MRO & Manufacturing
Lufthansa Technik Canada Opens Interim LEAP-1B MRO Facility in Calgary
Lufthansa Technik Canada reaches operational readiness at its Calgary interim facility for LEAP-1B engine maintenance, with a permanent site planned for 2027.

This article is based on an official press release from Lufthansa Technik.
Lufthansa Technik Canada (LTCA) has officially reached operational readiness at its interim facility in Calgary, Alberta, marking a major milestone with the successful completion of its first live engine event. The achievement cements the company’s expanding footprint in North America, specifically targeting MRO services for the CFM International LEAP-1B engine.
According to a company press release, the interim facility is now fully operational with eight maintenance bays. The site is designed to support scalable engine maintenance activities while the company prepares for a larger, permanent facility at Calgary International Airport.
Interim Operations and LEAP-1B Focus
The successful completion of the first LEAP-1B engine event highlights LTCA’s core specialization and technical maturity. The LEAP-1B is the exclusive powerplant for the Boeing 737 MAX family, making localized MRO services highly sought after by North American carriers.
In addition to live engine events, the company noted in its release that two training engines are currently in the shop to ensure continuous build capability and workforce readiness as operations ramp up.
“With the successful completion of our first engine in Calgary, we are further strengthening our LEAP-1B capabilities in North America,” said Max Schramm, President & CEO of Lufthansa Technik Canada, in the press release. “This milestone reflects both the strength of our network and the dedication of our local teams, delivering value closer to our customers.”
Derrick Siebert, Vice President of Engine Services at Lufthansa Technik, added that bringing the Calgary facility into live operation allows the company to support customers closer to their own operations, providing consistent services while remaining responsive to evolving needs across the Americas.
Long-Term Expansion and Regional Impact
Building the Permanent Facility
Since announcing its Calgary headquarters in February 2025, Lufthansa Technik Canada has grown its local workforce to more than 80 employees. The company successfully passed its Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) audit in December 2025, confirming its regulatory compliance to begin operations.
While the interim facility handles current demand, progress is advancing on a permanent site. According to the press release, Lufthansa Technik Canada is developing a 150,000-square-foot engine maintenance facility in cooperation with Calgary Airports. Construction is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2026. Once completed, the site will feature Canada’s first test cell for latest-generation aircraft engines.
Anchored by Major Airline Partnerships
Industry background data shows that this expansion is heavily supported by regional investments and airline partnerships. According to previous company announcements and industry reports, the Calgary expansion is anchored by a 15-year, multi-billion-dollar contract with WestJet to service its Boeing 737 MAX fleet. The permanent facility represents an investment of 120 million Canadian dollars and is expected to create up to 160 permanent jobs by 2030, with the permanent repair station and test cell scheduled to be operational by 2027.
AirPro News analysis
The activation of Lufthansa Technik’s Calgary facility is a critical development for the North American aviation supply chain. As part of the company’s Mobile Engine Services (MES) network, localizing LEAP-1B maintenance directly addresses the industry-wide challenge of engine turnaround times. By establishing a major MRO hub in Western Canada, Lufthansa Technik is positioning itself to capture significant market share from the growing fleet of Boeing 737 MAX operators in the Americas, reducing their reliance on overseas maintenance and enhancing overall operational agility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does Lufthansa Technik Canada specialize in at the Calgary facility?
The Calgary facility specializes in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the CFM International LEAP-1B engine, which powers the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft family.
When will the permanent Lufthansa Technik facility in Calgary open?
Construction on the permanent 150,000-square-foot facility is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with operations expected to commence by 2027.
Sources
Photo Credit: Lufthansa Technik
MRO & Manufacturing
ITP Aero Expands Repair Services for Pratt & Whitney GTF Engines
ITP Aero signs a five-year deal with Pratt & Whitney to provide advanced repairs for PW1500G and PW1900G engines at its Madrid facility starting in 2027.

This article is based on an official press release from ITP Aero.
ITP Aero has announced a new long-term agreement with Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, to expand its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for the Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine family. The five-year contracts focuses on providing complex component repair services for the Stator Assembly, Turbine Intermediate Case (TIC) Vane Pack on the PW1500G and PW1900G engines.
This expansion solidifies ITP Aero’s position within the global aerospace supply chain and the Pratt & Whitney GTF MRO network. According to the company’s press release, ITP Aero is one of the few companies globally equipped to perform these advanced repairs, which are expected to be fully industrialized to meet peak demand anticipated between 2026 and 2028.
