Singapore Airshow Returns in 2016 ... - MRO Business Today · importance as the strategic platform...

www.mrobusinesstoday.com 1December 01, 2015

December 1st, 2015

TAP opts for Trent 7000 for A330neo order

Dallas Airmotive nears final stages of construction on new MRO facility

Constant Renews Rolls-Royce Service Pact

India, Japan to finalise aircraft pact

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Singapore Airshow Returns in 2016 with Focus on Driving Global Aviation Industry Trends

SInGApoRe AIRShow will return for its fifth edition from 16 to 21 February 2016. Singapore Airshow has been suc-cessful in bringing together the largest number of high-level military and gov-ernment delegations and leading indus-try players from airlines, airport opera-tors, aircraft manufacturers and related industries from the all corners of the globe. The 2016 edition has received a strong vote of confidence with more than 1,000 participating companies from some 50 countries all confirming their attendance at the Airshow. This constitutes over 90 percent of exhibi-tion space being taken up before the show, 75 percent of which are returning exhibitors and industry heavyweights, such as Airbus, Bell Helicopter, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, ST Engineering, Thales and UTC Aerospace Systems.

The projected growth of Asia’s air-craft fleet size over the next 20 years is

phenomenal. According to Boeing, Asia will account for close to 40 percent of new aircraft deliveries whilst North America and Europe will account for 21 percent and 19 percent respectively, making Asia’s fleet size the largest in the world by 2034. This rate of growth emphasises the need for regional investment to support and expand aviation infrastructure including airport and airspace capacity, and the corresponding increase in demand for MRO and other auxiliary services and industries.

This underscores Singapore Airshow’s importance as the strategic platform of choice for key industry players to tap on emerging markets, showcase their latest products and technologies, forge partnerships and be attuned to the needs and development of the industry in the thriving Asia Pacific region.

In addition to mainstay events such as the Exhibition, Static Display, Aero-batic Display, Technology Seminars and

Strategic Conferences, the upcoming show in 2016 will showcase new and enhanced segments such as: Back by popular demand, the Business Forums will cover four key areas - Emerging Technologies, Training & Simulation, Asia as well as the partnership between companies in France and Singapore. Together, they focus on the latest devel-opments and business opportunities in the aerospace and aviation markets, pro-viding insights and strategic guidance for attendees to tap on key aerospace growth markets.

Rolls-Royce makes changes to MRO network centres

Rolls-Royce has announced changes to three of its approved maintenance centres that overhaul its Trent engines.

The changes implemented will affect the joint ventures Hong Kong Aero Engine Services (HAESL), Singapore Aero Engine Services (SAESL) and N3 Engine Overhaul Services (N3) and will mean they will now have to compete to secure Trent TotalCare engine overhauls rather than be awarded them based on terri-tory.

The Derby-headquartered OEM said the changes will “simplify the structure of two and introduce a more competi-tive business model that will improve customer service” while encouraging greater flexibility across the Trent en-gine services network.

www.mrobusinesstoday.com2 December 01, 2015

MTU AeRo enGIneS has forecast its profit will begin to rise faster than its revenues from 2018 as a result of increased demand for spare part sales and mainte-nance services.

At its annual investor day in London, the firm said it also expects to see an increase in revenues from production of engine components for new aircraft such as Airbus’ A320neo, which is scheduled for a production increase from next year.

For 2015, MTU said it expects revenues of around € 4.6bn ($4.8bn) in 2015 and adjusted earnings before interest and tax of €430m ($456m).

Profits to rise from 2018 says MTU

ST Engineering appoints Chong as alternate director

AUSTRIAn AIRlIneS has agreed to sell all of its Fokker aircraft fleet to Aus-tralian firm Alliance Aviation Services (AAS) for $15m. The deal will see AAS, the world’s largest operator of Fokker aircraft, take 15 Fokker 100 and six Fok-ker 70 aircraft from the Austrian flag carrier in the period from December 2015 to December 2017.

Austrian Airlines said the Fokker sale will “rejuvenate” its fleet of mid-range aircraft as it intends to replace them with Embraer 195 aircraft from January 2016. Austrian Airlines CEO Kay Kratky said, “The replacement of the Fokker fleet with Embraer aircraft will serve to significantly rejuvenate our fleet and of-fer Austrian Airlines better unit costs.”

Austrian Airlines sells Fokker fleet

SInGApoRe TechnoloGIeS enGI-neeRInG (ST enGIneeRInG) has ap-pointed Chong Sy Feng Vincent as an alter-nate director. Chong, who was appointed as deputy CEO of corporate development at the firm, is expected to assume leadership of ST Engineering in a year’s time. He joined ST Engineering last year from his role as di-rector of lubricants sales in the Asia-Pacific division of ExxonMobil.

onIqUA InTellIGenT MR announced that – effective December 4th, 2015 – company co-founder and CEO Andy Hill will retire after 25 years of service. Steve Herrmann, executive vice president of marketing and alliances for Oniqua, will serve as interim CEO to ensure a smooth and successful transition during the search for Hill’s successor.

Hill, who co-founded Oniqua in 1990 and has served as CEO since its incep-tion, is resigning his post to pursue other opportunities and interests in areas such as technology innovation, sustainability and various philanthropic endeavors.

Hill will continue to provide strategic advice and counsel to the Company on a consulting basis.

“Andy’s contributions as co-founder, subject expert and chief executive officer were a driving force in Oniqua’s growth and development over the past two and half decades,” stated Matt Thomas, chief executive officer of ASCO Australasia (parent company of Oniqua). “He has delivered significant value to Oniqua

Oniqua Intelligent MRO announces retirement of CEO Andy Hill

shareholders, customers and employees, and after a strong fiscal year he leaves the company on solid financial footing.”

“We’re sorry to see a strong leader in Andy Hill leave us,” added Thomas, “but he’s been contemplating this move for many months and we respect his deci-sion to retire after a long and successful run with Oniqua. On behalf of the entire management team we thank him for his long service as Oniqua’s CEO, and are grateful for his continued involvement with the Company in providing strategic counsel and guidance in an advisory capacity.”


KARnATAKA exhoRTeD GlobAl AeRoSpAce FIRMS to set up a mainte-nance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in the Aerospace Park near the interna-tional airport on the city’s outskirts.

“In the 1,000-acre Aerospace Park at Devanahalli, we have a special economic zone (SEZ) for setting up aerospace re-lated facilities, including an MRO to capi-talise on the growing civil aviation traffic at the adjacent international airport,” state’s Principal Secretary, Infrastructure Development, Vandita Sharma said here.

As the third busiest airport in the coun-try after New Delhi and Mumbai, the Kempe Gowda international airport has about 450 passenger and cargo aircraft movements daily through the year.

“With domestic and international passenger traffic projected to touch 18 million per annum by 2020 from 15 mil-lion annum in 2015, potential for aircraft service, including MRO is immense, as

the airport is a strategic hub for South Asia,” Sharma said at the fourth edition of the ‘India MRO -Aerospace & Defence’ meet.

The Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) consortium is soon building the second terminal and a second runway to expand the facilities in and around the airport to meet its growing needs for the next decade.

The state and central governments are partners in the consortium with 13 percent each equity stake, while the G.V.K. Reddy-led private firms, including L&T, Zurich Airport and Siemens hold the majority (74 percent) stake.

The state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), which has its own airport in the city’s eastern suburb, with a dedi-cated runway, an air traffic control and an MRO facility for military aircraft and helicopters, also offered to service civilian aircraft.

“We are ready to offer our excellent aviation facilities and domain expertise to maintain, repair and overhaul any type of passenger and cargo aircraft, including narrow and wide-bodied jets, fixed and rotary-winged choppers of domestic and international carries,” HAL’s Bengaluru complex chief executive R. Kaveri Ranga-nathan said at the two-day conference.

According to global audit firm KPMG, the MRO business in the Indian sub-con-tinent is projected to grow to $2 billion by 2020 from $700 million in 2015, as the passenger aircraft fleet size is expected to be about 1,000 in 2020 from 700 cur-rently, including 400 scheduled type.

In the absence of a hi-tech MRO facility in the country for private carriers, airlines have been sending their aircraft to Sri Lanka, Singapore or Dubai, while national carrier Air India has its dedicated service facility in Mumbai, Nagpur and Hyder-abad.

nATIonAl cARRIeR AIR InDIA has roped in mini ratna company RITES to help it de-velop a business plan for its Nagpur MRO facility, which it has set up in collaboration with the US aircraft maker Boeing.

Besides, the Central Public Sector Enter-prise would also lend its expertise to the airline in planning, design and construc-tion management of aircraft hangers and cargo complexes, among others, as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two govern-ment-run entities in New Delhi .

Under the pact, RITES will assist Air In-

dia in the areas of planning, design and construction management of aircraft maintenance hangars, Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, building air cargo terminals, among oth-ers, Air India said in a release .

Air India will also seek cooperation in project feasibility report, site investi-gation and material surveys, environ-mental impact assessment, preliminary project reports, preliminary cost studies and economic evaluations, surveys and traffic forecasts.

RITES will also help in the prepara-

Karnataka woos aerospace firms for MRO in Bengaluru

RITES to help Air India to develop business plan for Nagpur MRO

tions of detailed project reports, design of airport pavements and detailed design and cost planning of all engineering and construction works, among others, it said.

“RITES has been mandated to suggest us a roadmap for the Nagpur MRO facility and how to generate maximum revenue from it,” Air India sources said.

It has been asked to submit the road-map by 15 January next, they said, adding, “the three years partnership also entails a host of other projects for Air India.”

The MRO facility has come up at an investment of $100 million under an agreement between Air India and Boe-ing Co in 2005. The actual construction work on the projected, however, started only in 2011. The facility was handed over to Air India in August this year.

RITES, as part of the MoU would also carry out field surveys for flag carrier on the road and rail traffic from two city pairs, which would help the airline in assessing the air traffic potential from the surveyed cities, sources said.

“We intend to wean away a sizeable chunk of road and rail traffic from tier II/III cities. One of the ideas behind en-gaging RITES is to have some feasibility study before assessing air traffic poten-tial from such cities,” they said.


AAR coRp. was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a note issued to investors.

