Advanced materials manufacturer Syensqo has secured a multi-year agreement to supply Airbus with composite materials across its commercial, defense, space, and helicopter programs.

Announced in a press release on July 29, 2026, the contract secures a critical supply chain for the European aerospace manufacturer amid sustained industry demand for lightweight aircraft components. The agreement covers the provision of prepregs, Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) resins, adhesives, and primers.

Farnborough finalization and product scope

Representatives from both companies finalized the details of the agreement during the Farnborough International Airshow earlier in July 2026. The materials supplied under this contract will support manufacturing across the entire Airbus portfolio, from commercial aircraft to specialized defense and rotary-wing platforms.

Rodrigo Elizondo, President of Syensqo Composite Materials, stated that the contract reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to the aerospace sector and reinforces its position as a trusted partner to major manufacturers.

“Syensqo is proud to continue supporting Airbus programs through this new supply agreement,” Elizondo said in the release. “We look forward to deepening our commercial and technical collaboration with Airbus as we work together to support the future growth of aerospace manufacturing.”

Broader aerospace footprint

The Airbus agreement solidifies civil aviation as a primary growth driver for Syensqo, which employs approximately 13,000 associates across 30 countries. The company has been actively expanding its presence in next-generation aerospace markets alongside its traditional manufacturing contracts.

During the Farnborough International Airshow, Syensqo also highlighted its partnership with Vertical Aerospace. The materials supplier is providing proprietary technology for the development of Vertical Aerospace’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, indicating a dual focus on traditional original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and emerging advanced air mobility platforms.

AirPro News analysis

We view this multi-year agreement as a strategic stabilization move for Airbus. As aerospace manufacturers continue to ramp up production rates to meet record backlogs, securing long-term commitments for specialized composite materials is essential to prevent supply chain bottlenecks. Syensqo’s concurrent investments in both legacy OEMs like Airbus and emerging eVTOL developers position the materials supplier to capitalize on the industry’s broader transition toward lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft architectures.

Sources: Syensqo

GetJet Airlines and Airhub Aviation have appointed 2026 Dakar Rally Truck category winner Vaidotas Žala as their brand ambassador to help recruit technical talent for the companies’ expanding maintenance operations in Lithuania.

In a press release issued on July 20, 2026, the GetJet Group subsidiaries outlined the long-term partnership. The initiative aims to draw parallels between elite motorsport and commercial aviation maintenance, specifically targeting automotive professionals to fill approximately 200 new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) positions at bases in Vilnius and Šiauliai.

Bridging motorsport and aviation maintenance

The collaboration highlights shared operational values between rally racing and aircraft maintenance. Both sectors require strict adherence to safety protocols, rapid problem-solving, and precise mechanical execution. By aligning with a three-time Lithuanian Rally Champion, GetJet Group intends to raise the profile of aviation maintenance careers among mechanics and engineers outside the aerospace industry.

As part of the agreement, the aviation companies will provide support for Žala as he prepares to compete in the 2027 Dakar Rally.

“Vaidotas is preparing for one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges – the Dakar Rally. The technology and environments are different, but the principles remain the same: success depends on preparation, precision and the ability to respond quickly when conditions change. We are proud to support Vaidotas on this journey and look forward to being part of his future Dakar journey,” said Inga Duglas, CEO of GetJet Airlines.

MRO expansion and workforce recruitment

Earlier in 2026, GetJet Group announced a significant expansion of its MRO capabilities in Lithuania. The company is actively recruiting for roles including aircraft maintenance engineers, technicians, supply chain managers, and logistics specialists to support its growing fleet and third-party maintenance services.

The operator noted that several of its current technical employees successfully transitioned into aviation from the automotive sector. The ambassador program with Žala is designed to accelerate this cross-industry recruitment pipeline to meet the staffing demands of the new Vilnius and Šiauliai facilities.

AirPro News analysis

We view this cross-industry recruitment strategy as a practical response to the persistent shortage of qualified aviation maintenance personnel. With GetJet Group securing US$31 million in external financing from Volofin Capital Management Ltd in April 2026 to fund aircraft renewal and asset management expansion, capital is available to grow the business. Executing that growth requires a robust technical workforce. Targeting high-performance automotive technicians provides access to a labor pool already accustomed to strict tolerances and complex mechanical systems, potentially reducing the training burden required to transition them into certified aviation roles.

Sources: GetJet Group

On July 31, 2026, Britten-Norman rolled out Aircraft 2317 from its Bembridge facility on the Isle of Wight, marking the first time in nearly six decades that an Islander aircraft has been fully manufactured in the United Kingdom.

The manufacturer confirmed via an official statement that electrical power has been applied to the nine-seat subregional aircraft. Key components, including the engines, propellers, cowlings, electrical systems, brakes, and flight controls, are fully installed. The milestone represents the culmination of a reshoring initiative announced in June 2023 to return production to the company’s historic British headquarters.

Reshoring production and workforce expansion

Since 1968, major assemblies for the Islander were manufactured overseas. Reporting by Aviation Week notes that this production primarily took place in Romania before the components were shipped to the UK for final assembly. The completion of Aircraft 2317 signals the end of that distributed manufacturing model and a return to localized production.

To support the new Bembridge production line, Britten-Norman has invested in state-of-the-art Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment. The company has also actively recruited new personnel, increasing its workforce by 40% since the reshoring program was announced. The manufacturer currently maintains a headcount of 150 employees.

In a press release detailing the production progress, Britten-Norman Chief Operating Officer Richard Milne highlighted the operational milestone.

“Reaching the current level of completion is an excellent achievement for our team and a clear demonstration of the capability we have built at the Bembridge site,” Milne stated.

Technical specifications and FIGAS delivery

Aircraft 2317, registered as G-FRZT, is a Britten-Norman BN2B-26 Islander equipped with Lycoming O-540-E4C5 engines. Following the July 31 rollout and power-on, the airframe is now undergoing final preparations for its ground test program.

The aircraft is the first of four Islanders ordered by the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS). The operator utilizes the aircraft to provide essential connectivity and transport between remote settlements across the South Atlantic territory. Delivery of Aircraft 2317 to FIGAS is scheduled for late September 2026.

The Bembridge line is already processing additional airframes. In June 2026, Britten-Norman reported that a second airframe was nearing 25% completion on the same assembly line.

AirPro News analysis

We view the successful power-on of Aircraft 2317 as a critical validation of Britten-Norman’s reshoring strategy. Moving final assembly and major component manufacturing back to the Isle of Wight after decades of reliance on Eastern European supply chains reduces logistical vulnerabilities and gives the manufacturer tighter oversight of its production timeline. The upcoming delivery of this airframe to the Falkland Islands will serve as a highly visible test of the new Bembridge production line’s quality control and output consistency. If the ground test program proceeds without delays, the company will be well-positioned to accelerate work on the subsequent airframes in the FIGAS order.

Sources: Britten-Norman LinkedIn