AAR acquires HAECO Americas: AAR announced it has acquired HAECO Americas from HAECO Group for $78 million in an all-cash transaction, subject to customary adjustments. The acquisition immediately expands AAR’s maintenance footprint and accelerates the company’s strategic objective to grow its Repair & Engineering segment. The purchase price represents a high single-digit multiple of last twelve months EBITDA before the impact of any synergies. HAECO Americas is the second-largest heavy maintenance provider in North America behind AAR. The business performs heavy aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and modification services at two facilities, one in Greensboro, North Carolina, and one in Lake City, Florida, for leading commercial airlines. “AAR has become the most sought-after heavy maintenance provider in North America, and we are excited to extend our leadership position with the acquisition of HAECO Americas. Over the last few years, we have significantly invested in training, lean initiatives, and proprietary technology to enhance quality and efficiency in our MRO operations. These efforts have resulted in reduced turn-around times for our customers, higher employee retention, and meaningful increases to operating margins. We plan to apply our successful model to the HAECO Americas facilities and expect to significantly improve profitability and operational performance,” said John M. Holmes, AAR’s Chairman, President and CEO. “In connection with the transaction, we have secured agreements with key customers, totalling over $850 million in sales over a multi-year period. These agreements, which effectively sell out the two HAECO Americas facilities, reflect strong demand and our close customer relationships. Moreover, these new facilities will allow us to further optimize our North American footprint, which we expect will lead to incremental margin expansion overall for our Repair & Engineering segment as we execute the integration.”
TRU Simulation receives Japanese OK for flight training device: TRU Simulation + Training announced the SUBARU Bell 412EPX Flight Training Device (FTD) has received Level 5 qualification from the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), marking a significant milestone in advancing rotorcraft training capabilities in Japan. Developed in collaboration with Bell, the FTD supports SUBARU’s mission in civil aviation by enabling pilots to train for a wide range of operations—from routine transport to complex search and rescue (SAR) missions. This marks the second TRU-built FTD delivered to SUBARU, reflecting continued efforts to equip their training programs with advanced simulation tools. Designed to replicate real-world flight conditions and emergency scenarios, its immersive capabilities help ensure crews are technically proficient and adaptable in high-stakes environments. The aerodynamics model, engine, controls and sound models of the SUBARU Bell 412EPX FTD are designed to achieve the highest possible fidelity, ensuring pilots have a realistic training experience. The device is capable of simulating flight, ground starting and run-up procedures, ground emergencies and in-flight emergencies. Pilots can train in both visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR) environments on the device. Additionally, the custom visual system database of the FTD enhances the training experience by providing full immersion and the capability for search and rescue (SAR) training.
HK Express signs MoU with Penang Global Tourism: HK Express Airways (HK Express) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Penang Global Tourism, Malaysia, formally formalising a strategic partnership on 27 October 2025. The two parties will collaborate over two years in areas including market promotion, flight schedule optimisation, passenger experience, and industry cooperation, working together to drive tourism exchange and economic interaction between Hong Kong, neighbouring Greater Bay Area cities, and Penang, which will provide travellers with more convenient and diversified travel options. According to the MoU, both parties will allocate a total of seven figures in HKD in promotional resources. HK Express increased the frequency of its Hong Kong-Penang route to two daily flights from October this year, offering greater flexibility for business travellers, holidaymakers, and travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFR). Leveraging the Cathay Pacific Group’s global network, Penang will now be seamlessly connected to over 100 destinations, facilitating a two-way flow of passengers. Jeanette Mao, CEO of HK Express, said: “Since launching the Penang route in November 2024, demand has grown strongly and steadily, with an average load factor of around 80 percent. In the Winter 2025 season, we have doubled frequency to 14 flights per week, offering real choice with 11:55 am daytime and 8 pm late-evening departures. This step-up is the result of HK Express’s network and schedule investment, together with the strong support and promotional drive of the Penang State Government and Penang Global Tourism. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen connectivity through Hong Kong to Penang and beyond, deepen joint promotions, and leverage our network to bring more visitors in both directions. To support this, we will both commit marketing investment to amplify our co‑marketing, digital content, and trade initiatives.”
ALSIM’s new AL2006 simulator joins Professional Aviation Academy in Italy: At the European Airline Training Symposium (EATS) in Portugal, ALSIM announced Professional Aviation Academy in Italy is among the first to integrate the brand-new AL2006 simulator, designed to replicate the Tecnam P2006T NG. This acquisition reinforces the academy’s commitment to delivering high-quality, realistic multi-engine pilot training. The AL2006 faithfully reproduces the Tecnam P2006T NG, a highly regarded, cost-efficient multi-engine trainer. Designed to FTD Level 5 and EASA FNPT II standards, offering a full-size flight deck replica, a semi-enclosed instructor station, active control loading, and a specific flight model based on aircraft flight characteristics. For maximum realism, the AL2006 is equipped with an immersive visual system featuring three high-definition laser projectors, enhanced by a vibration cueing system, and delivering an impressive 210° x 50° field of view. It also includes the original Garmin G1000 NXi and GFC 700 autopilot, ensuring an authentic experience that closely replicates the real aircraft’s cockpit environment — a world first for a P2006T NG simulator.
Jetstar connects Sunshine Coast to Bali and Singapore: Jetstar announced the launch of direct flights from Sunshine Coast Airport (SCA) to Singapore via Bali. Commencing March 2026, the new service marks the first direct connection between the Sunshine Coast and Southeast Asia providing seamless access to one of the world’s most dynamic travel and business hubs – and onward connectivity to more than 100 global destinations. Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills said the announcement represents a transformational moment for the region in terms of growth and global reach. “This is a game changer for the Sunshine Coast,” Mills said. “For the first time, locals can fly direct to Bali for an island holiday. Our research shows that this is a highly sought after destination for locals. But it gets even better – after a short stop in Bali the flight continues on to Singapore – a global hub. Travelling to Singapore via Bali allows passengers to connect to destinations right across Asia, Europe and beyond. It opens the world to our region and provides more opportunity for international travellers to land directly at our airport, only minutes from beautiful beaches and hinterland. The new route will strengthen the Sunshine Coast’s position as a global gateway for Queensland and enhance access for international visitors looking to explore the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and the wider region.”
AerFin and Turning Rock Partners announce partnership: Turning Rock Partners, a private investment firm based in New York, announced a new asset-backed financing through the acquisition of three Airbus A320neo airframes in partnership with AerFin, the aviation asset specialist that buys, sells, leases and repairs aircraft, engines and parts. “We’re excited to partner with AerFin on this transaction, which demonstrates Turning Rock’s ability to originate and structure differentiated investments backed by tangible assets,” said Turning Rock Partners’ Head of Credit Sha Khoja. “This investment underscores TRP’s continued focus on sourcing opportunities in asset-heavy sectors where capital inefficiencies and market dislocation create compelling entry points.” Under the terms of the transaction, the assets will be integrated into a structured revenue pooling arrangement, under which AerFin will manage the teardown, maintenance, and parts distribution processes With logistics hubs and facilities strategically located in Miami, London, Newport and Singapore, AerFin has built long standing relationships with major global airlines and MROs, and has been proven to deliver exceptional part-out value and ensure high utilisation of harvested material, providing diversified exposure and steady cash distributions over the investment period. “This partnership reflects the confidence investors have in AerFin’s ability to maximise value from next-generation assets like the A320neo,” said Simon Goodson, CEO of AerFin. “Our technical expertise and proven track record in strategic asset monetisation enable us to deliver efficient, sustainable solutions that unlock value and create long-term benefits for our partners.”
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