Universal Avionics Receives FMS Solution STC
Universal Avionics has received EASA STC approval of its high-performance SBAS-FMS (satellite-based augmentation system-flight management system) solution for the ATR 42 and ATR 72 flight deck. The STC covers replacement of every configuration of FMS on the aircraft types and Universal Avionics says it will lead to more direct and shorter approaches, which will save operators time and reduce fuel burn. The SBAS-FMS installation also meets current and emerging mandates for ADS-B Out.

ITP Aero and Pratt & Whitney Canada MRO Agreement
ITP Aero has been selected as the exclusive supplier of OEM MRO services for the mid turbine frame and low pressure compressor modules of Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW814 and PW815 engines. The MRO arrangement is for the initial period following entry into service of the PW800 and will be carried out at the company’s main MRO facilities in Ajalvir (Madrid) starting in the first quarter of 2021.

AEI Gets Additional Freighter Conversion Order
Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has announced it will provide Aviation Holdings III Investments with three more B737-800SF freighter conversions, bringing the total to eight. The first aircraft of the new order is scheduled to commence modification at Commercial Jet in Miami in April 2021.

Portugalia Taps Liebherr for Landing Gear Overhaul
Liebherr-Aerospace has been chosen by Portugalia Airlines to overhaul the landing gear systems of its fleet of Embraer aircraft. It will carry out all overhaul activities of the nose and main landing gear systems at its facility in Lindenberg, Germany.

Alaska Airlines Appoints Constance von Muehlen as COO
Alaska Airlines vice president of maintenance and engineering Constance von Muehlen has been appointed as chief operating officer of the airline, effective April 3. She succeeds current COO Gary Beck, who has announced his retirement, and will become Alaska Airlines’ first female COO.

AFI KLM E&M and Liebherr Sign China Component Agreement
AFI KLM E&M Components China has signed an agreement with Liebherr-Aerospace and Liebherr (China) to become a dedicated partner and repair center for Liebherr-manufactured electronic controllers on board Airbus A320 and A330 programs. It will join Liebherr’s service network in China to provide test, repair and overhaul for the products, including during the OEM warranty period.

Cebu Pacific Adopts FLYdocs
Cebu Pacific has selected the FLYdocs Aircraft Records Management platform for its fleet of Airbus and ATR aircraft. It says FLYdocs will enable it to go fully paperless, enabling more timely compliance and accuracy of technical records while also reducing its aircraft fuel burn and environmental footprint.

Global Eagle Achieves Connectivity STCs
Global Eagle has received two Supplemental Type Certificates for the installation of its Airconnect Global Ku inflight connectivity system onboard a Boeing 737 aircraft. The first STC allows it to install server and wireless access point components developed by Turkish Technic and the second STC will see the installation of the Global Eagle Airconnect Global KU solution on Turkish Airlines’ narrowbody fleet.

ULD MRO Contract Assists COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
Unilode Aviation Solutions has signed an agreement with Sonoco ThermoSafe for the maintenance, repair and handling of Sonoco’s Pegasus passive temperature-controlled unit load devices (ULD). According to the companies, Pegasus is the world’s first FAA and EASA-approved passive bulk temperature-controlled container for pharmaceutical use and it is engineered with composite materials as opposed to metal, making it lightweight and damage resistant. The agreement will leverage Unilode’s global MRO footprint at key airports in the U.S., EMEA and APAC region and allow both companies to contribute to the global distribution efforts of COVID-19 vaccines.

Caeli Nova Schedules First Retrofit Installations of New Emergency Oxygen System
Caeli Nova has scheduled the first retrofit installations of its new Cordillera passenger emergency oxygen system for the end of 2021. The company received initial Design Organization Approval from EASA in December 2020 and is now continuing development of Cordillera under its own Supplemental Type Certificate. It says the system delivers improved safety and overcomes existing limitations for carriers operating the most challenging routes, such as those over high terrain regions, so its installation will enable airlines to operate the most direct air routes.