News & Updates

BCT Aviation Maintenance has achieved a significant regulatory milestone after securing approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to extend its Part-145 base maintenance C Check capability to 84 months for Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737 Classic and Next Generation aircraft. This latest approval marks a strategic enhancement of BCT’s heavy base maintenance capability, enabling the company to perform extended interval C Checks on two of the world’s most widely operated narrowbody platforms. With global fleets of Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft continuing to dominate short and medium-haul operations, demand for efficient, flexible, and cost-effective maintenance solutions remains high. BCT’s enhanced capability is designed to support operators managing high-cycle aircraft, where maintenance optimisation is critical to balancing cost efficiency with operational reliability. Additionally, the approval confirms BCT’s continued compliance with stringent Part-145 regulatory requirements, alongside demonstrated expertise in structural maintenance, engineering oversight, and fleet maintenance planning. The extension also reflects the organisation’s investment in skilled personnel, advanced tooling, and robust reliability management processes. Commenting on the extension approval, Ryan Winfield, Head of Sales at BCT Aviation Maintenance, said: “By extending our C Check capability, BCT is providing operators and lessors with increased flexibility to optimise maintenance schedules, reduce downtime, and improve overall fleet utilisation. This approval reinforces BCT’s position within the European MRO market, particularly in the narrowbody base maintenance sector, and it’s a credit to our experienced team that we are able to further demonstrate the strength of our base maintenance capability.” Operating from its hangar facility at East Midlands Airport, BCT is strategically positioned to support UK and European airline customers. The MRO delivers a full suite of heavy maintenance services, including structural inspections, corrosion control, systems troubleshooting, embodiment of airworthiness directives and service bulletins, and aircraft return-to-service under multiple regulatory authorities, including UK CAA, FAA, TCCA, and various offshore registers.

BCT Aviation Maintenance is set to return to MRO Europe 2026 in Amsterdam on 28-29 th October, reaffirming its long-standing presence at one of the aviation industry’s most important events. As a regular exhibitor, BCT Aviation Maintenance continues to use the 2-day event to connect with airline partners, showcase its evolving capabilities and highlight its commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable MRO support across the UK. Strengthening Base Maintenance at East Midlands Airport A key focus for this year’s event will be BCT’s continued investment in its base maintenance operations at East Midlands Airport (EMA). Recent expansion of its approval capability has enabled the company to support a broader range of aircraft types and maintenance requirements. This reflects increasing demand from operators seeking dependable base maintenance solutions delivered with efficiency, technical excellence and a strong focus on minimising downtime. Expanding Line Maintenance across the UK Alongside its base maintenance growth, BCT Aviation Maintenance has significantly strengthened its line maintenance offering, with expanded support for carriers across its network of UK line stations. By increasing coverage and responsiveness, BCT Aviation Maintenance is helping airlines maintain operational continuity, ensuring aircraft are supported with timely, high-quality maintenance services. Delivering MRO excellence At the core of BCT’s success is a commitment to safety, compliance and operational excellence. The company’s experienced teams work closely with airline customers to deliver tailored maintenance solutions. Visitors to the stand will be able to explore how BCT combines technical expertise with a customer-focused approach to provide dependable support across both base and line maintenance environments. Meet the team at MRO Europe MRO Europe remains a key fixture in BCT’s calendar, providing an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships while engaging with new partners from across the global aviation community. Whether you are looking to optimise maintenance planning, increase operational resilience or partner with a trusted MRO provider, the BCT Aviation Maintenance team looks forward to speaking with you. We look forward to welcoming you to our stand 2-112 in Hall 2.

BCT starts line maintenance support for Turkish airline SunExpress at both Manchester and Birmingham airports.

BCT Aviation Maintenance has expanded its base maintenance capability at East Midlands Airport, by adding approval for maintenance services supporting Embraer ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 series aircraft. This development gives regional jet operators greater flexibility, faster access to experienced maintenance support, and a trusted UK base.

Following its approval from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), BCT has been appointed as the line maintenance provider for Etihad Cargo, supporting its Boeing 777F freighter flights into East Midlands Airport (EMA), which is now the leading air freight airport in the UK.

