|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LATEST NEWS
|
|
Tuesday, October 18th, 2022
|
|
|
|
|
|
Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonics Avionics) has announced that its Dundalk, Ireland maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility, operated by company offshoot Panasonic Technical Services (PTS), has been further expanded and now covers 23,000 ft². The MRO facility, when first opened in 2019 covered just 6,000 ft² and this latest expansion has also seen the site’s workforce triple in size.
|
PTS provides repairs, line maintenance, spares parts supply, and technical services and training to customers in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and is Part 145, TCAA, FAA and UK CAA approved. PTS expects to induct 1,500 – 2,000 units per month at its Dundalk facility. It will repair the X series and Next IFE systems and Boeing CSS equipment, as well as being its European distribution centre.
|
The recently expanded Dundalk unit is one of ten PTS locations within Europe. In addition to the Ireland-based repair shop, there are also airport line maintenance stations at Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Lisbon, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Madrid, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, and Rome Fiumicino.
|
Panasonic Avionics’ investment in the Dundalk facility has been supported by IDA Ireland (Industrial Development Agency) on behalf of the Irish Government.
|
|
|
|
|
|
flydocs, a leading asset management solution provider for the aviation industry, in collaboration with Lufthansa Technik, has launched the new Lease Asset Management software at the Airline & Aerospace MRO & Flight Operations IT Conference – APAC in Bangkok, Thailand.
|
The new software will provide custom measures to continuously optimise leases and ensure a smooth and on-time handover of aircraft back to the lessor. Along with preparing aircraft and documentation for cost-efficient phase-out, it will also offer aircraft assessment where the condition of the aircraft and its documents will be reviewed to minimise risk.
|
Commenting on the launch, Mark Bunting, Product Director - Asset Management and Artificial Intelligence at flydocs said; “We are pleased to announce this latest strategic partnership with Lufthansa Technik. Through our cutting-edge technology, customers within the aviation community will be able to not only save money throughout the lease period but also benefit from unrivalled control of any deviation from the lease requirements. We have created a flexible solution that is highly customisable, scalable, and affordable to meet the precise needs for simplified and automated fleet planning for leased or owned assets. The new application aims to reduce the effort and time required throughout the lease period along with optimising costs through the asset lifecycle to ensure compliance with contracts. At flydocs, we continuously develop innovative digital solutions with Lufthansa Technik, which is one of the leading providers of technical aircraft services in the world.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vallair, the mature asset specialist, has completed its first A330-200 twelve-year check for a major lessor at its new wide-body maintenance facility in Châteauroux which fully opened for business in August. As the programme of inductions ramps up steadily airline and lessor customers are benefitting from its range of complementary support services on-site, including skilled aerostructure repairs, which facilitate streamlined and cost-effective maintenance processes.
|
Some weeks after starting this first check Vallair started its second A330 MRO line. A C-Check was inducted on an A330-300 Trent-powered aircraft last month. This aircraft had also been in storage and needed to be made ready for transition to its new operator.
|
On completion of that C-Check, Vallair has now inducted a further A330-200 for a 6Y/12Y heavy-check which also includes a landing gear change and full repaint paint with an imminent transfer to an operator in the Far East.
|
A further 6Y/12Y heavy maintenance check commenced mid-October and according to the company A330 bookings are extremely healthy with a number of airlines and lessors booking slots way into 2023.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FL Technics and Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian) have signed a five-year contract as the companies' identified synergies and growth potential in mutual operations. While one of the keys of the successful partnership became an aligned approach towards sustainable and efficient business models, highly focused on reducing impact on environment.
|
FL Technics invested in the Europe-based wheels and brakes business to add a new service to its’ MRO portfolio, with clear competitive advantages of LEAN-based operations, own supply chain solutions, and convenient locations of the facilities, including the wheels and brakes shops. The capabilities and infrastructure allow the company to provide fast and efficient services, granting quick turn-around-times for airlines and operators. As a result, FL Technics contributes to global effort within the aviation industry to reduce CO2 footprint by optimising delivery times and shortening ranges necessary to be flown in between aircraft services.
|
In the meantime, one of the measures that Norwegian is taking to improve efficiency of operations and reduce its CO2 footprint is the purchase of 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, that are due to be delivered between 2025 and 2028. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is approximately 14% more fuel-efficient compared to the previous-generation aircraft, putting the company on strong footing to achieve its target of reducing emissions by 45% by 2030.