According to Zacks, “AAR Corp missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate on both earnings and revenues in first-quarter fiscal 2016 and declined year over year due to poor performance of aircraft joint ventures and low operating income. The company operates in a highly competitive space and is subject to stringent government regulations. The reduced U.S. role in Afghanistan will also likely lower the company’s defense related revenues.

Shares of AAR Corp. traded down 0.57 percent hitting $24.23. The company had a trading volume of 81,010 shares. AAR Corp. has a

1-year low of $18.39 and a 1-year high of $34.24. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $22.85 and a 200 day moving average price of $26.22. The firm has a market capitalization of $840.78 million and a P/E ratio of 50.17.

AAR Corp. last issued its quarterly earnings results on September 24th. The company reported $0.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the Zacks’ consen-sus estimate of $0.23. The business earned $377.80 million during the quarter. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.36 EPS. The business’s quarterly revenue was down 4.3 percent com-pared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts antici-pate that AAR Corp. will post $1.34 EPS for the current fiscal year.

AAR upgraded to “Hold” at Zacks Investment Research

Bank calls for aviation investment

KASIKoRn ReSeARch cenTRe says the busi-ness segment covering maintenance, repair and overhaul of narrow-body jets in Thailand looks promising, which will help the country become an aviation hub in the region.

The bank’s think-tank unit said growing aviation business in Thailand and Southeast Asia, as well as a challenging workload facing Singapore’s aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities may allow an opportu-nity for Thailand to develop its own centre.

It assessed that Thailand has strong potential to become a narrow-body jet MRO centre for regional low-cost carriers (LCCs).

“Considering the growth of such aircraft, and the likelihood of more orders by LCCs for narrow-body jets in the future, they will no doubt remain the dominant type used commer-cially in the region,” it said.

At present the only MRO work done in the kingdom is confined to airlines that focus on servicing their own fleets. Moreover, Thailand lacks some of the sophisticated technology needed for major maintenance, as well as sufficient standing inventories of commonly replaced airframe and engine parts..

“Once Thailand develops its own MRO centre, Thai-registered LCCs will likely shift the work to their home bases and this could drive the do-mestic MRO business value upward to THB10.72 billion, versus THB4.29 billion in 2015, and might also serve other ASEAN LCCs.”

Thailand therefore should consider drafting a national blueprint for aerospace policies and form a council to efficiently implement such policies directing aerospace industry develop-ment, the centre suggested.

DASSAUlT DelIveReD a Falcon 2000LX business jet to Chinese medical evacu-ation provider Beijing Red Cross Emer-gency Medical Center (999).

The large-cabin business jet – a former customer demonstrator – according to the French airframer, is the first fixed-wing aircraft in China equipped to perform air ambulance missions,.

Completed at Dassault’s maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Wilming-ton, Delaware, the 4,000nm- (7,400km) range twin features an electrical patient loading system and a full medical suite –

Dassault delivers medevac 2000LX to Beijing Red Cross

aircraft. “In the decade it has been in operation,” it continues, “999 has provided pre-hospital rescue and medical treatment service for over 3 million patients.”

The 2000LX and its short-field stable-mates, the LXS and S, are the latest of seven different Falcon 2000 models that have been introduced by Dassault since the first iteration 20 years ago. “Despite its long pedigree, the 2000 remains the most popular business jet in its segment, with more than 550 units currently in service worldwide,” the company says. Two other medevac-configured 2000LXs are in service with the French air force’s ET 60 squadron – formerly dubbed ETEC.

including stretcher, dedicated lighting, a three-bottle oxygen supply and moni-toring and analysis equipment.

Dassault says 999 was the first air mede-vac provider in China to launch a “three-dimensional rescue package”, combining ambulances, helicopters and fixed-wing


UTc AeRoSpAce SySTeMS, a division of United Technologies Corp. UTX, an-nounced a long-term agreement with Revima Group for providing main-tenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to Middle East airline major Emirates. The REVIMA Group is a pre-mier independent provider of landing gear MRO and sheet metal activity.

Under the agreement, UTC Aerospace and Revima will service landing gear systems on The Boeing Company’s BA 777-300ER aircraft of Emirates. This is the first such agreement for providing landing gear service support at the local facility in the Middle East.

UTC Aerospace will be using its Goodrich Customer Services Inc. MRO campus in Dubai for initial services and will then ship the landing gear for overhaul to Revima’s

facility in France. The strategic move by the company is aimed to augment revenues by enhancing the local service network in the

AIRbUS coRpo-RATe JeTS has tightened its relationship with CAMP Mainte-nance Solutions to offer an integrated computer-based maintenance plan-ning service for ACJ aircraft

The new product, called CAMP for ACJ, gives corporate jet cus-tomers with maintenance planning as an extension to Airbus’ in-house customer care centre. Airbus as the manufacturer defines the maintenance tasks required to keep its aircraft airworthy, while CAMP’s software-based maintenance management tools can chart an optimal service schedule.

There are 170 ACJ single-aisle and widebody aircraft in service today, and CAMP already supports about 70 of those from its centres in North America, Europe and Asia. The first customer for the CAMP for ACJ brand was named today as UK’s Acropolis Aviation.

“We are committed to helping customers and operators to get the best from their Airbus aircraft and this new service answers their needs,” said Benoit Defforge, managing direc-tor of ACJ. “CAMP for ACJ is a fully digital solution, available on any computer, smart phone or tablet with internet access” he added. The CAMP partnership comes as Airbus pushes its improved ACJneo and expands its service network for line and heavy maintenance, cabin-refurbishing and cabin and system upgrades.

eASTeRn eURopeAn low-coST cARRIeR Wizz Air has renewed two eight-year MRO contracts with Lufthansa Technik Maintenance International (LTMI) and Lufthan-sa Technik Budapest (LTB) for line maintenance services on its fleets based in Romania, Slovakia and Hungary.

Under the agreements, LTMI and LTB will provide a single point of contact for all line maintenance issues, preventive maintenance and performance monitoring of the fleet.

Wizz Air recently opened maintenance hangar in Budapest. The contract will support up to 100 jobs in the region.

Wizz Air is the largest low-cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe. It operates a fleet of 64 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, offers more than 390 routes from 22 bases, and transports 16.5 million passengers, according to figures released for its financial year ended March 31, 2015.

UTC Aerospace Collaborates with Revima for MRO Services

Airbus tightens MRO relationship with CAMP

Wizz Air, Lufthansa Technik renew MRO contracts

Middle East. The agreement will facilitate a high level of local service for Emirates’ fleet of 777-300ER aircraft.


RollS-Royce welcomes the decision by TAP Portugal to select 14 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, powered by the Trent 7000 engine.

The aircraft will join TAP Portugal’s fleet as part of its fleet renewal an-nounced by the airline’s new majority owner Atlantic Gateway.

The new aircraft order replaces the previous order for 12 A350-900 aircraft. “We welcome this decision by TAP Por-

UK FIRM MeSSIeR-bUGATTI-DowTy has signed a 10-year contract with Iberia for the maintenance of landing gear on the Span-ish carrier’s fleet of A320 family aircraft.

The aircraft will be serviced at Messi-er-Bugatti-Dowty’s facilities in Glouces-ter and in Querétaro, Mexico.

The new contract extends the exist-ing partnership between the two parties, which has seen Messier-Bugatti-Dowty provide MRO services on Iberia’s A340-600.

It has also serviced landing gear on fellow IAG Group airline British Airways’ fleet of A320 aircraft.

“With a total of some 280 aircraft, our overall contract with IAG is the largest ever signed by our MRO division since its creation in 2001” said Vincent Mascré, CEO of Messier-Bugatti-Dowty.

TAP opts for Trent 7000 for A330neo order

Record MRO Europe attracts 17% visitor rise

FL Technics launches asset management support service

Messier-Bugatti-Dowty wins Iberia A320 landing gear contract

tugal to select the A330neo. We now look forward to powering the future of TAP with our new Trent 7000 engine” said Dominic Horwood, Rolls-Royce, Chief Customer Officer – Civil Large Engines.

The Trent 7000 brings together experience from the Trent 700 - the engine of choice for the current A330, architecture from the Trent 1000 TEN - the latest version of the Trent 1000 engine, latest technology from the Trent XWB - the world’s most efficient large civil engine

The 68-72,000lb thrust Trent 7000 will deliver significant performance benefits compared to the current ver-sion of the Trent 700. It will improve specific fuel consumption by ten per cent; have twice the bypass ratio; and will halve noise.

MRo eURope, part of Pen-ton’s Aviation Week Net-work, reported a record breaking event when it returned to ExCeL London with 7,000 registered at-tendees.

Held on 13-15 Octo-ber, the exhibition and conference saw a 17 per cent increase in visitors, compared to 2014, visit-ing from more than 90 countries.

Focused on commercial aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), MRO Europe had sold out its exhibit space with 593 stands, repre-sented by 358 companies, and featured speakers from airlines, OEMs, regula-tors, suppliers and service providers.

“We received tremendous feedback from exhibitors regarding the quality of attendees, as well as the opportu-nity to network with aviation decision makers,” said Lydia Janow, managing director, Events & Tradeshows, Avia-tion Week Network. “The growth and success of the show demonstrates the

unparalleled quality of speakers, at-tendees and exhibitors. We are thrilled about the unprecedented numbers we experienced this year” he added.

James Rees, executive director, Ex-CeL London, added: “We are delighted MRO Europe returned to ExCeL London for their 2015 event, with record break-ing results.

“This is representative of a trend we are seeing, with an increasing number of North American Meeting Planners now choosing London for their events. We look forward to welcoming the team from MRO Europe back to ExCeL in 2017.”

Fl TechnIcS has launched new asset management support services during engine lease and maintenance.

The new service is mainly aimed at the company’s customers in the Middle East, the CIS and Asia Pacific.

FL Technics said the “liveliness and potential” of Bombardier CRJ100/200 and 737s in the regions present an attractive opportunity for the firm with many operators in the process of replacing older aircraft.

“Under the service, our experts will help the customers in emerging mar-kets to plan, negotiate, and, eventually, get better conditions for engine lease and maintenance works” said Zilvinas Lapinskas, CEO of FL Technics.


