Key Takeaways
• On June 19, 2025, Airhub Aviation signed a multi-year commercial framework agreement with Airbus.
• Agreement grants Airhub direct access to Airbus engineering, modifications, upgrades, improving fleet management.
• This deal enables faster service, higher quality, and longer aircraft lifespans reducing maintenance downtime.
On June 19, 2025, Airhub Aviation, a subsidiary of GetJet Aviation Holdings, signed a multi-year commercial framework agreement with Airbus. This new partnership gives Airhub Aviation direct access to a wide range of Airbus engineering and upgrade services. The agreement marks a major change in how Airhub Aviation manages its fleet of midlife and end-of-life Airbus aircraft. It also signals a shift in the aviation industry, as more companies look for ways to keep their planes flying longer and more efficiently.
Let’s break down what this agreement means, why it matters, and how it could affect airlines, lessors, and the broader aviation industry.
What Happened: The Key Details
Who:
– Airhub Aviation: The asset management and maintenance arm of GetJet Aviation Holdings. Airhub specializes in handling midlife and end-of-life narrowbody aircraft, especially Airbus models.
– Airbus: A leading global aircraft manufacturer, known for its popular A320 family and other commercial jets.
What:
– Multi-year commercial framework agreement that gives Airhub Aviation direct access to Airbus’ official engineering, modification, and upgrade services.
When:
– Announced and effective as of June 19, 2025.
Where:
– The agreement was signed at Airhub Aviation’s headquarters, with operations spanning Malta, Lithuania, and the United Arab Emirates.
Why:
– To streamline the process of upgrading and maintaining Airbus aircraft, reduce downtime, and improve the value and lifespan of Airhub’s fleet.
How:
– By cutting out third-party maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers, Airhub Aviation can now work directly with Airbus for certified modifications and upgrades.
What Does the Agreement Cover?
The multi-year commercial framework agreement covers a wide range of services and upgrades, including:
- OEM-certified modifications: These are official changes or improvements to the aircraft, approved by Airbus as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
- Engineering services: Direct support from Airbus engineers for technical issues, upgrades, and problem-solving.
- Advanced navigation systems: Upgrades that help planes fly more safely and efficiently.
- Safety enhancements: Improvements to make aircraft safer for passengers and crew.
- Performance upgrades: Changes that help planes use less fuel, carry more cargo, or fly longer distances.
- Cargo conversion capabilities: Turning passenger planes into cargo planes, which is especially important for older aircraft nearing the end of their passenger service life.
Duration:
The exact length of the agreement hasn’t been made public, but it’s described as “multi-year,” meaning it will last for several years and cover many aircraft.
Why Is This Important for Airhub Aviation?
Oleg Novak, Managing Director of Airhub Aviation, explained the benefits clearly:
“This direct relationship ensures optimal lead times and access to the highest quality services. It supports our asset management model, which spans the full aircraft lifecycle—from acquisition and operation to maintenance and end-of-life strategies.”
Here’s what this means in simple terms:
- Faster service: Airhub Aviation can get upgrades and repairs done more quickly, without waiting for third-party companies.
- Higher quality: All modifications and upgrades come straight from Airbus, ensuring they meet the highest standards.
- Better asset management: Airhub can manage its planes from the moment it buys them until they are retired or converted for cargo, making each aircraft more valuable over its lifetime.
- Competitive edge: By working directly with Airbus, Airhub can offer better services to airlines and leasing companies, making it a more attractive partner.
How Does This Change the Industry?
This agreement is not just good news for Airhub Aviation. It could also change how other companies manage their aircraft fleets.
For Asset Managers and Lessors
- Direct OEM relationships: Other companies may now try to make similar deals with Airbus or other manufacturers, skipping third-party MRO providers.
- Faster upgrades: Direct access means less waiting for parts or approvals, which can save money and reduce downtime.
- Longer aircraft life: With better upgrades and maintenance, planes can stay in service longer, which is good for the environment and for business.
For Airlines
- More reliable planes: Airlines that lease or operate planes managed by Airhub Aviation can expect better performance and fewer delays.
- Flexible options: With cargo conversion and other upgrades, airlines can quickly adapt to changes in demand, such as shifting from passenger to cargo flights.
For the Aviation Industry
- Setting a new standard: This deal could become a model for how other companies manage their fleets, especially as the industry faces shortages in maintenance capacity and a push for more sustainable operations.
- Supporting sustainability: By keeping planes in service longer and converting them for new uses, the industry can reduce waste and make better use of existing resources.
Step-by-Step: How the Agreement Works
Let’s look at how this new partnership will work in practice:
- Agreement Signed: Airhub Aviation and Airbus sign the multi-year commercial framework agreement.
- Direct Access Granted: Airhub Aviation now has a direct line to Airbus for engineering and upgrade services.
- Requesting Modifications: When Airhub wants to upgrade a plane—such as adding new navigation systems or converting it to carry cargo—it can request these changes directly from Airbus.
- Implementation: Airbus provides the certified parts, engineering support, and technical know-how needed to make the changes.
- Lifecycle Management: Airhub integrates these upgrades into its overall asset management plan, from buying the plane to operating it, maintaining it, and eventually retiring or converting it.
This process cuts out the middleman, making everything faster and more reliable.
What the Experts Are Saying
Several industry publications have commented on the importance of this agreement:
- AviTrader and Air Cargo Week both say this deal is a big step for Airhub Aviation’s long-term asset management. By reducing downtime and extending aircraft lifespan, Airhub can deliver more value to its clients.