|
Both approaches lead to a perfect match for the two companies as they will reduce operational costs, improve efficiency and in general – will shape a sustainable model of mutual business.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aventure Aviation has acquired its seventh and eighth Boeing 737NG airframes for 2022. MSN 29081, last operated by ASL France, will be dismantled at eCube in St. Athans, Wales, while MSN 32883, last operated by WestJet Airlines, will be dismantled at Jetyard in Marana, Arizona.
|
"These two acquisitions on either side of the Atlantic prove our commitment to our global customer base," said Mike Kitchener, Aventure's Senior Director for EMEA. "We are seeing increased opportunities to support our UK and EU customers and these part-outs will allow us to continue to support our customers with the latest 737NG inventory."
|
Aventure is in active discussions with owners, financial institutions, lessors and airlines to find revenue-generating teardown solutions for idle aircraft.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jet2.com has placed an incremental order for 35 A320neo aircraft taking its total commitment to the family to 98 aircraft.
|
The latest agreement comes just over a year since Jet2.com placed its first order for 36 A321neo aircraft in August 2021, followed by further commitments thereby securing its growth needs as demand continues to outpace supply even in the outer years.
|
The A320neos will be configured for 180 seats with an airspace cabin featuring innovative lighting, new seating products and 60% larger overhead baggage bins for added personal storage.
|
The A320neo family incorporates new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver more than 25% fuel and CO2 savings, as well as a 50% noise reduction. Passengers are benefitting throughout the trip from Airbus’ award-winning airspace interior, which brings the latest cabin technology to the A320 family. At the end of August 2022, the A320neo Family has accumulated over 8,500 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SR Technics, a leading MRO service provider and CFM International (CFM) have concluded a LEAP-1B General Support License Agreement (GSLA). That enables SR Technics to offer a wide range of MRO services for CFM LEAP-1B engines.
In addition to the CFM56 engine types, SR Technics will now also be able to support customers for the new generation LEAP engine platform, starting with the -1B model.
|
SR Technics received EASA authority approval in early 2022 via the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA); U.S. FAA approval was granted through its bilateral agreement with EASA.
|
”With the new license, we have now taken a decisive step forward in the portfolio of our engine business. We are very proud to further extend our existing, very successful partnership and collaboration with CFM and to add this state-of-the-art engine type to our existing capabilities,” says Jean-Marc Lenz, CEO at SR Technics. The LEAP engine is one of the top choices in the world for mid-range aircraft, as the successor to the CFM56 family. The LEAP-1B engine offers Boeing 737 MAX operators enhanced performance in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, lower NOx emissions and noise, as it is designed to meet the challenge of the path to decarbonise air transport.
|
The LEAP engine services will be integral part of SR Technics’ Organization and product portfolio in Zurich, Switzerland.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canada Jetlines, the all-new Canadian, has signed a definitive lease agreement for its second Airbus A320 aircraft, which will be provided by CCB Leasing, with delivery of the aircraft expected by November 30, 2022.
|
“I am pleased that we have a definitive agreement for our second aircraft,” stated Canada Jetlines CEO, Eddy Doyle. “The Airbus A320 is a fuel-efficient, narrow-body framework that supports a high-density seat configuration. Canada Jetlines completed its licensing process last August and inaugural flight on September 22, 2022 and will be using the aircraft to expand its network in time for the upcoming winter travel season."
|
The aircraft is an Airbus A320-200 and the cabin will be configured with the new Recaro 3530 seats, in-seat usb power, and personal electronic device holder. The airline will also install the Flymingo Box system, which offers an enhanced passenger experience through its wireless inflight entertainment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mammoth Freighters (Mammoth) has released that it has signed a general terms agreement with STS Aviation Services (STS) to perform passenger-to-freighter conversions for the Mammoth 777 programme. All work will be accomplished at STS’ facility in Manchester, UK, and the multi-year agreement covers both the 777-200LR and 777-300ER aircraft.
|
The STS facility will also provide Mammoth with AOG, product support and spares provisioning throughout Europe. STS acquired the Manchester facility earlier this year as part of its expansion efforts and this constitutes STS' third facility in the UK. Mammoth will begin inducting 777 aircraft for modification at the facility in mid-2024.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kellstrom Aerospace, a leader in aviation life-cycle cost management solutions, and Spirit Airlines have entered into a multi-year agreement whereby Kellstrom Aerospace will provide technical advisory and end-of-life advisory services and Vortex Aviation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kellstrom Aerospace, will supply engine hospital shop and field services maintenance for Spirit Airlines’ V2500-A5 engines covered under maintenance agreements.
