Daher Aircraft has inaugurated a new spare parts, maintenance, equipment overhaul and logistics centre in western France that expands the company's support capabilities for a broad range of aircraft, from helicopters and training aircraft to legacy general aviation types built by its predecessor companies.

The facility occupies a purpose-built 6,000 sqm building at Jonzac-Neulles airport in France's Charente-Maritime Department, replacing Daher Aircraft's previous Merpins operation, located 25 kilometres to the north.

Its expanded workspace ensures continuity for Daher Aircraft's ongoing support and services contracts, while also providing capacity for future growth and business development. In addition, the new facility's direct access to Jonzac-Neulles airport's 1,370 m runway opens new opportunities for on-aircraft maintenance and technical support.

Construction of the new building was undertaken by the Communauté des Communes de Haute Saintonge under the leadership of then-president Claude Belot, who attended the inauguration. Also present at the event were Christophe Cabri, current president of the Communauté des Communes de Haute Saintonge and mayor of Jonzac, together with other elected officials and government representatives.

“This inauguration marks another important step in Daher Aircraft's commitment to further strengthening our global support network and the comprehensive services it provides,” says Nicolas Chabbert, the CEO of Daher Aircraft. “Today's milestone also is an opportunity to recognise the commitment of Claude Belot and the Communauté des Communes de Haute Saintonge, whose support has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.”

The centre provides a diverse portfolio of logistics, repair and overhaul services, performed under direct contract as well as a services supplier, for aircraft ranging from Airbus-built helicopters flown by the French Gendarmerie to Cirrus and Grob aircraft used in pilot training.

Another key activity is the continued support of the approximately 3,000 general aviation and training aircraft produced by Daher Aircraft's Socata predecessor in the TB and Rallye families. Such services include spare parts supply, repair and the manufacture of replacement parts under the company's Part 21J Design Organisation Approval.

The facility's broad capabilities include workshops for composite airframe repair, painting, welding, landing gear hydraulics, battery overhaul and Level 2 non-destructive testing. It currently employs 32 people who transferred from Daher Aircraft's previous operation in Merpins, ensuring continuity of expertise, service and customer support. The workforce is expected to increase to approximately 40 later this year.