Solid partnerships and value chain analysis can help keep MRO’s on deadline

In the commercial aviation MRO industry, timing is everything. An MRO provider must be nimble, competent, consistent and capable of rapid turn-around to provide the quality services that airlines require. On its own, orches-trating the typical daily maintenance and repairs unimpeded by the variables of seasonal upswings and “moment’s notice” on-offs is no easy task.

To do so while maintaining a healthy balance sheet, high employee morale and efficient systems can be down-right daunting. Add in the fact that MRO’s operate within an ever-shifting landscape of environmental challenges, economic influencers, global expansion and technological innovation, and the coordination of all variables is a feat of unparalleled scheduling, analysis and constant revision.

To top it all off, for commercial avia-tion MRO providers, success is deter-mined in real time. There’s no resting on yesterday’s wins. Delays in the hangar don’t stay in the hangar and the chain reactions, if serious enough, can be felt around the world in the form of late flights, bad press and lost profit.

Keeping the MRO machine operating smoothly begins with careful supply chain management (SCM). According to supply chain experts and global aerospace parts distributor, Kapco Global, “SCM involves the analysis and improvement of operations starting at the point of service originating at the supplier side.

A high functioning SCM system starts with MRO component and part distributors that have the appropriate inventory available in the necessary quantities located at facilities posi-tioned for rapid turnaround.”

But having the necessary parts and supplies readily available is only one side of the equation. The MRO industry does not exist in a vacuum, and exter-nal factors play a huge role in supply chain demands. Because of this there is also a critical need to analyze and ac-count for fluctuations within the value chain as well.

While a supply chain is concerned with the top down flow of goods and services from supplier/distributor, to MRO provider, to timely implementa-tion and delivery, the value chain views the system from the bottom up and takes into account first and foremost the needs of the consumer (the de-mand).

For MRO’s this means, among other things, keeping watch on what is going on with the oil market, as it directly impacts commercial airline demand and the easing of its capacity discipline strategy. The price of oil has fallen from $115 per barrel in June, 2014 to below $45 per barrel in October, 2015.

These economic factors are contribut-ing to more air travel, which in turn, is contributing to airlines adding capacity in the form of more routes and aircraft, which then increases demand for MRO services.

The drop in oil prices coincided with one of the commercial airline industry’s busiest summer travel seasons on re-cord. MRO companies who are keeping an eye on value chain developments can position themselves to be ready and able to meet the needs of their custom-ers.

A recent New York Times article exploring the reasons for such a pre-cipitous drop in oil prices over the last 16 months indicates that prices will likely start to stabilize/recover within the next two years, but the article also notes that experts believe it will be a long time before oil hits the $90-$100 a barrel mark again.

They note that the average North American household will have $750 more dollars this year that would have gone to fueling their cars and heating their homes a year before. A MRO value chain analyst can combine information like this with actual consumer order information to project what the airline industry’s MRO needs may be up to a certain point in the future.

But as we all know, projections can be wrong and the impact of inventory gluts and supply side over-ordering can result in major profit losses. It is at this point we come back around to the importance of a strategic supply chain. Distributors and suppliers, who assist in supply chain and inventory manage-ment, can help ease this risk by keeping inventory on their side until the MRO needs it.


BAE Systems extends Yeti RPFH contract

Henkel develops “Leading Solution Provider” Strategy with MRO Training and Application Center

bAe SySTeMS Regional Aircraft has signed a two-year extension to its exist-ing rate-per-flying-hour (RPFH) compo-nent support contract with Nepalese regional operator Yeti Airlines.

The Material and Components Repair and Overhaul (MACRO) agreement covers the airline’s fleet of seven BAE Systems-manufactured Jetstream 41 turboprop aircraft and covers around 240 separate part numbers.

Yeti Airlines first enrolled on the MACRO programme in 2006 and this second extension of the contract by the

carrier will see the programme continue until the end of 2017.

BAE Systems recently conducted an extensive review of its RPFH programmes with the objective of controlling costs to provide the stability to underpin the programmes for the future. The company has carried out detailed discussions with all the main vendors to secure long-term fixed price RPFH and repair and overhaul pricing with capped escalation rates.

Yeti has become the first operator to sign up for the new remodelled version of MACRO.

henKel has executed on one element of its strategy to be a leading solution provider by opening the ANZ’s first MRO Training and Application Centre in Melbourne. This centre is designed to allow Henkel to provide both hands-on technical product application training and a full-service, one-stop shop for surface engineering coating technology under the LOCTITE brand. These coat-ings are relied on by heavy industries and this centre takes Henkel’s strategy to the next level by offering professional application service and repair work to its customers.

The grand opening event of MRO Training and Application Centre was held on 7th September 2015 at Henkel’s ANZ head office, Kilsyth. Sharing on the excitement on opening the centre after months of hard work, Eugene Robinson, General Manager Adhesives Technolo-gies - Henkel Australia and New Zea-land, said “The team has worked hard

over the past six months and as a result, we now have a leading training facility for our sales team, LOCTITE applicators and end users. The MRO Training and Application Centre is fully furnished to rebuild and maintain industrial equip-ment and provide service engineering expertise to our customer base.”

“With LOCTITE composite coating technology, not only can customers rebuild their equipment in a way that brings added reliability to their plant, they can also reduce compo-

nent replacement costs, save energy, and reduce shutdown time on typical industrial equipment. This centre will be used to show customers how to extend Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), reduce Mean Time To Repair (MTTR), and increase Overall Equip-ment Effectiveness (OEE) through various applications while maintain-ing their plant and equipment. This centre will also be used to train other service engineering partners through-out the ANZ region” said John Borden, MRO Business Manager – Henkel Asia Pacific.

The centre positions Henkel as a leader in surface adhesives technology, and offers a full range of training and services with the latest products in ma-chinery adhesives, surface engineering and coatings.

This provides Henkel with a won-derful opportunity to promote and showcase the superior performance of its LOCTITE products to applicators and end-users, as well as providing useful hands-on training workshops.

eMbRAeR execUTIve JeTS released its 10-year market outlook for busi-ness aviation at the National Business Aviation Association Convention and Exhibition in Las Vegas, NV. The Company forecasts a global demand of 9,100 new business jets, worth US$ 259 billion. This is the total market opportu-nity to be serviced by all manufacturers and represents a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3% per year over the next 10 years. The analysis foresees that demand is likely to exceed the last decade’s deliveries and market value, when approximately 8,190 business jets were delivered, worth US$ 198 billion.

The new deliveries forecast reflect a higher potential demand coming from the US market as well as a reduction in the demand from emerging markets. The small and medium jet segments are expected to represent the majority of the market, with nearly two thirds of the to-tal deliveries, benefiting mostly from the opportunities out of the North American and European markets.

Embraer Releases its 10-year Market Outlook for Business Aviation


vecToR AeRoSpAce, a global indepen-dent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, announced that it has signed an engine services agreement with PNG Air, for-merly known as Airlines of PNG, based out of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

As per the terms of the multi-year exclusive agreement, Vector Aerospace will provide comprehensive fixed-wing

aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to PNG Air’s new fleet of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M-powered ATR 72-600 regional turboprop aircraft from its facilities in Summerside, PE, Canada and Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

“We have been working with Vec-tor Aerospace for the past 6 years and continue to be very pleased with their

AMAc AeRoSpAce is one of the busier cabin completion, refurbishment and MRO centers with three completion projects currently under way as well as three refurbishments.

The green nose-to-tail completions include a BBJ777, a BBJ and an ACJ320 The BBJ777 is the third aircraft of the type. “No other completion center in the world has as much experience on the BBJ777 as AMAC does,” said Waleed Muhiddin, vice president of strategic operations and business development. “Before AMAC was conceived, not one completion entity had touched a 777 in 15 years.”

In 2014, AMAC delivered a BBJ, a BBJ777-200, an ACJ319 and an ACJ320. And this year the Basel-based center has delivered to date seven aircraft with finished interiors, including a BBJ747-8i and an ACJ340-200.

The highly customized BBJ747-8i aircraft, according to AMAC, “is deco-rated with the highest levels of custom

furniture, monuments, exotic materials, bespoke artwork, peripheral cameras mounted around the aircraft exterior, satellite live television, satcom and mul-tiple beds and galleys.”

Also returned to service this year was an ACJ319, following a supplemen-tal type certificate modification ap-proval. Part of the project was a major refurbishment, including new carpet, reupholstery of all seats and divans, installation of a new HD in-flight enter-tainment system, and Wi-Fi streaming to personal electronic devices. A second stand-alone high-speed satcom system was also part of the cabin upgrade. The refurbishment was carried out in parallel with the heavy base mainte-nance project that included landing gear overhauls.

There is also a BBJ scheduled for main-tenance and cabin refurbishment and a Global Express due for maintenance and cabin refurbishment among the backlog of projects. The Global Express

is expected to arrive in December this year, and the BBJ is to arrive at AMAC in March next year. Most recently, AMAC announced it has been awarded a heavy base maintenance contract for an ACJ340 by an unidentified head of state.

While the center is busy with green completions and cabin refurbishment, “MRO work is the bread and butter of our existence,” said Waleed. And he noted that much of the MRO work is from return customers. “We take pride in the fact that turnkey solutions mean that a client can go to a one-stop shop and have all requests carried out in a single downtime period.”

To accommodate all this activity, AMAC opened a new hangar Nov. 2 at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. The company also expanded the scope of its work when it secured FAA repair station status in June. In addition, AMAC is also considering opening new facilities in Africa, China “and possibly India.”

Vector Aerospace inks engine services agreement with PNG Air

Three Completion Projects Underway For AMAC Aerospace

outstanding level of service and sup-port,” said Paul Abbot, Chief Commercial Officer at PNG Air. “It is the superior service quality, responsiveness and commitment delivered by Vector that enables PNG Air to provide safe, efficient and reliable air transportation for our passengers each year” he added.

“We are very proud to be entering into this PW127M service agreement with PNG Air, which expands our existing re-lationship relating to the exclusive provi-sion of PW120A engine MRO services for their Dash 8-100 fleet,” said Jeff Poirier, President of Vector’s Engine Services - Atlantic division. “Our comprehensive engine and component repair, overhaul and test services will continue to deliver exceptional value and benefit to PNG Air and its customers. Vector has the diverse capability to accommodate PNG Air’s specific requirements, and the detailed product knowledge and experience to meet their expectations” he added.

