MRO & Manufacturing
L2 Aviation Acquires Advance Aero to Expand Midwest Manufacturing
L2 Aviation acquires Advance Aero to integrate manufacturing in-house, enhancing production efficiency and expanding its Midwest aerospace footprint.
This article is based on an official press release from L2 Aviation.
On April 22, 2026, L2 Aviation, a global provider of avionics integration and aircraft modification services, announced its acquisition of Advance Aero, an Indiana-based precision machining and sheet metal fabrication company. According to the official press release, the acquisition is designed to vertically integrate L2 Aviation’s supply chain, bringing critical manufacturing processes in-house to reduce lead times and improve production efficiency.
The deal represents a calculated expansion of L2 Aviation’s domestic manufacturing footprint. It closely follows the company’s recent $12.2 million investment in a new manufacturing hub in Kentucky, as well as a strategic leadership restructuring that saw industry veteran Tony Bailey promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer earlier this month.
By absorbing Advance Aero’s specialized capabilities, L2 Aviation aims to offer complete, turnkey solutions to its global customer base. The move underscores a broader industry trend of aerospace companies seeking to insulate themselves from supply chain shocks by owning their manufacturing and fabrication suppliers.
Strategic Vertical Integration
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Dripping Springs, Texas, L2 Aviation has built its reputation on avionics engineering, certification, and rapid field support. However, relying on third-party suppliers for physical components can introduce delays. The acquisition of Advance Aero directly addresses this vulnerability.
Bringing Manufacturing In-House
Advance Aero, located in Mooresville, Indiana, operates as a 14 CFR Part 145 Repair Station. Industry profiles from the Supply Chain Marketplace indicate the company specializes in aerospace-grade precision machining, multi-axis CNC machining, welding, composite repair, and sheet metal fabrication, including work with exotic metals. Market estimates place Advance Aero’s annual revenues between $10 million and $25 million.
Under the new structure, Advance Aero will be integrated into L2 Aviation’s manufacturing organization. While the Indiana facility will prioritize supporting L2’s internal programs, company statements confirm it will continue fulfilling contracts for its existing customer base.
“This acquisition is about control, capability, and execution. Advance Aero gives us the ability to bring critical manufacturing processes in-house,” stated Tony Bailey, President and COO of L2 Aviation, in the press release.
Bailey further noted that the integration of Advance Aero’s highly skilled team aligns with L2 Aviation’s standards and culture, ultimately strengthening their ability to deliver fully integrated solutions.
The Midwest Aerospace Boom
The acquisition highlights the growing prominence of the Midwest, specifically the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana tri-state area, as a major aerospace and aviation logistics hub. L2 Aviation has been actively scaling its presence in this corridor over the past year.
Building a Regional Hub
In May 2025, L2 Aviation opened a state-of-the-art facility at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). According to a April 2025 release from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the $12.2 million operation was projected to create 250 jobs. During the facility’s ribbon-cutting, L2 leadership explicitly noted that the CVG hub was built to support vertically integrated growth and future manufacturing acquisitions.
The addition of Advance Aero, located just a short distance away near Indianapolis, creates a powerful regional synergy for the company’s engineering and manufacturing divisions.
“We built Advance Aero on a foundation of craftsmanship, reliability, and customer commitment,” noted Todd Wilson, President of Advance Aero. “Joining L2 Aviation allows us to take that foundation and scale it.”
Leadership and Future Trajectory
This acquisition is part of a highly orchestrated, multi-year growth strategy. Just two weeks prior to the Advance Aero announcement, on April 9, 2026, L2 Aviation appointed Tony Bailey as President and COO. Bailey brings over 40 years of aerospace experience to the role, having previously served as President and COO of Spirit Aeronautics. According to the company’s April 9 press release, Bailey was brought on specifically to strengthen execution and scale operations.
AirPro News analysis
We view L2 Aviation’s acquisition of Advance Aero as a textbook response to post-pandemic supply chain bottlenecks. Airlines and fleet operators are increasingly demanding “one-stop-shop” providers capable of engineering, certifying, manufacturing, and installing modifications without relying on a fragmented network of subcontractors.
By adding physical manufacturing capabilities to its established engineering and certification expertise, L2 Aviation is positioning itself to capture larger, more complex contracts. Furthermore, the concentration of these assets in the Midwest logistics corridor suggests the company is optimizing for rapid distribution and reduced transit times, which is critical for minimizing aircraft downtime during maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Advance Aero do?
Advance Aero is an Indiana-based 14 CFR Part 145 Repair Station specializing in aerospace-grade precision machining, sheet metal fabrication, multi-axis CNC machining, welding, and composite repair.
