I participated in a recent executive roundtable developed by Aviation Week, hosted by Boeing, and led by United Airlines' SVP Technical Operations Jim Keenan. The theme was “One Step Closer to Data Harmonization.” Participants seemed to intuitively understand that if we as an industry did a better job of data harmonization and data sharing, many of our processes would operate more efficiently, faster and at lower cost. But a couple of common themes emerged: How can we do a better job of quantifying the ROI, and how can we get more buy in from all stakeholders?

Aeromexico plans to add three more lines to the four currently available at its Guadalajara, Mexico, maintenance facility as it prepares to expand MRO operations under its joint venture with Delta Air Lines. The expansion will be completed in the third quarter of 2012 and the facility should be “fully functional” by the end of next year, Aeromexico's CEO Andres Conesa told Aviation Week during the carrier's third quarter results conference call. Total investment, he added, will amount to $30-35 million.

Germanwings will save costs and streamline technical services for its 30 Airbus A319 aircraft by bundling many aftermarket support functions under one provider and one fleet manager. By increasing its strategic cooperation with Lufthansa Technik through a mid- to long-term approach, Germanwings integrates individual contracts for airframe MRO, engineering, engine maintenance, landing gear and component services. The MRO also stations a dedicated fleet manager at the airline's Cologne headquarters to be the single point of contact for all operational issues.

Turkish Technic has signed a base maintenance services agreement with Pegasus Airlines for one Boeing 737-800 C check. Maintenance for the check will be done at the MRO's Istanbul facilities this year. Engines

Forrest Gump once quipped “Life is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you're going to get.” The same can be said for the business of repairing aircraft on ground, or AOG. When the phone rings, AOG professionals never know what kind of repair they're going to get or where they're going to go—or whether customs will even let them into the country.

National Science Foundation issued STC to install three fuselage optical window assemblies to support atmospheric research and meteorological observations in accordance with National Center for Atmospheric Research Optical Window Project on Gulfstream GV aircraft, STC ST00734DE

GE has collaborated with Michigan State University's College of Engineering to train the next generation of engineers. GE is one of the first corporate sponsors in the university's engineering theme partnership program, which will provide engineering undergraduate students with the opportunity to learn about transportation and issues related to clean technology. The partnership supports lab enhancements, student design competitions, mentorship and tutoring programs and activities like field trips to GE facilities.

Aviation Partners Boeing has appointed Bill Ashworth as its new president. His senior management team will include: Mike Stowell, acting president, executive VP and CTO of APB; Dean Poor, VP operations and Patrick LaMoria, VP sales.