This article is based on an official press release from MTU Aero Engines.

MTU Maintenance reported strong operational results for 2025, marked by an 18 percent year-over-year increase in revenues and growth across all its market segments. According to a company press release, the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) specialist generated just over €6 billion in MRO revenues for the broader MTU group.

Throughout the year, the global MTU Maintenance network processed approximately 1,500 engines, cementing its status as the world’s second-largest MRO service provider. To support this operational volume, the company expanded its global workforce to more than 7,000 engine experts spread across five continents.

Driven by high demand for narrowbody engine services, MTU is now focusing on aggressive capacity expansions and new program inductions. The company stated that it is heavily investing in its facilities worldwide to ensure its network is prepared for sustained future growth.

Record Revenues and Engine Program Dominance

The revenue surge in 2025 was largely fueled by shop visits for three major engine programs. According to the official release, Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines accounted for one-third of the total shop visits. This was followed by IAE’s V2500 engines at 25 percent and CFM International’s CFM56 engines at 14 percent. The remainder of the shop visits were distributed across the company’s widebody, regional, business jet, and industrial gas turbine (IGT) portfolios.

Company leadership expressed confidence in the network’s trajectory. Ottmar Pfänder, who took over as Chief Program Officer at MTU Aero Engines at the beginning of 2026, highlighted the strategic importance of the past year’s achievements.

“The MTU Maintenance network has yet again posted record results and is positioned for growth.”

Pfänder added in the press release that 2025 served as a cornerstone year for future capacity expansions, noting that MTU’s engine experts are fully committed to preparing the network for upcoming industry challenges.

Global Network Expansions and New Capabilities

Americas and Europe

A major focal point for the company is MTU Maintenance Fort Worth. The Texas-based facility is transitioning from a dedicated on-site service specialist to a comprehensive disassembly, assembly, and testing (DAT) facility. The press release notes that its core programs will feature CFM International’s LEAP engine and GE Aerospace’s GEnx. The first induction of the LEAP-1B variant is scheduled for mid-2026.

In Europe, MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg has expanded its PW800 engine program to encompass comprehensive engine MRO. Meanwhile, the Ludwigsfelde location is constructing a new production facility to boost IGT capacities, targeting a 30 percent increase in shop-visit volume in the coming years.

Further east, EME Aero, MTU’s joint venture with Lufthansa Technik in Poland, inducted its 1,000th engine and inaugurated a second test cell. The facility expects to reach an operating volume of 500 shop visits per year starting in 2028. Additionally, MTU Maintenance Serbia is ramping up operations, aiming for an estimated 470,000 annual working hours by 2029.

Asia-Pacific and Ancillary Services

In the Asia-Pacific region, MTU Maintenance Zhuhai opened a secondary production facility in Jinwan dedicated to the PW1100G-JM program. Once fully ramped up, the combined annual capacity of the two Zhuhai sites will exceed 700 shop visits, according to the company.

MTU’s ancillary services also saw notable growth. The ON-SITEPlus service network attended over 1,000 events in 2025. Furthermore, MTU Maintenance Lease Services grew its operations by 20 percent, recording more than 90 transactions and expanding its lease pool to 140 assets, including newly added LEAP and GEnx engines.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the 18 percent revenue jump and strategic facility expansions highlight the aviation industry’s ongoing reliance on established MRO providers to keep both legacy and next-generation engines on wing. As supply chain constraints continue to challenge new aircraft deliveries, we believe robust MRO networks like MTU’s are critical for airlines seeking to maximize the lifespan of their existing fleets. The aggressive ramp-up of LEAP and GTF capabilities indicates a clear industry pivot toward supporting the latest narrowbody workhorses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What were MTU Maintenance’s total MRO revenues in 2025?

According to the company, MTU Maintenance generated just over €6 billion in MRO revenues in 2025, representing an 18 percent year-over-year increase.

Which engine types accounted for the most shop visits?

Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines made up one-third of total shop visits, followed by IAE’s V2500 at 25 percent and CFM International’s CFM56 at 14 percent.

What is the new role of the MTU Maintenance Fort Worth facility?

The Texas location is transitioning into a disassembly, assembly, and testing (DAT) facility, with core programs focused on CFM International’s LEAP engine and GE Aerospace’s GEnx.

Sources

• MTU Aero Engines

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

Embraer Celebrates 25 Years of Its Elite Aeronautical Engineering Master’s Program

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.

A Highly Competitive Pipeline for Innovation

Program Structure and Selectivity

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.

Financial Support and Student Benefits

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.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Engineers

Diversity and Soft Skills Development

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.”

Strategic Importance Amidst Record Growth

AirPro News analysis

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Embraer PEE program?

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.

What is the hiring rate for graduates?

According to Embraer, historically over 96% of the program’s participants are hired by the company upon completing their training.

Who is eligible to apply?

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

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.

Expanding MRO Capabilities for Global Lessors

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.

Leadership Perspectives

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.

Infrastructure and Asset Management at Siauliai

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.

Strategic Location Advantages

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.

AirPro News analysis

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services will Airhub Aviation provide to AerCap?
Airhub Aviation will provide base maintenance, EASA modifications (including avionics and cabin reconfigurations), engine swaps, landing gear replacements, and long-term storage.

Where is the maintenance facility located?
The services will be carried out at Airhub Aviation’s facility at Siauliai International Airport (SQQ) in Lithuania.

How many aircraft can the Siauliai facility store?
According to the company, the facility can accommodate up to 25 narrow-body aircraft simultaneously for long-term parking.

Sources

• Airhub Aviation