When Stephen Morse invented the twist drill bit in the 1860s, the aviation world was characterized at best by gliders, parachutes and birdlike machines that achieved flying for only a few minutes. Things have certainly changed immensely in the field of aeronautics since then, but the drill bit has more or less stayed the same. That is, until Perfect Point created a forceless drilling process that uses an electrode to remove a fastener in seconds.
Sabena Technics extended its collaboration with AirBaltic to provide the carrier with loans and repairs for CFMI CFM56-3 thrust reversers, which power its Boeing 737s.
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.”
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.
Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Co. plans to improve the landing gear on the entire fleet of Sukhoi Superjet 100s following two incidents on Aeroflot-operated aircraft that suffered broken rods on the actuator of the landing gear bay door. Engines
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.
Lufthansa Systems' BoardConnect won the Crystal Cabin Award in the “passenger comfort” category at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2012 in Hamburg. BoardConnect's WiFi network enables passengers to use mobile devices to access entertainment stored on an onboard server.
Component Control says that Ametek Aerospace & Defense's MRO division is rolling out the Quantum Control IT offering for maintenance and logistics to support its Antavia business in France. This will be the fifth Ametek MRO facility to implement the system. Rapco, a provider of PMA parts and repair services, is using Quantum Control to manage manufacturing and MRO for itself and its sister company, Rapco Fleet Support.
A J Walter Aviation signed a deal with GMF AeroAsia to provide integrated consumables management services for the MRO's 737NG maintenance program. A J Walter will position a spares consignment with GMF in Jakarta for replenishment on demand with payment on consumption.
Although passengers often worry about contracting illnesses from recirculated air on aircraft cabins, most aircraft are actually fitted with special filters that allow them to breathe air that is very clean. Our hot water tanks at home have HEPA filters, but those rated for aerospace are microbially tested at higher efficiencies and do a better job of removing small fibers and dust particles from the aircraft cabin and eliminating viruses and bacteria.
Barfield signed a five-year contract with Tame, Ecuador's flag carrier, for full support of its fleet of three newly delivered ATR42-500s. The deal provides nose-to-tail component support and repair, includeing engine LRUs and pool access.
ST Aerospace appointed Ron Soret to general manager of completions to lead a team of industry experts for its new VIP interior brand, Aeria Luxury Interiors. Soret is a 30 year veteran of the aerospace industry. Airframes
AAR appointed Robert Laird to be its new VP of business development for the Asia-Pacific region. He joins the company with 30 years of aviation experience, having worked closely with many Asian airlines.
Distributor: Atlantic Fasteners Applications: Socket head cap screws in A286 material are used throughout the aerospace industry. According to Atlantic Fasteners' President Tony Peterson, it can be difficult to economically source the head cap screws in small quantities. He says that Atlantic Fasteners requires a $35 minimum order and certifications at no charge to help solve this problem. Specifications: Available in several part numbers and quantities. www.atlanticfasteners.com
By Ken Herbert, Senior VP Research, Wedbush Securities
Do the OEMs want to put the independent MROs out of business? The short answer is no, but OEMs want to increasingly capture the more profitable parts of the business. For economic reasons, OEMs will continue to push to increase their aftermarket business. This represents a continued and real threat to the independent commercial aerospace MRO business model, but not its end.
Lufthansa Technik opened a component pool storage facility in Singapore. The warehouse will be operated by Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services and sits near Changi International Airport.
Sabena Technics inked a three-year contract with Flyme to perform full component support services on its ATR 42-500 fleet. The contract includes component repair and overhaul, pool access and logistics support.
