AAR Aircraft Component Services in Amsterdam signed a one-year agreement with Denim Air to provide component management and repair services for the operator's 12 Fokker 50s.
EADS Aeroframe Services announced Daniel Stone joined the company as executive vice president and COO. He previously was vice president of technical services at Kitty Hawk Air Cargo.
Epic Data MPT9100 is a shop floor data capture and communications terminal from Epic Data International. This ruggedized unit is designed to have good graphical interface capability and connectivity. It features a 800-by-600 SVGA color display with touch-screen capability, auto-identification capabilities, hands-free two-way voice communication capability, and power-over-Ethernet capability. Epic Data International, Attn: Peter Orr, Product Marketing Director, 6300 River Rd., Richmond, B.C. V6X 1X5, Canada Circle 504 on Reader Service Card
Rolls-Royce's Trent 900 completed its first flight in May. Mounted on an Airbus A340-300 flying test bed, the engine will undergo 50 flying hours through August.
JetBlue Airways broke ground for an aircraft maintenance and flight training center at Orlando International Airport. The airline plans to install LiveTV in the hangar, which is scheduled to be completed by early 2005.
Airbus and Boeing hope to issue firm radio frequency identification (RFID) requirements that will be Spec 2000-compliant within one year, with their goal being next spring, said Ken Porad, Boeing's program manager for its automated identification program, commercial airplanes. Airbus and Boeing are working together on a common RFID policy, largely because they share 70% of the same suppliers.
Wing Aviation broke ground for a second paint hangar at Lone Star Executive Airport near Houston. The new 20,000- sq.-ft. hangar will be able to accommodate Global Express and Gulfstream V aircraft.
Air Canada Technical Services named Bill Zoeller president and CEO, and Ron Elvidge vice president and COO. Both will be based in Montreal. Zoeller most recently was vice president and COO, while Elvidge was vice president of engine and component maintenance.
CAE announced that Robert Brown will become president and CEO on Aug. 12. Brown, currently chairman of Air Canada's board and previously president and CEO of Bombardier, will succeed Derek Burney, who will retire. Brown will remain chairman at Air Canada.
From airframes to powerplants to components, turntimes are tumbling. In the holy triune of cost, quality and speed, the latter is gaining ground -- fast. ``Turntime has become extremely important to the user community, probably as it never has before,'' said Ron Jonkman, vice president for marketing and development at Standard Aero.
Singapore Technologies Aerospace purchased another 21% of Bournemouth Aviation Services from its joint venture partner FR Aviation. This will increase ST Aero's holdings to 81% of BASCO.
Lista International's HyperSpace Cabinet for tools is designed to provide efficient use of space and easy tool retrievability. It features drawers that extend 100% from its housing, so tools can be stored and retrieved even from the back corners. The cabin is 22.5-in. deep and includes 4.5 sq. ft. of surface area per drawer. Each cabinet drawer has a 440-lb. load capacity. The cabinet is made of heavy gauge steel. Lista International, 106 Lowland St., Holliston, MA 01746 Circle 506 on Reader Service Card
Rolls-Royce will provide BR715 engines for AirTran Airways' six Boeing 717-200s and cover those engines through its TotalCare support program. AirTran's total engine maintenance contract, which covers up to 87 aircraft, is worth about $1 billion.
Rockwell Collins and Innovative Media Solutions will provide eOffload, an Internet-based service for managing IFE usage and information, for British Airways.
Cascade Aerospace received a contract from the French government to supply two Bombardier A400 aircraft modified and certified as multi-role air tankers. Cascade plans to deliver the aircraft in spring and fall 2005.
Aviall Service opened a new customer service center at Van Nuys, Calif., Airport on June 3 in response to Aviall's increased sales and forecasted growth. The facility also provides space for repairing Aviall's battery, hose, wheels and brakes products. Aviall also is expanding or has recently finished expanding facilities in Anchorage, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, Montreal, Toronto, Singapore and Winnipeg.
Dallas Airmotive announced that Jim Zarvos joined the company as director of customer service. He has more than 20 years of aviation sales and service experience.
Lan (formerly LanChile) is considering spinning off its maintenance business unit, said Michael Wagner, heavy maintenance director. He said LAN hopes to do it this year and would consider a strategic partner.
SmartSignal is accepting papers for presentations at its inaugural Predictive Condition Monitoring Summit, which will be held Sept. 20-21 in Chicago. Visit www.smartsignal.com/summit for details.
Outsourced maintenance opportunities are picking up, but MRO facilities need to carefully monitor mark-ups. ``Deferred maintenance and non-safety-related modifications now need completion,'' said Gary Weissel, SH&E director, and some parked aircraft are returning to service, both of which are creating opportunities for MROs.
Nippon Cargo Airlines ordered four Boeing 747-400 Special Freighters. Boeing will manage the conversion of four 747-400s from passenger to freighter conversion and is scheduled to redeliver the aircraft in August 2007. Telair International will supply the main and lower deck cargo loading systems for at least three of the freighters.
