Rolls-Royce has run the world's most powerful aerospace gearbox for the first time, marking a significant step in the development of its new UltraFan engine design.

This is a collection of some of the thought-provoking and controversial quotes from MRO Europe 2016 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, October 18 - 20.

Every few years, a new technology with the potential to transform parts of the aviation maintenance industry comes along to fan the flames of excitement. In recent years, the spotlight has fallen on tech such as wearable devices, drones for inspections, and increasingly so in the past year, virtual reality (VR) applications.

RUAG Aviation has completed a 10-year inspection on an African based Dornier 328-300 business jet, finishing the project on schedule, within budget, and to full customer satisfaction according to the Swiss MRO provider.

In the year 2026, the North American in-service engine fleet is expected to reach more than 21,500. The LEAP engine will lead the fleet, making up 29% of the overall fleet size.

Aircraft manufacturer Bombardier is to cut a further 10% of its workforce as it seeks to restructure following slow sales of its flagship CSeries program.

OEM incursion in the aftermarket is becoming a more pressing concern for the many MROs. However, while some see this as a challenge, others view it as a opportunity for building stronger relationships and aiding growth opportunities.

India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and French aerospace giant Safran have formed a joint venture to establish a dedicated helicopter engine support center catering to customers in India.