MRO & Manufacturing
Piper Aircraft Adds 7-Blade MT-Propeller Option for M700 FURY
Piper Aircraft introduces a 7-blade MT-Propeller for the M700 FURY, enhancing performance and reducing noise with EASA approval and pending FAA certification.
This article is based on an official press release from Piper Aircraft.
At the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, on April 14, 2026, Piper Aircraft announced a significant upgrade for its flagship single-engine turboprop. The manufacturer will now offer a 7-blade composite MT-Propeller as a factory option for the M700 FURY. According to the company’s press release, the new propeller system has already secured Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification expected in the near future.
The introduction of the 7-blade propeller promises operators a suite of performance enhancements, including shorter takeoff distances and improved climb rates. Furthermore, the aerodynamic efficiency of the high-blade-count design delivers a noticeable reduction in both cabin and community noise. To mark the occasion at Sun ‘n Fun, Piper displayed the new MT-Propeller on an M700 FURY adorned in a special red, white, and blue livery, celebrating America’s upcoming semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary.
This development highlights a growing industry trend toward advanced composite propellers designed to maximize turboprop efficiency while complying with increasingly stringent international noise regulations. The factory option is available immediately for new aircraft orders, while existing European customers are encouraged to contact regional dealers for the STC upgrade.
Performance Enhancements and Certification Milestones
Engineering the “Silent 7”
The 7-blade propeller, often marketed under MT-Propeller’s “Silent 7” series, is constructed using a highly developed structural resin-infused wood core wrapped in carbon-fiberglass composite skins. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the blades feature bonded nickel alloy leading edges to provide superior protection against erosion and Foreign Object Damage (FOD).
By distributing the engine’s thrust across seven blades, the propeller achieves a smaller overall diameter. This reduction in diameter lowers blade-tip speeds, which is the primary source of propeller noise. A Piper spokesperson noted during the announcement that the new design reduces internal cabin noise by approximately 3 decibels, significantly enhancing passenger comfort while simultaneously decreasing the aircraft’s external noise footprint.
“This option provides operators with improved takeoff and climb performance while reducing noise levels for both passengers and communities,” stated Marc Ouellet, Vice President of Engineering and Manufacturing at Piper Aircraft.
EASA Approval and FAA Outlook
Securing EASA STC approval prior to FAA certification is a notable milestone for the M700 FURY program. While FAA certification is pending and expected shortly, the immediate European approval allows Piper to cater to a market where noise compliance is paramount. The composite blades boast no life limitation and are fully repairable. Furthermore, industry data indicates that in July 2025, MT-Propeller increased the Time Between Overhaul (TBO) for its 7-blade turboprop series to 3,600 hours or six years, citing excellent wear resistance during field inspections.
The M700 FURY and MT-Propeller Legacy
Piper’s Flagship Turboprop
To understand the impact of this upgrade, it is essential to look at the aircraft receiving it. Announced in February 2024 as the successor to the M600/SLS, the M700 FURY is the fastest single-engine aircraft in Piper’s 87-year history. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52 engine producing 700 shaft horsepower (shp), the aircraft boasts a maximum cruise speed of 301 knots true airspeed (ktas) and a maximum range of 1,852 nautical miles at normal cruise speeds.
The M700 FURY features a 6,000-pound Maximum Gross Takeoff Weight (MGTOW), which keeps it BasicMed compliant in the United States. Since receiving its initial FAA certification in February 2024 and EASA type certification in October 2024, Piper has handed over more than 100 units to customers, underscoring the platform’s strong market reception.
MT-Propeller’s Proven Track Record
Headquartered in Straubing, Germany, MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH has been a leader in natural composite propellers since its founding in 1981. Prior to its integration on the Piper M700 FURY, MT-Propeller successfully certified its 7-blade technology on several other high-performance turboprops. These include the Pilatus PC-12, the Beechcraft King Air 300/350 series, and the Short Skyvan, proving the design’s reliability and performance benefits across diverse airframes.
AirPro News analysis
We view Piper’s decision to prioritize EASA certification for the 7-blade MT-Propeller as a highly strategic maneuver. European countries enforce some of the strictest aviation noise regulations globally, such as Germany’s Landeplatz Lärmschutz Verordnung. Aircraft that exceed specific noise thresholds often face restricted operating hours, higher landing fees, or outright bans at certain airfields. By integrating a propeller system that significantly lowers the noise profile, Piper ensures the M700 FURY can operate unhindered across European airspace.