|
Kellstrom will provide a variety of technical support services, including the option for on-site shop visit support, aimed at reducing Spirit’s maintenance costs and supporting the transition of Spirit’s fleet by optimising value realised from the retirement of end-of-life assets. Kellstrom will deliver best-in-class savings opportunities through the products and services offered by Kellstrom’s Technical Services Group (KTSG). Vortex Aviation will supply engine removal/installation, hospital shop visit and field services repairs, and lease return support.
|
“Spirit Airlines operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the industry and we look forward to adding the technical expertise of Kellstrom Aerospace and Vortex Aviation in a variety of support services as we continue to deliver the best value in the sky,” said Kirk Thornburg, Spirit Airlines’ Vice President of Fleet Management.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance and ANTAVIA AMETEK MRO have signed an extension to their multi-million-dollar aircraft component maintenance contract. For more than 20 years, Air France Industries has relied on ANTAVIA’s quality and service for the maintenance of their aircraft components. This renewal marks the continuity of a long-standing cooperation.
|
“We highly value the strategic partnership we have with the Air France Industries KLM E&M teams. It has not only been a pleasure working together over the years, but a real win-win combination. We have jointly developed programmes to keep costs under control while continuing to deliver the highest quality. We are deeply committed to providing the best service to them in the years to come. We look forward to strengthening further our robust communication and close working relationship which will support their future requirements through this extended agreement.”, says Laurent Bouissou, DVP & Managing Director at ANTAVIA AMETEK MRO.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aviation Concepts, a U.S.-based global provider of high-quality aircraft spare parts and inventory management services, has signed an international distribution agreement with BAE Systems. Under the agreement, the companies will work together to provide strategic customer-forward solutions for the BAE Systems Electronic Systems sector’s global offerings of commercial air transport products.
|
The collaboration will focus on driving business through 24/7/365 support for exchange, lease, loan, pooling outright sales, and component repair services with a relationship-driven, customer-focused approach.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hans Airways has moved into a new dedicated office at Birmingham Airport / National Exhibition Centre ahead of the start of revenue air services. The airline’s commercial team, headed by CCO Martin Dunn, will be based at the new home.
|
This week, airline sales professional Seema Verma joined the team as Sales Manager-UK. Birmingham-based Verma will interface with UK travel agents and TMCs, highlighting the company’s proposed service offering as a hybrid, two-class, long-haul airline, serving India. She will help generate sales leads with an impressive contact book reflecting her 25 years in the industry.
|
Hans Airways plans to make Amritsar in Northern India its first destination, flying from Birmingham Airport to India in a two-class A330-200 aircraft.
|
The company is currently recruiting additional cabin crew to be based in Birmingham and will be adding 20 more cabin crew to support its Airbus A330-200 operations. Eleven more cabin crew will commence training in November in Birmingham.
|
|
|
|
|
|
EirTrade Aviation, the aviation technical asset services and trading company, has had a busy two years. As the aviation industry started to rebuild after the first wave of the pandemic the organisation stepped up its planned programme of investment and growth.
|
According to Ken Fitzgibbon - CEO, the impact on the business has been remarkable. “We’ve juggled ambitious growth strategies with recruiting the right people to turn our vision into reality. This means that our headcount has increased by 140% and we have welcomed new team members across the world from Dallas, to Dublin, to Lithuania,” he says. Additional resources have spearheaded four new satellite locations for EirTrade, including one new office and warehouse in Dallas, Texas, as well as significant expansion in Ireland.
|
“EirTrade has been ramping up its aircraft disassembly activities at its dedicated facility in Knock, Ireland West, focusing on Airbus and Boeing aircraft,” explains Fitzgibbon. “We are working closely with the lessor and airline community across a range of aircraft and have built up an excellent reputation with our technical teams. These relationships have been the catalyst for a steadily increasing volume of work we are undertaking on their behalf that ensures both the quality and a consistent timely flow of the disassembled assets.”
