MRO & Manufacturing
GKN Aerospace and USAF Launch $8.4M Additive Manufacturing Program
GKN Aerospace and the US Air Force Research Lab launch TITAN-AM to advance 3D printing of large titanium aerospace structures using LMD-w technology.
This article is based on an official press release from GKN Aerospace.
On April 13, 2026, GKN Aerospace and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) announced the launch of a collaborative $8.4 million manufacturing initiative. The program, officially named TITAN-AM (Titanium Industrialization and Technology Advancement for Near-net Additive Manufacturing), is designed to industrialize and advance 3D printing technologies for large-scale aerospace structures.
According to the official press release, the partnership will focus heavily on Laser Metal Deposition with Wire (LMD-w) technology. By shifting away from traditional subtractive manufacturing methods, the initiative aims to make the production of next-generation titanium aerostructures faster, more sustainable, and highly efficient.
The TITAN-AM program will be executed at GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre located in Fort Worth, Texas. We understand from the announcement that the project is expected to yield significant advancements for both commercial aviation and domestic defense supply chains by proving the viability of additively manufactured titanium components in operational environments.
The TITAN-AM Program and LMD-w Technology
The core of the $8.4 million TITAN-AM investment centers on maturing Laser Metal Deposition with Wire (LMD-w). As detailed in the program’s background materials, LMD-w is a directed energy deposition (DED) process that utilizes a high-powered laser to melt a continuously fed titanium wire, building complex structures layer by layer.
Titanium is a highly sought-after material in the aerospace sector due to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion. However, traditional manufacturing requires machining parts from massive titanium blocks. According to industry data cited in the announcement, conventional subtractive manufacturing can result in a “Buy-to-Fly” ratio of up to 95 percent, meaning that up to 95 percent of the raw titanium is machined away as scrap waste. LMD-w technology drastically reduces this material waste while simultaneously shortening production lead times.
The TITAN-AM program aims to accelerate the readiness of LMD-w technology and demonstrate its value on operational titanium structural components for both defense and commercial aerospace platforms, according to the GKN Aerospace announcement.
Five Critical Focus Areas
To successfully qualify LMD-w for rigorous aerospace structural applications, the press release outlines five specific focus areas for the TITAN-AM program:
- Industrialization: Scaling the LMD-w processes to accommodate large-scale titanium aerostructure components.
- Material Datasets: Developing comprehensive and robust titanium material datasets to guarantee structural performance, safety, and long-term reliability.
- Advanced Simulation: Improving digital simulation capabilities to optimize structural designs and accurately predict manufacturing outcomes before physical printing begins.
- Inspection Techniques: Pioneering Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) methods specifically tailored for the unique properties of additive manufacturing processes.
- Practical Demonstration: Validating the technology by physically manufacturing and rigorously testing selected aerospace structural components.
Leveraging Fort Worth’s “Cell 3” Infrastructure
The execution of the TITAN-AM program relies heavily on existing infrastructure at GKN Aerospace’s Fort Worth facility. The company will leverage its massive “Cell 3” additive manufacturing system, which was officially commissioned in June 2023.
According to the provided background data, Cell 3 is recognized as the world’s largest known laser-directed energy deposition additive manufacturing cell. The system is equipped with a 20-kilowatt laser, features up to 10 axes of motion, and operates within a massive inert environment. This setup is capable of printing titanium components up to 5 meters (over 16 feet) in length, making it uniquely suited for the large-scale goals of the AFRL partnership.
Partner Backgrounds and Expertise
Both partners bring decades of specialized experience to the TITAN-AM initiative. GKN Aerospace noted in its release that it possesses over 20 years of experience in additive technologies. The company is already utilizing 3D printing in serial production for commercial-aircraft; for instance, GKN produces the additively manufactured fan case mount ring for the Pratt & Whitney GTF (Geared Turbofan) engine family, which currently operates on the Airbus A220 and Embraer E195-E2.
