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
Eaton Secures FAA Part 145 Certification for Malaysia MRO JV
Eaton’s joint venture with SIAEC in Malaysia earns FAA Part 145 certification, expanding regional MRO capabilities across Asia-Pacific.
Intelligent power management company Eaton announced on September 23, 2026, the expansion of its aerospace aftermarket operations in the Asia-Pacific region, highlighted by a new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 145 Repair Station certification for its joint venture in Malaysia and a new engineering investment in Singapore.
In a press release issued during the MRO Asia-Pacific 2026 event, Eaton detailed the dual initiatives aimed at strengthening its regional maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) footprint. The FAA certification authorizes Eaton Aero Services (EAS) to perform approved maintenance and issue airworthiness release certificates, while the Singapore expansion focuses on product innovation and engineering solutions.
Regulatory approval expands Malaysian joint venture capabilities
Eaton holds a 51 percent equity stake in EAS, with SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) holding the remaining 49 percent. The joint venture was officially incorporated in June 2024 and operates out of a facility in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. The partnership was established to inspect, test, repair, and overhaul Eaton-manufactured aircraft components.
The newly announced FAA Part 145 certification allows EAS to conduct FAA-approved MRO services on components installed on airframe and engine fuel systems, as well as hydraulic systems. This approval adds to the facility’s existing regulatory certifications from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).
Singapore engineering and innovation investment
Alongside the Malaysian MRO developments, Eaton confirmed an expansion of its aerospace engineering capabilities in Singapore. This initiative is supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).
The Singapore investment will target aerospace product innovation, engineering solutions, and MRO process improvements. It will also support retrofit, modification, and upgrade (RMU) programs for operators in the region. Ian Lam, managing director of Eaton’s Aerospace Group for the Asia-Pacific region, stated that the EDB-supported investment is strengthening the company’s engineering capabilities and enabling more responsive customer solutions.
“Together with EAS’s FAA certification, these developments position Eaton to serve customers with greater speed, flexibility and proximity while strengthening our regional aftermarket presence,” Lam said.
AirPro News analysis
The dual announcements from Eaton highlight a broader industry trend of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) localizing their aftermarket support networks in the Asia-Pacific market. By securing FAA Part 145 certification for the EAS joint venture, Eaton and SIAEC can now capture a wider segment of the regional MRO market, particularly for operators requiring FAA-certified component releases. The parallel investment in Singapore engineering capabilities suggests Eaton is positioning itself not just for component repair, but for higher-margin retrofit and modification programs as airlines seek to extend the operational life of existing fleets.
Photo Credit: Eaton
MRO & Manufacturing
StandardAero and GMR Aero Technic Partner for LEAP MRO in India
StandardAero and GMR Aero Technic sign a supplier agreement for on-wing CFM LEAP and CFM56 engine support across India.
StandardAero (NYSE: SARO) and GMR Aero Technic have signed a Supplier Service Agreement to provide localized on-wing support for CFM International LEAP and CFM56 engines operating in India. The partnership, announced on September 22, 2026, aims to reduce aircraft downtime for domestic operators by establishing specialized engine maintenance capabilities closer to their operating bases.
In a press release issued on September 22, 2026, StandardAero confirmed the agreement targets the CFM International CFM56-7B, LEAP-1A, and LEAP-1B engine platforms. These powerplants are the primary engines for the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX families, which dominate the narrowbody fleets of Indian carriers.
Addressing India’s growing narrowbody fleet
The Indian commercial aviation market represents one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, characterized by a massive backlog of narrowbody aircraft. According to StandardAero, operators in India currently have approximately 1,000 LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B powerplants in service, with an additional 3,200 engines on order. The legacy CFM56-7B, which powers the Boeing 737NG family, also maintains a significant footprint with more than 100 engines still active in the country.
GMR Aero Technic, a division of GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Ltd, provides line maintenance services at 12 airports across India and one in Nepal. The company serves over 60 customers and Airlines. By integrating StandardAero’s global engine aftermarket expertise with GMR Aero Technic’s regional infrastructure, the companies intend to create a responsive support network for these fleets.
Ashok Gopinath, President and Accountable Manager at GMR Aero Technic, stated the partnerships marks an important milestone in developing advanced engine support capabilities for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. He noted the collaboration aims to deliver greater value to airlines by combining local infrastructure with global expertise.
