This article is based on an official press release from Lufthansa Technik.

On May 20, 2026, Lufthansa Technik announced a significant regulatory milestone, securing the “Certain Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Privilege” from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). According to the official company press release, this new authority allows the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider to independently approve specific major cabin modifications for the Airbus A320ceo family without requiring case-by-case EASA approval.

The delegation of this authority marks a notable shift in European regulatory processes, empowering highly trusted Design Organisations operating under the Part-21J framework. For airline customers, this streamlined process is projected to reduce certification costs for applicable A320ceo cabin projects by up to 20 percent, while substantially shortening approval timelines and minimizing aircraft downtime.

We at AirPro News recognize this development as a critical step for the commercial MRO sector, particularly as airlines seek cost-effective, agile ways to extend the lifespan and update the interiors of their aging narrowbody fleets in a highly competitive market.

Understanding the “Certain STC Privilege”

To fully grasp the significance of this announcement, it is essential to understand the standard aviation regulatory framework. While aircraft and engine manufacturers receive a primary “Type Certificate” for their products, any other Design Organisation must typically obtain a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for each major design change made to an aircraft. Traditionally, this mandates a meticulous, project-by-project review process by EASA, which can be both time-consuming and costly.

According to Lufthansa Technik, the newly granted privilege specifically applies to recurring engineering solutions for cabin conversions on the Airbus A320ceo (Current Engine Option) family. The MRO provider can now independently approve routine layout changes. This scope includes seat reconfigurations, the relocation of galleys or lavatories, and the repositioning of class dividers.

A Legacy of Trust and Compliance

EASA granted this privilege based on Lufthansa Technik’s extensive track record of compliance and safety. The organization has frequently obtained STCs for these specific solutions in the past and has successfully demonstrated its ability to manage the similarity of design and repetitiveness of certification within a continuously monitored framework. Operating under EASA oversight since 2004, and originally certified by the German Federal Aviation Authority in 1973, Lufthansa Technik’s Part-21J Design Organisation currently employs nearly 700 design, compliance verification, and certification engineers across 12 global locations.

“After a long period of trustful cooperation with Lufthansa Technik, we are confident in granting the ‘Certain STC Privilege’. Now we have another Design Organisation on board to gain experience in approving major changes.”
, Alain Leroy, Acting Certification Director at EASA

Operational and Financial Benefits for Airlines

The implementation of the Certain STC Privilege offers tangible, immediate benefits to both the MRO provider and its global airline clients. By bypassing the traditional EASA review process for routine projects, administrative overhead is effectively eliminated.

“The privilege allows us to clearly differentiate between routine projects we can handle independently and those requiring close EASA involvement. We expect certification cost savings of up to 20 percent.”
, Dr. Uwe Schueler, VP Design Organisation at Lufthansa Technik

Beyond direct cost savings, the privilege significantly reduces aircraft downtime. Faster turnaround times mean aircraft spend less time idle in maintenance hangars and can return to revenue-generating service much more quickly. This newfound agility allows Lufthansa Technik to be highly responsive to the fast-paced, shifting needs of operators.

“The ‘Certain STC Privilege’ is a major milestone for our Design Organisation and Lufthansa Technik. It allows us to significantly speed up the approval process, save precious time and avoid unnecessary costs. Our design engineers already have a range of recurring major changes in mind for which we can achieve a Certain STC to further streamline our processes and services.”
, Harald Gloy, COO of Lufthansa Technik

Industry Implications and Broader Significance

AirPro News analysis

We view EASA’s decision to grant this privilege as part of a broader, highly pragmatic regulatory strategy. By allowing proven MROs to handle routine, repetitive modifications independently, EASA can free up its own vital regulatory resources. This allows the agency to focus its oversight on novel, complex, or higher-risk aviation certifications, such as new propulsion technologies, advanced air mobility solutions, and next-generation aircraft designs.

