Commsoft and Critical Technologies formed a partnership focused on technical collaboration of Commsoft’s Oases MRO maintenance software and Critical Technologies’ AirVault integrated aviation maintenance and business record software.
Etihad formally signed an agreement to buy Engine Alliance GP7200 engines to power its fleet of 10 Airbus A380s, a deal with a list price of $1.5 billion; it was originally priced at $1.3 billion when the agreement was preliminarily signed in June 2009. At that time, the aircraft were to enter service in 2012 but are now set to begin operations in 2014. Etihad also will use a long-term fleet management agreement for engine MRO.
Ibaset implemented its new version of G7 software at Hamilton Sundstrand. Hamilton Sundstrand implemented the Solumina manufacturing execution system and plans to roll out the MRO and supplier quality assurance applications next.
As airlines continue to pressure airframe and component OEMs to lighten up designs for greater fuel savings, more attention focuses on brakes. And brake suppliers have been listening. Right now, electrically actuated braking is the state-of-the-art example. The Boeing 787 will be its first commercial aircraft application, upon that aircraft’s certification.
Abaris Training instructs more than 1,000 students a year at its three facilities in Reno, Nev.; Griffen, Ga. and London. Abaris offers a three-phase introduction to composites called Advanced Composite Structures, as well as advanced classes in structural engineering, stress analysis methods, drawing, tooling and bonded aluminum structures. Abaris also offers an introductory composites course online. www.abaris.com
Pratt & Whitney has long touted the technological step-change its geared turbofan engine, which will first enter the market as the PurePower PW1000G on the Bombardier CSeries, will bring with it. The engine maker now has set its strategy to support the new engine family and plans to launch its PureSolution program on April 12 at Aviation Week’s MRO Conference & Exhibition.
International Communications Group’s NxtLink ICS-400 completed Iridium-compatible equipment certification testing and now is approved for operation on the Iridium constellation and network. Parts/Components
ABU DHABI—In 2009, both the passenger and air cargo sectors were hit hard as consumer spending fell to record lows. The financial consequences resulted in a permanent loss of 2.5 years of growth in passenger business and 3.5 years of growth in air cargo. By renewing fleets and deferring maintenance, airlines have tried to mitigate the downward effects the crisis generated, according to the recently issued International Air Transport Association (IATA) Airline Maintenance Cost Report.
SR Technics extended its 10-year agreement with the Airberlin group with financing services and an engine contract that covers more than 300 engines. These include CFM International CFM56-7Bs, CFM56-5Bs and Pratt & Whitney PW4168s. It also includes financing for life limited parts and spare engines via SR Technics’ sister company Sanad Aero Solutions. Avionics/IFE
The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) Composites and Advanced Materials laboratory at Wichita State University in Kansas is a 7,420-ft. facility that offers researchers the ability to perform comprehensive materials testing. The composites laboratory has a lay-up room and equipment for bonded repairs, and researchers can test heat and humidity on materials in the structures and fatigue laboratory. NIAR offers classes with universities through the FAA Center of Excellence for Composites and Advanced Materials. www.niar.wichita.edu/
“Do More With Less”—that was the theme for a recent change management program at VAS Aero Services, formerly Volvo Aero Services. The economic challenges we all faced in 2009 provided the platform for VAS to focus on operational efficiencies. Our global customer base demanded solutions and encouraged partnerships that provided multiple value streams, along with discounted aftermarket material. The rules of engagement were changed and we set a course that answered the request of our customers and the market.
A J Walter Aviation decided to locate its new aircraft engine services division in Wales. It says it is targeting $50 million in business in the first year of the facility’s operations.
Apple just released its iPad 2 last month, and the aerospace industry is definitely taking notice of the tablet’s seemingly limitless applications, from the hangar floor to aircraft cabins and cockpits. The FAA has recently approved the use of iPads as electronic flight bags (EFB), which contain important aeronautical charts and manuals, for pilots. Because EFBs can cost thousands of dollars on the market today, many airlines find that the iPad presents a simple, flexible and economical alternative.
AFI KLM E&M was contracted by Philippine Airlines for long-term engine maintenance of the GE90 engines that power its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The contract covers on-site and on-wing maintenance, shop visits, component support, spare engines and engineering support. PAL has used AFI KLM E&M for GE CF6-80E engine maintenance work.
Avic Electromechanical Systems and Hamilton Sundstrand plan to begin developing a facility in Xian, western China, in June, following the formation of a joint company on March 3. The partnership will supply the electrical system for the Comac C919 airliner and also support programs outside of China. All foreign suppliers to the C919 program are required to work in China; most have chosen to do so with Chinese partners, usually subsidiaries of Avic. Avic Electromechanical is one of two aircraft system subsidiaries of the Avic conglomerate. The other is Avic Avionics.
The number of flights over Europe likely will be 1.8 times greater in 2030 than it was in 2009, according to Eurocontrol’s latest 20-year forecast. It sees a range of scenarios that project between 13.1 million and 20.9 million flights in 2030, assuming average growth of 1.6-3.9% annually. A 2.8% per year average growth rate is the most likely, it says.
Baines Simmons appointed Ivan Christiansen head of its quality consultancy division. Christiansen joins Baines Simmons from Rolls-Royce, where he was head of global quality for On-Wing Care.
GE Canada and StandardAero signed an agreement to build a $50 million aircraft engine research and technology development center in Winnipeg. The facility, slated to open later this year, will develop advanced testing methodologies and equipment for GE commercial and military aircraft engines; it will include test cell capabilities for engines up to 150 in. in diameter and up to 150,000 lb. thrust. It also will be equipped with a large wind generator for crosswind, ingestion and icing certification testing.
Aftermarket acquisitions in the second decade of the new millennium got off to a fast start. Aviation consolidation in early 2011 has been “even more robust than we predicted,” summarizes Chris Doan, president and CEO of TeamSAI. “Activity in the first month of 2011 is equal to that of the first quarter in 2010.” Doan sees that strength continuing throughout the year and predicts its aerospace acquisitions will double or triple the number in 2010
StandardAero named Rick Stine senior VP of its components sector in Cincinnati, one of six new divisions that group the company’s MRO services in six key industry sectors—airlines and fleets, Associated Air Center, business aviation, government and military, helicopters and energy, and components. Stine comes to StandardAero from Heico Corp., where he was senior VP technical operations.
The governments of Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Panama established free trade zones where Coopesa, Aeroman and ST Aerospace Panama operate, speeding their access to parts. The strategy also provides a competitive advantage that other countries, such as Mexico and Brazil, can't offer due to long customs-clearing processes.
