Beating the Heat on the Apron: Smarter Shelter Solutions for Aircraft Maintenance

From scheduled inspections to urgent AOG events, ground crews and engineers face harsh heat, intense sun exposure, and limited shelter while working on aircraft — especially around engines and under wings.

At JB Roche, we specialise in rapid-deploy aircraft maintenance shelters designed to protect both people and planes. Whether you’re planning an engine change, performing line maintenance, or responding to a critical AOG, our IglooMX® shelters provide fast, effective protection from the elements, including extreme heat.

Why Heat Puts Aircraft Operations at Risk

Airside environments can be punishing. The tarmac acts like a giant radiator, with surface temperatures often exceeding 50°C. That heat reflects upward onto both aircraft structures and ground crews, increasing fatigue, slowing down work, and introducing real risks to health and safety.

Hot conditions also affect maintenance performance. Tools become difficult to handle, components expand or degrade more rapidly, and even minor repairs take longer when technicians are battling the heat.

That’s where the right aviation shelter makes all the difference.

IglooMX® Engine Change Shelters: Designed for the Real World

JB Roche’s IglooMX® shelters are trusted by leading airlines, MROs, and military operators worldwide. Our patented designs are purpose-built for fast deployment, airside compatibility, and efficient protection — especially during engine change procedures, cabin repairs, or fuselage inspections.

Key benefits include:

• Immediate shade and cooling, reducing heat stress on the crew and aircraft.

• Flexible design, custom-fit to multiple aircraft types and maintenance zones.

• Quick setup, even in challenging apron or remote environments.

• Compact storage and transport, ideal for mobile teams and hangar-free solutions.

But it’s not just about shielding from the sun. Our shelters create a private, controlled workspace around the aircraft. This protected environment improves concentration, enhances security, and supports quality maintenance by shielding the work area from dust, debris, and unauthorised observation. Whether operating at a busy international airport or a remote airstrip, maintaining control over your environment is key to faster, safer, and higher-standard maintenance operations.

Whether you’re facing a planned engine swap or an unplanned AOG scenario, our shelters help your team work smarter, safer, and faster.

Supporting Global Aviation, One Shelter at a Time

Our mission is simple: keep your operations moving, no matter the weather. JB Roche shelters are used on every continent, from desert airstrips to busy international hubs, helping ground crews stay protected while maintaining aircraft to the highest standard.

This summer—and every season—trust JB Roche to deliver reliable, easy-to-use shelter solutions that adapt to your schedule, fleet, and team’s needs.

Ready to improve your working conditions in the heat?
Contact us today to find the right engine change shelter or AOG-ready solution for your fleet.