Ontic, a manufacturer of certified aerospace components, has signed a partnership agreement with CFS Aeroproducts (CFS Aero), the Warwick-based engine and APU MRO specialist, to jointly develop engine and APU licensing, transition and support programmes for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the companies announced ahead of the Farnborough International Airshow, running July 20 to 24.
The agreement, announced this morning at the Farnborough International Airshow, pairs Ontic's licensing model, which has transitioned more than 200 product lines from aerospace OEMs, with CFS Aero's engine and APU repair, overhaul, testing and design authority expertise. CFS Aero holds UK CAA, EASA and FAA approvals and operates a dedicated test cell built for A320, A220 and Boeing 737 APUs, representing an investment of £1.5 million.
For operators of established narrowbody fleets, including the aircraft types most widely flown by low-cost and regional carriers, the arrangement is aimed at securing continuity of engine and APU support as OEMs redirect engineering and production capacity toward next-generation propulsion programmes. Ontic said established engine and APU product lines will continue to power aircraft remaining in service for decades, with support obligations extending well beyond OEM development cycles.
"OEMs have told us they want the same continuity for their established engine and APU programmes that we already provide across hundreds of other product lines. That is precisely what this agreement unlocks," said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, chief executive officer of Ontic. "CFS Aero's engineering and MRO pedigree is second to none. Combined with our licensing model and global aftermarket reach, we can give these programmes the investment and attention they deserve, and keep operators' fleets supported for a lifetime of flight."
"This agreement brings together two businesses with complementary strengths," said David Newhouse, chief executive officer of CFS Aero. "We have spent years building deep technical expertise in engines and APUs, from repair and overhaul through to design authority responsibilities. Partnering with Ontic connects that expertise to the commercial scale, capital and OEM relationships needed to take on programmes of a size and ambition neither of us would pursue alone."
CFS Aero, in operation since 1994, brings more than 30 years of engine and APU experience, including type certificate holder responsibilities, to the partnership. Ontic contributes financial capacity, supply chain reach and a global customer support network built on its existing lifetime-support portfolio.
The two companies said they will jointly explore engine and APU licensing, transition and support opportunities across the global aerospace market, targeting programmes that require long-term backing beyond what individual OEMs can commit alone. Ontic is exhibiting at Farnborough on stand 4120.