Furthermore, this development aligns perfectly with current market dynamics surrounding aging narrowbody fleets. The Airbus A320ceo remains a widely used older-generation aircraft. As airlines look to extend the lifespan of these fleets rather than wait for backlogged new aircraft deliveries, the reduction in certification overhead provides a significant financial incentive to proceed with necessary cabin refurbishments.

Airlines are also under increasing pressure to meet modern sustainability goals, such as installing lighter seats to save fuel, and to evolve the passenger experience with upgrades like wireless inflight entertainment. Faster, cheaper certification processes make these essential retrofits much more accessible for operators worldwide, ensuring older aircraft remain competitive and compliant with modern standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)?

An STC is a regulatory approval required by aviation authorities (like EASA or the FAA) for major design changes made to an aircraft or engine by an organization other than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

Which aircraft are covered under Lufthansa Technik’s new privilege?

The current “Certain STC Privilege” applies specifically to recurring cabin modifications on the Airbus A320ceo (Current Engine Option) family of aircraft.

How much can airlines expect to save on certification costs?

According to Lufthansa Technik’s official projections, the streamlined, independent approval process is expected to yield certification cost savings of up to 20 percent for applicable cabin modification projects.

Sources

• Lufthansa Technik

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

On May 20, 2026, Liebherr-Aerospace and HAECO Landing Gear Services announced the successful completion of the world’s first major landing gear overhaul for the COMAC C909 regional jet. Formerly known as the ARJ21 or “Soaring Phoenix,” the aircraft represents a major pillar of China’s domestic Commercial-Aircraft strategy.

According to the official press release, this milestone marks a significant advancement in the region’s maintenance ecosystem. By combining Liebherr’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) expertise with HAECO’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, the Partnerships has established a localized, full-lifecycle maintenance infrastructure for China’s first self-developed regional jet.

We note that this development is poised to directly benefit operators in both China and rapidly growing Southeast Asian markets. By localizing heavy maintenance, the joint effort aims to reduce turnaround times and maximize fleet availability for Airlines operating the C909.

A Milestone in Localized Maintenance

The Overhaul Process

The COMAC C909 is a 78–90 seat regional jet manufactured by the Chinese state-owned aerospace company COMAC. The landing gear for the aircraft was originally developed and manufactured by Liebherr-Aerospace. Because the landing gear is a safety-critical subsystem, the press release notes that its overhaul requires strict adherence to aviation maintenance procedures, dimensional tolerances, and certified inspection standards.

The overhaul process involved a comprehensive inspection, disassembly, component evaluation, replacement of wear-sensitive parts, reassembly, and final acceptance testing. According to Liebherr, initial preparation and process optimization began in 2025, culminating in final quality acceptance testing and official delivery in May 2026.

Division of Responsibilities

The project highlights a highly integrated collaboration between the OEM and the MRO provider. Liebherr-Aerospace provided technical supervision, process validation, and quality assurance throughout the entire procedure to guarantee compliance with safety and quality standards. Their direct involvement ensured that the overhaul benefited from the original product engineering expertise.

HAECO Landing Gear Services managed the physical overhaul execution, maintenance operations, and workshop integration activities.

“This collaboration represents a significant step forward for China’s civil aviation industry. By combining Liebherr’s OEM technical DNA with HAECO’s MRO excellence, we have not only restored [the landing gear but also established a localized maintenance capability]…”

Expanding a Long-Standing Partnership

Liebherr-Aerospace and HAECO have a long-standing relationship in the Asian market. Since 2017, the two companies have partnered to provide landing gear maintenance for Embraer E-Jet E1 operators in mainland China.

In November 2024, the partners celebrated the delivery of their 100th maintained Embraer E190 landing gear at HAECO’s Xiamen facility. At that time, Liebherr announced its commitment to supporting HAECO in expanding its overhaul services to include the COMAC C909. This alliance was further solidified in July 2025, when HAECO and Liebherr-Aerospace signed a comprehensive component maintenance agreement to provide repair and overhaul services for the hydraulic components of both the COMAC C909 and the larger C919 aircraft.