PW127M MRO services provided by Vector under the agreement will include engine repair, hot section inspections, testing, modifications, overhaul services and parts distribution.


vecToR AeRoSpAce, a global indepen-dent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, is ex-cited to announce the continuing growth of its dedicated Engine Trading team.

Since its creation a little over a year ago, the Engine Trading team has enjoyed strong engagement from the market place, with customers world-wide appreciating the range of services offered by the team. These include Short- and long-term engine leasing, Engine rental pool management, Sale of serviceable engines, Engine exchanges, Acquisition of engine assets (serviceable and cores), Serviceable part sales and support (PT6A, PW100 and JT15D), New part sales support (PT6A and JT15D)

“Being in a position to offer additional solutions within the Vector brand was

KIMbeRly-clARK has long been known for Kleenex facial tissue, Huggies diapers and Scott paper towels, but its industrial division has a long history in business aviation.

Earlier this year, the company an-nounced collaboration with Eastman Aviation Solutions, a division of Eastman Chemical Company, with the goal of de-veloping solutions for cleaning aircraft surfaces and components.

It now offers a range of wiping and personal-protection products to aid in the performance of critical manufacturing and return-to-service tasks, the company said.

For example, it offers the Jackson Safety G29 Solvent Protection glove to provide hand protection and improved dexterity for aviation workers using sol-vents, hydraulic fuels and turbine fluids or oils, and Kimtech A2 aviation wipes for abrasive surfaces and low-lint prop-erties that reduce the risk of contamina-tion when preparing composite surfaces for bonding and painting.

Kimberly-Clark Professional offers the Efficient Workplace program, an on-site assessment that helps aviation companies identify simple ways to make their facili-ties “healthier, safer and more productive.”

“It’s not simply a question of clean, but how clean,” said global aerospace

marketing leader Stephen Burn. “It is not merely a matter of wiping, but how the wiping product interacts with the chemical and the surface being cleaned—which requires engineered-to-order wipes. What we deliver is also an assurance that a surface is clean and ready for the next step.”

Kimberly-Clark is making its first appear-ance at the NBAA convention in Las Vegas.

The Roswell, Georgia-based company has a long history in the business avia-tion segment. That heritage includes the formation of Midwest Express Airlines from its corporate flight department in the 1980s, and the former K-C Aviation, an aircraft completions, refurbishment and MRO facility. K-C was acquired by Gulfstream Aerospace in 1998.

“As a company with a heritage of in-novation and a long history in corporate aviation, we bring insights and expertise to meet the needs of general aviation operators, as well as original equipment manufacturers and maintenance and repair organizations,” Burn said. “Working with industry leaders like Eastman Avia-tion Solutions, we’re advancing the devel-opment of customized tools that increase efficiency, reduce waste and costs, and keep aviation workplaces safer, healthier and more productive” he added.

Vector Aerospace’s Engine Trading Team Poised for Growth

Kimberly-Clark Develops Aviation Products

one of the inspirations behind the for-mation of this group,” says Troy Forrest, Vice President of Engine Trading. “Pro-viding a host of ancillary offerings that enhance Vector’s primary maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services has already shown positive results. We are able to offer solutions beyond the overhaul or repair of a customer’s engine when timescales, funds or logistics dictate, thereby maximizing aircraft availability while minimizing costs.”

Able AeRoSpAce SeRvIceS, a global leader in rotor- and fixed-wing MRO and PMA solutions, has hired industry veteran John Celigoy as Vice President of Business Generation. In this role, Celigoy leads Able’s global sales, marketing and business operations functions – efforts that have helped the company maintain an average 20 percent annual growth rate for the past decade.

With more than 25 years of aviation operations and program management experience, Celigoy will direct initiatives to increase Able’s core product deploy-ments, strengthen customer relation-ships, drive awareness of Able’s broad capabilities and grow the company’s global footprint to all regions of the world that can benefit from its three decades of fixed-wing and rotor-wing expertise.

From its headquarters and mainte-nance facilities on the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona, Able offers FAA approved component repair, overhaul and replacement parts (PMA) solutions to commercial and military aviation fleets in more than 60 coun-tries worldwide. Over the course of 32 years, Able has grown to more than 500 employees providing thousands of ap-proved repairs and some of the world’s largest exchange inventories.

“Our business model is based on the premise that there is always room to grow and develop, and always an oppor-tunity to provide value-added solutions that help our customers to safely reduce their aircraft operating costs,” said Able CEO and President Lee Benson. “John has tremendous insight on all of these fronts. He is a welcome addition to Able and will be a great benefit to our team and our customers.”

“Able has an impressive track record of saving operators millions of dollars each year while maintaining the high-est commitment to quality and safety,” said Celigoy. “It is a pleasure to join this group and to be part of expanding Able’s reach and success.”

Celigoy is a current commissioner for the City of Scottsdale’s Airport Advisory Commission and supports several local law enforcement organizations as a volunteer pilot.

Able Aerospace Services Names VP of Business Generation


Flying Colours Corp. Named Bombardier Authorized Service Facility (ASF) for Global 5000* and Global 6000* Business Aircraft

Comlux America Extends its Service Capabilities on VIP Aircraft

The peTeRboRoUGh headquarters of MRO and completions specialist, Flying Colours Corp., is going “global” as it an-nounces Bombardier Business Aircraft has awarded the Peterborough facility heavy Authorized Service Facility (ASF) status to work on Global 5000* and Global 6000* business aircraft.

The news comes hard on the heels of Flying Colours Corp.’s Chesterfield, Missouri facility receiving Bombar-dier’s annual ASF Excellence Award in the North America category, as well as Flying Colours Corp. confirming Bombardier has also renewed its exist-ing ASF status for a further five years at both its Canadian and USA facilities. The existing Peterborough ASF agree-ment currently covers heavy work undertaken on Bombardier Challenger

605* and Challenger 850* business jets. Bombardier Business Aircraft originally named Flying Colours Corp. as an ASF in October 2012.

coMlUx The AvIATIon GRoUp is pleased to announce that Comlux America LLC, its Completion and Service Center based in Indianapolis, IN, has obtained the required top-of-the-line qualifications to offer complete mainte-nance and repair services to ACJ, BBJ and Bombardier Business Aircraft customers.

Comlux America was approved by Airbus Corporate Jets as an Authorized Service Center for the Airbus Corporate Jet fleet worldwide. This is a huge ac-complishment as Comlux America is the first independent fully Airbus Corporate

Jet Authorized Service Center in the world, able to provide maintenance services from A to C checks.

In October 2015, Boeing Business Jets signed an agreement with Comlux America which designates the company as an authorized warranty repair facility and service center. The contract allows Comlux America to perform warranty work on BBJ aircraft on behalf of Boeing, providing BBJ operators another service option in the USA. Additionally, Comlux America will provide other maintenance, repair and overhaul services as required.

“The addition of Global* aircraft to our existing Bombardier ASF status illus-trates the confidence the manufacturer has in us to perform work on the Global* business jets, and enables us to work with an even greater number of owners and operators,” said Eric Gillespie, Vice President, Flying Colours Corp.

Flying Colours Corp. has invested significant time, money and human re-sources into maintaining the standards required to retain its ASF status. The 450-strong team will continue to receive on-going training, whilst investment in new tooling equipment will also be made. “This announcement is validation of our team’s commitment to maintain-ing customer satisfaction and continu-ing to grow our scope of work on the Global* airframe,” adds Gillespie.

Since 2009, Comlux America has been an Authorized Service Facility (ASF) for Bombardier. In October 2015, Comlux America renewed their ASF agreement with Bombardier for an additional five years which further reiterates Comlux’s commitment to its Bombardier customers.

In addition to BBJs and ACJs, the services division of Comlux specializes in everything from Bombardier* Learjet* to Challenger* and Global* aircraft and has already performed a range of major checks and repairs.

“The Services division of Comlux America has been gearing up to provide our customers with new services ap-proved by the major manufacturers,” says Arnaud Martin, EVP Operation Comlux Group. “We aim to protect the value of the assets of our customers by performing quality maintenance and repair work in accordance with the manufacturer best practices. Definitive-ly, our goal is to become one of the lead-ing centers of excellence for VIP aircraft services worldwide” he added.

In parallel to its maintenance and re-pair services activities, Comlux America is also providing state-of-the-art cabin completions for all OEMs. The company has recently developed its capabili-ties with the extension of the hangar facilities to accommodate Wide Body aircraft.


Honeywell’s Business Aviation Forecast Sees up to 9,200 Deliveries of New Business Jets Valued at $270 Billion Through 202524th Annual Global Business Aviation Outlook released Honeywell Aerospace forecasts up to 9,200 new business jet deliveries worth $270 billion from 2015 to 2025, with a 3 to 5 percent reduction over the value noted in the 2014 forecast.

“While emerging markets like Brazil continue to be a bright spot for busi-ness aviation over the medium term, we have seen weaker demand across other key growth markets, which may affect near-term order and delivery levels,” said Brian Sill, president, Business and General Aviation, Honeywell Aerospace. “And while the sluggish economic growth and political tensions are driving a more reserved approach to purchas-ing, we are seeing operators invest in retrofits and upgrades for their existing aircraft, especially around connectivity, boosting aftermarket opportunities” he added.

Deliveries of approximately 675 to 725 new jets in 2015, a single-digit percent-age growth year over year.

2016 deliveries are projected to be slightly lower reflecting weaker emerg-ing market demand partially offset by deliveries to fractional operators.

Operators surveyed plan to make new jet purchases equivalent to about 22 percent of their fleets over the next five years as replacements or additions to their current fleet.

Of the total new business jet purchase plans, 19 percent are intended to occur by the end of 2016, while 17 and 20 percent are scheduled for 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Operators continue to focus on larger-cabin aircraft classes, ranging from super mid-size through ultra-long-range and business liner, which are expected to account for more than 80 percent of all expenditures on new business jets in the near term.

The longer-range forecast through 2025 projects a 3 percent average annual growth rate despite the relatively flat near-term outlook as new models and improved economic performance con-tribute to industry growth.

