Electronics now make up 30% of Ontic’s business, notes Billson, and that segment will grow quickly over the next few years. “We envision that 50% of our future legacy business base will be dedicated to the manufacturing and MRO support of avionics and electronics components and systems,” she says.

Ontic, known as the Legacy Support Group within BBA, saw revenues jump 52% in 2011 to $130 million, while orders virtually doubled to $103 million, according to BBA’s annual report. “Revenues have more than doubled in the last three years,” notes Billson.

Looking ahead, Billson says “it is most significant that our expanded UK facility at Cheltenham is now fully operational, and its footprint matches that in the U.S., in Chatsworth, California. It has achieved the AS9100 aerospace quality standard, and is CAA and EASA certified.”

Billson says demand for legacy parts is remaining strong as budget restraints around the world result in further life extensions of military and commercial platforms. “Demand is high, and it continues to be so,” she says.