|
These factors have also seen EirTrade increase its warehouse capacity by a further 115,000 ft² and the opening of its new engine teardown facility in Dublin. Fitzgibbon goes on to say that EirTrade is seeing a strong pipeline of teardowns across both facilities. “This additional capability has given us the capacity to handle over 70 aircraft and engine teardown projects over the past 24 months and raised awareness of our asset management services. We work closely with airlines, MROs and OEMs to maximise value from our streamlined post-disassembly supply chain for high-value components. We expect to see a huge wave of demand for USM next year and we are well placed to satisfy it,” he concludes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Embraer and FlightSafety International have announced today that FlightSafety will offer a new full-flight simulator (FFS) for the Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 jets to meet the growing demand for these models’ training. The simulator, which is the third for the Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 established by FlightSafety International, will be located in Orlando, Florida to serve the growing fleet of over 200 aircraft in the Praetor platform. Operations will begin in the second quarter of 2023.
|
“With Praetor jet deliveries increasing consistently, we have realised the need to offer additional capacity for training to our customers worldwide. The new full-flight simulator will provide Embraer’s customers with the latest technological aircraft updates, bringing the highest level of service to the market,” said Johann Bordais, President & CEO, Embraer Services & Support.
|
The FFS in Orlando will be located about one hour from the Embraer Executive Jets headquarters in Melbourne, Florida. The region was chosen as it has a high concentration of aircraft and operators, offers a comprehensive network of hotels and attractions and is easily accessible from domestic and international locations.
|
The Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 are the most disruptive and technologically advanced midsize and super-midsize business jets, respectively. The Praetor 500 is the fastest midsize aircraft with a range of 3,340nm, capable of reaching Europe from the west coast of the U.S. with a single stop. The Praetor 600 is the farthest-flying super-midsize business jet with a range of 4,018 nm, which allows nonstop flights between London and New York.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VSE Aviation, a wholly owned subsidiary of VSE Corporation has been appointed by Honeywell as the exclusive global distributer of the LASEREF IV product line. The LASEREF IV inertial reference system replaces the existing LASEREF
I, II and III systems, which are no longer supported through Honeywell.
|
Honeywell's LASEREF IV is an all-digital ring laser gyro-based inertial reference system. The system uses gyroscopes, accelerometers and electronics to provide an aircraft with precise altitude, velocity and navigation information so it can determine how it is moving through the airspace.
|
The LASEREF IV upgrade affects all business aircraft operators and owners that are using the obsolete LASEREF I, II and III systems. The upgrade is available for the following aircraft models: Bombardier Global Express, Global 5000, Cessna Citation X, Challenger 600, 601, 601-3A, 601-3R, Dassault Falcon 900, 900EX, 900C, 2000, 2000EX, Gulfstream GIV, GIV-SP, GV, Falcon 50EX, and Hawker 800A/B, 1000 and 800XP.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sky High, the Caribbean regional carrier, has taken delivery of its second Embraer E190 leased by TrueNoord. The first of these modern and capable aircraft was delivered earlier in the year. Immediate induction into the Sky High fleet has resulted in both E190s flying an extensive network to fifteen destinations throughout the Caribbean islands and beyond.
|
The second aircraft joins Sky High as passenger numbers grow and the operator furthers its ambitious plans to improve connectivity. Garry Topp, Sales Director – Americas said: “Providing pan-Caribbean coverage has been the objective of many operators over the years but until now it has not been achieved. The team at Sky High has worked hard with the authorities in Dominican Republic, Aruba and across the Caribbean to develop their network.”
|
With the E190, Sky High is the first to operate an aircraft which is the ‘right size’ for the task, with the capacity and range to offer great flexibility and efficiency. Now configured with 98 seats and a comfortable dual-class layout, both aircraft from TrueNoord’s existing portfolio were successfully transitioned to the airline with the full support and expertise of Embraer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Titan Aircraft Investments, the joint venture between Titan Aviation Holdings and Bain Capital Credit, has announced the placement of a Boeing 737-800SF converted-freighter on long-term dry-lease with ASL Aviation Holdings. Titan Aviation Holdings, a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, will manage the aircraft.
|
|
Fergus Wilson, ASL Aviation Holding’s Group Fleet and Leasing Director, said: “We are looking forward to this B737-800SF entering service with ASL in the coming weeks and to a successful business relationship with Titan. The aircraft’s arrival will mark another step forward in ASL’s fleet renewal programme which has already seen our 737-800NG fleet outgrow our 737 classic fleet.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
click here to download the latest PDF edition
|
|
|
|
click here to download the latest PDF edition
|
click here to subscribe to our other free publications
|
|
AIRCRAFT & ENGINE MARKETPLACE
|
click here to view in PDF aircraft and engines available for sale and lease
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interested in advertising with AviTrader?
|
|
Vice President Sales & Business Development
|
|
|
|
|
