Progress on 777-300ERSF P2F Conversion Program
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and GECAS say they have passed the planned halfway phase of the STC Development Program for the 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter conversion program. The companies are now moving from the planning phase to the physical modification phase and will commence the prototype conversion near the end of June 2021.

APOC Aviation CFM56-7B Engine Teardown Project
APOC Aviation is collaborating with engine teardown specialist Bonus Tech to disassemble its third engine in recent months. The CFM56-7B engine components will be integrated into APOC’s stock this month. It expects the added stock coupled with industry recovery will lead to an increase in volume of engine shop visits, which it said decreased during the pandemic.

VSE Corporation Announces Engine Accessories Agreement
VSE Corporation has announced a $1 billion engine accessories distribution agreement with a global aircraft engine OEM. Under the 15-year agreement, it will be the distributor for more than 6,000 flight-critical components used in more than 100 business/general aviation and regional aviation engine platforms. It expects to service more than 5,000 U.S.-based aircraft with on-demand, flight-critical components to support scheduled line maintenance and AOG events.

IndiGo and AFI KLM E&M Renew Component Support Contract
AFI KLM E&M and Indian airline IndiGo have signed an agreement to expend their component support contract covering more than 350 aircraft. AFI KLM E&M will deliver services including component repairs, dedicated pool access, logistics support and provision of a Main Base Kit at IndiGo’s hub in Delhi.

New MRO Tenant at London Oxford Airport
New business jet MRO Jet Maintenance International (JMI) is to be established at London Oxford Airport from the start of May. It will move into a brand new 16,000 ft.² hangar facility at the airport. JMI will primarily focus on Textron (Cessna) Citation and Dassault Falcon aircraft product support with line and base maintenance as well as AOG capabilities.

Jet Aviation Gets New NDT Technique Approval
Jet Aviation has received approval from the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation to use infrared thermography for non-destructive testing in Basel, which it says is an NDT technique particularly well-suited for the inspection of composite materials. Jet Aviation says infrared thermography is typically performed during scheduled maintenance to detect delamination, defective bonding, water ingress, corrosion and material thinning.

Antimicrobial Aircraft Leather Partnership
Scottish aviation leather supplier Muirhead has partnered with chemical solutions provider Polygiene to integrate ViralOff antimicrobial technology into leather for aircraft cabins. Muirhead is now offering its Active Hygiene Leather with built-in antimicrobial technology to protect against odor-causing bacteria and viruses such as SARS CoV-2.

KF Aerospace Breaks Ground on Centre for Excellence
KF Aerospace has broken ground on its Centre for Excellence near Kelowna International Airport (YLW), which will serve as a multipurpose facility to celebrate the company’s history and provide education, advocacy, access and other community-based means and activities to future generations of aviators. The 60,000 ft.² building will be designed to replicate an aircraft, with the main hall serving as the fuselage and wing-shaped hangars to house historic aircraft. It is expected to open in 2022.

Wall Colmonoy Adds 3D Printing Capability
Wall Colmonoy is now offering metal 3D printing at its Precision Components business in the UK following the installation of a Desktop Metal Shop System. It says it will be able to collaborate with customers by developing additive manufacturing prototypes and components for customers who have smaller volumes or parts that are difficult to cast. It also plans to use the printer to produce innovative new parts for its atomization plant in Pontardawe, Wales.

Malaysia Airlines Extends Airbus Support Contract
Malaysia Airlines has extended its Flight Hour Services Components contract with Airbus for its A330 and A350 fleets and A330-200Fs operated by MASKargo. The extension covers technical support by Airbus, including component services such as spare pool access, on-site stock at the main base, component engineering and repairs.