The agreement builds upon ITP Aero’s existing role as a Risk and Revenue Sharing Partner (RRSP) in the GTF program, marking a significant step in the company’s lifecycle support for the engine family.
Expanding MRO Capabilities in Madrid
The advanced repair services will be integrated into ITP Aero’s broader MRO strategy. The company stated that its Ajalvir facility, located in Madrid, will serve as the hub for these operations. The facility is slated to provide full MRO services and testing capabilities for both the PW1500G and PW1900G engines.
First inductions at the Ajalvir site are planned for early 2027. This timeline aligns with the broader industry need for increased maintenance capacity as the in-service fleet of GTF engines continues to grow and mature. ITP Aero officially joined Pratt & Whitney’s global GTF MRO Network in June 2025, paving the way for this expanded scope of work.
Strengthening the GTF Partnership
ITP Aero’s involvement with the GTF engine family extends beyond maintenance and repair. In January 2026, the company achieved a manufacturing milestone by delivering its first combustor for the PW1500G and PW1900G engines. The addition of the TIC Vane Pack repair contract bridges the gap between the company’s manufacturing activities and its aftermarket service offerings.
The integration of complex component repair capabilities is designed to support the operational reliability of the in-service fleet. Company leadership emphasized the strategic importance of this dual role in both producing and maintaining critical engine components.
“Building on our role as an RRSP and our existing aftermarket services, we are adding complex component repair capability… to support the in‑service fleet.”
AirPro News analysis
The aerospace industry is currently facing significant demand for engine maintenance, particularly for new-generation powerplants like the Pratt & Whitney GTF. By securing this five-year contract, ITP Aero is positioning itself to capture a critical segment of the aftermarket revenue stream. The specific focus on the PW1500G and the PW1900G highlights the growing need for specialized repair capacity for modern commercial-aircraft engines.
Furthermore, the timeline for industrializing these repairs ahead of the 2026 to 2028 peak demand window suggests a proactive approach to supply-chain and maintenance bottlenecks that have challenged the aviation sector in recent years. We view this integration of manufacturing and MRO services as a stabilizing factor for the broader GTF operational ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engines are covered under the new ITP Aero and Pratt & Whitney agreement?
The five-year contract covers complex component repair services for the PW1500G and PW1900G engines, which are part of the Pratt & Whitney GTF family.
What specific component will ITP Aero repair?
According to the press release, ITP Aero will provide repair services for the Stator Assembly, Turbine Intermediate Case (TIC) Vane Pack.
Where will the MRO services take place?
The full MRO services and testing for these engines will be conducted at ITP Aero’s Ajalvir facility in Madrid, with first inductions planned for early 2027.
Sources
Photo Credit: ITP Aero
MRO & Manufacturing
Eaton Expands Aerospace Service Agreement with Air Support in EMEA
Eaton broadens its partnership with Air Support to enhance localized repair services for engine fuel components across the EMEA region.

This article is based on an official press release from Eaton.
Eaton Expands Aerospace Service Agreement with Air Support in EMEA
Intelligent power management company Eaton has officially announced the expansion of its authorized service center agreement with France-based maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider Air Support. According to a company press release, the expanded partnership reinforces Eaton’s strategy to deliver localized repair solutions and customer-centric aftermarket support across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.
Building on an initial collaboration established in 2025, Air Support will now provide localized repair and overhaul services for a broader range of engine fuel system components. The agreement is designed to make it more cost-effective for aviation customers to access high-quality, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) repairs closer to where their aircraft operate.
By expanding these regional capabilities, Eaton and Air Support aim to significantly reduce turnaround times (TAT) and freight costs for airlines. Furthermore, the localized service delivery model supports broader aviation sustainability goals by cutting down on the transportation-related carbon emissions typically associated with shipping heavy engine components to distant repair facilities.
Expanded Repair Capabilities and OEM Standards
Under the newly expanded agreement, Air Support retains its status as Eaton’s first and primary authorized aerospace service center in the EMEA region. The press release notes that the MRO provider is now officially authorized to provide repair and overhaul services for several critical engine fuel system components.
Specifically, the expanded scope includes the CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B main engine fuel pumps, the CF34-8 and CF34-10 engine fuel pumps, and the CFM56-5B gear motor. To ensure repairs meet strict factory standards, the agreement grants Air Support direct access to Eaton’s OEM repair protocols, the latest technical documentation, and a consistent supply of approved Eaton spare parts.