The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has been researching fusion-based additive manufacturing for aerospace alloys since the late 1990s. The military’s ongoing investment in this sector is driven by strategic imperatives: maintaining and modernizing legacy weapon systems, reducing reliance on foreign-sourced raw materials, and fortifying the domestic defense industrial base.
AirPro News analysis
At AirPro News, we view the TITAN-AM initiative as a critical step in bridging the aerospace industry’s “Valley of Death”, the notoriously difficult regulatory and financial transition from successful prototype to certified, flight-ready hardware. By explicitly focusing on the creation of robust material datasets and specialized non-destructive inspection (NDI) techniques, GKN and the AFRL are directly addressing the primary hurdles to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Defense (DoD) certification.
Furthermore, the broader supply chain implications cannot be overstated. The U.S. defense sector has faced persistent bottlenecks in traditional heavy forging and casting. By transitioning to near-net additive manufacturing, the industry can onshore critical manufacturing capabilities, allowing the U.S. to build large-scale aircraft components locally and on-demand. Coupled with the massive reduction in raw titanium waste, this shift represents a significant leap forward for both supply chain resilience and aerospace sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the TITAN-AM program?
TITAN-AM (Titanium Industrialization and Technology Advancement for Near-net Additive Manufacturing) is an $8.4 million collaborative program between GKN Aerospace and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to advance 3D printing for large titanium aircraft structures.
What is LMD-w technology?
Laser Metal Deposition with Wire (LMD-w) is a 3D printing process that uses a high-powered laser to melt a continuously fed metal wire, building up a component layer by layer. It significantly reduces material waste compared to traditional machining.
Where will the manufacturing take place?
The program will be executed at GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre in Fort Worth, Texas, utilizing their massive “Cell 3” additive manufacturing system.
Sources: GKN Aerospace
Photo Credit: GKN Aerospace
MRO & Manufacturing
Safran Seats Launches New Customer Portal at AIX 2026
Safran Seats introduced a new customer portal at AIX 2026, enhancing lifecycle management with integrated tools and marking SeatLife’s anniversary.
This article is based on an official press release from Safran Group.
Safran Seats Unveils New Customer Portal at AIX 2026, Marks SeatLife Anniversary
On April 16, 2026, Safran Seats officially launched its new dedicated customer portal during an event at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Germany. According to an official press release from the company, the launch took place at the Safran booth and was timed to coincide with the first anniversary of “SeatLife,” the manufacturers comprehensive lifecycle management solution.
“Safran Seats launched its new customer portal during an event held at its booth at the Aircraft Interiors Expo, which also marked the first anniversary of SeatLife,” the company stated in its official release.
We note that this digital rollout represents a significant milestone in the company’s broader customer service enhancement strategy. By centralizing essential operational tools, Safran aims to streamline day-to-day maintenance, support, and procurement tasks for global airlines, replacing fragmented legacy systems with a unified interface.
Streamlining Airline Operations with Digital Integration
Core Functionalities of the New Portal
According to company announcements, the new platform is fully integrated into the broader Safran Customer Portal, a unified entry point launched in October 2025 for all of the Group’s diverse businesses. The portal provides operators with a single, secure interface to manage and track spare parts orders, submit and monitor technical support requests, and access up-to-date technical publications.
Pilot Testing with Major Carriers
Before its official debut at AIX 2026, the portal underwent a rigorous pilot testing phase to ensure operational readiness. In its press release, Safran specifically thanked representatives from Etihad Airways and All Nippon Airways (ANA) for their participation in validating the system. Both airlines were present at the launch event in Hamburg to mark the occasion.
Celebrating One Year of SeatLife
The Four Pillars of Lifecycle Management
The introduction of the new portal serves as a direct digital extension of the SeatLife service offering, which was originally launched in April 2025. Based on Safran’s official service documentation, SeatLife is structured around four core pillars designed to support airlines from a seat’s entry into service through its end-of-life.
