Bell Helicopter Textron on Sept. 27 rolled out of the first production AH-1Z attack helicopter and UH-1Y utility helicopter. This precedes H-1 deliveries over several years to both test and evaluation, and operational squadrons, of completely modernized attack and utility helicopters with extensive design commonality, to reduce operating costs. The AH-1Z and UH-1Y share common tail boom, engines, rotor systems, drive trains, avionics architecture, software, controls and displays for at least 84 percent identical components.
Martinair awarded KLM Engineering and Maintenance a three-year Total Care Support contract for its 747-400BCF aircraft. Martinair received its first 747-400BCF late last year and is scheduled to receive three more from Guggenheim Aviation Partners this year and in 2008. TAECO is converting the four aircraft. The KLM E&M contract includes engineering services, maintenance control, component and line maintenance -- up to A checks - for three years.
When Willis Lease Finance Corp. announced a new North American engine sharing arrangement in September, the Sausalito, Calif.-based company may have changed the dynamics of spare engine leasing and pooling. With its new leasing option, "Engines can literally be rented in a matter of minutes, complete with data packages and final contract documents," said Charles Willis, president and CEO.
Sterling is set to transfer its maintenance department to a new maintenance start-up, Essential Aircraft Maintenance Services (EAMS) by Feb. 1. Icelandic-owned Sterling initially will retain 51 percent while EAMS, founded by Per Boll, Jean-Luc Monceaux and a group of international financial partners, will acquire 49 percent from that date. Hangars and related maintenance facilities will be rented from Sterling, which will sign a seven-year contract with the new company for the maintenance of its 26 Boeing 737s. Between Feb.
Ameco Beijing signed a letter of intent to perform D checks on up to three 747-400s for Lufthansa. Lufthansa Technik is under contract to provide maintenance services for Lufthansa's fleet of 30 747-400s.
Aviation funding is expected to take center stage this year in Washington because the Federal Aviation Administration's funding and aviation taxes expire at the end of fiscal 2007. Lawmakers will begin to draft a comprehensive bill to renew FAA's programs and aviation taxes. The debate on the much-anticipated FAA reauthorization began almost two years ago, with senior agency and DOT officials and industry leaders posturing to shape the future of aviation funding.
US Airways is becoming the largest user of Airbus' AIRMAN real-time maintenance and troubleshooting tool. The airline will use AIRMAN to monitor its fleet of 205 Airbus aircraft. America West, before becoming part of US Airways, used AIRMAN to monitor its Airbus fleet, but the latest announcement means US Airways will be adding more than 100 aircraft to the tool. Airbus said 84 airlines use AIRMAN to monitor more than 2,000 aircraft around the world.
Boeing received a $36.8 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract from the U.S. Army for acquisition of performance based logistics for Apache (AH-64) D components. Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31.
Cessna Aircraft selected Innovative Solutions & Support to supply flat panel display systems for its legacy Citation aircraft. Cessna's service centers will distribute and install the upgrade.
Northrop Grumman Systems received a $28.7 million modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract to exercise an option for 32 shipsets of Center Barrel Replacement Plus (CBR+) hardware for the U.S. Navy (23) and the Royal Australian Air Force (9) in support of the Service Life Extension Program for the F/A-18A/B/C/D aircraft. Work should be finished in December 2009.
Taiwan began flight testing early last October, ahead of schedule, the first of two upgraded C/D prototype versions of its AIDC F-CK-1 Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF), with a new BAE Systems digital flight control computer, from a 2002 development contract. The computer has a faster 32-bit PowerPC-based processor, with higher reliability and better avionics integration. The C/D is the IDF's first major upgrade since the locally designed and developed F-CK-1A/B single- and two-seat lightweight fighters entered Taiwanese air force service in 1993.
ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES: NORTH AMERICA -- SALES DIRECTOR Matt Holdreith, Phone: 212-904-2628; Fax: 212-904-3993 NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER, EAST Katie Taplett, Phone: 202-383-2335; Fax: 202-383-2323 NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER, WEST Bill Hux, Phone: 213-480-5202; Fax: 213-480-5249 REGIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER, NORTHEAST Gerry Lawrence, Phone: 781-860-6452; Fax: 781-860-6426 NORTHEAST, MID-ATLANTIC AND EASTERN CANADA
Thales has selected Barco's brand-new CHDD-254 cockpit head-down displays for electronic warfare upgrades of 10 Belgian air force C-130H tactical transports. The 5-by-4 inch CHDD-254 displays are key components of Barco's new MFD family and will be integrated with the Thales electronic warfare suite being installed in Belgium's C-130H fleet. Designed to DO-254 and DO-178B standards, the low-weight low-power CHDD-254 displays meet the most stringent airborne cockpit environmental requirements.
State-of-art avionics used in new mainline jets have become available for some veteran helicopters. Acrohelipro Global Services is offering a major avionics upgrade for Sikorsky S-61s under an STC obtained in November.
Sabreliner named Tracy Ogle to the new position of rotary wing program manager, as the company expands beyond its historical focus on maintenance, modification, component overhaul and engine support for fixed-wing aircraft. According to a press release, "Sabreliner has strategically entered the arena of helicopter support and is actively pursuing additional contracts for modifications, completions and parts manufacturing."
The privately-owned TAT Group is rapidly expanding its MRO interests in both the civil and military markets. In the past five years it has acquired AOM, Sabena technics and, most recently, Sogerma. Its challenge over the next 12 months is to consolidate these companies into one efficient network and then expand its business. Pierre Reville, who is executive vice president and director of operations for Sabena technics, discussed this strategy with Bill Burchell, O&M's European Editor (Commercial). Edited for clarity and length.
AAR acquired substantially all of the assets of Reebaire Aircraft, a regional aircraft MRO located in Hot Springs, Ark. Reebaire will operate under the name AAR Aircraft Services -- Hot Springs. The acquisition is part of AAR's strategy to expand its MRO business and its support of regional aircraft operators. Year-over-year, AAR's sales to regional airline customers have increased 48 percent.
NEW DELHI -- CFM International is in the initial stages of setting up an Aircraft Engine Training School in India to provide advanced maintenance courses for the CFM56 engine that powers Boeing 737s and a majority of Airbus A320 series aircraft. The school -- its fourth after ones in the U.S, Europe and China -- will be based on the same model CFM used to set up the school in China a decade ago.
FlightSafety International promoted Jeff Houk to manager of its Cessna Aircraft Maintenance Learning Center in Wichita. Houk succeeds John Hansen, who is retiring.
AMETEK acquired Southern Aeroparts, a Tulsa, Okla.-based provider of third-party MRO services. Southern Aeroparts had estimated 2006 annual sales of $17 million. The acquisition was appealing to AMETEK because it wants to expand MRO services to airlines, said AMETEK Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Frank S. Hermance.
Bombardier appointed Gate V Aircraft Maintenance in Vienna, Austria, as an aircraft on ground (AOG)/line maintenance facility for Learjet aircraft. Bombardier also named Mather Aviation in Sacramento, Calif., as an authorized line maintenance facility for Learjet aircraft.
Bedek Aviation Group won FAA's approval to repair and overhaul CFM International CFM56-7Bs that power Boeing 737-600s/-700s/-800s/-900s. Bedek noted the certification brings the company closer to servicing all CFM56 engine types. Its goal is to win the nod to offer maintenance for CFM56-5s by yearend.
The future of the U.K.'s Defense Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) is looking grim following a U.K. government review of its armed forces requirements. Only one of its four businesses will be retained by the U.K. Ministry of Defense, while the other three face closure or perhaps new ownership. DARA's CEO Archie Hughes spoke to Bill Burchell, O&M's European Editor (Commercial), about managing the challenges imposed by this transition. O&M: What is your strategic plan for DARA's future?
Pratt & Whitney won a $25.9 million U.S. Navy contract to repair 11 line items used on the J52 engine that powers EA-6B aircraft. Pratt & Whitney also will provide manufacturing, engineering and technical support to the Naval Aviation Depot Jacksonville with a goal of improving monthly output. Work should be finished by July 2008.
Singapore Aero Engine Services Ltd. (SAESL) celebrated its fifth year of operation in January. During that time, SAESL, a joint venture between SIA Engineering Co., Rolls-Royce and Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Ltd., has overhauled 500 Rolls-Royce Trent engines.