Leading commercial aircraft MRO, BCT Aviation Maintenance , has boosted its support capability to airlines and other MROs with the addition of Ram Air Turbine (RAT) testing, certified for use on Airbus and Boeing aircraft families. Outsourcing aircraft tool loan support to BCT gives customers faster access to critical tooling, lower capital and overhead costs, and more resilient AOG response than maintaining in‑house inventories.

The international air cargo market is experiencing significant growth. According to IATA data, 2024 saw a record-breaking increase in demand as cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK) surged 11.3% year-on-year, with international operations up 12.2% compared to 2023. For 2025, IATA anticipates further growth of about 5.8%. Statistics from market intelligence consultancy, Research And Markets, indicate that the global air cargo market accounted for US $131.6 billion in 2024, with growth expected at a 6.3% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) through 2030, reaching US $190.3 billion. Despite accounting for less than 1% of global freight by volume, air cargo is responsible for around 35% of global trade value. Unsurprisingly, the Asia-Pacific region stands out as the global air freight powerhouse. Growth here has consistently outpaced other regions, with an estimated CAGR of about 5% annually. China dominates the air cargo landscape, contributing over 20% of global freight exports by air. Digital commerce is turbocharging this growth trend. A surge in e-commerce has contributed to a nearly 20% rise in air freight demand since 2019, and express shipments now comprise a significant chunk of total revenues, in addition to critical deliveries which constitute the backbone of air freight, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals and perishable goods, that demand speed of transport. Zooming in on the UK, the air freight sector shows a steady upward trend. The UK air freight market was valued at approximately US $10.5 billion in 2024, with projections placing it at US $16.5 billion by 2033, supported by a CAGR of 4.5% between 2025 and 2033. Logistics UK reports consistent year-on-year growth, with air freight demand up 11.9% and capacity expanding by 13.4% in 2024. Notably, belly hold space in passenger aircraft increased sharply, enhancing overall cargo volumes and highlighting the flexibility of UK operators. Alongside the growth in volumes, there has been a notable shift in the air freight infrastructure. Historically, London Heathrow has been the UK’s main cargo gateway, handling about 1.54 million tonnes in 2024. However, East Midlands Airport (EMA) is now edging ahead in growth, with cargo volumes rising nearly 20% recently, compared to just 2.7% at Heathrow. In absolute terms, whilst Heathrow managed 1.6 million tonnes last year, East Midlands reached 375,000 tonnes, including 113,000 tonnes in the past quarter alone. East Midlands’ rise is strategic, as the airport has dedicated freight operations, less congestion, lower fees, and expanding routes, particularly to China. New entrants and route expansions are reinforcing its role as the UK’s preferred express freight hub. In response to the significant expansion in cargo operations at EMA, leading MRO service provider, BCT Aviation Maintenance , has announced two brand new line maintenance contracts at the airport. Operating two Boeing 777F aircraft, Chinese cargo carrier, Central Airlines, has appointed BCT Aviation Maintenance to manage its line maintenance support. Similarly, African freight carrier, Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services, is also operating a Boeing 777F between the UK and China twice per week and BCT has signed an agreement to manage line maintenance at EMA for the airline. The new maintenance deals have helped to reinforce BCT’s position as a major provider of line maintenance services with bases at five airports in the UK and Ireland, as well as East Midlands Airport’s status as the UK’s foremost express air freight hub. Commenting on the new customer contracts, Jim smith , Commercial Director, BCT Aviation Maintenance, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed line maintenance provider for both Central Airlines and Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services at East Midlands Airport. BCT takes a proactive approach to maintenance that minimises deferred defects and maximises high dispatch reliability, which ensures that our dedicated engineering support delivers the highest levels of operational safety. Having been established at EMA for over 15 years, it’s so gratifying for us to see how much the airport has developed and how important it has become to the UK for air freight. We look forward to continuing this development journey as a major airport partner.” Air cargo’s role in UK trade is set for further expansion as industry adapts to evolving global patterns, regulatory landscapes, and consumer demands. Continued emphasis on strategic investments, network optimisation, and e-commerce logistics will position the UK at the forefront of air cargo growth, maintaining supply chain resilience and supporting broader economic advancement.

