Airlines today see how reduced auxiliary power unit (APU) use reflects positively on fuel costs. A Delta Air Lines APU reduction initiative, discussed in last month’s “Fueling Force” feature (O&M, Nov. 2008, p.35), for example, aims to save the carrier $30 million this year through working with other airlines to share ground power and heating units at various hubs and stations. Few contest that such initiatives present environmentally responsible and cost-effective measures in terms of fuel.
Boeing subsidiary Alsalam Aircraft Co., recently received a three-year, $29 million contract for programmed depot maintenance (PDM) of Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) C-130s. Alsalam will handle repairs, inspections, maintenance, modifications and repainting work for 50 C/KC-130E/H/H-30/L-100-30 transport/tanker aircraft at its Riyadh facilities. Alsalam currently handles other RSAF aircraft, such as Boeing F-15C/D/S Eagle fighters, AH-64 Apache helicopters, and E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
The U.S. Congress was notified Sept. 26 of a possible foreign military sale to France of upgrade kits for four Boeing E-3F Sentry AWACS aircraft. Upgrades would include Block 40/45 Mission Computing and Radar System Improvement Program (RSIP) Interface, plus enhanced ESM, Mode 5/S Identification Friend or Foe, related spare and repair parts, and other support equipment. With options, program costs could reach $400 million.
LONDON—Crystal balls have been worn out worldwide over recent months as businesses try to predict the length and effects of the global recession. Even eminent economists are loath to make predictions, aside from the consensus that 2009 will be “a difficult year.” Beyond that, there’s light at the end of the tunnel with a sharp up-tick expected from 2010 onward. Between now and then, however, lies the great 2009 unknown. What will it bring and, most importantly, what can be done to get through it unscathed?
CFM International added Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia to the TRUEngine program it launched in July. The program was launched with TRUEngine designations for Southwest Airlines, KLM and Continental Airlines announced in rapid succession.
Lufthansa Bombardier Aviation Services launched a customer loyalty program focused on life cycle support. “Maintenance Plus” will allow customers to earn loyalty points based on turnover, outstanding payments relative to sales and contractual relationships with LBAS, similar to an airline frequent flier program.
Because this is our last issue of 2008, I figured I’d use this space to review the highs and lows of the year, and maybe look ahead to 2009. Turns out, Kerry Lynch and Bill Burchell both beat me to the punch. In Washington In Action, starting on p. 17, Kerry does an excellent job outlining the issues that the incoming Obama administration will face in 2009.
The Boeing Co. acquired Tapestry Solutions , a San Diego-based provider of software and systems to improve tracking and distributing equipment, spare parts and personnel to the U.S. government and others. Facilities
Alaska Air Group elected Thomas Nunn , formerly president of new Frontier subsidiary Lynx Aviation, VP of safety effective Nov. 24. He will report to Chairman and CEO Bill Ayer.
Don Arendt, Ph.D., manager of FAA’s Flight Standards Certification and Surveillance Division, spent much of his time at the podium at the Baltimore conference describing where the agency stands in issuing a final rule on Safety Management System (SMS) implementation. The agency is “right on the leading edge” in addressing SMS, he said. It is beginning its second pilot airport SMS program. However, he said he couldn’t add more specifics about when a final rule might emerge.
U.S. Airways picked Goodrich to refurbish the thrust reversers on its CFM56-5B-powered Airbus A320s. The custom-tailored program is set to last through 2012, and it also provides initial exchange units. Joint Ventures/Acquisitions
Gulfstream Aerospace , issued STC to install a Honeywell Primus 880 digital weather radar system on a Gulfstream G-1159 and G-1159B aircraft, STC ST10750SC-D
Government plans were announced in October for major avionics upgrades of more than 80 Russian-supplied Antonov An-32 twin-turboprop tactical transports, operated by the IAF since 1984. Protracted program negotiations are being finalized with Antonov, as original equipment manufacturer, plus other Russian contractors, for contractual commitments scheduled to begin in early 2009.
The Helicopter Association International named its 2009 “Salute to Excellence” award winners . HAI’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Award was given to David Vogel, senior technical representative for American Eurocopter in Grand Prairie, Texas. Its Aviation Repair Specialist Award was given to Jeffery L. Peabody, a maintenance technician with Air Logistics of Alaska, in Fairbanks.
The Hamilton Sundstrand APS 5000 on the Boeing 787 and Microturbo’s in-development e-APU product line for business aircraft mark a transition away from pneumatic power. The all-electric APUs aim to take advantage of simpler designs, fewer components and health monitoring technology to streamline maintenance.Customer maintenance requirements factored into the e-APU design process, said Microturbo communication manager Angélique Brandan.
The first Finnish Air Force (Ilmavoimat) BAE Hawk Mk.51/51A advanced jet trainer undergoing an avionics upgrade by Patria made its initial flight at Jämsä, in late September. The digital glass cockpit and systems upgrade is the second phase of a program launched in December 2006. Finland has 49 Hawk 51s, mostly assembled by Patria in 1980-1985, plus 18 ex-Swiss Hawk Mk.66s acquired in 2007.
StandardAero will inspect auxiliary power units for the Letterkenny Army Depot in a contract worth $3.3 million over five years. Its Maryville, Tenn., facility will carry out the 500-hour inspections on the U.S. Army’s GTCP36-50H APUs.
Shannon Aerospace named Muriel Fenton quality assurance manager. Fenton has been with the company since it opened in 1992 opening, first as a systems and engines aircraft maintenance technician and then working in engineering and planning, and quality management.
