáutica to the Locatory.com platform. Their extensive component repair expertise and long-standing industry experience make them a valuable addition to our global aviation network. Through Locatory, COMAF will be able to showcase its MRO capabilities while also buying and selling aircraft parts, strengthening connections with airlines, operators, and aviation partners worldwide.”
We view this partnership as indicative of broader, necessary shifts within the global aviation aftermarket. Industry research highlights that the average commercial aircraft age is currently around 12 years. As operators keep older aircraft flying longer due to ongoing supply chain bottlenecks and a backlog of new aircraft deliveries from major manufacturers, the demand for reliable MRO services and spare parts continues to rise significantly.
Historically, aircraft parts procurement has been a highly manual, fragmented, and time-consuming process. The adoption of digital marketplaces like Locatory.com represents a critical industry shift toward digitalization. Airlines are increasingly adopting “just-in-time” inventory management and automated commerce to reduce Aircraft on Ground (AOG) downtime and improve procurement efficiencies. Furthermore, by integrating into a global digital supply chain, regional powerhouses like Brazil’s COMAF can offer their highly specialized services, such as native Embraer maintenance, to a worldwide audience, bridging the gap between regional technical expertise and global operator demand.
What is COMAF Indústria Aeronáutica? What aircraft platforms does COMAF specialize in? What is Locatory.com?
Expanding Global Reach for Brazilian MRO Expertise
Technical Capabilities and Specializations
Streamlining International Logistics
The Digitalization of Aviation Procurement
Locatory.com’s Digital Ecosystem
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
COMAF is a Brazilian Part-145 component maintenance organization with 48 years of experience, providing in-house repair and overhaul solutions certified by the FAA, EASA, UK CAA, and ANAC.
According to the company, COMAF has strong technical expertise in maintaining components for ATR and Embraer aircraft platforms, alongside comprehensive nose-to-tail support for various other systems.
Locatory.com is a global digital aviation marketplace that enables airlines, MRO providers, and aviation suppliers to source, buy, and sell aircraft parts and services using advanced digital tools and AI integrations.
Sources
Photo Credit: Locatory
MRO & Manufacturing
Safran Expands Sarasota Facility for Aerospace Electrical Systems MRO
Safran Electrical & Power expands its Sarasota, Florida facility to 140,000 sq ft, enhancing aerospace electrical systems maintenance and supporting U.S. defense programs.
This article is based on an official press release from Safran Electrical & Power.
On March 18, 2026, Safran Electrical & Power officially unveiled its newly expanded facility in Sarasota, Florida. According to a company press release, the site now spans 140,000 square feet and is dedicated to the MRO of aerospace electrical systems. This development establishes the Sarasota location as a central hub for power generation, distribution, and conversion management solutions.
The expansion allows the Sarasota site to manage the entire lifecycle of aircraft electrical systems. As noted in the official announcement, the facility’s capabilities now range from research and technology (R&T) and development to manufacturing and extended maintenance support. The site supports a comprehensive range of electrical equipment for the aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors.
We are observing a broader trend of aerospace consolidation and modernization, and this facility upgrade represents a significant milestone in Safran’s ongoing growth strategy within the United States. By bringing advanced electrical equipment closer to its customer base, the company aims to ensure more efficient service and rapid turnaround times.
A primary driver of this expansion is the consolidation of operations previously located in Orlando, Florida. According to the press release, the new Sarasota facility absorbs all electrical activities previously performed by Thales in Orlando. Industry research notes that Safran completed the Acquisitions of Thales’ aeronautical electrical systems business in October 2023, a unit that generated €145 million in revenue in 2022 and employed nearly 600 people globally.
With this integration complete, the Sarasota facility now offers specialized maintenance of electrical generators, power electronics, and lithium battery systems. The site is also equipped with enhanced engineering and service infrastructure dedicated to the servicing of rotating machines. Operations at the newly expanded site have already commenced.
