Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

AMAC Aerospace recently inaugurated a 44,130-sq-ft&nbsp;engineering center at its headquarters complex in Basel, Switzerland, to help meet growing demand for its aircraft MRO and modification services. The three-floor structure provides dedicated space for multiple disciplines, including mechanical design for stress and structures, systems, cabinets, production engineering, avionics and electrical engineering, technical documentation, and airworthiness.
With more than 160 engineers based onsite, AMAC claims to be one of the largest aviation engineering departments in Europe, supporting both airliners and business aircraft up to the size of a Boeing 747. So far this year, the team has delivered more than 160 approved modifications and has more than 50 other projects underway. The scope of work spans supplement type certificate changes including installations of satellite communications antennas and cabin interior outfitting.
Today at the Dubai Airshow, AMAC announced that Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation has extended its approval to work on aircraft registered in that country. The updated certification includes new ratings for the Bombardier Challenger 600 series and the General Electric CF34-3B engine that powers the Challenger 604 and 650.
The group’s GACA approval already covers multiple aircraft types, including the Bombardier Global Express and Gulfstream II, IV, V, G350, and G450. Its portfolio also spans the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family, A330, A310, and A340.
“Our customers are very loyal and are sometimes even willing, if needed, to adjust their maintenance slots to be able to come to AMAC Basel,” said Ruedi Kurz, the group’s director of maintenance and accountable manager. “This is a result of our flexibility and the dedication of our highly skilled employees providing the highest quality standards and adhering to the agreed aircraft downtime.”
<h2>Adding Bandwidth with Acquisitions</h2>
Earlier this year, AMAC Aerospace expanded its capabilities with the acquisition of Kreative Engineering Services. The French company, which is operating as a standalone entity, joined the group in May to provide expertise in aircraft cabin components.
Just over a year ago, AMAC’s other French subsidiary, JCB Aero, launched its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations and has since completed 24 projects with various Airbus aircraft. The facility at Auch near Toulouse is now preparing to add the Boeing 737 to its capabilities.
JCB’s core speciality is design, engineering, and production for luxury aircraft cabins, with particular expertise in composite and carbon fiber materials. Much of its work in this area over the past 12 months has involved first- and business-class interiors.
Greatly enhancing its capabilities in interior completions and modifications, AMAC has its own design studio. The team works with clients and, in some cases, their own designers to refine choices and produce detailed 3D renderings and technical drawings to support the work.
<h2>Turkey Facility Stays Busy</h2>
In Turkey, AMAC’s facility in Istanbul has reported record levels of activity in 2025, with more than 400 projects completed. There has been a strong emphasis on supporting Dassault Falcon business jets, with 15 of the new 6X model supported, as well as multiple 7X and 8X models. The team has also conducted eight C-checks and a full repainting with a new livery for a Falcon 2000.
Aircraft owners and operators served by the Istanbul location have come from as far afield as the U.S., Africa, Europe, and Asia. AMAC’s “go teams” have provided AOG support at 25 locations. The facility has also supported its colleagues in Basel with tasks such as carpet renewals.
AMAC supports owners of Bombardier’s Global and Challenger business jets, mainly in the 52,204-sq-ft hangar in Basel that it has dedicated to midsized business jets. It recently performed a 120-month inspection on an aircraft, taking the opportunity to implement a full cabin refurbishment with new wood, seats, and soft materials.
According to the company, it places a strong emphasis on the ease with which clients can get their projects completed according to their needs and specifications. It uses a “customer effort score” to assess performance in this area and has reported that, so far, this metric has achieved a 100% satisfaction rate.
The group has also been active in installing connectivity solutions, including the Gogo Galileo and Starlink systems, with the new Gogo FDX platform to be available soon. It has handled more than 40 Ka-band installations on multiple Airbus and Boeing aircraft and plans to add further types to its service offering in 2026.
<h2>Pre-purchase Inspections</h2>
Another growth activity at AMAC is its role in pre-purchase inspections for customers buying aircraft. So far this year, the company’s technical specialists have inspected 11 Bombardier models, a trio of Gulfstreams, and an Airbus jet.
Depending on the circumstances around the transaction, AMAC can provide three levels of service, as well as the option of having an inspection tailored specifically for their needs. These vary according to the level of detail, technical assurance, and transparency needed to support the acquisition.
AMAC’s IT subsidiary Gamit has announced a new version of its Records Online Asset Management (ROAM) system, which is widely used by airlines including SAS, Transavia France, Portugalia, and Condor. According to the UK-based company. ROAM V2 features multiple new features, including an enhanced artificial intelligence search engine, binder automation, new dashboards, handwriting recognition, mobile upload support, and dynamic component tracking.
The document management software has been certified to the most current SOC 2 and ISO 27001 standards. The upgraded platform can be integrated with commonly used monitoring and evaluation systems, including Amos, Trax, Ultramain, and SAP.
Gamit, which supports MRO providers and aircraft, reported a 32% increase in the volume of its business this year. Much of the growth came from increasing its logistics and material supplies capabilities for multiple Airbus and Boeing jets.
Increasingly, UK-based Gamit is active in managing repair programs, providing technical expertise to leading engine and landing gear MRO companies. Its role is to oversee component repairs and overhauls, ensuring that these are completed on time and within budget.
So far this year, it has managed multiple landing gear overhauls for 737-NGs, A320s, and Bombardier business jets, and is already booked to do more work on these platforms in 2026. Engine support this year has involved repairs and modifications to CFM56-5 engines, as well as overhauls to Honeywell and Pratt &amp; Whitney auxiliary power units.
This year, AMAC has boosted the role of its Parts &amp; Services team to ensure it is responsive to operators worldwide. In the first 10 months of 2025, it shipped parts for more than 150 AOG situations, in addition to handling routine requests.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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