Brazil, Russia, India, China (BRIC) Slight improvements in Chinese and Russian purchase plans compared with last year are not enough to support an improved

overall BRIC outlook.Brazil remained a bright spot by re-

cording the strongest new aircraft pur-chase plans in the survey, though overall buying plans fell year over year.

The combined BRIC countries retain a very strong near-term demand profile with 48 percent of intended new jet pur-chases scheduled for the next two years.

Operators in Asia Pacific report new jet acquisition plans for 14 percent of their fleet, up 2 percent from 2014 Despite the below-average level, the improved purchase plans yield about a 4 percent share of global demand over the next five years for Asia Pacific.

Nearly 40 percent of respondents are scheduling their new purchases within the first two years of the five-year hori-zon.

Middle East and Africa Slightly lowered purchase plans were reported, which is not surprising given another year of significant political upheaval and ongoing conflict in the region in tandem with low oil prices.

The share of projected five-year global demand attributed to the Middle East and Africa remained below its historical range of 4 to 7 percent again this year.

In the Middle East and Africa, 16 percent of respondents said they will replace or add to their fleet with a new jet purchase, down from 18 percent last year.

Regional distress continues to weigh on operators, with potential buyers in the region scheduling their purchases later in the next five-year window com-pared with last year, with only 21 per-cent of purchases planned before 2018.

Latin America The 2015 results remain

above the world average, and planned acquisitions remain more front-loaded than the world average.

Twenty-nine percent of the Latin America sample fleet expects to be replaced or added to with new jet pur-chases, which is 1 point higher than last year’s survey.

Because of the current purchase plan levels, Latin America’s 18 percent share of total projected demand grew slightly compared with a year ago. North America New aircraft acquisition plans in North America are very important given the region’s size and the unsettled conditions elsewhere around the world.

An estimated 61 percent of projected demand comes from North Ameri-can operators. New jet purchase plan levels slipped less than 1 point in North America, the industry’s largest market, and stand just under the world average of 22 percent.

Current plan levels are somewhat below the averages of the 2008 2012 period. Though buying plan levels are moderate, the fleet and operator base have expanded, supporting demand levels despite a slightly smaller purchase plan rate.

The European share of estimated global five-year demand also receded compared with historical norms and is now at 14 percent in the 2015 survey.

A comparison of the planned timing for European purchases indicates un-even proportions of demand in the next three years of the five-year window, with about 17 percent allocated through 2016 followed by a dip to 10 percent in 2017 and a strong rebound to over 26 percent in 2018.


Revisit tax structures to boost MRO business in India

The cenTRAl AnD STATe GoveRn-MenTS both need to focus on their tax structures, among other things, to give a thrust to the aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) business in India as it presents opportunities to the tune of USD 2.6 billion by 2020, said NITI Aayog member VK Saraswat.

He also said that the government is studying a proposal to set up a centre of excellence in smart manufacturing of defence products in Telangana.

“MRO business is expected to touch USD 2.6 billion by 2020 provided we do some hard thinking about removing some of the disability factors that we have today. They come as an impediment in the set-ting up of new MROs.

Dallas Airmotive nears final stages of construction on new MRO facility

DAllAS AIRMoTIve, a BBA Aviation company providing global MRO service and support for business aircraft turbine engines, has announced that it expects to receive the certificates of occupancy for its new MRO and Test Cell Campus at DFW Airport in Janu-ary 2016. This new campus features a 220,000 square foot turbine main-tenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility as well as a 30,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art test center that houses six test cells for turbofan, turboprop, and turboshaft engines.

Mark Stubbs, Dallas Airmotive Chief Commercial Officer, explained that these certificates will allow the company to begin the final stages of construction and they can begin transferring people and equipment to the new location during the first half of 2016. “This campus represents the future of Dallas Airmotive and our commitment to delivering world class turbine engine service and support to our customers.”

The new MRO facility will house multiple engine product lines for business and general aviation and rotorcraft. Dallas Airmotive will also centralize its component repair and overhaul business in the new facility.

The company’s new test center features customized data acquisition software and an optimized layout designed for efficiency and quick turnaround times. “This is a state-of-the-art test center that was designed for speed, flexibility and adaptability. When it is running at full capacity, we will be able to test up to 12 engines a day,” stated Stubbs.

Dallas Airmotive is exhibiting at

NBAA 2015 on Booth N3505. In other NBAA news, the company announced that its industry-leading field service organization, F1RST SUPPORT, has now completed 10,000 field service events since 2014.

“It is an impressive number, but it is business as usual for our F1RST SUP-PORT organization,” explained Stubbs. “We ensure that our customers receive the service and support they need to quickly get back in the air, anywhere in the world.”

To accomplish this, Dallas Airmotive has created the industry’s largest, global service and support network. “Field ser-vice has always been an integral com-ponent of our business. It is what our customers expect and one of the differ-entiators that puts us at the head of the pack,” Stubbs said. He also mentioned that over the years the Dallas Airmotive Field Service organization has grown to now include more than 110 technicians available for field service duty.

As the company expanded its field service organization, demand also in-creased. “Prior to 2014 when we really began ramping things up, we aver-aged between 3,000 and 4,000 field events per year,” stated Stubbs. “Since then, we are averaging over 5,000 field service events a year.”

Stubbs pointed out that the numbers highlight the demand for experienced field service and support. “Through our F1RST SUPPORT organization, we have defined what field service looks like and what it means to the customer. We will continue to expand our team, our tooling, and our capabilities so that we can meet the needs and demands of our customers in the field.”

Hawker Landing Gear MRO Adds To Capabilities Av8 MRo of Houston has added in-house, FAA-approved cadmium plat-ing and non-destructive testing, both of which are critical in the overhaul of landing gear, to its tool chest.

“Together, these in-house processes will typically reduce our turn time by one to two weeks, which is substan-tial,” said Yoel Arnoni, principal with Av8 MRO. The MRO is an FAA- and EASA-approved repair station with the capabilities to repair and overhaul all series of Hawker landing gear and ma-jor component parts. It is approved to make almost 400 replacement parts for Hawker landing gear systems.

According to Russell Eckhart, ac-countable manager with Av8Pro, “The addition of NDT and cad plating was a logical next step for us, as these process-es allow us to determine more quickly what is required for a particular landing gear overhaul, thus saving our custom-ers time and hassle.”


onIqUA InTellIGenT MRO, the leader in MRO inventory optimization for asset-intensive industries, announced that Lundin Mining has chosen Oniqua Analytics Solution to optimize inventory levels, improve efficiencies and reduce operational costs.

With operations in Chile, the United States, Portugal, Sweden and Spain, Lundin Mining Corporation is a diversified Cana-dian base metals mining company that produces copper, nickel, zinc and lead.

Lundin also holds a 24 percent equity stake in the world-class Tenke Fun-gurume copper/cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and in the Freeport Cobalt Oy business, which includes a cobalt refinery in Kokkola, Finland.

In November 2014 Lundin acquired the Candelaria and Ojos del Salado min-ing operations in Chile from Freeport-McMoRan.

Oniqua Intelligent MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) capabilities com-bine the world’s most advanced MRO analytics technology with analyst ser-

vices, consulting, master data cleansing and industry expertise to optimize the performance of materials management and operations/maintenance activities.

Oniqua is proud to serve many of the world’s largest energy and resources companies, including BHP Billiton, Cono-coPhillips, Dow, BP, Newmont Mining, Rio Tinto, American Electric Power, Ten-nessee Valley Authority, Nebraska Public Power District and many others.

Oniqua is owned by international oilfield support services company ASCO. The company employs over 2,500 people in four key regions, and offers a wide range of services including inventory and materials management, offshore supply base management, onshore oilfield support, environmental ser-vices, personnel and training, advisory and technical services as well as fuel services.

poRTUGUeSe cARRIeR TAp has selected the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine to power its order of 14 A330neo aircraft. TAP Portugal has signed a firm order with Airbus for 53 aircraft.

The order comes after Portugal’s out-going government gave final approval for the sale of the loss-making airline to avoid its imminent collapse.

The approval was given despite objec-tions by leftist parties that are opposed to the sale of the airline and could yet try to overturn the deal.

Airbus said that the TAP order consists of 14 A330-900neos, 15 A320neos and 24

A321neos.Based on list prices, the deal is worth

USD$8.6 billion.In a statement released recently, the

OEM will add to its all-Airbus fleet with 14 A330-900neos plus 15 A320neos and 24 of the A321neo option.

The new aircraft are part of fleet renewal plans outlined by the airline’s new majority owner Atlantic Gateway.

“The A330neo, like the A320neo family, will give us the flexibility to enter new markets and improve the frequency of existing ones” said Fernando Pinto, TAP CEO.

Lundin Mining Chooses Oniqua for MRO Inventory Management and Optimization

TAP orders 53 Airbus aircraft

eRIcKSon IncoRpoRATeD, a leading global provider of aviation services, announced its new certification as a Bell Helicopter Certified Maintenance Cen-ter (CMC). The agreement officially adds Erickson to Bell Helicopter’s customer support network and authorizes Erick-son to perform aircraft refurbishment and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of the Bell 214B and the Bell 214ST helicopters at all Erickson locations.

“The certification of Erickson Incorpo-rated as a Bell Helicopter Maintenance Center, along with the certification of our airframe fixtures, enhances Erickson’s ability to support the Bell 214 community and highlights the strength of our relationship with Bell Helicopter,” said Vice President of Manufacturing and MRO, Kerry Jarandson.

Erickson has been awarded numer-ous MRO purchase orders for work on the Bell 214 including critical case and dynamic part repairs, dynamic com-ponent overhauls and major fuselage repairs. Bell Helicopter certified the Bell 214ST tail boom and the Bell 214B fuse-lage fixtures produced by Erickson in September of this year. These enhanced capabilities enable Erickson to provide maximum value to Bell 214 operators.

Erickson’s first Bell 214 airframe refurbishment in the newly certified fixture was a major fuselage repair for McDermott Aviation. John McDermott, of the largest privately owned and operated Heli-Aviation Company in Australia, said, “We are pleased to see the hard work and ingenuity Erickson is putting into this program. Their creativity drives needed change and supports the operators while keeping the Bell 214 a viable platform in the rotorcraft community.”

