Rotortrade officially launches its U.S. MRO facility with FAA Part 145 certification

Rotortrade announced the official launch of its U.S. MRO facility in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, following the successful completion of the FAA Part 145 certification process. Now fully certificated, Rotortrade MRO USA can approve aircraft for return-to-service on FAA-regulated rotorcraft, unlocking immediate revenue growth and premium service for operators nationwide.

The 9,000 sq ft Rotortrade MRO hangar, located at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE), officially opens its doors as a fully certified FAA Part 145 repair station. Launched in January 2025, the facility achieved certification in a record time of under ten months — well ahead of industry averages — reflecting Rotortrade’s commitment to operational excellence and the highest international maintenance standards.

Philippe Lubrano, CEO, Rotortrade commented: “This certification and official launch represent a major step in our global strategy. 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.”

Dan Mansfield, General Manager, Rotortrade MRO USA stated: “This is only the beginning. We’re gearing up for aggressive expansion: enlarging our facility, recruiting top-tier experts, and rolling out our 5-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. We are already in discussions with key suppliers to become official retailers of their products, allowing us to broaden our range of services and deliver even greater value to our customers, becoming North America's go-to helicopter MRO.”

Since its inception, 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 authorized to perform maintenance and approve aircraft for return-to-service on FAA-registered rotorcraft.

The Latrobe facility complements Rotortrade’s EASA-approved MRO in Tallard, France, positioning the company as a global maintenance provider with regional expertise. Both centers are supported by a robust international network of 15 dealerships and key partnerships with leading OEMs including Leonardo, Airbus, Bell, Safran, and Pratt & Whitney.

Rotortrade MRO USA plans to continue expanding its capabilities, including completions, customizing and overhaul capabilities, as well as additional tooling and infrastructure investments to meet rising customer demand. The facility will also focus on EMS and Law Enforcement mission operators, offering tailored solutions to meet the needs of these specialized segments.