StandardAero’s expanding Asia-Pacific footprint
The agreement in India follows a similar regional strategy executed by StandardAero in late 2025. In November 2025, the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GMF AeroAsia to provide on-wing support services for CFM56-7B engines in Indonesia.
Rebecca Lane, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at StandardAero, highlighted this expansion as part of a broader strategy to localize maintenance access.
“Coming less than a year after our agreement with GMF AeroAsia in Indonesia, this new partnership with GMR Aero Technic highlights StandardAero’s commitment to providing operators with local support on a global scale,” Lane said.
StandardAero has steadily built its LEAP maintenance capabilities since signing the first non-airline CFM Branded Service Agreement in the Americas in March 2023. The company operates an 810,000-square-foot facility in San Antonio, Texas, which serves as a CFM LEAP Premier MRO provider. Through its Component Repair Services network, StandardAero has industrialized nearly 500 component repairs for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines. In February 2026, the San Antonio facility completed its first performance restoration shop visit for a LEAP engine.
AirPro News analysis
We view this partnership as a strategic necessity for both entities given the sheer volume of LEAP-powered aircraft entering the Indian market. With over 3,200 LEAP engines on order by Indian operators, the demand for localized, rapid-response maintenance will outpace the capacity of traditional, centralized overhaul facilities. On-wing support allows technicians to perform targeted repairs and inspections without removing the engine from the aircraft, significantly reducing out-of-service time. For StandardAero, partnering with established regional players like GMR Aero Technic and GMF AeroAsia provides immediate access to local flight lines without the capital expenditure of building new facilities from scratch. This localized approach will be critical for airlines attempting to maintain schedule reliability amid global engine supply chain pressures.
Sources: StandardAero
Photo Credit: StandardAero
MRO & Manufacturing
Woodward Closes Santa Clarita Plant, Expands in South Carolina
Woodward moves military flight control actuation production to a new $200M Spartanburg campus by December 2027.
Woodward, Inc. will close its Santa Clarita, California, manufacturing facility by December 2027, relocating production of military fixed-wing and rotorcraft flight control actuation systems to a new 300,000-square-foot campus in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The transition, announced in a company press release on September 21, 2026, follows a September 15 board approval and represents a major consolidation of Woodward’s aerospace manufacturing footprint. The move shifts critical military aircraft component production to the East Coast to streamline operations and meet increasing demand for next-generation aircraft controls.
Santa Clarita closure and workforce impact
Operations at the Santa Clarita site will cease no later than December 2027. The closure affects approximately 400 roles at the facility, which Woodward has operated for 17 years since acquiring the operations.
“We don’t make decisions like this without recognizing what they mean for the people affected. Our team in Santa Clarita has contributed to Woodward for 17 years, and we are committed to supporting them through the transition with respect,” stated Shawn McLevige, President of Woodward’s Aerospace segment.
Alongside the relocation of military actuation systems, Woodward plans to sell the Santa Clarita campus. The sale will include a smaller portfolio of legacy commercial rotorcraft, land systems, and business jet products, with the transaction expected to close during Fiscal Year 2027.
Expansion in South Carolina
The new Spartanburg manufacturing operation, located in Greer, South Carolina, represents an approximate $200 million investment by Woodward. The facility broke ground on November 3, 2025, and is scheduled to begin operations in the summer of 2027. The site is expected to create approximately 275 new jobs.
Airbus A350 and military integration
The Spartanburg campus was originally commissioned to produce spoiler actuation systems for the Airbus A350. Woodward was selected to supply 12 of the 14 spoiler actuation systems for the widebody aircraft, marking the company’s first primary flight control system on a commercial airframe. The addition of military fixed-wing and rotorcraft flight control actuation expands the scope of the South Carolina site.
McLevige noted in the press release that moving production to Spartanburg will refine the company’s manufacturing footprint to better support customers and improve the supply chain for both commercial and military aircraft controls.
AirPro News analysis
We view the Santa Clarita closure as a continuation of Woodward’s broader portfolio optimization strategy. By divesting legacy product lines and consolidating advanced flight control actuation in a single modern facility, the company is positioning itself to better manage supply chain complexities. This move aligns with Woodward’s recent strategic shifts, including the divestiture of its Industrial combustion product line and the acquisition of Safran’s North American Electromechanical Actuation business. Consolidating military and commercial primary flight control production in South Carolina likely offers operational synergies that the split California and South Carolina footprint could not support.
Sources: Woodward, Inc. Press Release
Photo Credit: Woodward
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