Rheinland Air Service (RAS) Group Sets the Standard for European Regional Aviation MRO
Downtime is crucial in aviation. Regional airlines, leasing companies, and business fl eets demand MRO partners who can reliably maintain their aircraft in optimal condition for smooth flying.
For over 50 years, the Rheinland Air Service (RAS) Group has consistently delivered. Today RAS is a leading provider of aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services across Europe.
Strategically Located for Convenient Service
RAS headquarters at Düsseldorf-Mönchengladbach Airport off er exceptional accessibility, right in the heart of Europe. The facility boasts a 35,000 m² apron and 14,000 m² of state-of-the-art hangar space, perfect for servicing ATR 42/72, De Havilland DHC8-400, and various business jets.
The RAS SAAR facility in Saarbrücken adds a specialized hub for the Embraer E-Jet family, plus DHC8-400, DHC8-100/200/300, ATR 42/72 and DO328 aircraft. With a 2,500 meter runway, this maintenance hub supports multiple E-Jet operators across Europe, further extending our MRO capabilities.
Together, these locations can simultaneously accommodate up to 15 aircraft. This ensures scheduling fl exibility and minimizes customer downtime. Our team of nearly 250 skilled technical professionals is dedicated to maintaining the highest operational and safety standards, effi ciently keeping your fleet airworthy.
Comprehensive MRO Capabilities
With a deep understanding of the aviation industry’s demands, the RAS Group is dedicated to providing top-tier MRO. Customers can improve the reliability, safety, and performance for a diverse array of aircraft.
MRO services include:
• Routine A-checks to complex D-checks
• Calendar and fl ight-hour-based checks
• Service Bulletins (SB) and Airworthiness Directives (AD)
• Passenger-to-cargo conversions
• Major modifi cations and structural repairs
• Aircraft storage solutions
• Line maintenance and AOG support
Plenty of Parts for Faster Turnarounds
A vast spare parts inventory, available for 24/7 global dispatch, complements our extensive MRO capabilities. Our huge inventory off ers fast cost-eff ective solutions with overhauled, repaired, inspected, and recertifi ed components ready for worldwide delivery.
ATR and De Havilland aircraft are specially supported by our part-out services. Over the past decade, the RAS Group has acquired and dismantled two to three retired ATR aircraft annually. This ensures a steady supply of both new and recertifi ed parts, including rare and hard-to-find components. Need spare parts for your aircraft? Email RFQs to parts@RAS.de.
Specialty Shops and Custom Solutions
Going far beyond standard MRO services, the RAS Group delivers a complete range of specialized in-house services. Our dedicated component shops ensure rapid, high-quality solutions.
In-house shops include:
• Flight Control Shop: Provides exchange units to minimize downtime.
• Boot Shop: Delivers rapid exchange units, including consignment stock.
• Door Shop: Services and repairs aircraft doors.
• Composite Shop: Repairs and maintains composite materials.
• Paint Shop: Custom painting and refi nishing services.
• Interior Shop: Refurbishes and maintains airplane interiors.
• Saddlery Shop: Cost-eff ective custom cover sets for ATR 42/72.
• Avionics Shop: Expert avionics solutions, plus a dedicated Battery Shop.
• Wheel Shop: Wheel repairs and maintenance for optimal performance.
Offering a complete range of maintenance services under one roof improves efficiency, while saving customers shipping costs. It also streamlines on-site project coordination, resulting in quicker and more cost-effective repairs. The RAS Group’s in-house nondestructive testing (NDT) permits critical inspections with significantly reduced turnaround times (TAT).
International Certifications
Approved by EASA, CAA UK, FAA, TCCA and other international authorities, RAS has established itself as a reliable MRO partner for the aviation industry.
Our RAS Engineering 21J Design Organization provides thorough engineering support. Support includes major and minor repairs, cabin/LOPA reconfi gurations, paint schemes, avionics modifi cations, and complex aircraft conversions.
Special Mission Conversions for Unique Requirements
At RAS, the philosophy of “Many missions, One partner” defi nes the approach to specialty conversions. The Special Mission division customizes aircraft for a diverse range of civil and military applications: air space or sea surveillance, fi refi ghting, cargo conversions, even medical transport.
After conducting a 360° mission analysis, RAS recommends the optimal platform and system technology. Design, integration, testing, and customer approval follow. Optional pilot or system training, plus maintenance, ensuresa seamless transition to mission readiness.
From maritime patrol or air reconnaissance to VIP transport, RAS goes beyond standard MRO services. We customize modifi cations, such as high-performance digital mapping cameras or advanced tracking systems for search and rescue operations. Learn more at RAS Special Mission.
Training Tomorrow’s Aviation Professionals
As the aviation industry evolves, so does RAS. The RAS Group is dedicated to developing the next generation of aviation professionals through its trainee programs, where experienced mentors guide new employees. RAS is currently training 55 young people to become tomorrow’s aircraft technicians and aviation specialists.
Apprenticeship and Training opportunities include:
• Aircraft maintenance mechanic (3.5 years)
• Aircraft production mechanic (3.5 years)
• Aircraft electronics technician (3.5 years)
• Warehouse logistics (3.5 years)
• Offi ce assistant (3 years)
• Industrial clerk (3 years)
• IT systems integrator (3 years)
“Our programs are designed to instill both technical expertise and a passion for aviation,” said Tobias Rütter, Training Manager at RAS. “Working for the RAS Group means being part of a supportive team with ample career growth opportunities.”
Shaping the Future of Aviation
At RAS, the focus is not only on responding to industry changes, but also on shaping them.
“Our commitment to excellence and innovation propels us forward, ensuring that RAS remains at the forefront of the aviation industry,” said COO Stephanie Kietzmann. “By emphasizing the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and exploring new pathways for sustainability, RAS is dedicated to supporting a greener future. Our extensive expertise in handling a diverse range of aircraft, combined with our globally recognized certifi cations, positions us as leaders in MRO.”