First, the program emphasizes inventory management and cost control. Airlines can utilize a Total Care Support Agreement (TCSA), which Safran states provides stable operating costs, 100 percent seat availability, and personalized monthly support. Second, it offers direct access to a global network of Field Representatives and partner repair stations for MRO services using original parts.
Third, the training pillar includes over 50 modules for airline teams, accessible both in-person and via virtual reality (VR). Finally, the sustainability pillar focuses on extending seat lifespans through refurbishment kits and certified second-hand parts, alongside end-of-life recycling protocols to reduce environmental impact.
Broader Industry Context and Sustainability
Experience 4.0 and Future Cabin Concepts
The portal’s launch aligns with Safran’s “Experience 4.0” initiative, which company reports describe as an effort to foster a strong digital culture across the aerospace supply chain. At the same AIX 2026 event, Safran Seats and RAVE Aerospace unveiled the “Origin” demonstrator. This concept showcases a vision for premium travel, featuring an “Immersive Display Concept” with a U-shaped micro-LED screen and headset-free audio known as “Euphony.”
Global Expansion and Decarbonization
According to the Safran 2025 Integrated Report, the company is heavily focused on decarbonization, aiming to reduce seat weight by 15 percent by 2030. Furthermore, Safran Seats recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates Airlines to construct a 20,000 to 25,000 square meter seat manufacturing and assembly facility in Dubai, which is slated for completion by the fourth quarter of 2027.
AirPro News analysis
At AirPro News, we observe that the aerospace industry is undergoing a fundamental shift from traditional hardware manufacturing to comprehensive, end-to-end lifecycle management. Safran’s dual focus on the SeatLife anniversary and the new digital portal highlights a growing demand among airlines for streamlined, “plug-and-play” digital interfaces that reduce aircraft downtime. By integrating virtual reality training, second-hand parts certification, and centralized procurement into a single ecosystem, manufacturers are increasingly positioning themselves as long-term operational partners rather than mere suppliers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the new Safran Seats customer portal?
It is a centralized digital platform launched at AIX 2026 that allows airlines to manage spare parts, request technical support, and access technical publications. - What is SeatLife?
Launched in April 2025, SeatLife is Safran’s lifecycle management solution for aircraft seats, focusing on inventory, maintenance, training, and sustainability. - Which airlines helped test the new portal?
According to Safran, Etihad Airways and All Nippon Airways (ANA) participated in the pilot testing phase prior to the official launch.
Sources
Photo Credit: Safran Group
MRO & Manufacturing
Jeh Aerospace Signs Long-Term Deal with Liebherr for Landing Gear Components
Jeh Aerospace partners with Liebherr-Aerospace to produce precision landing gear parts for single-aisle aircraft from Hyderabad, India, supporting high-rate production.
This article is based on an official press release from Liebherr.
Jeh Aerospace has secured a long-term agreement (LTA) with Liebherr-Aerospace to produce high-precision landing gear components for commercial single-aisle aircraft. According to an official press release from Liebherr, the partnership integrates the India-based manufacturer into Liebherr’s global industrial network to support high-rate production programs.
The agreement highlights the aerospace industry’s ongoing efforts to fortify supply chains for critical systems. Landing gear components require exacting dimensional tolerances and rigorous qualification standards, making reliable supplier partnerships essential for meeting the sustained demand in the single-aisle commercial aviation market.
Senior leadership from Liebherr-Aerospace recently formalized the contract during a visit to Jeh Aerospace’s dedicated manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, India. The move underscores a strategic expansion of aerospace manufacturing capabilities in the region and a commitment to maintaining rigorous quality controls.
Strategic Partnership for Single-Aisle Programs
Expanding the Global Supply Chain
Under the terms of the newly signed LTA, Jeh Aerospace will manufacture and supply precision components specifically designed for landing gear systems. These parts are destined for high-rate commercial single-aisle aircraft programs, a segment of the aviation market that continues to experience robust global demand. The official Liebherr press release notes that the production will take place at Jeh Aerospace’s specialized facility located in Hyderabad, India.
