Gulfstream Aerospace created an advanced technology customer advisory team to confirm that adding a technology to an aircraft is a benefit, said Pres Henne, senior VP programs, engineering and test. One such new technology that Gulfstream will add in 2005 is an ultra high-speed data systems called Broad Band Multi-Link for email and voice mail via the Internet. The system uses ARINC Direct's SKYLink broadband service to make Internet access about 10 times faster than most used inflight, according to Gulfstream.
Eclipse Aviation contracted United Airlines to provide flight training for pilots of its Eclipse 500 very light jet, which is scheduled to receive FAA certification by March 2006. Will maintenance training follow? An Eclipse spokesman said the twin-jet manufacturer plans to provide maintenance training itself, but he said initially Eclipse planned to develop and deliver pilot training itself, too.
Varig Engineering & Maintenance celebrated its third anniversary on Oct. 22 and said it has worked at capacity all year, which should yield a 5% increase in revenue growth compared to last year and about 4.15 million man-hours.
GE's T700-GE-701D turboshaft engine received the U.S. Army qualification. The Army plans to to covert its fleet of Black Hawk and Apache helicopters to this engine.
Lufthansa Technik is trying to be more innovative and creative with its engineering to create better solutions for customers. The company's "paradigm shift," known as Project U, according to LHT, "is all about personality" and finding better customer solutions. "It's about trying to get past limitations and aircraft stereotypes," said Ulf Hallmann, director of engineering, and not limiting vision.
Germania Airlines selected MNG Technic Aircraft Maintenance Services of Turkey to perform C checks on seven MD-82/83 aircraft. MNG Technic also will perform insulation blanket modifications and EGPWs installation on these aircraft.
Indianapolis International Airport announced that Indianapolis Diversified Machining, Inc. (IDM) will become the second new tenant at the Indianapolis Maintenance Center (the former United Airlines Maintenance Center). IDM, formed in 2003 by a group of former UAL employees and investment banker Brent Waltz, will lease 216,000 sq. ft. of shop space next to the maintenance hangar bays. IDM initially plans to employ 50 mechanics, machinists and support staff and expects to soon announce a strategic partnership with AAR Aircraft Services, the facility's first tenant.
Southwest Airlines ordered 55 more CFM56-3 upgrade kits worth $66 million. This brings Southwest's total kit order to 355. The kits are installed during regular overhaul and are designed to provide up to a 1.8% improvement in fuel consumption and up to 22 degrees additional exhaust gas temperature margin.
Mercury Air Centers appointed Michael Brasier as executive general manager at the Los Angeles International Airport fixed base operation. He most recently was general manager of Mercury Burbank facility.
Pratt & Whitney Military Aftermarket Services received a $51.9 million contract to remanufacture F100-PW-100/-200/-220/-220E engine combustion chambers and PWA 265 application applicable to F-15 and F-16 aircraft.
As we approach the end of 2004, we decided to take a quick look back at some of the issues that shaped 2004 and a look forward at the topics we think will continue to draw attention in 2005. The result, below, is a list of a baker's dozen of the most important issues for the New Year.
Airbus is making some improvements to the ACJ, including electrically signaled braking system (a feature from the A318), LCD screens, dual HF radios, enhanced GPWS, an air condition system from the A318, Satcom Aero H+ communications, heated floor panels in the forward cabin, reinforced cockpit doors and a Cat 3B head-up display. Airbus said Associated Air Center should complete three ACJs this year, including one for the Brazilian government.
Alcore introduced PAA Strikegrid 1145 Continuous Expanded Aluminum Foil that is designed to protect aluminum aircraft from lightning strikes by wicking away the electrical charge. The material is phosphoric acid anodized and coated with a proprietary substance. Contact Alcore, Lakeside Business Park, 1502 Quarry Dr., Edgewood, MD 21040 Circle 503 on Reader Service Card
Dassault Aviation named Alain Garcia president of Dassault Falcon Service, the French subsidiary that manages the service center and flight operations in Paris.
Jetstar Asia awarded Singapore Technologies Aerospace a contract to support up to eight A320s by 2005 on a total aviation support program. The deal is worth about $47 million.
Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council announced that more than 3,600 Air Force technicians are enrolled in the program and 1,870 have reported their A&P certificate to the CCAF. The U.S. Coast Guard has 67 technicians enrolled in the program. The U.S Army's program has not been implemented yet and the Navy and Marine Corps representatives were unable to attend the last JSAMTCC meeting due to Hurricane Ivan.
Embraer selected MainTrack's MRO solution that is based on AuRA software from MIRO Technologies for its facilities in Brazil and France. Specifically, Embraer will use AuRA to support maintenance and engineering of Legacy jets.
Honeywell received FAA approval for carbon friction material on Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft brakes. "Our customers in regional aviation told us they wanted a high-quality, cost-effective braking product for their aircraft, so we developed this 'heat sink' that will help them reduce their cost of operation," said Peg Billson, vice president and general manager of Honeywell Aircraft Landing Systems. Honeywell expects the carbon heat sink to increase brake life by 20%. Trans States Airlines is the launch customer for these ERJ 145 brakes.