Why did L2 Aviation acquire Advance Aero?
According to company statements, the acquisition is a strategic move to vertically integrate L2 Aviation’s supply chain. By bringing manufacturing in-house, the company aims to improve quality control, reduce lead times, and offer turnkey solutions to its customers.
Will Advance Aero continue to serve its existing customers?
Yes. While Advance Aero will prioritize supporting L2 Aviation’s internal programs, it will continue to fulfill contracts for its existing MRO and aerospace customer base.
Sources:
PR Newswire: L2 Aviation Acquires Advance Aero (April 22, 2026)
Photo Credit: L2 Aviation
MRO & Manufacturing
PMGC Holdings Signs LTA and Invests in Precision Aerospace
PMGC Holdings secures a two-year manufacturing agreement and $500,000 equity stake in Precision Aerospace and Defense Group.
PMGC Holdings Inc. has secured a two-year manufacturing agreement and executed a $500,000 strategic equity investment in Precision Aerospace & Defense Group through its subsidiary A&B Aerospace. The arrangement, announced on July 28, 2026, positions the California-based machining firm to supply components for U.S. federal government prime contracts.
In a press release issued on July 28, 2026, PMGC Holdings detailed the Long-Term Agreement (LTA), which became effective on July 23, 2026. The deal expands A&B Aerospace’s footprint within the U.S. defense industrial base by aligning its manufacturing capabilities with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements.
Manufacturing agreement and investment details
Under the terms of the LTA, A&B Aerospace will manufacture and supply precision-machined aerospace and defense components for Precision Aerospace & Defense Group. The initial two-year contract automatically renews for successive one-year periods unless either party provides notice of non-renewal. The agreement does not include a guaranteed minimum purchase volume or revenue commitment. Pricing, quantities, and delivery schedules will be established on an individual purchase order basis.
Concurrently, PMGC Capital LLC invested $500,000 into Precision Aerospace & Defense Group’s Series F Convertible Preferred Stock. The press release also noted that a non-binding term sheet outlines additional proposed transactions between PMGC and Precision Aerospace & Defense Group. The company stated these potential transactions remain subject to due diligence and customary closing conditions, with no assurance they will be completed.
PMGC Holdings acquisition strategy
The manufacturing agreement follows PMGC Holdings’ recent acquisition of A&B Aerospace. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Azusa, California, A&B Aerospace was acquired by PMGC on May 12, 2026, for a base purchase price of $4.5 million.
The A&B Aerospace purchase marked PMGC’s fifth acquisition in a 12-month period. The parent company is executing a targeted roll-up strategy to assemble a U.S. precision manufacturing platform of AS9100D-certified Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining businesses serving the aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
AirPro News analysis
We view this dual-track approach of securing a manufacturing agreement alongside an equity investment as a calculated method for PMGC Holdings to lock in supply chain integration. By taking a financial stake in Precision Aerospace & Defense Group, PMGC incentivizes a steady flow of purchase orders to A&B Aerospace despite the lack of guaranteed minimums in the Long-Term Agreement. This strategy also accelerates PMGC’s integration into the highly regulated FAR and DFARS procurement environment following its recent string of acquisitions.
Photo Credit: Precision Aerospace & Defense Group
MRO & Manufacturing
BLR Aerospace Distributes Boggi Dual Cargo Mirror for AS350/H125
BLR Aerospace secures exclusive Americas distribution rights for the Boggi Aeronautics Dual Cargo Mirror System for the Airbus AS350/H125.
BLR Aerospace has secured exclusive distribution rights in the Americas for the Boggi Aeronautics Dual Cargo Mirror System designed for the Airbus AS350/H125 helicopter platform. The agreement, announced on August 5, 2026, expands BLR Aerospace’s portfolio of performance-enhancing modifications for the widely used light utility helicopter.
In a press release detailing the partnership, BLR Aerospace, a company of Ducommun Incorporated, stated that the new mirror system allows pilots an unobstructed view of external loads and long lines. The system is designed to be installed without requiring structural modifications to the aircraft.
Operational Enhancements for the AS350/H125
The Airbus AS350/H125 is heavily utilized in utility, aerial crane, and external load operations across the Americas. Visibility during these missions is a critical safety and performance factor. The Boggi Aeronautics Dual Cargo Mirror System addresses this by providing enhanced sightlines for precision load placement.
BLR Aerospace President Clay Bringhurst noted that the mirror system complements the company’s existing product line. When combined with the BLR FastFin System, which increases the operational load capacity of the AS350/H125, the mirror system is intended to improve overall mission effectiveness and pilot confidence.
