Rotortrade launches its new US MRO facility
Rotortrade's new MRO facility in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
Rotortrade has officially launched its US maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, following the successful completion of the FAA Part 145 certification process.
The new Rotortrade MRO hangar facility, located at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, has now opened as a fully certified FAA Part 145 repair station. The facility was launched in January 2025 and achieved FAA Part 145 certification in 10 months.
“This certification and official launch represent a major step in our global strategy,” said Philippe Lubrano, CEO, Rotortrade. “We are proud to now offer FAA-certified maintenance services directly in the United States, reinforcing our ability to support operators with comprehensive solutions spanning sales, financing and maintenance.”
Since opening, the Latrobe facility has already completed work on 15 helicopters, covering a range of services including inspections, overhauls, and completions. With the FAA Part 145 certification now in place, Rotortrade MRO USA is fully authorised to perform maintenance and approve aircraft for return-to-service on FAA-registered rotorcraft.
Dan Mansfield, general manager, Rotortrade MRO USA added: “This is only the beginning. We’re gearing up for aggressive expansion: enlarging our facility, recruiting top-tier experts, and rolling out our five-year plan to 2030 with crystal-clear objectives — targeting over 50 aircraft annually, securing EASA bilaterals for global reach, and strengthening our partnerships across the industry.” The business is in discussion with key suppliers to become official retailers of their products, enabling the firm to broaden its range of services and to deliver “greater value to our customers, becoming North America’s go-to helicopter MRO”, said Mansfield.
The Latrobe facility complements Rotortrade’s EASA-approved MRO in Tallard, France.
Rotortrade MRO USA plans to continue expanding its capabilities, including completions, customising and overhaul. The facility will also focus on emergency medical services and law enforcement mission operators, offering tailored solutions to meet the needs of these specialised segments.
Meanwhile, in August Rotortrade predicted the emergent African helicopter industry would be dominated by transport for the oil and gas industry, government and VIP missions and two other sectors in its report Market Analysis for Africa 2024–2025.
