Engine spare parts not manufactured by the original equipment manufacturer may become harder to find in the future. While engine OEMs' assertive practices to expand their share of the engine aftermarket plays a big role, leasing companies, which own a growing part of the global fleet, are now playing a more dominant role, too

Many MRO providers have shied away from VIP completions in the past, concerned about the complexity involved and skills needed. But lately, several companies have determined that this potentially lucrative sector will prove worth the effort. Ameco Beijing, ST Aerospace and SR Technics are prominent examples of MRO specialists now in the process of entering or growing in the sector. All face long-established competitors such as Lufthansa Technik or Jet Aviation, which have held quasi-monopolies in this niche market.

To understand the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market, one first needs to understand the worldwide airline fleet. TeamSAI notes in its global MRO forecast for 2012-22 that the airline fleet grew 3.2% in 2011 to 20,840 in-service commercial jet aircraft. Expect the passenger fleet to grow 4.4% and the cargo fleet to increase 3.3% each year in the next decade, predicts TeamSAI in the 10-year MRO forecast it unveils this week at Aviation Week's MRO Americas Conference.

The competitive landscape for future parts pricing is being laid now with the contracts airlines sign in acquiring new aircraft.

Lufthansa Technik Philippines opened a third hangar in Manila, Philippines, announced in early Feb. The new facility, worth $30 million, is 8,500 square-meters and 35 meters high. The space is big enough for technicians to work simultaneously on one widebody aircraft and two narrowbodies. Training

A J Walter Aviation appointed Clive Richardson as regional sales director for its engine division. He brings experience from GE, Goodrich and ADAT.

ST Aerospace Mobile issued STC to modify the passenger aircraft to cargo/passenger (combi) configuration on Boeing 757-200 aircraft, STC ST03952AT

Air Services, a division of Constant Aviation, announced the opening of a satellite accessory and composite facility in Columbus, Ohio.