Supporting Sabena Technics in Beluga Line Maintenance – A Strong Aviation MRO Partnership

Since 2018, ARTS Group has been supporting Sabena Technics with the line maintenance of the A300-600ST Beluga fleet, reinforcing our role as a trusted partner in the aviation MRO sector. With over 25 years of experience in aircraft-related technical services, ARTS Group brings tailored solutions into demanding maintenance environments, enabling our partners to stay operational without increasing overhead.

Sabena Technics is one of Europe’s leading independent providers of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. The company manages both civil and military aircraft fleets and has grown significantly since its founding in 1968. Headquartered in Paris and operating across 15 locations globally, Sabena supports around 500 customers, including Airbus, Boeing, ATR and Bombardier.

Their long-term contract with Airbus Transport International (ATI) covers the maintenance and repair of the Beluga fleet. ATI operates five A300-600ST Belugas and one Beluga XL, which serve Airbus’ internal freight network across Europe. The Beluga XL, based on the A330 platform, offers increased capacity and efficiency compared to the older A300-600ST, reflecting the continuous evolution in aircraft design and maintenance needs.

The maintenance of the Beluga fleet was outsourced as part of ATI’s “Fly 10000” initiative, aimed at doubling the fleet’s annual flight hours from 5,000 to 10,000. This shift placed higher demands on MRO capacity and reliability. To meet this challenge, Sabena Technics sought a capable aviation MRO partner — and ARTS Group delivered.

ARTS Group was contracted to support Sabena Technics in line maintenance tasks starting in October 2018. Our dedicated project team comprises six Certifying Staff (CAT B1 and B2) who are fully qualified to work on both the A300-600ST Beluga and the Beluga XL. Before deployment, all team members underwent a comprehensive eight-week type training program in Bordeaux — six weeks of theory and two weeks of practice, all conducted in English. The training was modular, with rigorous assessments after each phase to ensure technical proficiency.

Once certified, the team was deployed to Bremen, one of the Beluga’s key operational bases. Our responsibilities include full mechanical line maintenance — from daily checks to on-the-spot troubleshooting — across sites in Bremen, Hamburg and Getafe.

Line maintenance in this context means rapid interventions. The aircraft is typically grounded for just 60 to 90 minutes, which requires precise diagnostics and immediate action. Minor faults identified in the electronic logbook must be resolved before the aircraft can return to service. This tight timeframe, combined with the aircraft’s unique configuration, makes the Beluga program one of the more complex line maintenance operations in aviation MRO.

Each night, our team also performs standardized Daily Checks. These inspections are valid for 48 hours and must be completed on every aircraft. They ensure continued airworthiness and compliance with operational safety standards.

Maintaining the Beluga fleet involves navigating both aircraft-specific and operational challenges. The Beluga is based on the A300 platform, while the Beluga XL is derived from the A330. Despite the visual similarities, these aircraft differ in systems architecture, avionics and load capabilities — requiring specialised knowledge and flexible MRO strategies.

The Beluga’s oversized cargo design also demands tailored ground support and maintenance routines. Access points, component layouts and structural considerations differ significantly from standard passenger or cargo aircraft. Our team’s ability to adapt to these conditions is a key factor in maintaining fleet availability.

ARTS Group's role in the Beluga project demonstrates the value of scalable aviation MRO solutions. We help our partners avoid the high fixed costs of maintaining large in-house maintenance teams, while still meeting demanding performance and safety standards. Our workforce model allows us to deploy qualified personnel on-site, backed by the full support of our technical infrastructure and consulting capabilities.

This approach not only supports operational continuity but also contributes to long-term efficiency gains. By integrating seamlessly into existing MRO ecosystems, ARTS Group ensures that aircraft stay in the air and not in the hangar.

Sabena Technics is also investing heavily in its own MRO infrastructure. The company plans to build a new 10,000 m² hangar at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport. This facility will accommodate either one wide-body freighter or three military transport aircraft simultaneously. The expansion reflects growing demand for reliable aviation MRO services across Europe, particularly in the freighter segment. It also underlines the importance of strong partnerships to meet this demand at scale.

The company’s recruitment plans — hiring 250 new employees in the coming years — further signal confidence in the growth of the aviation MRO market. With increased flight volumes and ageing fleets, the need for skilled maintenance providers will only intensify.

The Beluga project aligns closely with ARTS Group’s broader aviation service portfolio, which includes Aircraft Maintenance Support, AOG Recovery, Technical Representation, and Workforce Solutions. Our integrated approach allows us to offer everything from temporary staffing and headhunting to full maintenance projects and technical consulting.

We support OEMs, MRO providers, airlines, and lessors — adapting to their specific workflows, compliance requirements and operational goals. Whether through short-term project teams or long-term strategic partnerships, ARTS Group ensures that the right expertise is available where and when it’s needed.

Today, aviation MRO goes far beyond basic repairs. It’s about availability, turnaround times, compliance and cost control. As aircraft become more complex, MRO providers must combine technical depth with operational flexibility. That’s where ARTS Group adds measurable value — by combining aviation know-how, industry experience and a scalable service model that meets the real-world needs of operators and MRO providers alike.

The partnership with Sabena Technics on the Beluga project is a clear example of how ARTS Group contributes to high-performance aviation MRO environments. With a team trained and certified for complex aircraft types, short turnaround demands, and multi-site operations, we’ve proven our ability to deliver where it counts — on time, on site, and on spec.

For more information about our aviation MRO services and to explore how we can support your operations, get in touch with our team.