With the holiday season fast approaching, Hangar Mercure was transformed into a Christmas village for a day, with Santa Claus stopping by JJGK Aero. The festivities began in the morning. Our employees shared a warm and friendly moment with the traditional Secret Santa. Surprises and laughter punctuated the unwrapping of gifts. The afternoon was a special time for families, who were able to enjoy themselves with their children, spouses, and colleagues. While the more energetic ones had fun playing games and jumping on inflatable castles, the more creative ones took part in the creative workshop and made Christmas decorations to hang on the tree. This interlude was an opportunity for the youngest to transform themselves into their favorite characters and heroes thanks to the face painting workshop, while the older and more indulgent lingered in front of the crepe and hot chocolate stand. The day ended in the best possible way with the distribution of gifts. Cet événement était aussi l’occasion de remercier chaleureusement les équipes pour leur engagement et leur travail tout au long de l’année écoulée.
As has been the case for several years now, summer is marked by intense fire seasons that put a strain on the helicopter fleets dedicated to firefighting campaigns in Europe and around the world. Among them, Heliswiss International’s Columbia 107-II Vertol, an iconic twin-rotor helicopter, suffered a technical incident requiring rapid intervention nearby. It was in this context that we welcomed the aircraft to our facilities at the Jean Sarrail Aeronautical Center in Istres while it was being repaired. Within the Mercure Hangar, the helicopter was given its own dedicated space alongside our Super Puma helicopters. This arrangement enabled Heliswiss International‘s technical teams to work in our state-of-the-art facilities using specialized equipment. Our logistics department made a real difference thanks to its proactive inventory management and smooth operations, which optimized downtime. This collaboration with Heliswiss International is a fine example of mutual support, expertise, and responsiveness in the service of essential missions. The teams at JJGK Aero are proud to have contributed to getting the Columbia 107-II Vertol back in the air. We would like to thank Heliswiss International for their trust and this exemplary collaboration.
From November 18 to 20, 2025, Cologne hosted the fifth edition of European Rotors, the must-attend event dedicated to helicopters, drones, and VTOLs. With more than 260 exhibitors from 80 countries, this edition confirmed its status as a major platform for industry players, combining innovation, regulation (EASA), and networking. Here’s a look back at the highlights, notable conferences, and meetings that punctuated these three intense days. A packed program focusing on the major challenges facing the industry Monday was devoted to the following topics: On Tuesday, discussions focused on: On Wednesday, the conferences focused on: On Thursday, topics covered included: Three days filled with innovation and expertise sharing Throughout the event, European Rotors was punctuated by numerous conferences and discussions on best practices, sustainability, management, air medical services (HEMS), and diversity in aviation. This fifth edition proved particularly rich in opportunities, meetings, and feedback, promoting exchanges between manufacturers, operators, institutions, and industry experts. JJGK Aero at the heart of the event During these three days, Michel Augen, CEO, Sébastien Vistel and Alexis Tierny, associate directors, as well as Julien Barraco, technical sales representative, and Charlotte Pelletier, communications and marketing manager, represented JJGK Aero, actively participating in discussions and professional meetings. European Rotors will now be held in Lyon in December 2026 for its next edition, which already looks promising.
In October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we organized an awareness workshop for our employees. The goal? To encourage open discussion, provide information on life-saving actions, and remind everyone of the importance of screening. Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among women in France, with 12,000 deaths per year (source: National Cancer Institute). However, when detected early, it can be cured in 9 out of 10 cases. Faced with these figures, we wanted to take concrete action by offering our teams a time for discussion and information. The workshop served as a reminder of simple but vital actions: Beyond providing information, this workshop was an opportunity to: At JJGK Aero, we believe that the health of our teams is a priority. This workshop is part of a broader approach to well-being at work.
On Sunday, October 5, 2025, the streets of Salon-de-Provence came alive with the footsteps of thousands of runners who had come to take on a sporting challenge: the Salon-de-Provence Marathon. Among them, three JJGK Aero employees embodied the values of passion and teamwork that drive our company every day. Mélanie, Patrick, and Yannick each chose their distance—half-marathon or marathon—to represent our team on the legendary tracks of Air Base 701 and through the city’s iconic streets. One event, four challenges This year, the organizers of the Salon-de-Provence Marathon offered four courses suitable for all skill levels: It was in these last two events that our three athletes decided to take on the challenge. Profiles of Our Runners Mélanie, Patrick, and Yannick As an accounting manager at JJGK Aero, Mélanie crossed the finish line of the half-marathon in 2:12:38—a time that reflects her precision and dedication. For her, this challenge was an opportunity to step outside her comfort zone and demonstrate that it is possible to balance a professional career with a passion for sports. A warehouse clerk and participant in the Paris Olympics “Marathon for All,” Patrick completed the 42.195 km in 3:48:30, placing in the top quarter of finishers. A remarkable performance for this running enthusiast, who combines endurance with daily logistics management. Yannick, who has been a site manager at JJGK Aero for six months, is a seasoned marathon runner. Despite a time of 5:07:35, he managed his effort wisely, taking in every kilometer to savor the event’s unique atmosphere. Huge congratulations to them for brilliantly rising to this challenge!