Company leadership emphasized the strategic importance of the expansion for both commercial and military applications. In the official release, Bruno Bellanger, CEO of Safran Electrical & Power, highlighted the operational benefits of the new footprint:
“This expansion demonstrates our commitment to strengthening operations in the United States. Our enhanced MRO capabilities bring advanced electrical equipment closer to our customers, ensuring efficient service and rapid turnaround.”, Bruno Bellanger, CEO of Safran Electrical & Power
The Sarasota expansion directly supports Safran’s growing portfolio of defense contracts. According to supplementary industry research, Bell Textron selected Safran in May 2024 to provide the advanced high-voltage starter-generator system for the U.S. Army’s new Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. The design, development, and qualification for this critical Military-Aircraft system were specifically assigned to Safran’s centers of excellence, including the Sarasota facility. This military connection underscores that the Sarasota plant is actively developing next-generation defense technology, moving beyond the repair of legacy commercial components to support emerging strategic requirements.
The expansion also contextualizes Safran’s investment within Florida’s rapidly growing aerospace sector. The Sarasota facility has been operational since 1978 and was acquired by Safran in 2015. Today, it is part of a massive regional industry. According to industry data, Florida witnessed a record-breaking 109 orbital launches in 2025, and the state’s “Aircraft, Engine & Parts Manufacturing” sector is projected to reach a market size of $5.4 billion in 2026, employing over 11,400 workers.
Nationwide, Safran supports approximately 11,000 American jobs across 25 states. Peter Lengyel, President & CEO of Safran USA, noted the importance of the region in the company’s press release:
“We welcome the expansion of Safran Electrical & Power’s Sarasota facility, which strengthens our presence in Florida, a major aerospace hub. Safran has been operating in the United States for more than half a century…”, Peter Lengyel, President & CEO of Safran USA
We view the Sarasota expansion as a calculated move to capitalize on two major aviation trends: defense modernization and aircraft electrification. By fully integrating Thales’ power conversion expertise and adding specialized maintenance for lithium battery systems, Safran is positioning the Sarasota facility to support the Aviation industry’s broader push toward hybrid-electric propulsion and decarbonization. Furthermore, the physical consolidation of the Orlando operations into Sarasota represents the final, tangible step in integrating the 2023 Thales buyout, streamlining overhead while expanding technical capabilities under one roof.
According to the company’s press release, the expanded Sarasota facility now spans 140,000 square feet.
Following the integration of Thales’ Orlando operations, the facility now offers specialized maintenance of electrical generators, power electronics, and lithium battery systems, alongside the servicing of rotating machines.
Industry research indicates the Sarasota facility is a center of excellence for the design and development of the advanced high-voltage starter-generator system for the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program.
Sources:
Consolidating Operations and Expanding Capabilities
The Thales Integration
Leadership Perspectives
Strategic Military Alignment and Regional Growth
Powering Next-Generation Defense Platforms
Florida’s Booming Aerospace Economy
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the size of the newly expanded Safran facility in Sarasota?
What new capabilities does the Sarasota site offer?
How does this expansion impact U.S. defense programs?
Photo Credit: Safran
MRO & Manufacturing
Juneyao Group and Lufthansa Technik Sign Major Engine Maintenance Deal
Juneyao Group partners with Lufthansa Technik for over 40 CFM56 engine maintenance events, expanding their decade-long collaboration.
This article is based on an official press release from Lufthansa Technik.
Juneyao Group, one of China’s prominent private aviation enterprises, and Germany’s Lufthansa Technik have signed an exclusive, long-term agreement for comprehensive engine overhaul services. According to the official press release, the landmark deal covers more than 40 engine maintenance events for Juneyao Air and its low-cost subsidiary, 9 Air.
This contract represents the largest engine services commitment in Lufthansa Technik’s history within the Chinese market. The maintenance will focus on the CFM56 engine family, specifically the CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B variants. All major technical work and overhauls are scheduled to take place at Lufthansa Technik’s specialized engine facility at its headquarters in Hamburg, Germany.
