MRO & Manufacturing
Donecle Raises €10M to Expand AI-Powered Drone Inspections Globally
Donecle secures €10 million to accelerate global deployment of AI-powered drone inspections, expanding in Europe and the US aviation markets.
This article is based on an official press release from Donecle.
Donecle Secures €10 Million to Scale AI-Powered Drone Inspections Globally
Toulouse-based aviation technology company Donecle has successfully raised €10 million to accelerate the global deployment of its automated drone inspection systems. In a company press release, Donecle announced that the funding round will serve as a key milestone for its international expansion, particularly targeting markets in Europe and the United States.
The investment was jointly led by IRDI Capital Investissement and SWEN Capital Partners, with additional participation from GSO Innovation and ARIS Occitanie. This capital injection aims to strengthen Donecle’s position as a pioneer in automated solutions for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).
By combining autonomous drones with advanced artificial intelligence, Donecle is working to modernize an inspection process that has historically been labor-intensive. The company stated in its release that the new funds will be directed toward accelerating growth, strengthening its teams, continuing AI investments, and forging new strategic partnerships.
Accelerating International Expansion
Strategic Growth and Hiring
Donecle’s primary objective for the €10 million raise is to scale its operations internationally. The company, which was founded in 2015, has steadily grown its footprint and currently operates more than 40 drones deployed across over 15 countries.
According to industry reports (Aviation Week), the company plans to establish a United States subsidiary in Chicago around October 2026, starting with an initial team of five employees. Furthermore, industry reporting indicates Donecle intends to hire approximately 10 additional staff members in France over the coming months to support its technological roadmap.
“This new round of funding will give us the resources to scale up internationally and further confirm our market leading position,” said Matthieu Claybrough, co-founder and CEO of Donecle, according to reporting by EU-Startups.
Advancing Automated Aircraft Maintenance
Faster Inspections and Predictive Maintenance
Donecle’s patented technology integrates autonomous drones, high-resolution imaging, and advanced artificial intelligence to conduct visual inspections of aircraft exteriors. According to the company’s press release, this automated approach makes inspections up to 10 times faster than traditional manual methods, while simultaneously improving safety, reliability, and traceability for maintenance technicians.
Beyond hardware, Donecle is heavily focused on the software ecosystem. The company is building a dedicated software platform designed to transform the visual data collected by its drones into actionable insights. This platform is engineered to integrate seamlessly with existing MRO systems, supporting the aviation industry’s broader shift toward predictive maintenance.
Industry Certifications and Adoption
The company’s press release notes that its solution is approved by leading authorities and manufacturers, and is utilized by major players across both commercial and military aviation. Industry estimates and reports (ePlane AI) specify that Donecle holds the unique distinction of offering an inspection solution certified by both Airbus and Boeing, as well as by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Its client roster reportedly includes major operators such as United Airlines, LATAM, DHL, Lufthansa, the French Air Force, and the Royal Air Force.
AirPro News analysis
We view the €10 million investment in Donecle as arriving at a critical juncture for the global aviation industry. As airlines and MRO providers grapple with a well-documented shortage of skilled maintenance technicians, the digitalization and automation of routine tasks have transitioned from a luxury to an operational necessity. By reducing the time required for visual inspections by up to a factor of ten, Donecle’s drone-based system directly addresses this labor bottleneck. Furthermore, the transition from simple visual data collection to AI-driven predictive maintenance software suggests that the true long-term value of these platforms will lie in their ability to forecast airframe wear and tear before it causes costly aircraft downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding did Donecle raise in April 2026?
Donecle raised €10 million in a funding round led jointly by IRDI Capital Investissement and SWEN Capital Partners.
What does Donecle do?
Donecle develops automated aircraft inspection solutions that combine autonomous drones, high-resolution cameras, and artificial intelligence to perform visual inspections up to 10 times faster than manual methods.
Where is Donecle expanding?
The company plans to use the new funding to accelerate its international expansion, with a particular focus on growing its presence in Europe and the United States.
Sources: Donecle
Photo Credit: Donecle
MRO & Manufacturing
JCB Aero Gains Part 145 Approval for Boeing 737 Family
JCB Aero receives Part 145 approval for Boeing 737 base and line maintenance, expanding beyond its Airbus MRO operations in Auch, France.
JCB Aero has secured Part 145 maintenance approval to perform base and line maintenance on the Boeing 737 aircraft family, expanding the French facility’s capabilities beyond its established Airbus operations.
The approval, received in August 2026 and announced by the company on September 3, 2026, covers the Boeing 737-600, Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800, and Boeing 737-900 variants. Located in Auch, near Toulouse, the subsidiary of the AMAC Aerospace Group initially launched its MRO operations in October 2024 with a focus on Airbus airframes.
Expanding MRO capabilities in Auch
The addition of Boeing 737 maintenance authorization allows JCB Aero to capture a broader segment of the narrowbody market. The company stated it has already begun issuing quotations for Boeing operators and expects to induct the first 737 airframes into its hangar in the coming months.
This expansion follows a period of high utilization for the Auch facility. Earlier in 2026, AMAC Aerospace reported full hangar capacity at the site, driven by maintenance and modification projects on Airbus Corporate Jets, specifically the ACJ318 and ACJ319 platforms.
Management perspective on the Boeing approval
The certification aligns with recent leadership transitions at the company, including the March 2026 appointment of Sébastien Kubler as Chief Operating Officer. Kubler previously served as the technical director of production and engineering for the firm.
In a statement regarding the new certification, Kubler highlighted the strategic value of the dual-manufacturer capability:
“Receiving this Boeing approval marks an important milestone in the development of JCB Aero’s MRO activities. Adding the Boeing 737 family to our existing Airbus capabilities enables us to serve a wider range of customers and further strengthens our position as a flexible and responsive MRO partner. This achievement is also a great recognition of the commitment and expertise of our teams.”