“It provides a high-quality solution that delivers the visibility and precision our customers expect during external load operations,” Bringhurst said in the release.
Strategic Growth for Boggi Aeronautics
For Boggi Aeronautics S.r.l., established in 1999, the partnership provides a dedicated channel into the North-America and South American markets. BLR Aerospace will manage distribution from its headquarters and stocking facility in Everett, Washington.
Boggi Aeronautics Founder Stefano Boggi described the agreement as a key component of the Italian manufacturer’s international expansion. He indicated that the mirror system distribution agreement is likely the beginning of a longer-term relationship between the two aviation suppliers.
“BLR’s strong presence and deep understanding of the aeronautical market in the Americas make them the ideal partner to bring our solutions closer to operators,” Boggi stated. “The Dual Cargo Mirror System is the first step in a broader collaboration, and we see significant opportunities to introduce additional Boggi products and technologies to the market together.”
AirPro News analysis
We view this partnership as a logical alignment for both manufacturers. BLR Aerospace already possesses an established customer base of Airbus AS350/H125 operators utilizing the FastFin system for high-altitude and heavy-lift operations. By bundling the Boggi Dual Cargo Mirror System, BLR can offer a more comprehensive external load package to utility operators. For Boggi Aeronautics, leveraging an established distributor like BLR bypasses the logistical hurdles of building a direct sales and support network across the Americas.
Sources: BLR Aerospace
Photo Credit: Boggi Aeronautics
MRO & Manufacturing
Aequs Wins 15-Year Safran Contract for Airbus A320 Wheels
Aequs secures a 15-year single-source deal with Safran Landing Systems to manufacture A320 wheels in India.
Aequs Limited has secured a 15-year, single-source contract with Safran Landing Systems to manufacture fully assembled Airbus A320 wheels at its Belagavi Aerospace Special Economic Zone (SEZ) facility in Karnataka, India.
The partnership, initially announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2026 and detailed in Aequs’ first-quarter fiscal year 2027 earnings presentation on July 29, 2026, represents a major shift in aerospace supply chains. According to company filings, this is the first time Safran Landing Systems has outsourced this specific flight-critical manufacturing process outside its own internal facilities.
End-to-end domestic production for Airbus A320 wheels
The agreement covers the complete manufacturing lifecycle for the Airbus A320 wheels. Operations will take place entirely within the Belagavi Aerospace ecosystem. The process includes sourcing aerospace-qualified aluminum within India, followed by forging, machining, surface treatment, and final assembly.
During the company’s earnings presentation, Aequs management described the 15-year agreement as the longest contract in company history.
Aequs will deliver completely assembled wheels built from India-sourced aerospace qualified aluminum, forging, machining, surface treatment, and assembly all within the Belagavi Aerospace ecosystem. That is 100% make in India for a flight-critical product.
According to reporting by the Deccan Herald, production under the new Safran Landing Systems contract is scheduled to commence in fiscal year 2028. This timeline aligns with calendar year 2029 delivery targets cited in broader industry coverage of the Farnborough announcement.
Financial growth and capacity investments
The Safran Landing Systems contract, along with long-term agreements signed with two new aerostructures Tier-1 customers at Farnborough, pushed Aequs’ aerospace order book past the $1 billion mark to $1.004 billion.
In its July 30, 2026 financial release, Aequs reported first-quarter revenue of ₹3,955 million, a 55 percent year-over-year increase. The company attributed the growth to higher build rates and an expanding aerospace portfolio.
Aravind Melligeri, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aequs Limited, stated that the quarter marked a strong start to the fiscal year as the company focused on translating expanded capacity into financial returns. “Customer confidence in our execution is reflected in our order book crossing USD 1 billion, up 13% sequentially,” Melligeri said.
To support the new Airbus A320 wheel production and other contracts, Aequs invested ₹830 million in capital expenditure during the first quarter. The company’s aerospace division is currently operating at approximately 70 percent capacity utilization, leaving room for the planned production ramp-up.
AirPro News analysis
We view the Safran Landing Systems contract as a structural milestone for India’s aerospace manufacturing sector. Historically, domestic aerospace production in India has focused on individual component machining or non-critical aerostructures. Securing a single-source, end-to-end manufacturing contract for a flight-critical dynamic component like a commercial aircraft wheel demonstrates a maturation of the local supply chain. Safran’s decision to outsource a fully assembled, flight-critical product outside its own facilities indicates high confidence in the Belagavi Aerospace SEZ ecosystem to maintain stringent quality and safety standards.
Photo Credit: Deccan Herald
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