Critical Aircraft Applications
Supplementary industry research highlights the widespread operational footprint of the components covered under this agreement. The CFM56-5B is the primary engine option for the Airbus A320ceo family, while the CFM56-7B serves as the exclusive powerplant for the Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) series.
Additionally, the CF34 engine family is a staple in regional aviation. The CF34-8 powers the Bombardier CRJ700/900/1000 series and the Embraer E170/175 regional jets, while the higher-thrust CF34-10 variant is utilized on the Embraer E190/195, the Embraer Lineage 1000, and the COMAC ARJ21. By targeting these specific engine platforms, the Eaton and Air Support partnership addresses the maintenance needs of some of the most heavily utilized commercial and regional aircraft fleets in the world.
Strategic Partnership and Industry Impact
The relationship between the two companies was formalized in April 2025 at the MRO Americas event in Atlanta, initially focusing on the CFM56-7B engine fuel pump. Since then, the collaboration has proven successful enough to warrant a rapid expansion of scope.
Eaton, a global entity that reported $27.4 billion in revenue in 2025, operates a vast network of repair stations worldwide. Partnering with Air Support, a leading independent MRO facility founded in 1992, allows Eaton to leverage regional expertise. According to industry data, Air Support generated $112 million in revenue in 2025, repairing over 15,000 engine components annually for more than 200 customers across 40 countries. The French facility holds PART-145 certifications from major civil aviation authorities, including EASA, the FAA, CAAC, and the CAA.
Executives from both companies emphasized the operational benefits of the expanded tie-up in the official press release.
“Our decision to expand this agreement reflects the results Air Support has delivered for our customers since the collaboration began. By expanding local repair capabilities in the region, we are helping customers reduce turnaround time and freight costs while maintaining the quality, reliability and technical standards they expect from Eaton.”
“We are proud to continue growing our relationship with Eaton and honored by the trust reflected in this expanded agreement. The addition of new repair capabilities enables us to further support customers across EMEA with reliable, responsive service aligned with OEM standards.”
AirPro News analysis
We observe that this expanded agreement underscores a growing and vital trend within the commercial aviation aftermarket: the strategic alignment of major OEMs with agile, independent MRO providers. As global supply chains remain under pressure, OEMs like Eaton are increasingly recognizing the value of decentralizing their repair networks.
By empowering established regional players like Air Support, which industry data notes maintains an impressive turnaround time of 20 days and an on-time delivery rate above 98%, OEMs can protect their brand reputation for reliability without having to build new, capital-intensive facilities from scratch. For airlines, this translates directly to minimized aircraft downtime, which is a primary driver of profitability. Furthermore, the environmental benefits of localized MRO services cannot be overstated; reducing the logistical footprint of heavy aircraft parts is a practical, immediate step toward the industry’s broader carbon-reduction targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new components are covered under the expanded Eaton and Air Support agreement?
The expanded agreement authorizes Air Support to repair and overhaul the CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B main engine fuel pumps, the CF34-8 and CF34-10 engine fuel pumps, and the CFM56-5B gear motor.
Why is localized MRO service important for airlines?
Localized Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services allow airlines to repair parts closer to where their aircraft operate. This significantly reduces freight costs, cuts down on transportation-related carbon emissions, and shortens turnaround times (TAT), thereby minimizing costly aircraft downtime.
What certifications does Air Support hold?
Based in France, Air Support holds PART-145 certifications from several major civil aviation authorities, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Sources: Eaton Press Release (Business Wire)
Photo Credit: Eaton
MRO & Manufacturing
Joramco Achieves First Fully Paperless MRO in MENA Region
Joramco becomes the first MENA MRO to operate fully paperless with EASA-approved digital workflows, AI integration, and iPad use.

This article is based on an official press release from Joramco.
On April 21, 2026, Amman-based maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider Joramco announced a major operational milestone, becoming the first MRO in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to achieve a fully paperless operation. According to the company’s press release, this comprehensive digital transformation is backed by full European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval, ensuring that all new digital workflows meet strict international aviation safety and quality standards.
The transition replaces traditional paper-based task cards and documentation with a modernized, digital-first approach on the hangar floor. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and secure digital workflows, Joramco aims to drastically improve operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and aircraft turnaround times.
We note that this development positions the Jordan-based facility as a highly competitive, technologically advanced hub for global airline outsourcing, capable of competing with larger, manufacturer-backed service providers across Europe and Asia.
