AMETEK Expands Aviation Maintenance Capabilities as Muirhead Avionics Becomes Authorised Repair Centre for Innovative Aerosystems Legacy Avionics Systems

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AMETEK is expanding its global aviation maintenance footprint as Muirhead Avionics — a key division within AMETEK MRO — has been appointed an Authorised Repair Centre (ARC) for selected legacy avionics systems supported by Innovative Aerosystems (IA). This strategic partnership marks a significant upgrade in aftermarket support for critical avionics components that are no longer in active production but remain vital to aircraft operations around the world.

Under the long‑term agreement, Muirhead Avionics is authorised to perform certified repair and overhaul services for selected legacy avionics originally developed under Honeywell Aerospace — now fully owned or backed by Innovative Aerosystems. The endorsement enables Muirhead’s ISO‑accredited facilities and highly trained technicians to provide approved maintenance solutions for components such as Inertial Reference Units (IRUs), communication and navigation radios, transponders, and associated avionics systems.

This expanded capability gives aircraft operators new confidence in maintaining ageing avionics systems that are critical for navigation, communication, and flight safety. By leveraging Muirhead’s extensive MRO expertise, airlines, business jet operators and general aviation fleets can ensure faster turnaround times, improved availability and regulatory compliance without diverting units back to the original manufacturer.

Bridging the Legacy Avionics Support Gap

The global aviation maintenance ecosystem has been challenged in recent years by legacy avionics systems that are no longer manufactured but remain in widespread use. Many aircraft — particularly in business, regional and general aviation sectors — still rely on avionics that were state‑of‑the‑art decades ago. As OEM support for these systems has diminished over time, operators have increasingly sought reliable third‑party solutions to keep ageing avionics in service.

Innovative Aerosystems, previously known as Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S), rebranded in 2025 to reflect its expanded role in the avionics aftermarket. Through targeted acquisitions and licensing of select Honeywell legacy product lines, IA has positioned itself as a key steward of avionics platforms that otherwise might lack ongoing technical support. Partnering with Muirhead enables IA to deliver authorised repair services through a certified global network, increasing service capacity and reducing operational risk for operators.

Muirhead Avionics — Strengthening AMETEK’s MRO Portfolio

For AMETEK, adding these new capabilities at Muirhead Avionics reinforces its commitment to comprehensive aviation maintenance solutions. Muirhead has long been recognised for its depth of capability in servicing communications and navigation radios, flight data and cockpit voice recorders, radar systems, test and calibration equipment, and other avionics hardware. Its ISO‑accredited operations near London Heathrow serve a global customer base with precision, reliability and regulatory compliance.

Becoming an Authorised Repair Centre for Innovative Aerosystems legacy avionics deepens this expertise while enhancing AMETEK’s competitive position in the aviation aftermarket. The ARC designation provides operators with a certified alternative to OEM service channels, helping to reduce maintenance costs, shorten turn times, and improve fleet readiness.

What It Means for Operators

Operators of business aircraft, regional jets, and general aviation platforms will benefit directly from this expanded support capability. Legacy avionics systems — often crucial for navigation accuracy, automated flight control, and communication — can now be maintained through a trusted and certified partner. This supports continued operational reliability, enhances airworthiness compliance and reduces the logistical complexities associated with ageing electronics.

Authorized repair capability also enhances fleet planning and lifecycle management. Operators can prioritise efficiency without sacrificing safety, keeping ageing aircraft in service longer while avoiding unnecessary upgrades or early retirement due to support limitations.

Strengthening Aviation Aftermarket Support

The Muirhead–Innovative Aerosystems partnership reflects a broader trend in aviation: as technology evolves, certified third‑party MRO providers are increasingly vital to sustaining legacy systems. By combining IA’s stewardship of legacy avionics platforms with Muirhead’s technical excellence and AMETEK’s global MRO reach, this collaboration delivers a strong, scalable aftermarket support solution for avionics systems that remain indispensable to global aviation operations.

“As an authorised repair centre, Muirhead Avionics will operate in accordance with OEM approved repair processes, supported by access to authorised technical data, approved test equipment, and parts,” said David Bentley, Divisional Vice President and Business Manager, Muirhead Avionics / AMETEK MRO. “This authorisation enables Muirhead Avionics to support operators across Europe, Africa, and Asia with approved repair capability for selected legacy avionics platforms.”

Bentley noted that avionics OEMs are increasingly collaborating with specialised MRO providers to support long serving equipment in the field. “OEMs are focusing internal resources on new product development while ensuring continued support for legacy fleets,” he said. “Authorised ARC relationships support this approach by enabling approved repair capability for products where long term operational support remains critical.”

Bentley added, “ARC agreements represent an established relationship between the component OEM and the authorised MRO. Muirhead Avionics has supported legacy Honeywell designed avionics for decades, providing approved repair capability and long term product support for operators.”