Gallery: New MRO Facilities in 2022

Lindsay Bjerregaard

MTU Maintenance Zhuhai’s New Training Facility

Credit: MTU Aero Engines

MTU Maintenance Zhuhai started construction in March on a new training facility in China. The training center will be a joint venture with China Southern Airlines that will target training 50-100 engine maintenance mechanics annually. It plans to commence operations at the new training facility at the beginning of 2023.

SR Technics Opens New Malta Hangar

Credit: SR Technics

In early March, SR Technics opened a new aircraft maintenance hangar at Malta International Airport. The 430,000 ft.2 facility can accommodate up to six narrowbodies simultaneously and will give SR Technics increased capacity for heavy maintenance, C-checks and cabin modifications. The Swiss MRO plans to grow the facility’s staff by up to 500 people over the next two years.

Aeroplex Opens New Budapest Hangar

Credit: Aeroplex of Central Europe

In early March, Hungarian MRO Aeroplex of Central Europe opened a new hangar at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. The 8,200 m2 (approximately 88,000 ft.2) hangar can accommodate one widebody or four narrowbodies simultaneously and Aeroplex says it has doubled its maintenance capacity at the airport. It plans to hire for 200 new jobs at the hangar.

Vallair Opens New Chateauroux Hangar

Credit: Vallair

Vallair opened its new maintenance hangar at Marcel Dassault Airport in Chateauroux, France in late February. The 8,520 m2 (approximately 92,000 ft.2) facility can accommodate up to five Airbus A321-sized aircraft simultaneously or a combination of A330/A340s and A321s. Vallair says the new hangar will create nearly 200 new jobs in the region.

Ascent Aviation Begins Construction on Roswell Facility

Credit: Ascent Aviation Services

Ascent Aviation Services broke ground on its new facility in Roswell, New Mexico in mid-February. The MRO’s leased space at the Roswell Air Center will cover 10 acres and it plans for the maintenance hangar to be large enough to accommodate widebodies. It plans to hire 360 employees in Roswell and expects the new facility to be open by the end of 2022.

Safran Plans Nacelle MRO Repair Shop in China

Credit: Safran

Safran Nacelles announced plans at the Singapore Airshow to open a new repair facility in Suzhou, China. The 56,000 ft.2 repair station will be located at Safran’s existing complex in the Suzhou’s free economic zone. It will provide capabilities such as repair of nacelles and line replaceable units under both Civil Aviation Administration of China and European Union Aviation Safety Agency certifications. The facility is expected to begin operating in Q2 2022.

SNC Plans Ohio MRO Facilities

Credit: Sierra Nevada Corporation

On Jan. 31, Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) announced plans for two future aircraft MRO facilities at Dayton International Airport in Ohio, U.S. It says the facilities will create approximately 150 new jobs in the Dayton region, citing the area’s “extensive supply chain, highly skilled workforce and proven standing as a logistics hub” as drivers behind the decision. SNC has started construction on the first facility, which will continue throughout 2022.

Magnetic Group Opens U.S. Hub

Credit: Magnetic Group

Magnetic Group announced in late January that it is launching a new office and hub in Miami. The new location—the company’s first in the U.S.—will focus on introducing Magnetic Trading services in the local market, including spare parts and component solutions, a total asset management program, repair management and AOG spare parts supply. It will also have engine stands available for lease through its EngineStands24 subsidiary.

Nordam Asia Ltd. Opens in Taiwan

Credit: Nordam Asia Ltd.

On Jan. 25, China Airlines and Nordam opened a new joint-venture aircraft component repair facility in Taiwan. Located at Taoyuan International Airport, the 5,828 m.2 facility (approximately 63,000 ft.2) facility, called Nordam Asia Ltd., will provide MRO services for components such as fan and inlet cowls, flight controls, radomes and reversers.

A look at new MRO facilities around the world that have opened or started construction in 2022.

Lindsay Bjerregaard

Lindsay Bjerregaard is managing editor for Aviation Week’s MRO portfolio. Her coverage focuses on MRO technology, workforce, and product and service news for AviationWeek.com, Aviation Week Marketplace and Inside MRO.