“Our partnership with Liebherr-Aerospace has been instrumental in enhancing our service offerings and meeting the growing demands of our customers in the Chinese Mainland. We are eager to extend our expertise to the C909 as we adapt to the evolving market.”

AirPro News analysis

We view this successful overhaul as a strategic victory for China’s broader aerospace ambitions. The ability to maintain and overhaul indigenous aircraft locally is just as important as manufacturing them. Historically, heavy maintenance for specialized aircraft components often required shipping parts overseas, leading to long turnaround times and increased costs.

Furthermore, the C909 is increasingly being adopted beyond China, reaching rapidly growing Southeast Asian aviation markets such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Having a certified, OEM-backed overhaul facility in the region ensures these operators have access to efficient, high-quality maintenance, which is critical for keeping regional fleets operational and profitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the COMAC C909?

The COMAC C909 is a 78–90 seat regional jet manufactured by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). It was formerly designated as the ARJ21, which translates to “Soaring Phoenix.”

Why is this landing gear overhaul significant?

It is the world’s first major landing gear overhaul for the C909 platform. It proves that a localized, OEM-backed maintenance infrastructure has been successfully established in China, reducing the need to ship heavy components overseas for repair.

Sources

• Liebherr Press Release

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

Sunvair has announced the Acquisitions of Miami-based maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider Aircraft Systems. The move, announced on May 11, 2026, aims to broaden Sunvair’s product and service offerings in the aerospace sector, according to the company’s official release.

The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed in the announcement. This acquisition represents a strategic expansion for Sunvair, allowing the company to deepen its component repair capabilities for commercial and cargo operators globally.

Expanding MRO Capabilities

Aircraft Systems’ Expertise

Aircraft Systems brings over 40 years of experience to the Sunvair portfolio. Based in Miami, Florida, the newly acquired company operates as a 145 FAA and EASA Repair Station. According to the press release, Aircraft Systems holds an unlimited Accessory Class I, II, and III rating, alongside limited ratings for landing gear and airframes.

The Miami-based firm specializes in a wide array of aircraft components. Their expertise covers hydraulic and electro-hydraulic accessories, landing gear components, mechanical and electro-mechanical accessories, electronic and pneumatic accessories, as well as airframe components.

Leadership Perspectives

Strategic Alignment

Executives from both companies highlighted the strategic alignment of the acquisition. Kerry Jarandson, President and CEO of Sunvair Aerospace Group, emphasized that the purchase aligns with their ongoing growth strategy to become a primary service provider for their clients.

“The acquisition of Aircraft Systems is a continuation of our strategy to expand the accessories and components we offer and provide even more services to our customers,” Jarandson stated in the press release.

Michael Foreman, President of Aircraft Systems, echoed this sentiment, noting the shared commitment to quality between the two organizations.

“For over 40 years, we have been providing our customers with the highest quality services to consistently meet and exceed their expectations. Sunvair shares that same commitment to quality and excellence, and we look forward to being part of the Sunvair family,” Foreman said.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we observe that this acquisition highlights a continuing trend of consolidation within the aerospace MRO sector. By integrating Aircraft Systems, Sunvair, a company founded in 1955 with facilities across the United States, is positioning itself as a more comprehensive, single-source provider for commercial and military operators. The addition of a Miami-based facility also strategically enhances Sunvair’s geographic footprint, particularly in a key hub for Latin American and global cargo operations. While financial details remain undisclosed, the expansion of FAA and EASA certified capabilities will likely strengthen Sunvair’s competitive edge in the component repair market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What company did Sunvair acquire?

Sunvair acquired Aircraft Systems, a Miami-based maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider.

When was the acquisition announced?

The acquisition was announced in a press release dated May 11, 2026.

What are Aircraft Systems’ specialties?

Aircraft Systems specializes in repairing and overhauling hydraulic, electro-hydraulic, mechanical, electro-mechanical, electronic, and pneumatic accessories, as well as landing gear and airframe components.

Sources

• Sunvair