XL Aero

What XL Aero does

XL Aero is a privately held Canadian aerospace engineering and manufacturing firm headquartered in Abbotsford, British Columbia, founded in January 2015 by Tim Blaskovich. The company specializes in legacy aircraft support, providing a vertically integrated suite of services to operators of aging helicopter and fixed-wing platforms (Bell, Sikorsky, Airbus/Leonardo). Its core offerings span engineering services (Repair Development Authorizations, Supplemental Type Certificates, and modifications), CAR 561-certified manufacturing of aeronautical products including turbine blades and flight-critical components, advanced repair capabilities using proprietary Canadian-first methods (Cold Spray Repair, Additive Friction Stir Weld Structural Repair), specialized tooling such as the proprietary Model F1 Fuel Nozzle Test Stand, and a comprehensive spare parts support program targeting the CT7/T700 engine platform with a stated 30% engine maintenance cost reduction outcome.

The company's technical differentiation rests on a stack of regulatory certifications (TCCA DAR #375, CAR 561, CAR 573, FAA Part 145, EASA dual release) and proprietary repair technologies developed in-house, supported by 3D scanning, reverse engineering, and AS9100-quality manufacturing processes. Over 60 projects have been certified with TCCA and/or FAA authorities. The business is founder-owned with no institutional funding, employs 9 staff including multiple P.Eng. engineers, and operates a sales-led go-to-market through direct phone and email engagement. Revenue is generated through professional services engagements (engineering, repair execution) and hardware sales (manufactured parts, tools, used serviceable materials), with all pricing quote-based and non-public. Markets served are primarily North American legacy aircraft operators, with the capability footprint spanning Canada and the United States through dual-release certifications.

Name

XL Aero

Legal name

XL Aero

Website

https://xlaero.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

XL Aero is a Canadian aerospace engineering and manufacturing firm providing regulatory-certified engineering, manufacturing, repair, tooling, and spare parts support services to operators of legacy helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft platforms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerospace Engineering Services

NAICS

Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing (336412), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts (3724), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Structural Repair, Modification & Composite Rework (Airframe) (IMABAEAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fixed-Wing Aircraft Conversion & Modification (STC/Completions) (IMABAAAI), NDT/Inspection & Testing Services (Aviation) (IMABALAJ)

Keywords

• Aerospace engineering services
• Legacy aircraft support
• Aircraft repair manufacturing
• Aeronautical parts production
• Aviation tooling equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Abbotsford

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Engineering Services: Provides repair development and certificates (RDAs), supplemental type certificates (STCs), and modification engineering for legacy aircraft. Includes critical rotating components, engines, structures, rotor blade repairs, and hydraulic servoactuators.
2. Manufacturing of Aeronautical Products: CAR 561 certified manufacturing of aeronautical products. Can facilitate manufacturing approval and issue Form 1 statement of conformity for STC and PDA design approvals. Includes turbine blades, engine and transmission components, and flight critical/life-limited components.
3. Repair Services: Professional repair development and execution for aircraft parts. Repairs certified by TCCA Form 1, FAA 8130-3, or EASA dual release. Includes cold spray repairs, structural repairs using AFSW, and nickel plating.
4. Tools and Test Equipment: Offers specialized tool and test equipment including the Model F1 Fuel Nozzle Test Stand, fixtures for inspection, and calibration fixtures. Provides full product support including installation, training, spare parts, technical support, and calibration.
5. Spare Parts and Engine Support: Comprehensive support program for CT7/T700 engine platforms providing Used Serviceable Materials, Repairs and PMA development, and Engine Shop Coordination with goal of reducing engine maintenance costs.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

XL Aero provides engineering services, certified manufacturing, repair development, specialized tooling, and spare parts support for legacy aircraft operators. The company develops Repair Development Approvals (RDAs), Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs), and modifications, while also producing aeronautical components and executing advanced repairs including Cold Spray and Additive Friction Stir Welding. Services are delivered under TCCA, FAA, and EASA regulatory certifications to operators of aging helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

