Onboard Systems opens California MRO to boost fleet readiness

Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch has opened a new 20,000ft² Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 145-approved maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Anaheim, California, aimed at strengthening fleet readiness for helicopter operators worldwide.

The site doubles the company’s historical hoist MRO capacity and is designed to process up to 80 units per month. The investment supports Onboard’s goal of reducing average hoist turnaround times to 45 days or less by the end of 2026.

Helicopter rescue hoists and cargo winches are critical for public safety and special missions operations, including law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, search and rescue, disaster response, and military missions, where aircraft availability directly affects operational success.

“Supporting the operational readiness of our customers’ global helicopter fleets is our top priority,” said Artak Arakelian, General Manager of Onboard Systems. “We’ve made significant investments in skilled personnel, inventory, and infrastructure to ensure this new facility delivers faster turnaround times, greater throughput, and consistently high-quality service.”

The city council of Pasadena, California, recently authorized the purchase of two new helicopters worth $12.6 million, for use by the Pasadena Police Department.