- MRO Business Today notes that the agreement “redraws the lines in midlife MRO strategy,” putting Airhub at the front of a new trend in direct OEM collaboration.
- Aviation Week highlights the competitive advantage Airhub gains by having direct access to OEM-certified modifications and engineering support.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this agreement is seen as a model for other companies looking to improve their asset management and maintenance strategies.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
Airhub Aviation is based in Malta and is part of GetJet Aviation Holdings. The company has built a reputation for managing midlife and end-of-life narrowbody aircraft, especially Airbus models. In recent years, the aviation industry has faced a shortage of maintenance capacity. This means it’s harder for airlines and asset managers to get their planes serviced and upgraded quickly.
Traditionally, companies like Airhub Aviation have relied on third-party MRO providers to handle certified modifications and upgrades. These third parties act as go-betweens, getting approval and parts from the original manufacturer. This process can be slow and sometimes leads to delays or extra costs.
With this new agreement, Airhub Aviation is moving away from that old model. By working directly with Airbus, it can get things done faster, with fewer complications.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
Enhanced Competitiveness
Airhub Aviation is expected to expand its fleet support and asset management services. With direct OEM support, it can attract more clients and partners who want reliable, high-quality aircraft.
Focus on Sustainability
The aviation industry is under pressure to be more sustainable. By extending the life of existing aircraft and converting them for new uses, companies can reduce waste and make better use of resources. This partnership supports those goals.
A New Template for the Industry
This multi-year commercial framework agreement could become a template for similar deals between Airbus and other asset managers or lessors. If more companies follow this model, it could reshape how maintenance and upgrades are handled across the industry.
Multiple Perspectives: Who Benefits?
Airhub Aviation:
– Gains faster, higher-quality service for its fleet.
– Can offer better value to airlines and lessors.
– Strengthens its position in a competitive market.
Airbus:
– Gains a strategic partner focused on maximizing the value of Airbus aircraft.
– Supports its broader goals of sustainability and lifecycle management.
Industry Analysts:
– See this as a sign that the industry is moving toward more direct relationships between asset managers and manufacturers.
– Expect more companies to seek similar agreements, especially as maintenance capacity remains tight.
Practical Implications for Stakeholders
For Airlines and Lessors
- Reduced Downtime: Planes spend less time in the shop and more time flying.
- Improved Reliability: Direct OEM support means fewer surprises and better performance.
- Flexible Fleet Management: Easier to upgrade or convert planes as market needs change.
For Maintenance Providers
- Changing Role: Third-party MRO providers may need to adapt as more companies seek direct OEM relationships.
- New Opportunities: Some may partner with OEMs or focus on specialized services.
For Passengers and Cargo Customers
- Safer, More Reliable Flights: Upgraded planes mean fewer delays and safer journeys.
- More Cargo Options: As more planes are converted for cargo, shippers have more choices.
Official Contacts and Further Information
If you want to learn more about this agreement or get in touch with the companies involved, here are some useful contacts:
Airhub Aviation Headquarters:
– Floor 8, The Offices 4, One Central, Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
– Laisvės Ave. 10, Business Garden, A corpus, 04215 Vilnius, Lithuania
– Dragonara Road, St Julian’s, STJ 3140, Malta
– Airhub Aviation Website
Airbus Media Contacts:
– Guillaume Steuer: +33 6 73 82 11 68, [email protected]
– Rod Stone: +33 6 30 52 19 93, [email protected]
– Philippe Gmerek: +33 6 13 19 37 27, [email protected]
For more official information about aviation safety, aircraft certification, and maintenance standards, you can visit the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which oversees aviation safety and regulations in Europe.
Conclusion: What Should Stakeholders Do Next?
This new multi-year commercial framework agreement between Airhub Aviation and Airbus is a clear sign that the aviation industry is changing. Companies are looking for ways to keep their planes flying longer, more safely, and more efficiently. By working directly with Airbus, Airhub Aviation is setting a new standard for asset management and maintenance.
Key Takeaways:
- Direct OEM access means faster, higher-quality upgrades and maintenance.
- Airhub Aviation is now better positioned to serve airlines and lessors with reliable, flexible fleet solutions.
- The industry may see more deals like this, as companies look for ways to overcome maintenance shortages and support sustainability.
If you’re an airline, lessor, or asset manager, it’s worth considering how direct OEM relationships could benefit your operations. For passengers and cargo customers, these changes mean safer, more reliable flights and more options for shipping goods.
As the aviation world continues to evolve, partnerships like this one will play a key role in shaping the future of air travel and aircraft management.
Learn Today
Multi-year commercial framework agreement → A long-term contract outlining ongoing business collaboration between companies over several years.
OEM-certified modifications → Official aircraft changes approved by the Original Equipment Manufacturer ensuring quality and safety.
Asset management → The process of managing aircraft throughout their lifecycle to maximize value and efficiency.
Cargo conversion → Modifying passenger planes to carry cargo, often for older aircraft nearing retirement from passenger service.
MRO providers → Third-party companies handling maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircraft outside direct manufacturer services.
This Article in a Nutshell
Airhub Aviation’s new multi-year deal with Airbus revolutionizes fleet management with direct access to certified upgrades. This partnership drives faster, high-quality maintenance, extending aircraft life and boosting competitiveness in aviation maintenance and operations.
— By VisaVerge.com