Furthermore, as turboprop engines like the 700-shp PT6A-52 become more powerful, manufacturers must find ways to absorb that power efficiently. Adding more blades is an elegant engineering solution that avoids increasing the propeller’s diameter. Beyond the tangible performance and compliance benefits, we note that multi-blade propellers offer a distinct, aggressive “ramp appeal” and a smoother, jet-like sound. These aesthetic and sensory enhancements are highly attractive selling points for owner-operators in the competitive luxury turboprop market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main benefits of the 7-blade MT-Propeller on the M700 FURY?
According to Piper Aircraft, the 7-blade propeller decreases takeoff roll, increases the rate of climb, and reduces cabin noise by approximately 3 decibels compared to the stock 5-blade propeller.
Is the 7-blade propeller available for existing M700 FURY owners?
Yes. While it is available as a factory option for new aircraft, existing European customers interested in the STC upgrade can contact their regional Piper dealers to have the new propeller retrofitted.
When will the 7-blade propeller be certified in the United States?
The propeller has already received EASA STC approval in Europe. Piper Aircraft states that FAA certification is pending and is expected “in the near future.”
Sources: Piper Aircraft
Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft
MRO & Manufacturing
Pratt & Whitney Canada Invests $275M CAD in Longueuil Plant
Pratt & Whitney Canada commits $275M CAD to automate its Longueuil facility, backed by federal and Quebec government support.
Pratt & Whitney Canada will inject $275 million CAD into its Longueuil manufacturing facility to integrate automated production lines and advanced digital processes, securing 650 jobs in the Quebec aerospace sector.
Announced on July 21, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow, the modernization project is backed by up to $34 million CAD from the Government of Canada, alongside support from the Quebec government. The investment targets the engine manufacturer’s global headquarters and largest manufacturing site, representing approximately $195.5 million USD in capital upgrades.
Upgrading industrial capacity for turbine production
The capital injection will fund the installation of modernized machinery and automated production lines at the Longueuil plant. Pratt & Whitney Canada, an RTX business, produces turbine engines for regional aircraft, business jets, general aviation, and rotorcraft platforms. By implementing advanced digital manufacturing processes, the company aims to increase production efficiency and precision to meet rising global demand for its propulsion systems.
In a press release detailing the investment, Pratt & Whitney Canada President Satheeshkumar Kumarasingam stated the upgrades will strengthen industrial capacity and enable the manufacturer to better support its customers.
“It also reinforces our longstanding role as a pillar of the Québec aerospace ecosystem and a major contributor to Canadian aviation,” Kumarasingam said.
Federal and provincial government support
The modernization effort is a joint public-private initiative. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is providing up to $34 million CAD through the federal Strategic Response Fund. The Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie du Québec is also supporting the project, though specific provincial funding figures were not disclosed in the initial announcement.
The Longueuil facility currently employs nearly 4,500 people. According to the federal government, the financial engagement will directly maintain 650 jobs at the site. The announcement was coordinated with Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, highlighting the strategic importance of the aerospace sector to the regional economy.
AirPro News analysis
We view this $275 million CAD investment as a necessary step for Pratt & Whitney Canada to protect its manufacturing base against ongoing global supply chain pressures. By shifting toward automated production lines and digital processes, the engine manufacturer is positioning its legacy Longueuil facility to handle higher production rates with greater consistency. Announcing the capital upgrade at the Farnborough International Airshow serves a dual purpose: reassuring global airframers of the company’s capacity to deliver on engine backlogs while demonstrating the Canadian government’s willingness to subsidize critical aerospace infrastructure.
Sources: Pratt & Whitney Canada
Photo Credit: Pratt & Whitney Canada
MRO & Manufacturing
ExecuJet Belgium Earns EASA and FAA Approval for Falcon 6X
ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium secures EASA and FAA certification for Falcon 6X line and heavy maintenance plus AOG support.
ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium has secured regulatory approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to perform line and heavy maintenance on the Dassault Falcon 6X.
Announced in a company press release on July 13, 2026, the dual certification allows the Brussels-based facility to service the growing global fleet of the 5,500-nautical-mile range business jet. The approval also expands the company’s Dassault MRO GoTeam capabilities to include aircraft-on-ground (AOG) support for the Falcon 6X.
Expanding global support for the Falcon 6X
In addition to EASA and FAA certification, the Brussels facility received maintenance approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bermuda, the Department of Civil Aviation of Aruba, and the Office of the Director of Civil Aviation in Guernsey. These combined authorizations enable ExecuJet Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Services to support a wide registry of international operators.
Matthijs Hutsebaut, Regional Vice President for Europe at ExecuJet MRO Services, highlighted the operational impact of the new certifications.