Confirming its position a leading MRO based at East Midlands Airport (EMA), BCT Aviation Maintenance has made a six-figure investment in new hangar equipment and airside vehicles. This comes ahead of a full-capacity winter maintenance programme. BCT’s Hangar facility at EMA will welcome six customer Boeing 737NG aircraft between October and December for routine annual maintenance checks, with a further six aircraft scheduled between January and March 2026. In advance of the first aircraft’s arrival, BCT has taken delivery of new Genie platform lifts, as well as four tripod airframe jacks from HYDRO Systems GmbH & Co. KG and four new vans from Ron Brooks Motor Group . The four vehicles are Toyota Proace Icon EV vans, as part of BCT’s objective to increase the sustainability of its airside operations by utilising zero-emission vehicles. In addition, a brand new hydraulic ground power unit and RAT (Ram Air Turbine) test rig are due to be delivered in the next few months. All of BCT’s latest equipment is available to hire on bespoke terms.  Commenting on the company’s investment and forthcoming winter MRO programme, PAUL ALLISON , Managing Director, BCT Aviation Maintenance, said: “As part of our proactive approach to maintenance and to ensure our dedicated engineering teams deliver the highest levels of safety and efficiency, BCT has invested heavily in the deployment of new airframe equipment and electric vehicles, representing a major commitment to our future.” This year has seen significant expansion in cargo operations at East Midlands Airport and BCT was delighted to be appointed line maintenance provider to Central Airlines and Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services. We are also very pleased to be welcoming back existing customers to Hangar 30 as we undertake a full programme of maintenance.

We are excited to announce that BCT Aviation Maintenance will be returning to exhibit at MRO Europe in London, from October 14-16, 2025. As Europe’s premier event for the aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul sector, MRO Europe brings together global leaders, innovators, stakeholders and decision-makers, all of whom have a major influence on shaping the future of aviation services. BCT’s senior team will be on hand to showcase its suite of MRO services . MRO Europe is more than an exhibition, it’s a hub for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. We look forward to catching up and engaging with our industry peers and customers. Join us in London! We invite you to visit us on stand 4044 at ExCeL London. It promises to be a great opportunity to connect with our team. Commenting on its repeat attendance, BCT’s Commercial and Sales Executive, Megan McAleavy , said: “Having attended for a number of years, MRO Europe is a major event on the industry calendar and it provides an important occasion for our team to catch up with existing customers, as well as engaging with new operators and other industry colleagues. The two-day conference and exhibition also provides valuable insight into the trends and innovations within the MRO sector, so overall it’s a ‘must attend’ event. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand.”

In response to the significant expansion in cargo operations at East Midlands Airport (EMA), leading MRO service provider, BCT Aviation Maintenance, has announced two brand new line maintenance contracts at the airport, where the company is headquartered. Having recently commenced freighter flights on behalf of Chinese logistics firm, YunExpress, operating two Boeing 777F aircraft into EMA twice per week, Chinese cargo carrier, Central Airlines, has appointed BCT Aviation Maintenance to manage its line maintenance support. Similarly, African freight carrier, Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services, is also operating a Boeing 777F between the UK and China twice per week over the summer and BCT has signed an agreement to manage line maintenance at EMA for the airline. With plans to increase frequency as part of long term commitment from cargo customers, the new maintenance deals have helped to reinforce BCT’s position as a major provider of line maintenance services with bases at five airports in the UK and Ireland, as well as East Midlands Airport’s status as the UK’s foremost express air freight hub. Commenting on the new customer contracts, Chris Taylor, Technical Director, BCT Aviation Maintenance, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed line maintenance provider for both Central Airlines and Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services at East Midlands Airport. BCT takes a proactive approach to maintenance that minimises deferred defects and maximises high dispatch reliability, which ensures that our dedicated engineering support delivers the highest levels of operational safety. Having been established at EMA for over fifteen years, it’s so gratifying for us to see how much the airport has developed and how important it has become to the UK for air freight. We look forward to continuing this development journey as a major airport partner.” 

BCT Aviation Maintenance Enhances EASA Base Maintenance Approval to Include C Check for B737 CL & NG