This article is based on an official press release from AerFin.

On April 23, 2026, UK-based aviation asset specialist AerFin announced a strategic logistics partnerships with U.S.-based National Air Cargo. According to an official press release from AerFin, the agreement is designed to support the next phase of the company’s aircraft teardown operations, specifically optimizing the secure and efficient movement of harvested aviation materials between Marana, Arizona, and Miami, Florida.

We have observed a growing industry reliance on circular supply chains, and this partnership highlights a highly reciprocal relationship between the two aviation firms. National Airlines, the Part 121 air carrier division of National Air Cargo, already purchases aircraft materials from AerFin to support its fleet. In exchange, AerFin will now utilize National Air Cargo’s global heavy-lift freight network to transport its dismantled aviation assets from desert storage to distribution hubs.

Strengthening the Marana to Miami Supply-Chain

The Role of Pinal Airpark and the Miami Hub

The logistics flow between Arizona and Florida represents a critical artery for the aviation aftermarket. According to supplementary industry research, Marana is home to Pinal Airpark, one of the world’s largest commercial aircraft boneyards and a premier location for aircraft storage and end-of-life teardowns. Once parts are harvested in the U.S. Southwest, they must be transported to AerFin’s major warehouse facility in Miami, a massive global aviation hub serving the Americas.

This specific supply chain route has seen increased volume recently. Industry reports indicate that in mid-2025, AerFin initiated a major teardown program involving ex-Japan Airlines Boeing 777-300ERs. Moving massive, outsized aircraft components, such as nacelles, reverse thrusters, and landing gear, requires specialized handling and strict regulatory oversight to ensure the parts maintain their certified status and residual value. National Air Cargo, established in 1991 and a known contractor for complex global logistics, provides the necessary heavy-lift capabilities to secure this transit.

A Reciprocal Relationship Built on Used Serviceable Material

Keeping the Queen of the Skies Flying

The partnership is deeply rooted in mutual operational needs. National Airlines operates an aging heavy-lift fleet, which includes nine Boeing 747-400 freighters, alongside four brand-new Boeing 777-200 freighters that began arriving in early 2026, according to industry data. To keep its legacy 747 fleet operational, National relies on teardown specialists like AerFin for a steady stream of replacement parts.

In the company’s press release, AerFin Chief Operating Officer Simon Bayliss emphasized the practical nature of the agreement.

“We’re focused on building partnerships that deliver in the real world, straightforward, dependable, and aligned to the needs of our customers. This agreement with National Air Cargo strengthens our ability to move quickly, while creating the foundation for long-term, reciprocal value.”

Alan White, Chief Growth Officer at National Air Cargo, echoed this sentiment, noting that the collaboration has evolved naturally from a vendor-client dynamic into a fully integrated logistics strategy.

“Our relationship with AerFin has grown organically, beginning with close collaboration on materials purchasing and now extending into a more integrated logistics partnership… we are well-positioned to support complex aircraft teardown programmes and expand into new opportunities, including Boeing 747 material solutions.”

AirPro News analysis

The global aviation industry is currently navigating severe supply chain bottlenecks and prolonged delays in new aircraft deliveries. As a result, airlines are forced to keep older airframes in service much longer than initially projected, driving unprecedented demand for Used Serviceable Material (USM). AerFin, which industry research notes serves a customer base of over 600 airlines, lessors, and maintenance providers, provides a critical lifeline of green-time engines and spare parts to this constrained market.

Furthermore, we view aircraft teardowns through an increasingly important Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) lens. Industry data indicates that up to 92% of a retired airframe can be harvested and recycled. By optimizing the logistics of these teardowns, partnerships like the one between AerFin and National Air Cargo actively reduce the aviation sector’s carbon footprint and promote a highly efficient circular economy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Used Serviceable Material (USM)?

Used Serviceable Material (USM) refers to recycled aircraft parts and engines that have been harvested from retired aircraft, inspected, repaired if necessary, and recertified for use on active commercial or cargo aircraft. USM is a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to manufacturing new parts.

Why are aircraft parts moved from Marana to Miami?

Marana, Arizona, offers an ideal dry, desert climate for storing and dismantling retired aircraft. Once the valuable components are carefully removed, they are shipped to major distribution hubs like Miami, Florida, which offers excellent global connectivity for rapidly dispatching the parts to airlines and maintenance facilities across the Americas and beyond.

Sources

• AerFin Press Release
• AirPro News Team Research Report

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

• ITP Aero

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)