MRO and pilot initial training excellence

Airbus Defence Training and Services, a subsidiary of Airbus Defence and Space, leverages the industrial excellence of Airbus to provide high-availability maintenance and training services.

While operating its own modern fleet, the company’s core mission is the technical management and operational readiness of over 100 aircraft across France, maintaining the highest levels of military-grade rigor and mission availability. 

ADTS delivers comprehensive training programs for both military and civilian pilots, grounded in a military-style education that emphasizes discipline, leadership, and teamwork. Training solutions are tailored to the specific operational requirements of armed forces customers, covering a wide spectrum of missions, including military RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) operations, transport aircraft, and initial combat pilot training.

Airbus Defence Training and Services in France

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Core Maintenance Capabilities

Our technical expertise includes:

  • Preventive & Curative Maintenance: Full execution of aircraft maintenance plans, including line and base maintenance.
  • Avionics & Ground Testing: On-board installation tests and specialized radio instrument ground/flight validation.
  • Structural Repairs: Specialized repairs for composite materials (carbon/textile), metalworking, and plastics.
  • Aesthetic Services: Full or partial aircraft painting and exterior refurbishing.
  • Specialized Equipment: Servicing of survival equipment, including rescue parachutes and life jackets.
  • Engine Expertise: Specialized support for Lycoming and Continental (including diesel) engines.

Fleet & Airworthiness Management

With around 42 000 flight hours per year (simulator and aircraft) delivered to the French Armed Forces, the company manages a diverse fleet of over 100 aircraft.

  • CAMO Services and airworthiness management for state aircraft: Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (EASA Part CAMO and EMAR/FR M) ensuring regulatory compliance for state assets.
  • Supply Chain Support: Integrated logistics and parts management to minimize aircraft downtime and maximize mission readiness.
  • Ferry & Acceptance Flights: Professional delivery and testing services for aeronautical assets.
Airbus Defence Training and Services in France

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Strategic Operations & Infrastructure

The company operates from 8 permanent sites across France, driven by military precision (50% of the technical staff are former military personnel).

  • The "Rear Base" (Angoulême): A 1,900 m² dedicated maintenance hangar at Angoulême-Cognac Airport supporting the entire network.
  • Military Presence: Specialized maintenance teams stationed at key air bases including Avord, Cognac, Lanvéoc-Poulmic, Lann-Bihoué, Romorantin, Saintes and Salon de Provence.
  • Supported Aircraft: Extensive experience with Cirrus (SR20/22), Diamond (DA42/HK36), Grob 120, Embraer Xingu, Jodel D140 and CAP10 fleets.

Certifications & Trust

  • Approvals: EASA Part 145, EASA Part CAMO, EMAR/FR 145 and EMAR/FR M.
  • Quality Standards: ISO 9001-2015 and ISO 14001-2015 certified for quality and environmental management.
  • Primary Partners: Long-standing contracts with the French Air & Space Force, French Navy, and the DMAé (Direction de la Maintenance Aéronautique).

Join our environment of excellence! With 50% military staff, we're hiring passionate aeronautical technicians, B1-Be2 engineers, and logistics specialists.

Ready to optimize your fleet maintenance or discuss technical partnerships?
Headquarters: Angoulême-Cognac Airport, France
Get in Touch: contact@afa-eu.com

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