“EASA and FAA are the world’s two most internationally recognised civil aviation regulators. This approval is significant as it means we are now internationally certified to do line and heavy maintenance on all in-production Falcon aircraft types,” Hutsebaut stated.
According to the company, there are currently more than 30 Dassault Falcon 6X aircraft operating worldwide. Hutsebaut noted that demand for maintenance and support services is scaling alongside the active fleet. He added that the combination of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) expertise and AOG capabilities positions the facility to provide comprehensive support to operators.
Broader network growth and recent milestones
The Falcon 6X approval in Belgium follows a series of recent capability expansions across the ExecuJet MRO Services global network, which operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation.
On June 11, 2026, the Belgium facility completed an extensive heavy maintenance project on a Dassault Falcon 7X. That project included an engine change, avionics upgrades, and the installation of a Starlink satellite communications system.
The company is also expanding its heavy maintenance footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. On June 3, 2026, ExecuJet MRO Services Australasia announced the expansion of its Dassault Falcon 7X heavy maintenance capabilities at its Sydney facility, with C-checks scheduled to commence in October 2026.
AirPro News analysis
As new clean-sheet aircraft designs like the Dassault Falcon 6X enter service and build flight hours, the availability of certified maintenance infrastructure becomes a critical factor for operator dispatch reliability. By securing EASA and FAA approvals at a major European hub, Dassault Aviation is leveraging its wholly-owned ExecuJet MRO Services subsidiary to capture aftermarket revenue while ensuring its newest flagship operators have immediate access to heavy maintenance and AOG recovery. We expect to see similar capability rollouts across other ExecuJet MRO Services regional hubs as the Falcon 6X fleet matures and approaches its first major scheduled maintenance intervals.
Photo Credit: ExecuJet MRO Services
MRO & Manufacturing
Jet Access Maintenance Becomes Starlink Dealer Amid Price Hike
Jet Access Maintenance joins the Starlink dealer network as SpaceX raises aviation hardware costs 38% and doubles its top-tier monthly plan.
Jet Access Maintenance has secured authorization as a Starlink dealer, expanding its in-flight connectivity upgrade offerings across three maintenance facilities on the same day SpaceX implemented a massive pricing restructure for its aviation internet service.
In a press release issued on July 7, 2026, the company confirmed it will now evaluate, acquire, install, and support Starlink Aviation solutions. The authorization allows Jet Access Maintenance to perform the upgrades at its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana; Nashville, Tennessee; and West Palm Beach, Florida.
Expanding MRO connectivity capabilities
The addition of Starlink hardware sales and activation support integrates into the company’s broader aircraft modernization initiatives. Installations will be completed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified technicians.
The MRO provider will handle ongoing maintenance, technical support, and integration with existing avionics systems for business aviation operators. Scott Dillon, President of Jet Access Maintenance, stated in the release that connectivity is an increasingly important part of the ownership and flight experience.
“By adding Starlink to our offering, we’re expanding the solutions available to our clients and helping them identify the connectivity platform that best supports their aircraft and mission requirements,” Dillon said.
SpaceX restructures Starlink Aviation pricing
The Jet Access Maintenance announcement coincides exactly with a major shift in Starlink’s business model. On July 7, 2026, SpaceX notified customers of a significant pricing restructure for its Starlink Business Aviation plans.
According to reporting by Aviation Week and Corporate Jet Investor, the top-tier Aviation Global Unlimited plan doubled in price from $10,000 to $20,000 per month. SpaceX also introduced a new mid-tier option, the Aviation Regional Unlimited plan, priced at $12,500 per month. This regional plan restricts unlimited data usage to a single continental region.
Hardware costs for business jets also saw a substantial increase. Holstein Aviation reported that the cost for Starlink Aviation hardware installation rose by approximately 38 percent, jumping from $145,000 to $200,000. Official Starlink Support documentation confirms these new rates take effect for existing customers on August 7, 2026.
AirPro News analysis
We note that the timing of this dealer authorization places Jet Access Maintenance in a unique position. The company is entering the Starlink dealer network just as the product undergoes its most significant pricing and tier-structure shift to date.
The 38 percent increase in hardware costs and the doubling of the global unlimited data plan alter the value proposition for mid-light jet operators. While Starlink remains a highly sought-after low-latency connectivity solution, the new $200,000 hardware baseline and $12,500 minimum monthly commitment will likely shift the primary upgrade market toward heavy jet and ultra-long-range aircraft operators. Jet Access Maintenance will need to navigate this new pricing reality as it pitches modernization initiatives to its existing client base.
Sources: Jet Access Maintenance, Aviation Week, Corporate Jet Investor, Starlink Support, Holstein Aviation
Photo Credit: Jet Access Maintenance
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