MRO & Manufacturing
RTC Aerospace Acquires Automatic Products Co. in Washington
RTC Aerospace acquires Automatic Products Co., adding a 120,000-sq-ft Washington facility in its third deal since 2022.
RTC Aerospace announced on June 2, 2026, the acquisition of Washington-based Automatic Products Co., marking the largest expansion in the manufacturer’s history and its third acquisition since partnering with Stellex Capital Management in 2022.
The transaction, detailed in a company press release, adds a 120,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Sumner, Washington, to the RTC Aerospace (RTCA) portfolio. Automatic Products Co. (APC) specializes in precision milling, turning components, and mechanical assemblies utilizing advanced materials such as Inconel, titanium, and stainless steel for the aerospace, defense, and space sectors. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Strategic expansion and capacity growth
The acquisition is designed to increase RTCA’s production capacity to meet growing demand across mission-critical industries. APC founder and president Joel Gregory noted that the partnership will enhance the combined strengths of both organizations as customer requirements scale upward.
“The team at APC welcomes our new partners at RTCA and is proud to join in its mission to provide high-quality products and customer service to our valued customers,” Gregory stated.
RTCA leadership views the integration of APC as a foundational step for future scaling. Daniel Schuerman, chief financial officer of RTCA, described the acquisition as a milestone in a multi-year strategy to build a platform capable of serving highly technical aerospace and defense programs. Schuerman added that the investment creates a stronger organization expected to support growing customer needs across the value chain.
Private equity backing and sector consolidation
The APC acquisition represents the third such transaction for RTCA since the company joined the Stellex Capital Management platform in 2022. Stellex has actively supported RTCA’s expansion strategy within the aerospace and defense manufacturing supply-chain, providing the capital required to execute large-scale integrations.
“RTCA has grown into a well-regarded manufacturer across the aerospace and defense industries, and we believe this partnership with APC enhances RTCA’s position as a provider of highly technical manufacturing and engineering solutions,” said Catherine DeMarco, principal at Stellex.
The move aligns with broader industry trends of consolidation among lower-tier aerospace suppliers. Prime contractors and major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) increasingly rely on scaled, well-capitalized partners to manage complex material requirements and sustain high production rates without supply chain interruptions.
AirPro News analysis
We view RTCA’s acquisition of APC as a textbook example of private equity’s current playbook in the aerospace supply chain. By acquiring a facility with established capabilities in difficult-to-machine materials like Inconel and titanium, RTCA is positioning itself to capture higher-margin work in the defense and space sectors. Furthermore, the 120,000-square-foot footprint in Washington state places the expanded company in close geographic proximity to major Pacific Northwest aerospace manufacturing hubs, potentially streamlining logistics for key regional customers and insulating the company against broader supply chain volatility.
Sources: Business Wire
Photo Credit: RTC Aerospace
MRO & Manufacturing
FL Technics LLC Adds Four Aircraft Type Approvals in UAE
FL Technics LLC expands UAE line maintenance to 11 aircraft types, adding A350, B777, B787, and 737 MAX approvals.
Abu Dhabi-based maintenance provider FL Technics LLC has expanded its line maintenance capabilities in the United Arab Emirates by securing approvals for four new wide-body and new-generation narrow-body aircraft types.
In a press release issued on August 19, 2026, the Avia Solutions Group subsidiary announced it is now authorized to service the Airbus A350, Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Boeing 737 MAX equipped with CFM International LEAP-1B engines. The approvals cover operations at Zayed International Airport (AUH), Dubai International Airport (DXB), and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), as well as managed outstations in the region.
Expanding Middle East maintenance capacity
The addition of these four Commercial-Aircraft types brings the total number of airframes covered by FL Technics LLC in the region to 11, according to reporting by Aviation Week. The approved line maintenance services include daily checks, borescope inspections, defect rectifications, troubleshooting, engine changes, and 24/7 aircraft-on-ground (AOG) support.
The company is also utilizing its flying-spanner services to support regional outstations and specialized maintenance requests. Aviation Week noted that FL Technics engineers have completed 1,500 flying-spanner assignments for customers over the past two years.
Strategic positioning in the UAE
The capability expansion targets the high volume of international fleets transiting through the UAE, which serves as a primary global connecting hub. Arif Alameri, CEO of FL Technics LLC, stated that the approvals represent a critical step in meeting the changing fleet requirements of Airlines operating in the Middle-East.
“Our objective is to provide airlines with greater access to capable and reliable line maintenance support across our UAE stations, while also supporting their regional operations and outstation requirements as our network continues to develop,” Alameri said.
Alameri added that the company intends to further strengthen its presence in the UAE and grow its support network for airlines across their wider operational footprints.
