Rotortrade has launched its US MRO facility in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, following successful completion of the FAA Part 145 certification process.

Rotortrade MRO USA can now approve aircraft for return-to-service on FAA-regulated rotorcraft, enabling immediate revenue growth and premium service for operators nationwide.

The 9,000sq ft Rotortrade MRO hangar at Arnold Palmer Regional airport opens as a fully certified FAA Part 145 repair station. Launched in January 2025, the facility achieved certification in less than 10 months – well ahead of industry averages – reflecting Rotortrade’s commitment to operational excellence and adherence to international maintenance standards.

“This certification and official launch represent a major step in our global strategy,” says Rotortrade CEO Philippe Lubrano. “We are proud to now offer FAA-certified maintenance services directly in the United States, reinforcing our ability to support operators with comprehensive solutions spanning sales, financing and maintenance.”

The Latrobe facility has already completed work on 15 helicopters, providing inspections, overhauls and completions. “This is only the beginning,” says Dan Mansfield, general manager, Rotortrade MRO USA. “We're gearing up for aggressive expansion: enlarging our facility, recruiting top-tier experts and rolling out our five-year plan to 2030 with crystal-clear objectives: targeting over 50 aircraft annually, securing EASA bilaterals for global reach and strengthening our partnerships across the industry. We are already in discussions with key suppliers to become official retailers of their products, allowing us to broaden our range of services and deliver even greater value to our customers, becoming North America's go-to helicopter MRO.”

The Latrobe site complements Rotortrade’s EASA-approved MRO facility in Tallard, France, positioning the company as a global maintenance provider with regional expertise. Both centres are supported by a network of 15 dealerships and partnerships with leading OEMs including Leonardo, Airbus, Bell, Safran and Pratt & Whitney.

Rotortrade MRO USA plans to expand further, adding completions, customising and overhaul capabilities, alongside new tooling and infrastructure to meet customer demand. The site will also focus on EMS and law enforcement operators, offering tailored maintenance solutions for these specialised sectors.