A historical exhibition in Saint-Tropez During the summer and fall of 2021, the citadel of Saint-Tropez was adorned with Keith Haring’s dynamic, brightly colored forms. Organized by the Keith Haring Foundation, in collaboration with Doriano Navarra (director of the Galerie Enrico Navarra) and Sébastien Moreu, this outdoor exhibition featured seven sculptures, including six monumental works and the famous Pop Shop Tokyo. For nearly five months, these works were an integral part of the Mediterranean landscape, attracting thousands of visitors and celebrating the artist’s timeless legacy. A technical challenge worthy of the art In 2022, JJGK Aero had the honor and responsibility of taking in three of these iconic sculptures to give them a new lease on life. After months of outdoor display, the works required meticulous restoration to restore their original luster. Thus, between January and November 2022, three sculptures successively arrived at our workshops: These sculptures, with their impressive dimensions (up to 5.28 meters long, 4.12 meters high, and 3.07 meters wide), presented both a logistical and artistic challenge. Thanks to our exceptionally large paint booth, our expert painters were able to work with precision on every detail, preserving Keith Haring’s vibrant colors and signature lines. Every step of the process was carried out with the utmost care to restore these works’ visual power and artistic integrity. Keith Haring left his mark on art history with his unique style and social activism. Restoring his sculptures means preserving cultural heritage while allowing new generations to discover his work. At JJGK Aero, we are proud to have contributed to this mission by combining our passion for art with our technical expertise.
We are delighted to announce that JJGK Aero is now an official member of GIFAS, the French Aerospace Industries Association. This membership marks a significant step forward in our commitment to the aerospace industry and opens up new opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Founded over a century ago, GIFAS brings together more than 500 key players in the aerospace sector. It plays a major role in structuring and strengthening the coherence of the French aerospace industry by creating a collaborative ecosystem and promoting synergies among its members. By joining GIFAS, JJGK Aero is committed to actively contributing to this dynamic ecosystem and sharing its knowledge and expertise with other industry stakeholders. This membership represents an excellent opportunity for JJGK Aero to expand its network, develop its activities, and strengthen its position in the aerospace sector. We are confident that this collaboration will enable us to take advantage of the many opportunities offered by GIFAS and contribute to the advancement of the industry as a whole. We would like to express our deep gratitude to our patron, Clémentine Gallet, President of Coriolis Composites, and our sponsor, Laurent Mazoué, Executive Vice President of Operations at Airbus Helicopters. Their support and trust have been instrumental in enabling us to become part of this exceptional ecosystem. This significant recognition is a testament to our ongoing commitment to the aerospace and defense industry.
On Tuesday, July 8, we had the honor of welcoming more than 80 young people from the Institut des Hautes Études de Défense Nationale (IHEDN). This memorable visit was an opportunity to share enriching moments and introduce our company, JJGK Aero, to these promising young talents. About IHEDN The IHEDN is the leading European and generational association dedicated to issues of commitment, defense, and security. It is jointly sponsored by the Minister of the Armed Forces, Mr. Sébastien Lecornu, and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, General Thierry Burkhard. This association plays a crucial role in training and raising awareness among young people about defense and national security issues. A busy day at BA125 and the Aeronautics Center The day was filled with numerous visits to Air Base 125 (BA125) and the Aeronautics Center. The young people from IHEDN had the opportunity to discover the infrastructure and activities of these iconic sites, while interacting with professionals in the sector. Michel Augen had the pleasure of presenting JJGK Aero, its activities, and its expertise. This presentation gave the young people a better understanding of our company, our missions, and our values. It was also an opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to training and innovation in the aeronautics field. This visit was a real success, marked by enriching exchanges and moments of sharing. We would like to thank all the participants for their enthusiasm and curiosity. A big thank you also to the Les Jeunes IHEDN association for their visit and their interest in our company. We hope that this day will have inspired these young talents and that it will mark the beginning of future collaborations.
As the summer season is in full swing, JJGK Aero is thrilled to announce its partnership with two major events in the city: Les Nuits d’Istres and Les Jeudis Étoilés. For the fourth consecutive year, JJGK Aero is proud to support Les Nuits d’Istres. In the intimate setting of the Pavillon de Grignan, our team has the opportunity to attend captivating concerts by renowned artists such as Augusta, Franz Ferdinand, Styleto, Boulevard des Airs, Ayo, and Jérémy Frérot. In addition, since its launch in 2015, JJGK Aero is pleased to support Les Jeudis Étoilés for the first time. In a festive outdoor atmosphere, on the banks of the Étang de l’Olivier, young and old alike can enjoy six magical Thursdays. On the program: breathtaking sound and light shows with aquatic fireworks, all on the exciting theme of Man and his Great Explorations. These partnerships demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the local community and our desire to contribute to the cultural and festive richness of our city.
After many months of work, we celebrated the completion of maintenance on the five H225 helicopters in the Ecuadorian fleet on Wednesday, June 4. This milestone was officially marked at a cocktail reception to mark the acceptance of the fifth and final H225. A collaborative and long-term project From October 2023 to December 2024, the Super Pumas destined for the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense arrived successively at our facilities for periodic inspections, the addition of equipment, and a complete repainting. For several months, our mechanics, avionics technicians, boilermakers, painters, BT agents, and CAMO agents worked on the five helicopters. These aircraft will be used for troop transport, emergency response, and firefighting. Unique acceptance ceremonies This period was marked by three acceptance ceremonies, in October, April, and the first week of June. These events provided an opportunity to welcome members of the Ecuadorian army, including a pilot and mechanics, to our premises. Next steps in Ecuador The next phase of this project will take place in Ecuador, with our mechanics and avionics technicians returning the aircraft to service. This phase began in March with the first two H225s, which are now operational. A big thank you to all our teams for their masterful execution of the operations. We would also like to express our gratitude to Airbus Helicopters, in particular Guillaume Nakamura, José Lareo Asorey, Samuel Danan, Nicolas Curty, and Aurélie Pichon, for their trust and support throughout this project. We are proud to have contributed to the preparation of helicopters for the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense for crucial missions.