Daher Aircraft steps up its support and logistics capabilities with an expanded new facility in western France

Daher Aircraft inaugurated a new spare parts, maintenance, equipment overhaul and logistics center in western France that expands the company’s support capabilities for a broad range of aircraft – from helicopters and training airplanes to legacy general aviation types built by its predecessor companies. The facility occupies a purpose-built 6,000-square-meter building at Jonzac-Neulles Airport (LFCJ) in France’s Charente-Maritime Department, replacing Daher Aircraft’s previous Merpins operation, located 25 kilometers 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-meter-long 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 today’s 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.
 
Nicolas Chabbert, the CEO of Daher Aircraft commented: “This inauguration marks another important step in Daher Aircraft’s commitment to further strengthening our global support Network and the comprehensive services it provides. Today’s milestone also is an opportunity to recognize 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 center 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 airplanes 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 Organization 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.