The formalization of the agreement was marked by a site visit from key Liebherr-Aerospace executives. The delegation included Martin Wandel, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director at Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS, alongside Philipp Walter and Bernd Schacherl from Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH, and Vikas Ukkeranda from Liebherr India Private Ltd. Their presence at the Hyderabad facility signals a strong commitment to integrating Jeh Aerospace into Liebherr’s broader international supply-chain framework.
Meeting Stringent Aerospace Standards
A Track Record of Reliability
The production of landing gear systems is widely recognized as one of the most demanding disciplines within aerospace manufacturing. Components must adhere to extremely tight dimensional tolerances and pass rigorous qualification standards before they can be installed on commercial aircraft. Furthermore, suppliers must ensure delivery with virtually no margin for disruption to keep aircraft assembly lines moving efficiently.
According to the company’s press release, Jeh Aerospace has established a strong track record in this demanding environment. The manufacturer has already delivered more than 200,000 flight-critical aerospace components while maintaining a record of zero quality escapes. This demonstrated reliability was a key factor in securing the long-term agreement with a major Tier 1 manufacturer like Liebherr.
Martin Wandel, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director at Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS, highlighted the importance of this reliability in a company statement:
“We collaborate with partners being capable of fulfilling stringent requirements for precision, quality, and delivery performance. We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Jeh Aerospace and look forward to collaborating with a supplier that has built strong manufacturing capabilities and a clear commitment to operational excellence.”
The sentiment was echoed by Jeh Aerospace leadership, who emphasized the critical nature of the components they will be producing under the new contract.
“Landing gear is among the most safety-critical systems on any aircraft. Being trusted to manufacture for a program of this caliber, by one of aerospace’s most respected Tier 1 manufacturers, is a milestone our team has earned through precision and process discipline,” stated Vishal R. Sanghavi, Co-Founder and CEO of Jeh Aerospace.
AirPro News analysis
We view this long-term agreement as a clear indicator of two major trends in the commercial aviation sector. First, the sustained high-rate production demands for single-aisle aircraft are compelling Tier 1 suppliers like Liebherr to diversify and strengthen their global manufacturing networks. Second, India’s aerospace manufacturing sector, particularly in hubs like Hyderabad, is rapidly maturing. By successfully delivering over 200,000 flight-critical components without quality escapes, companies like Jeh Aerospace are proving they can meet the exacting standards required for safety-critical systems such as landing gear. This partnership not only bolsters Liebherr’s supply chain resilience but also cements India’s growing role as a reliable node in the global aerospace industrial base.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new agreement between Jeh Aerospace and Liebherr-Aerospace?
Jeh Aerospace has signed a long-term agreement to manufacture and supply high-precision landing gear components for Liebherr-Aerospace, supporting high-rate commercial single-aisle aircraft programs.
Where will the landing gear components be manufactured?
The components will be produced at Jeh Aerospace’s dedicated manufacturing facility located in Hyderabad, India.
Why is landing gear production considered highly demanding?
Landing gear systems are safety-critical and require components to meet extremely tight dimensional tolerances, pass rigorous qualification standards, and be delivered without supply chain disruptions.
Sources: Liebherr
Photo Credit: Liebherr
MRO & Manufacturing
Korean Air Implements Ramco Aviation Suite for Engine Maintenance
Korean Air adopts Ramco Aviation Suite to digitize engine maintenance, enhance productivity, and prepare for Asia’s largest MRO hub in 2027.
This article is based on an official press release from Ramco Systems.
Korean Air Deploys Ramco Aviation Suite at Engine Maintenance Center
South Korea’s flag carrier, Korean Air, has officially gone live with the Ramco Aviation Suite at its Engine Maintenance Center. According to an official press release from Ramco Systems, the implementation is designed to streamline complex operations, boost productivity, and support the expansion of the airline’s world-class engine maintenance capabilities.
