Eaton Appoints Air Support as First Authorized Aerospace Service Center in EMEA, Expanding Global Aftermarket Reach
In a major step toward strengthening its global aftermarket service capabilities, intelligent power management company Eaton has officially signed an agreement with France-based maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) specialist Air Support. The deal designates Air Support as the first authorized service center for Eaton’s aerospace business in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region—a significant development aimed at enhancing support for commercial aviation customers operating across a vast and strategically important geographic territory.
The announcement was made during MRO Americas, one of the aviation industry’s leading events for maintenance and aftermarket services, underscoring the strategic importance of the partnership for both companies. Through this agreement, Air Support will locally handle the repair and overhaul of Eaton’s engine fuel components, beginning with the widely used CFM56-7B engine fuel pump. Plans are already in motion to expand the scope of services to include additional engine fuel systems in the near future.
Meeting Regional Demand with Localized Solutions
The move to establish a local service center in EMEA represents a concerted effort by Eaton to bring greater efficiency and agility to its aerospace aftermarket support model. By shifting repair operations closer to customers, Eaton aims to reduce turnaround times (TAT), minimize freight costs, and promote environmentally sustainable practices through the use of regional resources.
“Our strategic agreement with Air Support allows engine fuel pump repairs within the region, reducing turn-around-time (TAT) and freight costs for customers. It also supports the industry’s sustainability initiatives around reducing emissions through the use of local support services,” said Matt Norman, vice president of aftermarket and commercial services for Eaton’s Aerospace Group. “Initially, Air Support’s repair capability will focus on the CFM56-7B engine fuel pump, but will quickly grow to include other popular engine fuel pumps. This new opportunity with Air Support highlights our dedication to providing localized, timely service and enhancing customer satisfaction.”
As the demand for more agile and responsive MRO services continues to grow globally, particularly in the post-pandemic era, the aerospace industry has increasingly emphasized partnerships that deliver local support while maintaining OEM-level quality standards. Eaton’s agreement with Air Support addresses this growing need by bringing certified repair capabilities directly to EMEA customers who operate some of the most critical aviation assets in the commercial fleet.
Enhancing Repair Capabilities with OEM Backing
Under the agreement, Air Support will operate as an Eaton-authorized independent repair station, using official repair documentation, processes, and OEM spare parts to ensure service quality and regulatory compliance. The partnership is designed to maintain a dedicated inventory of Eaton components and spares, which is expected to significantly improve service availability and TAT metrics.
This capability aligns with Eaton’s broader strategy to provide customers with access to certified, reliable, and cost-effective maintenance services regardless of geography. The localized service center model not only strengthens Eaton’s customer relationships in EMEA but also reinforces its commitment to lifecycle support and operational efficiency.
For customers, the benefits are multifold: consistent quality assurance, predictable service outcomes, faster turnaround, and logistical simplicity. Furthermore, the presence of an authorized service provider in-region adds a layer of responsiveness that is increasingly critical in today’s highly competitive aviation landscape.
A Milestone Moment for Air Support
For Air Support, the agreement marks a pivotal moment in the company’s growth journey. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Montauban, France, Air Support has established itself as a premier independent engine component MRO provider, serving over 200 customers in 40 countries. The company’s certification portfolio is impressive, including approvals from EASA, FAA, CAAC, and CAA, along with compliance to ISO9001 and EN9110 quality management standards.
Sabine Tertre, CEO of Air Support, emphasized the strategic significance of the new partnership. “We are honored to be appointed as an Eaton authorized service center in the EMEA region. This agreement is a major milestone for our company and strengthens our commitment to delivering high-quality service and technical expertise to customers across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. We look forward to providing reliable and efficient support for Eaton products throughout the region.”
Air Support’s operational philosophy—built around flexibility, responsiveness, and a service-oriented approach—has earned it a reputation for reliability and excellence in the MRO space. With a workforce of more than 200 employees, the company achieved a revenue of €61 million in 2024, with export sales accounting for a notable 72% of total business. The company consistently delivers on-time, boasting a turnaround time of just 20 days and an on-time delivery (OTD) rate exceeding 98%.
Eaton’s Global Footprint and Aerospace Leadership
As a global leader in intelligent power management, Eaton serves a wide range of markets including data centers, utilities, industrial, commercial, residential, machine building, mobility, and aerospace. In the aerospace sector, Eaton is recognized for its innovative systems and solutions in hydraulic, fuel, oxygen, fluid and air conveyance, electrical, motion control, and engine components. The company is also a key provider of aftermarket support, helping commercial and military operators keep their aircraft flying safely and efficiently.
Eaton’s aerospace division operates under the broader vision of advancing sustainability, improving quality of life, and solving complex power management challenges through electrification and digitalization. With revenues nearing $25 billion in 2024 and operations in more than 160 countries, Eaton has the scale and expertise to drive meaningful impact across industries and geographies.
“By appointing Air Support as an authorized service provider, Eaton is extending its legacy of excellence to a broader audience, while staying true to its commitment to customer-centric innovation and operational efficiency,” added Norman.
A Blueprint for the Future
The agreement between Eaton and Air Support is more than just a business arrangement—it’s a blueprint for how aerospace OEMs and independent MROs can collaborate to meet the evolving needs of a dynamic global market. As sustainability, digitalization, and supply chain resilience become key pillars of aerospace strategy, partnerships like this one are essential for delivering value and maintaining a competitive edge.
In addition to leveraging Air Support’s expertise and local presence, Eaton will continue to provide direct customer support through its existing repair stations around the world. This hybrid approach allows the company to offer scalable, flexible solutions tailored to different markets while maintaining the high standards Eaton is known for.
The designation of Air Support as Eaton’s first authorized aerospace service center in EMEA marks a significant advancement for both organizations and for the aerospace aftermarket industry as a whole. By combining Eaton’s OEM capabilities with Air Support’s regional expertise, the partnership is set to deliver faster, more sustainable, and more customer-focused services across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
As global aviation continues to grow and evolve, strategic collaborations like this will play a crucial role in ensuring aircraft operators have the localized support they need to operate efficiently, reduce environmental impact, and keep fleets mission-ready.
