The General Atomics AeroTec Systems (GA-ATS, Booth W58) name may not yet be that well known in the business aviation sector, but the company is aiming to change that during EBACE 2022 in Geneva. Based in Oberpfaffenhofen in Germany, the Part 145 maintenance facility was formerly known as Ruag Aerospace Services until it was acquired by General Atomics in March 2021. The sale was part of parent group Ruag International’s strategic realignment effort that also saw maintenance facilities in Geneva and Lugano being acquired by Dassault Aviation in 2019.

Business aviation forms one of three core elements of GA-ATS; its other competencies cover military helicopter MRO and production of the Dornier 228 twin light transport. In the business aviation sector, GA-ATS is a Part 145 authorized service center for Bombardier and Embraer products, while also holding Part 21G production organization and Part 21J design organization approvals.  

GA-ATS characterizes its business aviation unit as a “one-stop-shop” for a wide range of MRO and related activities. They include complex structural repairs, aircraft painting, upgrades, modifications, retrofits, and component maintenance. It is also accredited for life-raft maintenance. Additionally, GA-ATS offers customers assistance and support for AOG events, as well as conducting pre-purchase inspections.

Grouping all these activities at one location permits GA-ATS to offer a joined-up, high-quality customer service, while keeping aircraft down-times to a minimum, the company said. “The decades of experience of our staff and our short turnaround times make us the preferred provider of MRO services,” said Christian Karl, head of sales for the business aviation unit. “Industry leaders and OEMs alike turn to our MRO shop for maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification, read-out, evaluation, recoding, capacity-testing and battery service, as well as rental services.”