• CFM International introduced what amounts to a “seal of approval” program it says will enhance the value of CFM engines that run on genuine CFM parts. CFMI launched the TRUEngine designation in response to demand from appraisers for more accurate information on the configuration and service history of in-service CFM56 engines.
Jet Support Services was acquired by private equity firms 1848 Capital Partners and R.H. Book. The new owners plan to expand the MRO services provider’s market share and broaden its hourly cost maintenance guarantee programs for business aircraft engines and airframes.
AerCap Holdings closed on a $100 million engine acquisition facility, with an availability period of 24 months and an option for an extra 36 months, with a syndicate of U.S. and German banks led by Citi. The deal provides AerCap with committed funding to acquire a range of spare engine types to expand its Shannon, Ireland-based long term engine leasing business.
Standard Aero , reissued STC to install a Collins Pro Line 21 Continuum retrofit integrated avionics system on various Dassault Falcon 50, 20, 200 and Fan Jet aircraft, STC ST01578CH-D and ST01576CH-D
Garmin AT , amended STC to install GTX 32 (mode C), GTX 33 (mode S) or GTX 33D (Mode S with diversity) remote transponders on multiple models of general aviation aircraft, STC SA01473SE
Stretch panels and color-coding are designed to increase the comfort and safety of Kimberly-Clark's new lines of protective apparel and particulate respirators.
SR Technics extended its existing agreement with Air Arabia to continue providing component support for its 13 Airbus A320 aircraft for six more years. The integrated component solutions contract covers component exchange, maintenance, repair and logistics for Air Arabia's A320 fleet, which is set to grow to 30 aircraft over the contractual period. It further includes setting up a dedicated component consignment stock in Sharjah, UAE.
CFM International won a firm fixed price contract for $22.6 million to manufacture F108 turbine rotors, at a quantity of 44 each. All funds have been obligated. Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., was responsible for the contracting activity.
People attending the Farnborough International Airshow can see what aircraft recycling is all about, thanks to a big demonstration project organized by the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association (AFRA) and members Air Salvage International, P3 Aviation and WINGNet. Witness Air Salvage disassembling the fuselage -- from removing the interiors, recycling the plastics and tagging the reusable parts. See the harvested parts at P3 Aviation's parts management display.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II ground-attack fighter will likely continue operating until at least 2030, according to a recent review issued from Langley AFB, Va. The U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, which has been flying since originally produced by Fairchild Republic from 1975 to 1984, is an aging airframe but still highly effective. The current official USAF Thunderbolt II inventory comprises: Active force, A-10/OA-10, 143/70; Reserve, A-10/OA-10, 46/6; Air National Guard, A-10/OA-10, 84/18.
Little changed in the FAA regulatory front as several rules remain in progress. The Office of Management and Budget extended its review of the final rule requiring incorporation of flammability reduction means into existing and new aircraft. The fuel tank flammability proposal was published in November 2005 and the comment period ended in May 2006. The final rule was sent for OMB review in February.
Honeywell Aerospace plans to sell its Consumable Solutions (HCS) unit to Florida-based B/E Aerospace in a $1.05 billion cash and stock deal announced June 9. Rob Gillette, Honeywell president and CEO, said in a statement that the consumables unit, formerly known as the Hardware Products Group, no longer fits with Honeywell's strategic focus on more advanced technologies.
Honeywell secured an agreement with AirAsia to supply its 131-9A auxiliary power unit and APU maintenance for the Malaysian carrier's recent order of up to 125 Airbus A320s. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2009 through 2013. The 131-9A, which is an option on all of the A320 family aircraft, is in use on more than 1,400 aircraft operated by 90 customers, according to Honeywell.
The dynamics of the helicopter MRO industry are changing. As more operators deploy their equipment for longer stretches at increasingly greater distances from home bases, the focus of maintenance is shifting increasingly to field repairs.
AAR, surrendered STC to install a Brownline lower lobe cargo system on Boeing 747 aircraft, STC SA3381WE AeroMech Inc., one-only STC for non-group approval for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum for a Lockheed Martin 1329-25 aircraft, STC ST01360SE AeroNautique, to install interior cabinets/components, including a guest lavatory, closet assembly station 400, RH galley, LH galley pantry, lounge area cabinets, guest bedroom, master bedroom, master lavatory and associated pocket doors, on Boeing 737-700 series aircraft, STC ST10826SC
Rockwell Collins announced Denny Helgeson, vice president and general manager, Business and Regional Systems since 2002, will retire this fall. Greg Irmen, formerly senior director, Boeing programs, was appointed Helgeson's successor. effective May 19. Hegelson has been with the company for more than 33 years and will continue to report to Kelly Ortberg, executive vice president and COO of Commercial Systems, as vice president and general manager-special assistant until September.
The European Aviation Safety Agency this summer will take another step forward as the primary aviation authority in Europe as it releases proposals that will allow the agency to establish regulation of aviation operations, flight crew licensing and validation of third-country operating licenses.
U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) has introduced a bill in the Senate that, if approved, would greatly increase FAA oversight of foreign repair stations specifically and of outsourced maintenance generally. Co-sponsors of the bill, The Safe Aviation Facilities Ensures Aircraft Integrity and Reliability Act (SAFE AIR) of 2008, or simply S.3090, include Sens. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.).
Executive Jet Management's Michelle Schopp, director of technical services, received the U.S. FAA's "Good Friend" award, honoring her ground-breaking work on the electronic flight bag program.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Global Sustainment was awarded a $142.48 million ceiling-priced modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity multiple award contract to exercise an option for the P-3C sustainment, modification and installation program. Work will be performed in Greenville, S.C., and is expected to be completed in June 2009. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., was responsible for the contracting activity.
Flight Safety Foundation and AviAssist Foundation will work together on improving aviation safety and security in the East and Southern Africa region. Maintenance and engineering issues could be included. The agreement gives AviAssist access to Flight Safety Foundation's aviation safety information, including best practices and materials, and AviAssist brings 10 years of security expertise to the partnership.
April 17 marked the opening of a component repair business by Boeing Australia Ltd, a wholly owned Boeing subsidiary, in a new AUS$10 million ($9.583 million) facility at Melbourne Airport, Victoria. The new business will maintain, repair and overhaul a wide range of components for commercial and military aircraft, ranging from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18A/B Hornets.
Pemco World Air Services named Kevin Casey president of the company. He previously was president of its cargo conversions division. Patrick Stewart, previously with Texas Aero Engine Services and American Airlines, was named COO. In addition, VP of commercial operations in Dothan, Ala., Dennis Johnson, assumed the same VP position at Pemco's new Tampa facility. Shane King will take Johnson's place as director of production- Dothan.