The transition marks a significant step toward paperless operations for the Airlines. We note that this digital transformation lays the technological groundwork for Korean Air’s upcoming engine maintenance cluster, which is projected to open in 2027 and is billed as Asia’s largest engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hub.
By integrating this new software, Korean Air aims to enhance productivity and gain real-time intelligence on its maintenance operations. The platform connects various departments, including Engine Maintenance, Finance, Customer Support, and Billing, ensuring seamless collaboration across the organization and improving overall efficiency.
Digital Transformation and Mobile Integration
The deployment of the Ramco Aviation Suite introduces significant workflow optimizations for Korean Air’s technical staff. In the official press release, Ramco Systems stated that over 400 mechanics and engineers are now utilizing the “Mechanic Anywhere” mobile application to execute performance maintenance digitally.
This mobile-first approach allows maintenance execution to be recorded on the go, eliminating manual bottlenecks and reducing queue times. Furthermore, the Software integrates effortlessly with Korean Air’s Automated Storage Retrieval System. This integration facilitates efficient warehouse management and connects the airline with its suppliers and customers through industry-standard technologies, ensuring both interoperability and scalability.
Data-Driven Maintenance Operations
Beyond mobile execution, the new system provides Korean Air’s leadership with comprehensive, data-driven insights. The platform delivers real-time intelligence on capacity versus production throughput, overall profit and loss performance, and cost and revenue metrics.
Chan Woo Jung, Senior Vice President and Head of the Maintenance & Engineering Division at Korean Air, emphasized the strategic importance of the software upgrade in addressing the complexity of engine maintenance.
“This milestone represents a bold step toward redefining how we operate in the aviation industry. By partnering with Ramco, we are embracing a digital-first approach that will allow us to scale with confidence and deliver exceptional value…”
Preparing for Asia’s Largest Engine MRO Hub
Korean Air is the sole operator of specialized facilities for civilian Commercial-Aircraft engine overhauls in South Korea. Since it began overhauling Boeing 707 engines in 1976, the airline has rebuilt nearly 5,000 engines. These engines have been supplied to its subsidiary Jin Air, as well as to international carriers like Delta Air Lines and China Southern Airlines.
The integration of Ramco’s software serves as a foundational digital component for the airline’s future expansion. The upcoming engine maintenance cluster, scheduled to open in 2027, will rely heavily on predictive maintenance, real-time intelligence, and automated processes to achieve new levels of operational agility.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that Korean Air’s investment in enterprise software reflects a broader industry trend toward digitalization in the MRO sector. As airlines manage increasingly complex modern engines, the ability to track real-time data and optimize supply chains becomes a critical competitive advantage.
With a modern fleet of 166 aircraft, over 20,000 professional employees, and a passenger volume that exceeded 25 million in 2025, Korean Air’s operational scale requires robust technological infrastructure. The successful deployment of this system not only future-proofs their current maintenance operations but also positions the airline to capitalize on the growing demand for third-party MRO services in the Asia-Pacific region once their new cluster opens in 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What software did Korean Air implement?
Korean Air implemented the Ramco Aviation Suite, including the Mechanic Anywhere mobile application, to manage and digitize its engine maintenance operations.
When is Korean Air’s new engine maintenance cluster opening?
According to the company’s press release, the new engine maintenance cluster is set to open in 2027 and is expected to become Asia’s largest engine MRO hub.
How many employees are using the new mobile application?
Over 400 mechanics and engineers at Korean Air are currently using the digital application for maintenance execution, significantly reducing manual bottlenecks.
How many engines has Korean Air rebuilt?
Since beginning its overhaul operations in 1976, Korean Air has rebuilt nearly 5,000 aircraft engines.
Sources
Photo Credit: Ramco
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