Commercial aviation relies on precision, reliability and uninterrupted operations. Every hour an aircraft remains on the ground can lead to lost revenue, disrupted schedules and higher operating costs. As aircrafts become more advanced and global passenger traffic continues to increase, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul have grown into a critical function that helps airlines maintain fleet performance and aircraft availability. Airlines are placing greater value on partners that can deliver more than maintenance alone. Access to engine leasing, asset management, technical consulting and lifecycle support through a single provider simplifies fleet management and reduces the need to coordinate multiple specialist vendors. Bringing those capabilities together helps operators keep aircraft in service while making day-to-day operations more efficient. An Integrated Aviation Services Platform Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) has developed an integrated aviation services platform extending well beyond traditional engine leasing. More than four decades of growth have brought together Willis Aviation Services, Willis Aeronautical Services and Willis Mitsui Asset Management, creating a business that supports aircraft throughout every stage of ownership. Aircraft maintenance, engine leasing, fleet management, technical consulting, spare parts support, aircraft disassembly, storage and lifecycle asset management operate as complementary services. Customers gain access to coordinated aviation expertise through one organization rather than assembling separate providers for each operational requirement.

A&D Suppliers & Distributors

Joe Faruqui, CEO of ASAP Semiconductor, has spent more than a decade building a procurement ecosystem that operates at the intersection of aviation, defense, and semiconductor supply chains. His journey reflects a steadfast commitment to compliance, precision, and long-term operational discipline. As he explains, "I set out to create a brand that would deliver efficient, cost-effective purchasing solutions and on-site deliveries, regardless of location, while maintaining strict compliance with U.S. export controls and other federal regulations." Early Foundations in Procurement Efficiency Faruqui's entrepreneurial journey began with a simple observation: global procurement systems were fragmented, slow, and often lacked transparency. What started as an effort to streamline purchasing processes gradually evolved into ASAP Semiconductor, a platform designed to bring structure and reliability to high-stakes supply chains. From the outset, his focus was not simply on scale but on building a system capable of withstanding regulatory scrutiny and operational complexity. He recognized early that industries such as aviation and defense required more than speed; they demanded accountability at every stage of the procurement process. Building a Compliance-Driven Enterprise The backbone of Faruqui's leadership philosophy is regulatory discipline. In his view, compliance is not merely an administrative requirement but the foundation of sustainable operations. As he notes, "Regulatory compliance means adhering to export controls, such as ITAR, EAR sanctions, and other industry-specific regulations." This philosophy has shaped how the company engages with suppliers, manages documentation, and ensures traceability across global procurement networks. Every process is designed with verification in mind, from supplier onboarding to final delivery. In industries where errors can have national security implications, this level of discipline becomes a competitive advantage rather than a constraint. Operational excellence is reinforced through structured quality management systems, supplier audits, and continuous monitoring. Certifications such as AS9120 and ISO standards are viewed not as milestones but as ongoing commitments to continuous improvement.

A&D Manufacturing

Not every wheel marketed as "forged" is manufactured through a true forging process. As manufacturers evaluate suppliers, distinguishing true forged wheels from products marketed under the same label has become increasingly important because manufacturing methods directly influence mechanical properties and long-term performance. Advanced Structural Technologies (AST) specializes in premium rotary-forged aluminum wheel blanks for demanding military and commercial applications. Backed by deep industry knowledge and a fully integrated, in-house manufacturing model, it maintains end-to-end control over critical processes, enabling consistent quality, shorter lead times and greater production efficiency. "We are probably one of the last U.S.-based forged wheel blank manufacturers left in the U.S. A lot of our wheels are on military vehicles, whether tactical or armored,” says Anita Shum, senior director of marketing & business development.

Aviation

For nearly eight decades, Stinar Manufacturing has stood as a trusted American leader in aviation ground support equipment (GSE). Proudly built in the USA, Stinar delivers robust, innovative solutions that keep aircraft operations running smoothly at airports worldwide. From bustling international hubs to private aviation facilities, Stinar’s equipment is engineered for durability, safety and efficiency. Stinar offers a comprehensive lineup of essential GSE, including Passenger Stairs, Lavatory and Potable Water Trucks and Carts, Maintenance Platforms, High Lift Trucks and a wide range of specialized aviation support solutions. Many of these products are designed for towability, featuring service carts, potable water carts, lavatory carts, specialty carts and passenger stairs that provide maximum flexibility and ease of movement across the tarmac. What truly sets Stinar apart is its unwavering commitment to quality and long-term value. While the industry standard warranty is typically one year, Stinar confidently backs its equipment with a three-year warranty—a powerful testament to the rugged engineering and superior craftsmanship built into every product.

IN MY OPINION

A&D Consulting

Understanding the Digital Twin: From Concept to Reality

Patrick Ryan, SVP and CTO, ABS

LAST WORD

A&D Staffing

Maximizing Workforce Efficiency through Learning Programs

Bobby Ross, Head of Learning and Development, Howmet Aerospace

IN FOCUS

Innovating Defense Mobility: The Impact of Quality Wheel Blanks on Military Vehicles

Military rotary forged wheel blanks deliver strength, durability, and lightweight performance, supporting reliable mobility across demanding defense operations.

Learn more

Reliable Aviation Ground Support Advances Global Airport Operations

Reliable ground support equipment strengthens airport efficiency, sustainability, and long-term aviation infrastructure growth.

Learn more

EDITORIAL

Keeping Aerospace Mission Ready

As fleets become more sophisticated and mission requirements continue to evolve, operators need partners that simplify maintenance, improve asset reliability and support aircraft across their operational lifecycle. In this edition of Aerospace and Defense Review, we spotlight the organizations and leaders helping keep aviation and defense mission-ready.

Our cover story features WLFC.global, recipient of the Top MRO Services 2026 award. The company has developed an integrated aviation services platform that brings together maintenance, repair and overhaul, engine leasing, technical consulting, asset management and lifecycle support under one organization. This integrated approach enables airlines, OEMs and lessors to reduce operational complexity, minimize aircraft downtime and improve fleet availability while managing assets more efficiently across their lifecycle.

Among this edition's featured leaders is Joe Faruqui, CEO of ASAP Semiconductor, recognized as the Entrepreneur of the Year 2026. By building a procurement ecosystem centered on compliance, regulatory integrity and technology-driven processes, he has helped strengthen aerospace and defense supply chains while improving transparency and operational discipline.

Advanced Structural Technologies, named Military Rotary Forged Wheel Blanks Manufacturer of the Year 2026, continues to support military mobility with rotary forged wheel blanks engineered for demanding defense applications. Stinar, recognized as the Most Reliable Aviation Ground Support Equipment Solutions 2026, develops durable, serviceable ground support equipment that helps airports improve aircraft turnaround, equipment reliability and day-to-day operational efficiency.

This issue also features perspectives from leaders shaping the future of aerospace and maritime operations. Bobby Ross, Head of Learning and Development at Howmet Aerospace, explains how workforce development, transferable skills and continuous learning strengthen organizational performance and long-term talent retention. Patrick Ryan, Senior Vice President and CTO at ABS, explores how digital twins are helping asset owners enhance lifecycle management, improve operational efficiency and make better-informed decisions through real-time digital models of physical assets.

Mission readiness is built long before an aircraft takes flight. It depends on disciplined execution, resilient supply chains, skilled people and dependable engineering. The organizations and leaders featured in this edition demonstrate how those fundamentals continue to shape the future of aerospace and defense, and we invite you to explore the ideas and achievements driving the industry forward.