In the old days, repair facilities would take on just about any job to keep the revenue stream going. But, today, MROs are more discerning, carefully considering whether a repair or engineering solution is in their best interest. Some companies have an assortment of ways to determine the various costs associated with a repair: research and development, engineering, regulatory, expediency and labor costs.
SIMPLEX MANUFACTURING , amended STC to build and install a Simplex Model 316 fire attack system on Eurocopter France AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters, STC SR01074SE
ELECTRONIC CABLE SPECIALISTS, amended STC to install a Universal Avionics terrain awareness and warning system on various Boeing 747 aircraft (limited to serial numbers 20713 and 20888 only), STC ST01893CH
Here’s the challenge: how to render more reliable a complex product that pumps significant revenue into your airline. At issue are seats, particularly premium seats. Cutting-edge, premium seating is “absolutely essential” to Singapore Airlines’ persona, said James Boyd, the carrier’s VP of corporate communications for North America. “Premium brands drive premium pricing,” echoed Andrew Hoad, Emirates’ SVP of engineering support services.
O&M will present its annual O&M Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul on April 21 as part of AVIATION WEEK’s MRO 2009 Conference & Exhibition in Dallas/Grapevine, Texas. This year, O&M also will recognize a Lifetime Achievement Award winner during the conference.
The growth and diversity of Latin American carriers, their increasing aircraft fleets and growing financial strength are expected to continue to spur an expansion of maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities in the region, despite the current economic downturn. While MRO activities in Latin America date to the beginning of the air travel age, in large part because travel times to the U.S., where aircraft were being produced, were so great, there has been a spate of activity in recent years.
Saudi Arabian Airlines signed a $300 million contract with GE Aviation Services to provide material for the CFM56-5B engines that will power the carrier’s new fleet of 50 Airbus A320s. The exclusive 10-year materials agreement covering 100 CFM56-5B engines, means Saudi Arabian Airlines will use only CFM parts while maintaining these engines, which it plans to service in-house. Avionics/IFE
ST Aerospace and the Institute of Technical Education plan to work together to train students in the Nitec aerospace technology and aerospace avionics courses. A memorandum of understanding extended over five years includes setting up an aircraft airframe workshop at ITE, offering scholarships to students, providing on-the-job attachment for ITE staff and knowledge sharing, and developing joint certification courses. IT
Japan Airlines parent JAL Group plans to integrate its four maintenance subsidiaries : JAL Narita Aircraft Maintenance Co., Ltd; JAL Tokyo Aircraft Maintenance Co., Ltd; JAL Engine Technologies Co., Ltd; and JAL Aviation Technologies Co., Ltd. The integration is to take effect on Oct. 1, although details of what changes this will mean for the group’s maintenance business aren’t spelled out.
3M introduced a new cleaner for sensitive electronics in its line of Novec brand cleaners, which offers non-ozone depleting, low-toxicity alternatives to HCFCs. HFCs and nPB. 3M’s new Novac Contact Cleaner Plus is designed to remove oil, grease and silicones while meeting California’s recent volatile organic compound regulations for electrical cleaners.
PPG Aerospace recently introduced two new products designed to take weight out of sealing and coating systems and improve aircraft fuel efficiency. The company’s new lightweight fuel tank sealant and its basecoat/clearcoat system also should reduce drying times and add durability for additional costs savings.
Lufthansa Technik confirmed that it has discussed MRO cooperation with the Nigerian government but declined to comment further, citing the ongoing nature of the talks and that nothing has been decided. Reports in February said LHT and the Nigerian government had signed a memorandum of understanding to build an MRO facility in the country. LHT currently does line maintenance in Nigeria and has about 25-30 employees in the country, a spokesman said.
The Royal Australian Air Force awarded a C-130J Hercules deep maintenance and support contract on March 11 to a team comprising Australian Aerospace (a subsidiary of Eurocopter), Lockheed Martin and StandardAero. The Team Aero members will maintain and support 12 C-130Js via a $292 million five-year rolling contract with the Defense Materiel Organization.
U.S. Naval Air Systems Command’s Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications program office (PMA-271) reported formal acceptance of the first upgraded Boeing E-6B Mercury from Rockwell Collins and L-3 Integrated Systems Group at the latter’s Waco, Texas, facility. Navy E-6B aircraft are used to conduct both the “Take Charge and Move Out” (TACAMO) and U.S. Strategic Command Airborne Command Post missions, providing reliable and survivable communications between the president, secretary of defense and U.S. strategic forces.
AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, reissued STC to install a landing gear warning system for amphibian aircraft on various American Champion, Cessna, Maule, Piper, Revo, Sky International and Viking model aircraft, STC SA00194BO
Northrop Grumman named Jay Shiba VP of supply chain management for its Electronic Systems sector. Shiba joined the company in 1978, and most recently served as business manager of the Surface Combatant business area.
Atlantic Fasteners received Lockheed Martin-Electronic Systems’ STAR Supplier Award, one of 36 of Lockheed’s 4,625 suppliers to gain recognition for its quality, delivery and business achievements over a 12-month period.
Flightstar Aircraft Services redelivered a converted Boeing 757-200 freighter for Precision Conversions to new owner Cargo Aircraft Management. The full 15 pallet converted freighter is the 15th 757-200PCF Flightstar has completed for Precision Conversions.
HydroSwing Doors and Moveable Walls entered the sub-20 ft. door market with its LiD light industrial door. The LiD is designed to replace roller, slider and shutter access doors, which can be weaker in terms of high wind failure, etc., and cumbersome, according to HydroSwing.
Following extensive modernization of its four Boeing E-3F AWACS aircraft toward Block 40/45 capability, the French Air Force (AdlA) is undertaking further upgrades of its Boeing 707-based fleet, delivered from 1962-64. These concern its 11 C-135FR and three KC-135 tanker/transports, from a recent €37 million ($47 million) contract. Air France Industries is leading a mainly French commercial team that will install new ICAO-standard digital avionics and related advanced systems for operation in civil and military air space.
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, reissued STC to install a Honeywell/Racal aeronautical satellite communication system on Boeing 747-400, Airbus A300 and A310, and McDonnell Douglas DC-8-72 series aircraft, STCs ST00071LA, SA7060NM and SA5828NM