Erickson has recently received parts manufacturing approval (PMA) for Bell 214 parts from the Federal Aviation Administration. Under the agreement announced on February 9, 2015 between Bell Helicopter and Erickson, Erickson is licensed to use Bell Helicopter’s design data to produce functionally identical parts under PMA authority. Erickson owns and operates 12 Bell 214ST helicop-ters within its own fleet.

Erickson Certified as Bell Helicopter Maintenance Center


SDI Celebrates 20 Years Of Business Operations In Mexico

Magnetic MRO Received FAA Certificate

RecenTly, SDI – North America’s lead-ing supply chain management company focused on Maintenance Repair and Op-erations (MRO) – celebrated the 20-year anniversary of doing business in Mexico as, SDI de Mexico (SDM).

“There was a need for innovation in this very niche supply chain that brought us to Juarez 20 years ago,” said Cris Ferregur, GM of SDI de Mexico. “Our commitment is to help our clients grow by continuing to connect their MRO sup-ply chains, with integrity and clarity of purpose.”

Ferregur attributes the company’s success in Mexico to the strong business culture, commitment to the clients’ busi-nesses and a continual drive to create value. With a robust automotive and automotive components manufacturing client base, SDI de Mexico is committed to diversifying across Mexico, help-ing manufacturers in various markets leverage SDI’s process excellence, data transparency and systems control.

In addition to being able to lever-age SDI’s strong strategic sourcing and centralized buying model, which helps eliminate the need for dual currency and dual language data entry, the company has customs brokerage partners strate-gically located along the US border to facilitate the importing of supplies into Mexico and to navigate the Mexican infrastructure.

“Our clients put their trust in us, because we have the experience and cul-tural knowledge to work hand-in-hand with them, solving their toughest MRO supply chain problems across Mexico and bringing them new and innovative ideas,” said Ferregur. “We are looking forward to what value the next 20 years will help us create with our clients.”

SDI reports that doing business in Mexico for the past 20 years has pro-vided manufacturers – with plants both in the U.S. and in Mexico – with greater visibility, added control and more flex-ible cross-border solutions.

MAGneTIc MRo, Aircraft Maintenance and Repair Organization, received Repair Station certificate from US Federal Avia-tion Administration, covering full scope of Magnetic MRO activities.

The company has become the first FAA certified Repair Station in the Baltic States, marking an important milestone in the development of the MRO industry in the region. The received certificate enables Magnetic MRO to issue dual release, EASA and FAA, certificates on its Line, Base, Com-ponents, and Engines Part 145 activities.

“Magnetic MRO is determined to be the industry leader in offering efficient and customized Total Technical Care products and services to airlines and aviation asset owners’’, says Jonas Bu-tautis, CEO of Magnetic MRO. ‘’The FAA certification opens a new range of oppor-tunities for our company in Airframe, En-gines, and Components business areas. It comes well in time, together with the expansion of Magnetic MRO capabili-ties into these MRO areas, enabling us to offer end-to-end support for Aircraft Leasing Companies and US-based Opera-

tors. We see this as another important milestone in the path of our growth and development’’ he added.

Over the last 12 months Magnetic MRO has expanded into full aircraft painting, engines on-wing and off-wing services, components solutions, and other areas of MRO activities. The newly added FAA cer-tificate makes Magnetic MRO a natural first choice for Total Technical Care solu-tions. Both for aviation Asset Owners and Leasing Companies as a transition point for assets between lessees. It will also boost Magnetic MRO’s active aircraft tear-down and component repair businesses, with dual release certificates available for the aforementioned activities.

Baker Aviation Adds Airborne AOG Maintenance Support

bAKeR AvIATIon, a full service aircraft maintenance, management and charter company in North Texas, announced the expansion of mainte-nance services by adding a dedicated Citation II aircraft that will be utilized for rapid response AOG support.

The dedicated AOG Citation is man-aged by Baker’s Charter/Management business under their FAA Part 135, ARG/US Platinum Rated certificate. The Citation will be a valuable tool for the deployment of mobile maintenance team for on-site repairs as well as parts procurement for Baker customers.

“In today’s environment, aircraft owners are looking for partners that can provide 24/7 service and at Baker Aviation we are always looking for ways to go above and beyond the sta-tus quo,” stated Ray Goyco, Jr., Presi-dent and Chief Operating Officer at Baker Aviation. “As an aircraft owner for years, Mr. Baker has experienced first-hand, the impact of an AOG at the most inopportune time. His dedi-cation to invest in this level of service for our customers is a testimony to the Baker family’s commitment to the success and growth of our company. As we continue to expand our main-tenance business, we are raising the bar with our customer service and will remain focused on investing in further growth opportunities for the future,” added Goyco.

Earlier this year Baker Aviation was named first stocking distributor of quality FAA approved PMA parts from Omega Aircraft Articles. The current Omega PMA parts available at Baker Aviation include popular wheels, brakes, and engine components for King Airs, Beechjets, Citations, Lear-jets, and others that are all traceable through the FAA database.


Dublin Aerospace Appoints Martin O’Boyle as Head of Sales

Gama Aviation Announces its Las Vegas Base Has Received FAA Repair Station Certification

James Dillon-Godfray returns to London Oxford Airport JAMeS DIllon-GoDFRAy has returned to London Oxford Airport with respon-sibility for Business Development.

In his new role he will also be sup-porting commercial development of The London Heliport at Battersea, London’s only commercially licensed heliport serving the capital.

“It is good to be back and at such an opportune time too.”

Dillon-Godfray said: “It is good to be back and at such an opportune time too. We have some interesting new tenant companies to support, includ-ing Gama Aviation PLC, Excellence Aviation, our new Bombardier Chal-lenger/Global Express MRO provider; Up and Away, and another 17 estab-lished businesses like Airbus Heli-copters UK – all focused on aviation services. I will be working with Man-aging Director, Andi Alexander to help them facilitate their growth at Oxford, as well as exploring our own future expansion plans for the airport.”

“As the nearest ‘commercial’ airport to the north west of London, we are evaluating how we position ourselves within the UK’s established airport infrastructure and this will involve ongoing dialogue with the planning authorities and numerous other stake-holders,” Dillon-Godfray added.

The airport has recently benefited from the opening of a brand new railway station, Oxford Parkway, just eight minutes’ drive from the airport, providing high speed services to London Marylebone Station every 30 minutes. The airport is offering free shuttle services from its Oxfordjet FBO for all flightcrew and clients ar-riving by business aircraft.

DUblIn AeRoSpAce announced the ap-pointment of Martin O’Boyle as Head of Sales. Martin is an aviation professional with over 28 years’ experience in the Aviation industry, working with various OEM’s, Airlines and MRO’s from around the world.

With an engineering background, a flying career and various positions held in the MRO sector, Martin has gained significant experience in the industry. For the last 11 years Martin has focused on sales and marketing for MRO’s to include ST Aerospace and Atlantic Avia-tion (Formally Air Atlanta and Transaero Engineering Ireland).

Martin’s new role at Dublin Aerospace will be to showcase our areas of expertise, providing a strong sales growth by focusing on the de-velopment of new and existing business opportunities and customer relationships / support.

Commenting on the appointment, the outgoing CEO of Dublin Aerospace, Donal Rogers, said “I am delighted that we have been able to secure a candidate with such extensive knowledge of the industry, Martin will be a very valuable addition to the team.”

GAMA AvIATIon, a subsidiary of Gama Aviation Plc, the global aviation services company, has today announced that it has received Federal Aviation Admin-istration approval for its repair station based at McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas.

The certification, under Federal Avia-tion Regulation (FAR) 145, covers work on airframes, engines, instruments and ra-dio equipment, enabling Gama Aviation to provide its clients with a full range of support services from its Las Vegas base.

“We are delighted to announce that our Las Vegas base has received FAR 145 certification. As a global operator it is vi-tal that we can provide our clients with a full suite of services in all the markets we serve. Clients want to be confident that wherever their aircraft may be, they will receive a consistently high level of service and this certification underlines the standards we offer here at McCar-ran” commented Dennis Richey, execu-

tive vice president, engineering, of Gama Aviation.

Gama Aviation has identified a strong business aviation market in the re-gion centred on Las Vegas. Analysis of industry data reveals that Nevada and its neighbouring states of California, Arizona and Utah together have a fleet of 2,927 private jets, accounting for more than 12% of the total US fleet. Of these aircraft, 335 were delivered between 2010 and 2014.

As well as its Las Vegas support services, the company offers charter, aircraft management services and a network of 10 other coast-to-coast fa-cilities as well as a mobile line mainte-nance service across the US. Currently it responds to around 2,500 call-outs from clients in the US every year, has flown over one million miles and driven over 500,000 to support AOG (aircraft on the ground) and line maintenance situations.


Ramco chosen as preferred Next-Gen MRO IT Vendor by ARSA

328 Support Services Continues Successful MRO Support to Germany’s Private Wings with New, Five Year Contract

RAMco SySTeMS, a leading enterprise software provider on cloud, mobile and tablets, has added yet another notable accolade to its name. The Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA), the only association devoted to the unique needs of the global civil aviation main-tenance industry, has recognized Ramco as an association-approved Next-Gen IT Vendor for MROs.

This recognition comes close on the heels of Ramco announcing its asso-ciation with Air France Industries KLM E&M for setting up a new co-innovation center – ‘The MRO Lab’ in Singapore.

Ramco Systems has established its leadership position in the Aviation M&E and MRO solution space through a successful global footprint. During the year 2014-15, Ramco’s Aviation division grew by about 36 percent on an annual basis, adding 12 new customers in the 12 month period, covering every segment

of the aviation portfolio. Having been recognized for its innovative IT offerings by Heli-operators, Airlines, MROs and CAMOs, the company further expanded to address aviation-specific manufac-turing companies, making Ramco a comprehensive player across the broad spectrum in Aerospace & Defence.

“Aircraft maintenance providers have a great responsibility to the flying public,” said Brett Levanto, ARSA’s vice president of communications. “It is our responsibil-ity, then, to help them make informed choices about the tools and resources on which their business operations depend. Our detailed review of Ramco made clear that its aviation offerings are truly ‘Next-Gen’ and deserving of the association’s endorsement. When repair stations har-ness the power of these great IT products, we all benefit” he added.

