MRO News Briefs, June 28-July 4, 2020

Meggitt Singapore Facility Expands Repair Capabilities
Meggitt has received authority approval to repair more than 80 new part numbers at its recently expanded services and support center of excellence in Singapore. The enhanced portfolio now incorporates fire detectors, cable assemblies, actuators, sensors, valves and heat exchangers.

Embry-Riddle Students Train With Airbus
Four Aviation Maintenance Science students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University recently earned scholarships from the Airbus Training Center to participate in an EASA-approved course focused on the Airbus A320’s engine, airframe and avionics systems.

AAR Divesting Non-Core Composites Manufacturing Business
AAR has entered a definitive agreement to divest its aerospace composite manufacturing business. According to CEO John Holmes, the divestiture will reduce complexity and allow AAR to further prioritize its efforts on aviation aftermarket operations. The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2020.

Avant Aerospace Relocates to Midwest
Aircraft parts supplier Avant Aerospace has relocated from Dallas, Texas to St. Louis Downtown Airport, which will bring it in closer proximity to parent company West Star Aviation’s MRO facility in East Alton, Illinois. According to Avant, the relocation will centralize its inventory and reduce delivery time and shipping expense.

Pratt & Whitney Invests in North Berwick Facility
Pratt & Whitney will invest $12.5 million in its North Berwick, Maine facility, which will perform maintenance on high-pressure turbine and high-pressure compressor modules for the PW1100G-JM engine. The space will receive upgrades to increase efficiencies and enable a “seamless transition” as the facility takes on a new role. The OEM says the investment will bolster its global GTF MRO Network and reduce lead-time for customers.

Nomad Technics Completes First A319ACJ Maintenance Work
Nomad Technics has completed its first A checks on an Airbus A319ACJ. In addition to the checks, the Swiss MRO performed required service bulletin work, due tasks within reduced maintenance ground time, cleaning and disinfection of the cabin and flight deck, and the installation of an ADS-B out system.

ATEC Survey Indicates COVID-19 Graduate Impacts
A survey performed by the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) on the impact of COVID-19 found that 40% of schools expect a decline in anticipated 2020 graduates, by an average of 28%. Nearly half of respondents expect enrollment to decline by an estimated 31% in 2021 and 2021, and respondents expect that just 45% of 2020 graduates will have a job by graduation.

JAMCO Reports Mixed Results For FY2019
JAMCO has reported that its aircraft maintenance business net sales decreased for FY2019 by JPY296 million (approximately $276 million), which it attributes mainly to postponement of some shipments in aircraft maintenance and equipment maintenance to the next fiscal year and later. However, it reports that the aircraft maintenance segment’s ordinary income is up JPY357 million (approximately $333 million) compared to the previous fiscal year due to “improved profitability” and “a solid increase in performance of aircraft maintenance for airlines.”