Transitioning to a Digital Hangar Floor
Technology and Implementation
To execute this transition, Joramco collaborated with EmpowerMX, a leading aviation maintenance software provider. According to the official announcement, technicians on the hangar floor are now equipped with Apple iPads in place of traditional paper task cards. This hardware shift is supported by EASA-compliant biometric and secure digital sign-offs, ensuring that every maintenance action is securely recorded and authenticated.
Furthermore, the new system embeds AI and machine learning to run automated checks during the completion of paperwork. The company states that this technological integration is designed to eliminate common human errors, such as missing stamps or signatures, which can otherwise delay the release of an aircraft.
Operational Benefits
The shift to a paperless system unlocks several immediate operational advantages for the MRO provider. The press release highlights that the digital infrastructure allows for real-time tracking of aircraft status and instant access to critical maintenance documentation. Additionally, the system supports live manhour booking and progressive contract settlement for non-routine work, streamlining data sharing across various internal departments and improving overall transparency for airline clients.
Leadership and Strategic Growth
Executive Perspectives
The digitalization effort aligns with a broader push for operational excellence under Joramco’s current leadership. Adam Voss, who took over as Chief Executive Officer in September 2025, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative.
“The Paperless Project is defining a new milestone in our journey to set new standards for the MRO industry. This transformation strengthens Joramco’s competitive edge and reinforces our commitment to exceeding client expectations.”
Adam Voss, Chief Executive Officer of Joramco, via the company’s press release.
The groundwork for this milestone has been in progress for some time. Speaking at the PAM MENA conference in Dubai in February 2026, Shakespear Nyamande, Head of Joramco’s Paperless Digitalisation Project, highlighted that harnessing data, automation, and AI is critical to minimizing errors and accelerating turnaround times.
Joramco’s Ongoing Expansion
Established in 1963 and operating out of a free-zone area at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Joramco employs approximately 1,500 technicians and engineers. Since 2016, the company has served as the engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE). The facility services Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer fleets, handling everything from routine line maintenance to complex heavy maintenance “D-checks.”
The paperless initiative arrives during a period of aggressive physical expansion for the company. In 2025, Joramco opened “Hangar 7,” a $100 million investment that expanded its capacity to 22 parallel lines of maintenance, capable of housing widebody aircraft such as the Airbus A380. According to company timelines, further expansions are underway, including Hangar 8 scheduled for completion in 2026, and a dedicated paint facility, Hangar 9, slated for 2028.
Industry Context and Broader Significance
AirPro News analysis
We observe that the global aviation industry is currently navigating a severe shortage of widebody maintenance slots alongside persistent supply chain bottlenecks. Because Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) delivery delays have forced airlines to operate older aircraft for longer periods, the global demand for heavy maintenance and cabin refurbishments has surged.
Joramco’s digital transformation directly addresses these industry-wide pain points. By utilizing AI and biometric sign-offs to accelerate turnaround times, the facility can service more aircraft efficiently, helping to alleviate the MRO capacity crunch. Furthermore, the aviation sector is under immense pressure to modernize and reduce its environmental footprint. Transitioning to a paperless system not only conserves physical resources but also optimizes labor hours and mitigates the operational risks inherently associated with manual documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a paperless MRO?
A paperless Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility replaces physical task cards, manuals, and paper sign-offs with digital devices (like iPads) and secure software. This allows technicians to access manuals, log hours, and sign off on maintenance tasks digitally, improving accuracy and speed.
Who provided the software for Joramco’s digital transition?
Joramco partnered with EmpowerMX, a prominent aviation maintenance software provider, to implement its digital workflows and AI-driven automated checks.
Is Joramco’s paperless system regulatory approved?
Yes. According to the company, the fully paperless operation has received full approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), ensuring all digital processes and biometric sign-offs meet international aviation safety standards.
Sources: Joramco Press Release
Photo Credit: Joramco
-
Airlines Strategy4 days agoJetBlue Secures $500M Aircraft-Backed Financing to Support Turnaround
-
Technology & Innovation5 days agoDubai Completes World’s First Commercial Vertiport at DXB Airport
-
Regulations & Safety6 days agoCirrus SR22 Safely Lands with Parachute After Power Loss in New Mexico
-
UAV & Drones6 days agoAIR’s Cargo-Heavy Lift UAS Achieves First Flight and Production Status
-
Regulations & Safety6 days agoUnauthorized Animal Noises Disrupt Emergency Aviation Frequency at Reagan Airport
