Airbus and Boeing narrowbody aircraft log very similar reliability data, with MRO Prospector showing that the Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737NGs each record flight completion rates of between 99.83-99.98%. “It’s a neck-and-neck race between the two” in terms of reliability and demand, says Rich Poutier, International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC)’s senior VP technical services. ILFC owns about 950 aircraft.
SR Technics will provide full technical training on both Boeing and Airbus aircraft types to Etihad Airlines under a new, five-year contract that extends an initial one-year contract inked in May 2009. The agreement covers basic and specialized training mainly in Abu Dhabi but also at other locations as required, and it grows the relationship between SR Technics, which is owned by Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Aerospace, and U.A.E. national carrier Etihad. IT
Lufthansa Consulting will work with Afriqiyah Airways and Libyan Airlines to monitor the carriers’ safety status under an agreement with the Libyan African Aviation Holding Co. Six consultants will work in Tripoli to suggest possible improvements and to develop a safety and quality concept to present the holding company. Lufthansa Consulting also will work with the two carriers on a three-month pilots’ upgrade program of testing to determine additional training needs.
Ameco Beijing and Jade Cargo International Co. signed a letter of intent on aircraft technical services to cover heavy maintenance for Jade Cargo’s Boeing 747-400ER freighter fleet, plus component services and technical training. Ameco has handled heavy maintenance for these Jade Cargo aircraft since 2009.
When a disgruntled JetBlue flight attendant made a dramatic exit from his job via the aircraft’s escape slide in August 2010, it momentarily focused the public’s attention on this invisible but vital life-saving component.
Pratt & Whitney ’s CFM56-3 life-limited parts now can enter Chinese revenue service, per Civil Aviation Administration of China validation of supplemental type certification on Nov. 17 in Zhuhai. Pratt plans to make the Global Material Solution life-limited parts available at its Shanghai Engine Center, which is a joint venture with China Eastern Airlines. Pratt says that China Eastern may choose to use the parts on its fleet.
PROBLEM: Virgin America’s Technical Operations at Los Angles International Airport wanted a more ecological approach to cleaning its fleet of 30 aircraft in the midst of emerging environmental standards. SOLUTION: No-water drywashing from Certified Aviation Services
Arinc Engineering Services plans to more than double its Oklahoma City service center with a 62,000-sq.-ft. hangar it will begin building this month. The company says the expansion comes in response to growing demand for avionics upgrades and scheduled depot maintenance, particularly among its government clients.
GE Commercial Aviation Services opened new offices in Accra, Ghana; and Cape Town, to serve customers in west and central Africa and southeastern Africa, respectively. Gecas’ Dubai office will continue to serve North Africa customers.
TNT Airways received the first of 11 converted Boeing 737F freighters from GE Capital Aviation Services in November to replace its existing 737 fleet. The 11 aircraft include nine 737-400s and two 737-300s; these will supplement 10 converted freighters TNT now leases from Gecas to expand its services to Europe. Engines
Fokker Services Asia (FSA) broke ground Dec. 1 on its new MRO facility in Singapore. FSA already has a hangar and facility at Singapore Seletar Airport’s east side but must relocate to the airport’s west side because the Singapore authorities are redeveloping the airport into an aerospace park. It plans to complete construction of a hangar, adjacent office and other facilities in December. The new hangar will be able to accommodate three regional aircraft, FSA says.
Archeion Holdings amended STC to install a mini quick access recorder on various 328 Support Services, Airbus, ATR, BAE Systems, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, Fokker, McDonnell Douglas, Saab and Viking aircraft, among others, STC ST02472AT
BAE Systems aims to develop a more regionalized African strategy to support the growing numbers of its commercial aircraft in the region. South Africa has proven to be an attractive market for the BAe 146/Avro RJ in particular, with four operators of the type in the country. Two of these carriers provide aircraft and crew for operators in other African countries, such as Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Kenya and Republic of the Congo.
Airbus announced Dec. 1 that it will offer the Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1100G geared turbofan engine as a new engine option for A320 family aircraft. The A320neo family is scheduled to enter service from spring 2016.
International Aircraft Associates added Mike Molli as COO. Molli previously led SAS Technitrade’s U.S. office; he also serves on the board of directors of both the Aviation Suppliers Association and AeroXchange.
Bangladesh-based GMG Airlines signed on to Pratt & Whitney’s engine management program for the next five years to monitor its current PW4060 and JT8D-200 and future engines’ performance. Pratt & Whitney’s Global Service Partners business unit leverages Web-based Advanced Diagnostics and Engine Management, or ADEM, tools to monitor the engines for health and maintenance trends. In October, Jordan Aviation inked a three-year, ADEM-based engine performance monitoring program. Other recent customers include Egypt’s Air Memphis.
DAO Aviation at Copenhagen Airport acquired Danish avionics company Dansk Fly Elektronik. It plans to retain current staff as part of its strategy to become a one-stop shop for commercial aircraft and engines.
Lufthansa Technik’s Guideline ColourFit floor-path marking system already is in use with more than 400 airlines, but the glow-in-the-dark lights now are available in thinner versions for use in galleys with non-textile flooring. The floor-path markers retain light from cabin lighting to guide passengers to emergency exits in the case of smoke or electrical failure. Available in 15 colors, Guideline ColourFit comes in shades that match most aircraft interiors and have an unlimited lifespan. www.lufthansa-technik.com/guideline/welcome/welcome.html
TeamSAI M&E Solutions amended STC to install an advertisement container on the bottom of a seat-back tray table on Boeing 737-700, 737-800 and 737-900 series aircraft, STC ST02746NY