As the global aviation aftermarket faces ongoing supply chain bottlenecks, this partnership highlights a strategic move by Asian carriers to secure dedicated maintenance slots with established European providers. By locking in these services, Juneyao Group aims to ensure operational stability and peak readiness during high-demand travel seasons.
The new agreement builds upon a collaborative relationship that spans more than ten years. Previously, cooperation between the two aviation entities was limited to Single Component Maintenance and Mobile Engine Services, as noted in the companies’ joint statement.
Moving into full-scale engine overhauls marks a significant escalation in their partnership. The comprehensive contract includes complete engine overhauls, continuous condition monitoring, and engineering consultancy to maintain peak operational readiness for both Chinese carriers.
“We require a dependable and experienced partner to support our high-performance operations, especially during peak travel periods. Based on numerous positive experiences with Lufthansa Technik, we have placed our trust in their expertise,” said Junjin Wang, Chairman of Juneyao Group, in the press release.
The maintenance agreement specifically targets the narrowbody fleets of Juneyao Group’s two primary passenger Airlines. Juneyao Air, a Shanghai-based full-service carrier launched in 2006, operates a fleet of over 100 aircraft. The Lufthansa Technik deal will service the CFM56-5B engines powering its Airbus A320ceo fleet.
Meanwhile, 9 Air, the group’s Guangzhou-based low-cost subsidiary established in 2014, relies on an all-Boeing 737 fleet. The agreement covers the CFM56-7B engines equipped on its Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which are configured in high-density layouts. The CFM56 engine, produced by CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran, remains one of the most widely utilized commercial jet engines globally. Industry research indicates that as the legacy Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 Next Generation fleets age, global demand for heavy engine shop visits and overhauls is reaching its peak.
Securing these maintenance slots in Hamburg guarantees Juneyao Group priority access to highly sought-after MRO capacity. Dennis Kohr, Senior Vice President Corporate Sales Asia Pacific at Lufthansa Technik, emphasized the significance of the deal for the German MRO provider.
“Winning Juneyao Group as our partner for these exclusive long-term agreements is a tremendous honor and milestone for Lufthansa Technik. This partnership represents our largest commitment in China to date,” Kohr stated in the release.
We observe that this agreement is indicative of a broader industry trend where airlines are utilizing massive, long-term MRO contracts as a shield against global supply chain disruptions. Geopolitical conflicts, air cargo capacity constraints, and shortages of used serviceable materials (USM) have significantly extended waiting times for engine parts and testing services globally.
By outsourcing complex engine overhauls to an internationally certified, tier-one MRO provider like Lufthansa Technik, Juneyao Group effectively insulates its fleet from these industry-wide delays. This strategic outsourcing allows the Chinese aviation group to secure top-tier technical expertise without the capital-intensive requirement of expanding its own specialized engine maintenance infrastructure.
Furthermore, this deal aligns with the aggressive expansion strategies of both companies. According to industry data, Juneyao Air formalized a $4.1 billion purchase agreement in late 2025 for 25 new Airbus A320neo-family aircraft, scheduled for Delivery between 2028 and 2032. Concurrently, Lufthansa Technik, which employs over 22,000 people globally, continues to solidify its dominance in the CFM56 overhaul market, having recently extended similar exclusive agreements with Air Canada through 2032.
What engines are covered under the new agreement? Where will the engine maintenance take place? How many engine events does the contract include?
Expanding a Decade-Long Partnership
Fleet Specifics and the CFM56 Market
Servicing Juneyao Air and 9 Air
The Global Engine Maintenance Landscape
Strategic Context and Industry Implications
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The contract covers CFM56-5B engines for Juneyao Air’s Airbus A320ceo fleet and CFM56-7B engines for 9 Air’s Boeing 737-800 fleet.
All major technical work and overhauls will be conducted at Lufthansa Technik’s specialized engine facility in Hamburg, Germany.
The long-term agreement covers more than 40 engine maintenance events, alongside condition monitoring and engineering consultation.Sources
Photo Credit: Lufthansa Technik
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