Ascent Inducts Sine Draco P2F Conversion for Heavy Check
Sine Draco Aviation Development’s prototype A321-200 SDF passenger to freighter conversion has been inducted for a heavy maintenance check at Ascent Aviation Services in Tucson, Arizona, where it will then be converted to an all-cargo configuration. The A321-200 SDF design includes installation of a main deck cargo door and main deck cargo compartment, as well as the ability to accommodate 10 containers in the lower cargo compartments.

Bluebox IFE System Gets EASA STC
Bluebox Aviation Systems has been granted a Supplemental Type Certificate by EASA for the aircraft-powered version of its Bluebox Wow wireless in-flight entertainment system on Airbus A320 family aircraft. Both the aircraft-powered and battery-powered versions of Bluebox Wow are available via retrofit on traditional avionics grade hardware or as a linefit option. Aerospace Engineering Solutions (AES) has been awarded an EASA STC for installation of the system.

Investment Firm to Acquire Unical Aviation and its Subsidiaries
Los Angeles-based investment firm Platinum Equity has signed a definitive agreement to acquire aircraft parts and components provider Unical Aviation, including its subsidiaries Unical MRO, Unical 145, Unical Aero and Unical Defense. The transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2021.

HAECO Joins Liebherr-Aerospace Support Network
Liebherr-Aerospace has added HAECO as a new partner in its network to support heat exchanger servicing for customers in the Asia-Pacific region. HAECO has developed capabilities to perform tests and cleaning of Liebherr-manufactured heat exchangers for Airbus A320 family aircraft.

RAS Positions Itself for Electric Aircraft MRO
European MRO provider Rheinland Air Service has completed purchase deposit agreements for five all-electric Bye Aerospace eFlyer 800 aircraft. In addition to serving as a designated reseller of eFlyer800 aircraft in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, it will act as an MRO support to eFlyer800s in Central Europe through its service and support facilities in Germany.

Topcast Acquires AML Aviation Technologies
Aircraft parts distributor and MRO service provider Topcast has acquired AML Aviation Technologies, a Shanghai-based aircraft component maintenance provider. As part of the acquisition, Topcast will set up a warehouse in Shanghai and implement a dedicated pooling program for lower lifecycle costs.

Saudia Airlines Picks GE Digital Software for Maintenance Records Management
Saudia Airlines has signed a contract to implement GE Digital’s Aviation Software Asset Records solution, which enables airlines to digitize, index and archive maintenance records and match them to the relevant maintenance and engineering system. It expects the software to streamline records management between the airline and other entities, such as lessors.

Commutair Signs Embraer Pool Agreement
Commutair has signed a long-term Pool Agreement with Embraer to support its ERJ 145 fleet. The contract includes full repair coverage for components and parts, as well as access to a large stock of components at the OEM’s Fort Lauderdale distribution center.

MTU Maintenance Secures Sunclass Airlines Engine Contract
Danish charter airline Sunclass Airlines has signed an exclusive five-year contract with MTU Maintenance for the MRO of the CFM56-5B engines powering its eight Airbus A321s. The agreement covers comprehensive MRO support, AOG, on-site services and spare engine leasing.

Ethiopian Airlines Signs OEMServices Component Support Agreement
Ethiopian Airlines has signed a multi-year component support agreement with OEMServices for its fleet of 24 Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The contract covers engineering and repair services as well as 24/7 pool access from OEMServices’ Dubai facility.