Safran is expanding its nacelle and thrust reverser repair services in the U.S. A new accord with Applied Composites Engineering in Indianapolis builds on that company's existing three-year agreement with Safran's Aircelle division to repair Aircelle thrust reversers for the Embraer ERJ-145, which is powered by Rolls-Royce AE3007 engines, as well as the 170 and 175 twinjets, which use GE CF34 engines. Marc Laubreaux, senior VP-customer service, said at Aviation Week's MRO Americas Conference that Aircelle also is pursuing repairs for single-aisle aircraft parts.
Baines Simmons welcomes Karen Jones as principal consultant. She has had 23 years of experience in operations roles for regulatory authorities, most recently the UK Civil Aviation Authority and Transport Malta.
Alenia North America delivered a modified ATR 72 with a large cargo door provision for First Air. The modification also can be performed on the ATR 42 and replaces the standard forward door with a top-hinged, hydraulically operated door.
Row 44 says it has installed its broadband entertainment system on 250 aircraft in North America, Europe and Africa. The IFE provider recently launched several new services, including live streaming IPTV and movies and television shows on demand.
AFI KLM E&M signed a support contract with Monarch Airlines covering component pool access, repairs and the lease of a spares stock in the U.K. for the carrier's fleet of Airbus A330s. This is the second renewal of an existing contract that started in 1998.
Manufacturer: Ancra International Applications: These quick-release fittings require no tools to remove or install, and they significantly cut down maintenance turnaround time. Specifications: Meets Boeing's 16G tool-less seat fitting requirements. www.ancra.com
By Michael Wm. Denis, Vice President, Customer Engagement, InfoTrust Group
The problem with standards is that everybody has one. However, there are several industry trends—such as new-generation aircraft and asset lifecycle management systems—that are accelerating the adoption of the ASD SX000i and ISO standards. Now the challenge isn't what standard to use to move toward data interoperability, it is when to incorporate the standards, the cost of conversion and the commitment to comply. For new aircraft and weapons systems, the decision is easy. Backward compatibility for older aircraft is another story.
VAS Aero Services is expanding its distribution facility in Kent, Wash. to nearly 300,000 sq. ft. Space in the building will increase by more than 50%. IT
In the 2004 animated hit film “The Incredibles,” an early scene finds a mom telling her son Daschle, “Everyone is special, Dash.” “Yeah,” replies the frustrated boy, “which means no one is.”
Crane Aerospace & Electronics has made several management changes. Robert Tavares now serves as president of Crane's electronics group, David Bender is president of Crane's aerospace group and Chris Cook is now VP cabin systems solutions.
AAR won a 10-year, cost-per-flight-hour contract from Alaska Airlines to provide component repair and management services for its fleet of 87 Boeing 737-700, 800 and 900 aircraft. AAR's aviation supply chain group will manage the program for high-removal, high-value components.
Scandinavian Airlines selected AirVault's cloud based maintenance records management system. It is in the process of converting a backfile of 45 million documents and expects to add millions more each year.
1. Light As A Feather Manufacturer: Timco Aerosystems Applications: Timco's new 3200 FeatherWeight seat is designed for economy class with high density configurations. Specifications: Special design features, such as a curved seat back shell and injected molded armrests, maximize comfort for high density configurations. Timco worked with its customers to build the seat based on features they preferred.
Mubadala Aerospace chose Frederic Dupont to head its global sales. Dupont joined the MRO network in April and reports to Abdulla Shadid, Mubadala's chief commercial officer of the MRO network.
CFM International has signed a suite of material support agreements with Delta Air Lines to support the operator's fleet of close to 400 CFM56-7B engines in service or on order, as well as its MRO work for third-parties. The agreement covers the comprehensive repair and replacement of life-limited and non life-limited parts for the engines, as well as technical data for component repairs and engine overhauls. CFM also announced that its CFM56-5B performance improvement program engine has logged more than 30,000 flight hours with no technical issues since Oct. 2011.
If Air Canada and American Airlines outsource their airframe maintenance, where will the work go and which MRO providers have the required capacity? These questions, as well as what really prompted Aveos Fleet Performance to close, were the hot topics of sideline talk during our MRO Americas Conference & Exhibition last month in Dallas. At presstime, both carriers are in the initial stages of exploring third-party market capabilities and capacity.
A.J Walter Aviation increased its Airbus and Boeing component inventory at its facilities in Miami and Los Angeles. The company is building up its inventory levels to in Miami and other developing North American hubs with more than $50 million worth of parts. A.J. Walter also signed a three year consignment agreement with StandardAero.
Northwest Aerospace Technologies is working with British Airways on its first class cabin retrofit program for the Boeing 777-200 and Boeing 747-400 aircraft. The modification includes new first class suites, IFE upgrades, cabin lighting and electronic window blinds.