Commenting on this industry recogni-tion, Mr. Virender Aggarwal, CEO, Ramco

328 SUppoRT SeRvIceS GMbh An-nounced recently the signing of a follow on five-year maintenance contract with German-based business aviation operator Private Wings GmbH (PWF). Private Wings is one of the largest Dornier 328 opera-tors in Europe, operating a fleet of eight 328-100 turboprops and two 328 jets out of its base at the general aviation terminal of Manching Airport (near Ingolstadt).

Founded in 1991, independently owned Private Wings offers ad hoc charter, and cargo flights. A key contract is the regular corporate shuttle activity it performs for German car manufacturers Audi, VW and Porsche, operating princi-

pally out of ManchingAirport.“Operating around the clock on a

varied schedule of flight missions all over Germany and Europemeans that we must have the security of a depend-

Systems, said, “After being chosen as the technology partner for the MRO Innova-tion lab by AFI KLM E&M, I am happy to note that ARSA, an autonomous body for MRO industry has recognized Ramco as an approved Next-Gen IT Vendor. This recognition further underscores our commitment to building industry-fo-cused innovation. Our focus on mobility, in-memory computing and adaptabil-ity to wearable devices has aided us in transforming into the frontrunners in this industry. We are truly thrilled that our efforts are paying off and we will strive to retain this honor, year after year.”

With Several MROs like Able Engineer-ing, ADAC; Airlines like Astra, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines; operators like Cobham Aviation Services, Petroleum Helicopters, and several others on-board, Ramco is the solution of choice for organizations from almost all the segments of the avia-tion Industry. Designed to be accessible on cloud, mobile and tablets, Ramco Aviation Software continues to add technological innovations with wearable devices offering hands-free computing, and the ‘one user once screen’ concept called HUB.

Since its inception in 1984, ARSA has been committed to helping its more than 400 member companies – and the entire aviation community – run their opera-tions more efficiently and effectively, while continuing to ensure the safety of aircraft worldwide.

able and accessible maintenance pro-vider. We have enjoyed a good working relationship with 328 management and their fine engineers and technicians at Oberpfaffenhofen these past five years and are delighted to renew with them,” said. Peter Gatz, CEO of Private Wings Flugcharter GmbH.

“Private Wings is for us a reliable Busi-ness Partner with high Standards within the Aviation industry. This new con-tract continues the strong relationship between both companies and we are happy to be the service provider for the coming years” stated Dave Jackson CEO of 328 Support Services GmbH.


Constant Renews Rolls-Royce Service Pact GKN begins Orangeburg plant modifications

Jet Aviation Basel Expanding to Meet Demand

FUll-SeRvIce MRO Constant Aviation (N5107) renewed its agreement with Rolls-Royce to continue as an authorized service center for the AE3007 engine at all three of its locations–Cleveland, Ohio; Birmingham, Ala.; and Las Vegas. The designation gives Constant the ability to offer Embraer Legacy 600/650 operators enrolled in Rolls-Royce’s CorporateCare program on-site parts and warranty claims processing.

“We began our partnership with Rolls-Royce in 2012, when we were named the first authorized service center for the AE3007 engine line in the U.S.,” said Constant Embraer Legacy 600/650 pro-gram manager Jim Rady. “This relation-

ship is important to our business as we touch more Legacy 600s than any other service center. We recently completed our 32nd 96-month inspection, with our 10th 144-month inspection currently in work. Providing a one-stop solution to our Legacy 600/650 customers was the initial reason for partnering with Rolls-Royce” he added.

JeT AvIATIon bASel is looking forward to plenty of business jet interior outfitting and is expanding to meet that demand.

At the moment, they are working on no fewer than seven projects – two BBJ777-300ERs, a BBJ3, a BBJ787-9, one ACJ319 and one ACJ320, and an ACJ330. Director of completions sales and market development Marc Galin said, “The company signed multiple orders in 2015, three of which are already in the shop in Basel which includes a BBJ3, the ACJ319 and ACJ320, two BBJ777s and the BBJ787-9. “From Jet Aviation’s perspec-tive, market demand for VIP completions remains strong,” he added.

a BBJ and an ACJ340-600 were rolled out in early 2015 on basis of customer delivery side of the ledger. Currently, on track for customer delivery by the year’s end is an ACJ320.

To keep up with it all, the comple-tion, refurbishment and MRO specialist signed an agreement in September with Basel EuroAirport authorities to expand

its completions production capacity “to meet rising demand for services.”

The expansion includes establishment of an additional 39,822-sq.-ft. facility dedicated to finishing and integration activities, as well as increasing manufac-turing capacity within its current cabi-net shop. Plans also include investments in such equipment as CNC machines to support cabinet building, as well as glue, spray and paint facilities to support finishing operations.

“The prospect of available and extremely suitable expansion space at Basel EuroAirport was in line with our long-term growth objectives and opportunities,” said Neil Boyle, Basel completions center senior vice president. “We are pleased to invest in this addi-tional production capacity to uphold our tradition of executing all elements of a bespoke interior in-house, where we are better able to monitor and control the quality of production and craftsman-ship,” he added.

This past summer, Jet Aviation Basel expanded its maintenance capabilities, adding the BBJ787 to its capabilities with receipt of EASA Part 145 repair station approval.

“As an authorized Boeing service center, we are delighted to expand our service offerings to support owners and operators of the 787,” said Johannes Turzer, senior vice president and general manager of the Jet Aviation Basel Main-tenance Center.

Part of the growing business was the installation of the Pro Line 21 upgrade in a Falcon 2000 in August, following by a second installation in a Falcon 200EX in September. Jet Aviation says the upgrade is designed to last a generation. It is a solution that provides flexibility in flight deck configurations and flight display formatting.

Jet Aviation Base, earlier this summer, announced it is developing a “cutting-edge, plug-and-play in-flight dishwasher with a three-minute wash cycle that requires just three liters of water and is compatible with eco-friendly soap.” Also a groundbreaking ceremony was held at Jet Aviation’s Boston/Bedford, Mass. facility to begin construction of its new FBO at Hanscom Field. The improve-ments include a two-story, 13,000-sq.-ft. FBO, a 40,000-sq.-ft. hangar capable of accommodating aircraft as large as Bombardier’s Global 6000, and 16,000 sq. ft. of office and shop space. Comple-tion is expected in third quarter 2016.

GKn AeRoSpAce has confirmed it has begun making alterations to its second Orangeburg County in preparation for its work on manufacturing inlet lip skins for the 737 MAX and 777X aircraft.

As part of a $20m investment, GKN said it is raising the roof of its plant to about 56 feet and digging pits about 20 feet deep to accommodate the manufacture of lip skins, which house an aircraft’s engine.

Production of the lip skins at the plant is scheduled to begin towards the end of 2016.


Associated Air Center at Capacity

AccoRDInG to Patrick Altuna, vice presi-dent of executive sales and marketing associated Air Center, with seven aircraft in its Love Field facilities in various stages of cabin completion, upgrade and interior refurbishment, is operating at capacity.

In June, the center signed to do an ACJ320 green completion for an uniden-tified Middle East customer. The Airbus twinjet is now in the completion process (interior highlights) and represents AAC’s ninetieth VIP completion. Customer de-livery is expected in September 2016.

Also in the Dallas facility are a BBJ787-8, a BBJ747-8 in for green completion work, and four BBJs undergoing 12-year inspections, as well as an assortment of upgrades, including FANS/CPDLC (future air navigation system/controller pilot data link communication).

Among customer deliveries in 2014 was an ACJ330. According to Altuna, AAC’s MRO/repair station services has as many as 30 aircraft a year. “Maintenance events for 2014 and 2015 have remained fairly consistent, and the forecast for 2016 is for more of the same,” he added.

Among recent place of interest at AAC, is STC approval for FANS/CPDLC for a BBJ757-200 classic. Also this past summer, AAC received its first STC for installation of FANS/CPDLC in a BBJ737-300 classic VIP operated by an unidenti-fied head of state. The center’s in-house engineering department developed the engineering data package to support the installation and integration for STC qualification.

In June, AAC obtained Agência Nacio-nal de Aviação Civil (ANAC) Part 145 re-pair station certification from the Brazil-ian civil aviation authority. The approval applies to VIP interior completions, scheduled maintenance, cabin refurbish-ment and cabin systems upgrades.

Etihad Airways Engineering gets Approval From EASA

eTIhAD AIRwAyS enGIneeRInG, the Middle East’s leading aviation main-tenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider, has become the first organ-isation in the Middle East to be granted an extended Part21J Design Organisa-tion Approval (DOA) by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to undertake major cabin design and modification.

With the new approval Etihad Airways Engineering is entitled to design and certify major changes to cabin interiors, galleys or other interior equipment and related structure, and environmental and electrical systems.

“We are pleased to offer Etihad Airways, its equity partners and third party customers the flexibility of mak-ing major cabin modifications to their existing fleet with this Part21J EASA approval. We remain committed to de-

veloping our maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities as a one-stop-fa-cility while focusing on new platforms and delivering the highest standards of safety and quality. “I would like to thank the Design, Engineering and Innovation team whose diligence, expertise and close coordination with EASA has helped us in achieving this capability ahead of time. With the new approval, the company is now able to offer more comprehensive, tailor-made solutions covering a wide range of technical aspects.” said Jeff Wilkinson, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President, Technical.

Etihad Airways Engineering is an AS9110 certified organisation and already holds EASA 145 approval as well as EASA 21J approval for designing and undertaking minor changes and repairs.

Flying Colours Wins Bombardier Excellence Award AUThoRIzeD SeRvIce FAcIlITy Excel-lence Award in the North American cat-egory has been awarded to Louis-based Flying Colours Corp.’s MRO and comple-tions facility by Bombardier Business Aircraft. According to Bombardier, “The win confirms quality, performance and commitment to customers, as well as support of Bombardier’s strategy to de-liver outstanding customer experience through superior performance.”

