ARINC added Inmarsat Swiftbroadband to its portfolio, and its Oi Onboard Internet product has been enhanced to take advantage of the increased bandwidth, the company said. Swiftbroadband should give Oi users real-time credit approval capabilities, which means that airlines could use the application to offer passengers pay-per-view entertainment during flights. Other sales and revenue opportunities are possible, according to ARINC. ARINC Inc., 2551 Riva Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401-7465
The Phasor platform of ultrasonic flaw detectors from GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies allow users to choose a fully integrated device or pick a unit that can be upgraded as inspection needs change. The Phasor XS is a portable ultrasonic phased array flaw detector that offers the highest level of resolution and probability of inspection in the product line, according to its manufacturer. GE’s mid-level solution, the Phasor 16/16 Weld, provides both phased array and conventional capabilities, as well as full-color image scans that can be stored as JPG files.
Hollingsead International , reissued STC to install control column and rudder pedal position sensors for flight data recorder expanded parameters on various McDonnell Douglas MD-11 and DC-10 aircraft, STC ST00743LA-D
Jet Aviation signed an MoU with Vnukovo Invest to form a joint venture that will triple the Zurich-based company’s footprint at the Moscow airport. Jet Aviation Vnukovo plans to move into a 32,827-sq.-ft. hangar close to the large Moscow Vnukovo-3 FBO next year, where it will offer support for Bombardier and Gulfstream aircraft. Facilities
Airline and union representatives are protesting a new Department of Transportation rule that requires “intrusive,” direct observation methods for testing of certain employees for drugs and alcohol. DOT released the new rule June 25, to cut down on the potential for cheating on drug tests.
Crownair Aviation acquired RoigWest Maintenance , an aircraft maintenance and support center at Van Nuys Airport , and West Coast Jet Services, at McClellan Palomar Airport (CRQ). The latter will do business as Crownair Aviation-CRQ.
McDonnell Douglas won a $5.5 million indefinite delivery indefinite quantity technical service firm fixed fee price contract to support additional efforts for the Aircraft Survivability Product Improvement Kit improvement for the Longbow Apache Program-AMCOM. Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity.
The Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office received an $18.1 million modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract to exercise an option for engineering and logistics services for MV-22 Total Life Cycle logistics support.
October’s Upgrades/Retrofits referred to OGMA - Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal, S.A., by its former name, Oficinas Gerais de Manutenção Aeronáutica.
Boeing plans to acquire San Diego-based Tapestry Solutions, a services and software systems provider. The deal, which was expected to close at the end of October, would integrate Tapestry Solutions within Boeing’s Integrated Defense Systems Global Services & Support segment.
Spirit AeroSystems opened a new MRO repair station at its European headquarters in Prestwick, Scotland. It initially will focus on engine nacelles and components for Boeing 737NG and 777 aircraft.
Lufthansa Technik Switzerland launched in Basel , where the MRO will support regional aircraft for Swiss Air Lines and other customers, in addition to larger VIP versions of the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family, from its 500-employee facility at Basel Mulhouse airport.
Glynn Williams has been an owner, advisor and partner in various aerospace companies, including MROs, for over 25 years. He is president and CEO of Navhouse Corp., a Bolton, Ontario-based company that repairs inertial navigation systems. His private equity company, Reliance Aerotech of Toronto, purchased Navhouse in June 2006 from Northstar Aerospace (Canada) Inc.
Rolls-Royce signed a long-term CorporateCare agreement with private investment management firm Berwind. The deal covers support for Berwind’s BR725-powered Gulfstream G650, which is scheduled to enter service in the second half of 2012. Rolls says it has signed 150 new CorporateCare deals to date. Another first for Rolls: the first Trent engines entered service in Latin America, equipping Avianca’s first of 10 Bogota-based, Trent 700-powered Airbus A330s.
Certain Pratt & Whitney PW2037 engines should be removed from service for recurring inspections to prevent possible uncontained engine failure, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) urged in a letter to FAA on Oct. 16. The NTSB recommends FAA enact regulations that: • Require that Pratt & Whitney PW2037 engines be removed from service for inspection of the 2nd stage turbine hubs when they have accumulated significantly fewer hours and/or cycles than the incident engine (10,880 hours and/or 4,392 cycles).
Vector Aerospace appointed Trevor Pritchard as business development director for the U.K. Pritchard most recently was director of Honeywell Aerospace, Defense and Space activities in the U.K. Airframes
Pratt & Whitney named Todd Kallman president of its newly formed Commercial Engines & Global Services organization, which encompasses former Commercial Engines, Global Service Partners and Global Material Solutions. Kallman has headed P&W’s commercial engines business since 2006. Matthew Bromberg, former VP and GM of Global Material Solutions, now is VP, product line management for Commercial Engines.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on Sept. 9 of a possible foreign military sale to Finland of an F-18C/D Mid-Life Upgrade Program, plus associated equipment and services. Total value, with all options, could reach $406 million.
PATS Aircraft , amended STC to install provisions for a two forward/two aft Cell Auxiliary Fuel System in the forward and aft cargo compartment of Boeing 757-200 series aircraft, STC ST02423NY
Thales was selected in mid-September by the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA), to upgrade electronic intelligence (ELINT) systems in France’s Transall C-160G Gabriel intelligence aircraft. The system provided by Thales allows the interception, analysis, decoding, recording and processing of signal intelligence (SIGINT). Beginning in 2011, the Transall Gabriel’s optimized system will meet technical requirements to protect naval and air combat platforms against current and future threats.
Micro AeroDynamics , issued STC to install vortex generators on the wings and horizontal and vertical tail surfaces of Rogers 15AC and S15AC aircraft, STC SA01869SE
The grounding, temporary or permanent, of about 1,000 commercial jets will have a major impact on part markets over the next year. Shedding Boeing 737 Classics and MD-80s from major fleets will trim demand for parts, relocate repair work and reduce at least some part prices. The groundings will accelerate the shift of inventories toward asset managers and leasing companies, especially global ones. Cash must be available and shrewd judgments made to exploit opportunities and control exposure.
On July 11, 2007, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 757, with 167 passengers, was about to touch down at Fort Lauderdale International Airport when a United Airlines Airbus A320, carrying 133 onboard, pulled onto the same runway on which the Delta crew had been cleared to land. Quick action by the Delta pilot, who executed a go-around, averted a disaster. The two aircraft purportedly missed each other by 100 ft.
