Repairing rather than scrapping components can make a vital contribution to the bottom line. Martin Johnson meets the innovative companies who are developing systems to support the region's carriers.

The backlog for refurbishment of VIP cabins in the BBJs and ACJs was eased today when Lufthansa Technik Switzerland opened its new VIP cabin interior facility, directly adjoining the company's aircraft maintenance hangar in Basel.

Bahrain-based executive charter business Rizon is adding to its facilities having started work on a brand new business aviation FBO and hangar facility at Doha Airport. The new facility, similar to the size of its UK headquarters at London Biggin Hill now under construction, is scheduled for opening in early 2010.

ATR has launched a 'Door-2-Door' service, a new option for its comprehensive range of ATR customer services. The company has aircraft in service with both Oman Air and Iran

Singapore Airlines subsidiary SIA Engineering announced today that it has won another contract from Bahrain's Gulf Air.

Rolls-Royce will power Saudi Arabian Airlines aircraft in an order worth up to US$900m at list prices. The contract will include a long-term service agreement.

Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air has signed a long-term fleet management deal with Singapore Airline's subsidiary SIA Engineering (SIAEC).

The new GEnx-2B jet engine for Boeing's new 747-8 aircraft has begun flight-testing on GE Aviation's 747 flying test-bed. During the five-hour first flight Monday (March 23), a single GEnx-2B engine demonstrated aircraft systems and instrumentation functionality, climbing close to 40,000 feet and establishing engine performance baseline. About 40 flights with the engine are planned for this spring and summer.