ExecuJet MRO Services Australasia wraps heavy check on Indonesian Legacy 600

ExecuJet MRO Services Australia has completed a major 20-year scheduled airframe inspection on an Indonesian-registered Embraer Legacy 600 at its Sydney facility, underscoring the company’s ability to attract heavy maintenance work from across Asia.  The 20-year inspection is one of the heaviest maintenance checks done on the Legacy 600, as it involves removal of the leading gear and the cabin interior, so as to examine hard-to-reach areas for in-depth inspections. Maintenance engineers then carry out Direct Visual Inspection to assess structural fatigue. During the inspection, a few defects requiring highly specialised repairs were discovered. ExecuJet worked closely with Embraer and specialist engineering partners to coordinate expertise and specialised equipment from North America and Europe to Australia. Once on-site, the specialist team deployed a custom-built line boring jig to precisely restore the parts that needed it. The work required accuracy measured to thousandths of an inch, highlighting the precision engineering and international coordination involved in resolving a complex structural finding during heavy maintenance. ExecuJet MRO Services Australia is certified by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and currently performs about three airframe heavy maintenance checks on Indonesian-registered aircraft per year. Grant Ingall, Regional Vice President Australasia at ExecuJet MRO Services, says: “Our customers value the level of access and transparency we provide throughout the maintenance process. Customers can visit the hangar to see their aircraft being worked on and speak directly to maintenance engineers and technicians working on their aircraft. If an unexpected defect is identified, being able to see and understand the issue firsthand can make the decision-making and approval process much more straightforward,” he adds. ExecuJet’s support for Indonesian operators is further strengthened by Indonesian-speaking members of its Australian team, providing customers with a familiar point of contact throughout their maintenance visit. “We have built a strong relationship with the Indonesian business aviation community over a number of years. It goes beyond carrying out the maintenance itself. Having people who can communicate with customers in their own language, keep them informed and support them while they are here helps make what can be a complex maintenance event much easier to manage,” says Ingall. ExecuJet expects further Indonesian aircraft to arrive at its Australian facilities for major maintenance over the coming months. HondaJet Echelon advances with first wing assembly (IMAGE: HondaJet) Honda Aircraft Company announced completion of the first wing structure of the HondaJet Echelon test unit, marking a significant milestone in the aircraft’s development and advancing the program toward mainline final assembly. The HondaJet Echelon will feature a larger cabin with increased passenger capacity compared to the current HA-420 and is designed to become the world’s first single-pilot certified light jet capable of U.S. transcontinental range*, bringing the award-winning design features of the HondaJet to a new segment of the aviation market. This assembly milestone reflects continued progress across the HondaJet Echelon development program as the company, which is now targeting first flight in 2028 and type certification and first delivery in 2031. The updated timeline reflects tier-one supplier-related schedule adjustments and ongoing development activities, ensuring the aircraft meets the highest standards of quality and performance. Structural testing activities have advanced with key component tests complete. System integration efforts continue through Honda Aircraft’s Integrated Test Facility, where a fully operational cockpit test environment is supporting active integration campaigns, and a second cockpit is being commissioned to evaluate key aircraft systems prior to the test aircraft taking flight. Manufacturing activities have also accelerated, with more than 70% of parts required for first assembly now on hand and more than 88,400 sq feet now provisioned for manufacturing the Echelon. “The HondaJet Echelon continues to take shape through the dedication and expertise of our associates and numerous OEM supplier partners,” said Amod Kelkar, Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer and HondaJet Echelon Program Leader at Honda Aircraft Company. “Completion of the first wing assembly represents an important achievement as we continue advancing testing, systems integration, and equipment qualification activity across the program. In spite of some schedule challenges, with steady progress towards the final assembly, we are committed to delivering an aircraft that will redefine light jet performance, efficiency, and capability.” The HondaJet Echelon is planned to incorporate foundational technologies, including Honda Aircraft Company’s breakthrough Over the Wing Engine Mount, composite fuselage, and advanced avionics. Features like Auto Throttle, Emergency Autoland, Autobrake, Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS), and the Advanced Steering Augmentation System (ASAS) will offer an unprecedented combination of size, range, safety, productivity, comfort, and fuel efficiency. “With more than 530 signed letters of intent, enthusiasm from customers around the world remains exceptionally strong,” said Kelkar. “That confidence reflects the unique value customers see in the aircraft’s planned combination of range, comfort, and single-pilot capability. As we achieve each new development milestone, we remain focused on delivering an aircraft that will open new possibilities for operators and owners around the world.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]