AnimaWings Selects SAMCO for A220 Base Maintenance

Romanian operator AnimaWings has inducted another Airbus A220-300 into its growing fleet following the completion of livery and engineering work by SAMCO Aircraft Maintenance and MAAS Aviation. The aircraft’s release to service coincides with a formal agreement signed on September 3, 2026, designating SAMCO as the base maintenance provider for the airline’s A220 operations.

The preparation of the new narrowbody aircraft took place at Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) in the Netherlands. According to a company statement, SAMCO partnered with neighboring facility MAAS Aviation to provide an integrated induction solution for the carrier.

Integrated maintenance and livery operations

The induction process required coordination between specialized aviation service providers at the Dutch airport. MAAS Aviation completed the aircraft painting and livery application, while SAMCO managed the regulatory and engineering requirements necessary for commercial operations.

SAMCO utilized its European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 21 approval to manage the workscope preparation and design elements of the induction. Following the physical painting process, the maintenance provider officially released the aircraft into commercial service under its Part 145 certification. In its announcement, SAMCO stated the co-located collaboration ensured a “smooth transition from the paint shop to the skies.”

AnimaWings fleet expansion and maintenance strategy

The recent aircraft delivery aligns with a broader operational partnership between the Romanian carrier and the Dutch maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider. AviTrader reported that on September 3, 2026, AnimaWings officially selected SAMCO to provide tailored base maintenance services for its expanding Airbus A220 fleet to ensure long-term operational availability and reliability.

AnimaWings is currently executing a fleet modernization strategy with a stated target of operating 18 aircraft by the end of 2027. The airline has centered this growth on the Airbus A220-300. According to Skies Mag, the aircraft type delivers a 25% reduction in fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft, supporting the carrier’s efficiency targets.

AirPro News analysis

We view the co-location of specialized aviation services at regional hubs like Maastricht Aachen Airport as a significant advantage for growing carriers. By utilizing adjacent facilities for painting and engineering release, operators can minimize non-revenue repositioning flights and reduce overall aircraft downtime. For a carrier like AnimaWings scaling rapidly toward an 18-aircraft fleet, securing a dedicated base maintenance provider that can also manage induction workflows provides critical operational stability during a period of high growth.

Sources: SAMCO Aircraft Maintenance