AirPro News analysis
Securing Part 145 approval for the Boeing 737 family represents a logical progression for JCB Aero as it matures its MRO footprint in southern France. By diversifying its capabilities to include both major narrowbody platforms, the facility reduces its exposure to single-manufacturer fleet dynamics. We view this dual-platform capability as a standard requirement for independent MRO providers seeking to maximize hangar utilization and attract mixed-fleet operators.
Sources: JCB Aero, AMAC Aerospace
Photo Credit: JCB Aero
MRO & Manufacturing
AnimaWings Selects SAMCO for A220 Base Maintenance
AnimaWings signs SAMCO as A220 base maintenance provider and inducts another A220-300 via Maastricht Aachen Airport.
Romanian operator AnimaWings has inducted another Airbus A220-300 into its growing fleet following the completion of livery and engineering work by SAMCO Aircraft Maintenance and MAAS Aviation. The aircraft’s release to service coincides with a formal agreement signed on September 3, 2026, designating SAMCO as the base maintenance provider for the airline’s A220 operations.
The preparation of the new narrowbody aircraft took place at Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) in the Netherlands. According to a company statement, SAMCO partnered with neighboring facility MAAS Aviation to provide an integrated induction solution for the carrier.
Integrated maintenance and livery operations
The induction process required coordination between specialized aviation service providers at the Dutch airport. MAAS Aviation completed the aircraft painting and livery application, while SAMCO managed the regulatory and engineering requirements necessary for commercial operations.
SAMCO utilized its European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 21 approval to manage the workscope preparation and design elements of the induction. Following the physical painting process, the maintenance provider officially released the aircraft into commercial service under its Part 145 certification. In its announcement, SAMCO stated the co-located collaboration ensured a “smooth transition from the paint shop to the skies.”
AnimaWings fleet expansion and maintenance strategy
The recent aircraft delivery aligns with a broader operational partnership between the Romanian carrier and the Dutch maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider. AviTrader reported that on September 3, 2026, AnimaWings officially selected SAMCO to provide tailored base maintenance services for its expanding Airbus A220 fleet to ensure long-term operational availability and reliability.
AnimaWings is currently executing a fleet modernization strategy with a stated target of operating 18 aircraft by the end of 2027. The airline has centered this growth on the Airbus A220-300. According to Skies Mag, the aircraft type delivers a 25% reduction in fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft, supporting the carrier’s efficiency targets.
AirPro News analysis
We view the co-location of specialized aviation services at regional hubs like Maastricht Aachen Airport as a significant advantage for growing carriers. By utilizing adjacent facilities for painting and engineering release, operators can minimize non-revenue repositioning flights and reduce overall aircraft downtime. For a carrier like AnimaWings scaling rapidly toward an 18-aircraft fleet, securing a dedicated base maintenance provider that can also manage induction workflows provides critical operational stability during a period of high growth.
Sources: SAMCO Aircraft Maintenance
Photo Credit: AnimaWings
MRO & Manufacturing
RECARO Aircraft Seating Launches R4 Premium Class Seat
RECARO officially introduced the R4 premium seat on Aug 25, 2026, with EASA certification for the Boeing 787.
RECARO Aircraft Seating officially introduced the R4 premium class seat on August 25, 2026, marking the successor to its decade-old PL3530 model. Initial deliveries of the new seating system began in June 2026, with entry into commercial service expected later in the year.
In a press release issued from its Schwaebisch Hall, Germany headquarters, the manufacturer detailed the R4’s focus on enhanced ergonomics, privacy, and accessibility. The seat is currently certified under European Technical Standard Orders (ETSO) by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for installation on the Boeing 787, with additional airframe certifications in progress.
Design and passenger experience upgrades
The R4 introduces several modern amenities designed to address evolving passenger expectations in widebody premium cabins. Key features include a six-way adjustable headrest with integrated neck support, side ambient lighting, and privacy wings equipped with an integrated reading light. For in-flight entertainment, the seat accommodates a 16-inch integrated monitor.
The design also incorporates functional workspace and connectivity improvements. Passengers have access to an extra-wide single-plate tray table featuring a soft open and close mechanism, an integrated Personal Electronic Device (PED) holder, and customizable power options. The seat features a side console with dedicated access designed specifically for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM).
Strategic positioning and certification
The launch of the R4 builds upon the foundation of the PL3530, which RECARO originally introduced to the market in 2015. By securing initial ETSO certification for the Boeing 787, RECARO positions the R4 to capture widebody premium economy and regional business class retrofit and line-fit opportunities.
Mark Hiller, CEO and Shareholder of RECARO Aircraft Seating and CEO of RECARO Holding, highlighted the strategic importance of the new product line.
“We are proud to introduce the R4, the latest addition to our Premium Class portfolio. Building on the success of the PL3530, the R4 reflects our commitment to combining comfort, ergonomics, and premium features in a seating solution designed to meet the evolving expectations of both airlines and passengers.”
AirPro News analysis
The introduction of the R4 underscores a broader industry trend where seat manufacturers are elevating premium economy products to mirror the business class standards of previous decades. By integrating features like 16-inch monitors and enhanced privacy wings, we see RECARO directly targeting airlines looking to monetize the growing demand for premium leisure travel. The specific inclusion of PRM-accessible consoles also indicates a proactive approach to upcoming accessibility mandates in major aviation markets. Securing EASA certification for the Boeing 787 first is a logical entry point, given the aircraft’s heavy utilization on long-haul routes where premium seating demand is highest.
Sources: RECARO Aircraft Seating
Photo Credit: RECARO Aircraft Seating
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