AirPro News analysis
We view this capability expansion as a necessary alignment with the current fleet demographics dominating Middle Eastern airspace. The Airbus A350, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 form the backbone of long-haul transit operations through Dubai and Abu Dhabi. By securing approvals for these specific wide-body types, alongside the increasingly common Boeing 737 MAX, FL Technics is positioning itself to capture a larger share of third-party line maintenance from foreign carriers that do not have dedicated technical infrastructure at these major UAE hubs. The emphasis on flying-spanner services also highlights a growing demand for mobile, on-demand technical support to resolve AOG situations quickly in high-traffic regions.
Sources: FL Technics
Photo Credit: FL Technics
MRO & Manufacturing
Topcast and AmSafe Sign Exclusive Greater China MRO Deal
Topcast and AmSafe partner exclusively to distribute and repair aviation restraint systems across Greater China.
Topcast and AmSafe have signed an exclusive partnership agreement to distribute and repair aviation restraint systems across the Greater China region. The deal, announced on August 13, 2026, aims to reduce maintenance turnaround times for local airlines and operators by localizing aftermarket support.
In a press release detailing the arrangement, Topcast confirmed the partnership will integrate AmSafe’s restraint technologies with its established regional distribution network. The collaboration targets maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers seeking improved product availability and streamlined repair services.
Strengthening regional aftermarket support
The agreement addresses a growing operational requirement among carriers in Greater China for faster maintenance cycles. By positioning AmSafe’s original equipment manufacturer (OEMs) components closer to end-users, the partnership is structured to minimize operational downtime associated with shipping critical safety equipment out of the region for repair.
Topcast will manage the distribution of new restraint systems while providing localized repair capabilities. This dual approach allows MRO facilities to source parts and complete required maintenance with fewer logistical delays.
Supply-Chain integration
The aviation aftermarket is increasingly shifting toward localized supply chains to mitigate global shipping constraints. Integrating OEM expertise directly into regional support networks has become a standard strategy for maintaining fleet availability.
Under the exclusive terms, Topcast serves as the primary conduit for AmSafe products in the designated territory. The arrangement ensures that operators have direct access to certified restraint systems and approved repair protocols without relying on extended international supply lines.
AirPro News analysis
We view this exclusive agreement as a necessary evolution for aftermarket support in the Asia-Pacific market. As airlines push for higher utilization rates, the tolerance for extended component repair times has vanished. By securing exclusive rights for AmSafe products in Greater China, Topcast solidifies its position as a critical node in the regional supply chain, while AmSafe gains a reliable partner to navigate the logistical complexities of the local market.
Sources: Topcast
Photo Credit: Topcast
MRO & Manufacturing
Gulfstream Completes Solar Installation at Mesa MRO Facility
Gulfstream’s 4,000-panel solar array at its Mesa, Arizona MRO site generates over 4 million kWh annually and earned LEED Gold certification.
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has completed the installation of a 4,000-panel solar network at its Mesa, Arizona, MRO facility, enabling the site to operate entirely on renewable electricity during peak demand periods.
In a press release issued on August 19, 2026, the General Dynamics subsidiary confirmed the system will generate over 4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. The 225,000-square-foot service center, located at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA), also secured Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Expanding renewable infrastructure
The Mesa MRO facility officially opened for operations in early 2025 following an initial $70 million investment announcement on November 9, 2021. The newly completed solar array includes extensive carport installations designed to maximize energy capture across the facility footprint.
“By continuing to invest in renewable energy technologies at our facilities, Gulfstream is making meaningful progress toward our goal of lowering our environmental footprint,” said Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. “As a sustainable aviation leader, we remain committed to advancing environmental and clean-energy initiatives that support our industry.”
Mesa becomes the sixth Gulfstream facility to integrate solar power infrastructure. The completion follows a similar announcement on July 16, 2026, when the manufacturer activated a 2,700-panel rooftop solar portfolio at its Research and Development Campus in Savannah, Georgia.
Broader sustainability and fuel initiatives
Alongside facility upgrades, Gulfstream detailed ongoing reductions in its operational emissions profile. The company reported a 25% increase in its use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) over the past 12 months. To date, the manufacturer’s corporate aircraft fleet has flown 3.5 million nautical miles using SAF.
The company is also testing the upper limits of alternative fuel viability. On July 7, 2026, Gulfstream became the first business aviation original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to complete a high-altitude flight test campaign using 100% neat SAF, demonstrating its potential to reduce contrail-forming particle emissions at altitudes up to 50,000 feet.
According to the manufacturer, its current family of business jets delivers a 33% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to previous-generation models.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that business aviation manufacturers are increasingly leveraging ground-based infrastructure upgrades to meet near-term corporate sustainability targets. While scaling SAF production and developing next-generation propulsion systems remain the primary pathways for decarbonizing flight operations, those technologies require long development cycles and complex supply chains. Facility improvements like the Mesa solar array provide OEMs with immediate, measurable reductions in their overall carbon footprint while the broader aviation ecosystem works to mature in-flight sustainability solutions.
Sources: Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.
Photo Credit: Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.
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