Product overview

XL Aero provides a unified suite of aviation engineering and manufacturing services for legacy aircraft support. The portfolio consists of Engineering Services (RDAs, STCs, and modifications), Manufacturing Capabilities (CAR 561 certified production), Repair Capabilities (Cold Spray repairs, Additive Friction Stir Welding, structural repairs), Tools & Test Equipment (Model F1 Fuel Nozzle Test Stand and specialized fixtures), and Spare Part Support (engine platform support, PMA development). These services integrate to deliver comprehensive legacy aircraft support from repair design through manufacturing and ongoing parts supply.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Engineering Services Comprehensive engineering services including Repair Development & Certificates (RDAs), Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs), and modifications for legacy aircraft. Services cover products from major OEMs (Bell, Airbus, Leonardo) including critical rotating components, engines, structures, and rotor blade repairs. TCCA certified.
• Manufacturing Capabilities CAR 561 certified manufacturing services for aeronautical products. Provides manufacturing approval and Form 1 statement of conformity for STC and PDA design approvals, enabling accelerated time to market. Follows AS9100 quality standards.
• Repair Capabilities Extensive repair services for aerospace components including Cold Spray repairs, Additive Friction Stir Welding, and structural repairs. Certified by TCCA Form 1, FAA 8130-3, and EASA dual release. Includes nickel plating services.
• Tools & Test Equipment Specialized tooling and testing equipment including the proprietary Model F1 Fuel Nozzle Test Stand with thermo electric cooling modules, fixtures for PT6T, PT6C, PT6A and PW200 nozzle configurations, and calibration fixtures. Provides full product support including installation, training, spare parts, technical support, and calibration.
• Spare Part Support Comprehensive spare part support program for CT7/T700 engine platforms providing Used Serviceable Materials, repairs, PMA development, and Engine Shop Coordination with goal of achieving 30% engine maintenance cost reduction.
• Model F1 Fuel Nozzle Test Stand Revolutionary turnkey fuel nozzle test stand with integrated thermo electric cooling modules achieving temperature stabilization without water connection. Designed for hanger or shop installation with power and shop air connection. Innovative design allows toolless installation of PT6T, PT6C, PT6A and PW200 nozzle configurations, saving several hours of labour for each engine overhaul.

Quantifiable outcome

• 30% engine maintenance cost reduction for CT7/T700 engine platforms
• +1 more outcomes

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Regional players

• Magnetic MRO: European-based MRO provider offering engine, component, and base maintenance services. Operates in a similar legacy aircraft support niche with comparable certifications (EASA Part-145, Part-CAMO) and customer base, though geographically focused on Europe rather than North America.

Broad incumbents

• StandardAero: One of the largest independent aerospace MRO providers globally, offering engine, component, and airframe MRO across helicopter, fixed-wing, and industrial platforms. Highly comparable service scope to XL Aero but at vastly greater scale, with established relationships across the same legacy helicopter operators.
• Lufthansa Technik: Global MRO incumbent offering component repair, engine services, and engineering across commercial and rotorcraft platforms. Overlaps with XL Aero's repair development and component manufacturing scope but at global scale.
• Pratt & Whitney Canada: OEM of PT6, PW200, and CT7/T700 engine families that XL Aero supports. Runs an authorized service center network and offers competing repair development, parts, and overhaul services; comparable technology and engine-platform alignment, but vastly larger scale.

Direct peers

• Precision Aviation Group (PAG): Independent provider of MRO and supply chain services for business and rotorcraft aviation, including component repair, parts distribution, and engineering. Overlaps directly with XL Aero's engineering, manufacturing, and repair capabilities across legacy platforms.
• Vector Aerospace (StandardAero subsidiary): Former independent helicopter-focused MRO now part of StandardAero, with deep legacy helicopter platform support including Bell, Sikorsky, and Airbus types — directly comparable customer base and service portfolio to XL Aero.
• AeroPak: CAR/FAA-certified aerospace components manufacturer and repair provider offering PMA parts and engineering services. Comparable regulatory positioning and product mix to XL Aero's manufacturing and repair capabilities.
• Aero Turbine Inc. Specializes in engine MRO and parts support for legacy turbine platforms including CT7/T700-family engines. Highly comparable to XL Aero's spare-part support and engine overhaul coordination services, with a similar focus on cost reduction for operators of older aircraft.
• RBR Aviation Group: Provides engine MRO, parts support, and PMA development for legacy turbine platforms. Closely comparable business model to XL Aero's CT7/T700 support program and PMA-focused parts development work.

Emerging players

• Turbine Engine Solutions (TES): Niche MRO focused on legacy turbine engines with a similar scope of repair development and parts support. Comparable in scale and platform focus, making it a useful emerging-player benchmark for XL Aero's growth trajectory.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/100076358312406
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/xl-aero

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about XL Aero