The Authorized Service Facility agreement currently covers work undertaken on the Learjet 40/40 XR, Learjet 45/45 XR, Challenger 300/350, Challenger 604/605 and Challenger 850. Flying Colours Corp.was originally

named as an ASF in October 2012 by Bombardier.

Troy Funk, Flying Colours’ VP, techni-cal services, will accept the honor at the 5th Annual Bombardier ASF Excellence Awards ceremony here on Nov. 18. “It is the first time we have been eligible for this so we are hugely honored to win, especially given the intense competition in the North American market,” he says. “We recog-nize the dedication, commitment and hard work our strong team in St. Louis places on the customer experience, and the award from Bombardier Business Aircraft underlines what a great job they do” he added.


Steel Frame of New Mro Hangar Completed At Chicago-Rockford

Rising helicopter demand lifts Singapore’s MRO sector

The 200,000 square-foot facility for AAR Corporation is expected to operate 24 hours a day.

According to the airport, the facility will expand its current infrastructure to allow for scheduled and unsched-uled service, modification, overhaul, and all other support services for mili-tary and commercial aircraft.

The hangar will be located in the mid-field area of the airport and is slated to be completed in mid-2016.

AAR chose Rockford as the site of its new facility for several reasons, includ-ing its central location, cost effective-ness, specially trained workforce, and regional supply chain and warehouse and distribution network.

The Rockford region is a prominent hub of aerospace activity and aviation manufacturing in the country, boast-ing more than 250 industry specific companies.

Rockford is also home to a critical mass of tier-one aerospace suppliers including Boeing, Woodward, UTC Aerospace Systems, and GE Aviation.

The region’s rate of manufacturing employment is twice the national av-erage, with more than 80% of Illinois’

aerospace workforce located in the Rockford area.

“RFD is thrilled with the progress on the AAR facility and looking forward to the expanded services this will bring to the airport,” says the airport’s business development director, Ken Ryan.

“These mammoth hangars are changing the landscape of not only the airport ground, but the region as well.”

Rock Valley College Aviation Main-tenance Technology Program has also just completed a 40,000 square-foot new training facility across the road from the AAR buildings.

These classrooms are filled with stu-dents ready to learn and work at the MRO facility upon completion.

helIcopTeRS have become increasingly popular in the region, with both govern-ments and corporates turning to them to meet logistics needs. The growing demand is giving a lift to Singapore’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) sector.

Industry experts have said they expect the global civil helicopter fleet in Asia Pa-cific to grow by more than 20 per cent an-nually in the next decade, compared with less than 10 per cent for civilian aircraft.

“When you look at the micro level and you really get into what’s driving our business – it’s really national security for the military side, and to a large extent oil and gas activities throughout the re-gion,” said Mr Christophe Nurit, regional director (Asia) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. “Singapore is a fantastic place when it comes to aviation. The

legacy here is fantastic. The industry in Singapore for aviation and aeronautics has been growing tremendously over the last few years.”

Besides growing demand from the oil and gas sector, regional governments have also been buying helicopters to help in areas such as law enforcement and disaster relief.

“What I believe is contributing to the growth of helicopters in the Asia-Pacific is governments are recognising that natural disasters, disaster recovery can only be served by helicopters given the difficult terrain over which they operate, in the vertical lift capabilities,” said Mr Sameer A Rehman, managing director, Asia-Pacific, at Bell Helicopters. “So as governments are putting more money into serving their citizens and developing national recovery

flydubai signs long-term MRO agreement with Joramco

low-coST cARRIeR flydubai has signed a long-term contract with Jordanian MRO Joramco for aircraft maintenance for its fleet of 50 737-800 aircraft.

Under the terms of the contract, maintenance services include C-checks, entry into service and lease hand backs on the fleet.

The contract runs until December 2017 and further extends the partnership between the two parties which began in 2013.

“Joramco values this long term part-nership with flydubai which comes as a result of Joramco’s consistent delivery of high-quality, competitively priced services at very competitive turnaround times, to the growing flydubai fleet” said Osama Fattaleh, CEO of Joramco.

plans, Bell Helicopters has found its way to be a part of that segment.”

Experts have said helicopters are par-ticularly useful in countries like Indone-sia and the Philippines, where there are many small islands and few runways to accommodate fixed-wing aircraft.

Meanwhile, spending on MRO for helicopters is forecast to grow by around 15 per cent over the next 10 years, more than the 5 per cent for the aviation in-dustry as a whole. Industry experts have said this will have spillover benefits for Singapore, the region’s main centre for MRO. Sikorsky, for instance, is consid-ering setting up a logistics centre in Singapore.

According to the Singapore Economic Development Board, the MRO industry hired 19,800 people and accounted for S$8.7 billion in output in 2013.

The growing use of helicopters in Asia is also creating other spin-offs.


SIA Engineering restructures JVs with Rolls-Royce to compete in global MRO

CFM LEAP-1A gains certification MTU extends V2500 MRO contract with Royal Jordanian

RollS-Royce said it would invest a total of $206.5 million to bring to 50 percent its ownership of maintenance centres (AMC) headquartered in Singapore and Hong Kong, and bring in new agreements to make its three AMCs vie for new work.

HAESL is now a joint venture with Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering

Company Limited and SIA Engineering Company Limited; SAESL is now a joint venture with SIA Engineering Company Limited and Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Limited; and N3 a joint venture with Lufthansa Technik AG.

Rolls-Royce said it believed this com-petitive model will “encourage greater

cFM InTeRnATIonAl has gained certi-fication from the FAA and EASA for its LEAP-1A engine which will be one of two engine options for the A320neo aircraft.

The certification means the LEAP-1A is now clear to enter service in mid-2016 as an alternative to the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G for the A320neo, which Airbus expects to gain certification for by the end of this year.

The LEAP-1A had its first flight on an A320neo in May 2015 before a second aircraft was added to the test pro-gramme in September. The CFM LEAP-1B is the sole-source engine for the Boeing 737 MAX; it flew for the first time on a 747 flying testbed in April. CFM is a joint venture between GE Aviation and Snecma.

CFM said that to date, the two aircraft have logged a combined total of more than 140 flights and 360 hours of flight testing. With the Leap-1A’s simultaneous FAA and EASA approval, CFM stands as the only engine manufacturer to gain dual original certification from both agencies, it said. Typically, a lead agency issues type certification and the second agency validate it.

“It has been an incredible journey for the entire CFM team to get the engine to this point,” said Francois Bastin, executive vice president of CFM Inter-national. “It is truly an achievement which involved our engineering, supply chain and test teams, as well as EASA and the FAA. The Leap engine includes many industry first technologies and the agencies have worked with us from the beginning to validate the certification plan for these advancements.”

“We are very pleased with the way all of the Leap engine models have been performing during the test programs,” said Allen Paxson, executive vice president for CFM. “The Leap-1A is doing extremely well in flight tests on the A320neo; the reliability we designed for this engine is definitely there.”

capability and flexibility” across the Trent service network.

Rolls-Royce’s chief executive was likely to resist calls for a demerger of the company’s aero-engine business. Rolls-Royce and SIAEC also intend to take the opportunity to amalgamate the business and operations of SAESL and IECO into a single entity, enabling them to compete more effectively for global component fix business. The transac-tions are subject to certain closing con-ditions, including regulatory approvals.

These changes to create a competi-tive, capable and flexible Trent Service Network complement the recent an-nouncement that Delta TechOps will be joining the Trent Service Network as an independent AMC.

SIAEC says the restructuring of the HAESL and SAESL joint ventures with Rolls-Royce, which will result in the termination of territory-based rights of SAESL and HAESL, will enhance the group’s ability to compete globally for MRO business in the future.

MTU MAInTenAnce has extended its contract with Royal Jordanian Airlines for the maintenance of the flag carrier’s 24 V2500 engines powering its fleet of 12 A320 family aircraft.

The Total Engine Care agreement, which will run for five years, includes traditional MRO services, options for lease engines and MTU’s early detection system MTUPlus Engine Trend Monitoring.

President/CEO Captain Suleiman Obeidat said: “Royal Jordanian is pleased to renew its long-standing contract with the right partner –MTU Maintenance- being the market leader for MRO services on the V2500 engines. MTU Maintenance did excellent work for us in the previous years, thus we extended this trust for the same high-quality standards again this time.”

Sami Ben-Kraiem, senior director sales Middle East and North Africa at MTU Maintenance said: “I am very happy that we were able to convince the airline that our services and MRO expertise are among the best for their engines. I am very much looking forward to continuing our cooperation.


Kaman Receives Order for Two K-MAX Helicopters from Lectern

Cathay Starts Retiring And Dismantling A340s

KAMAn AeRoSpAce GRoUp (Kaman) announced recently that its Air Vehicles and MRO division has executed an agreement for delivery in 2017 of two manned K-MAX® heavy-lift utility heli-copters with Lectern Aviation Supplies Co., Ltd. (Lectern) of China.

The orders are the first to be received from a Chinese customer, and represent the introduction of the K-MAX® into China’s large and growing aviation mar-ket. The first two helicopters will begin operations fighting fires for the China Department of Forestry. “The K-MAX has proven itself worldwide as a very reliable, low-maintenance helicopter with high availability rates, attributes that will help meet China’s growing de-mand for a responsive, heavy-lift, utility helicopter” stated Simon Lau, Director of Sales for Lectern.

“This agreement with Lectern represents the continued growth of confidence in the K-MAX® helicopter from customers around the world” stated Terry Fogarty, Director, Busi-ness Development, K-MAX® Helicopter Programs at the Kaman Air Vehicles and

MRO division. “We are confident that customers in China will appreciate the reliability and high, hot performance of the K-MAXhelicopter demanded by fire-fighting missions. The Chinese market possesses significant market potential for the K-MAX and we are working to capitalize on these additional opportuni-ties.”

K-MAX aircraft are used around the world for firefighting, logging and other missions requiring repetitive aerial lift capabilities. The U.S. Marine Corps main-tains two unmanned K-MAX aircraft developed with Lockheed Martin. These aircraft successfully supported the U.S. Marine Corps in Afghanistan for thirty-three months from 2011-2014 carrying more than 4.5 million pounds of cargo. Additional unmanned firefighting and humanitarian missions for K-MAX are also being developed and tested.

cAThAy pAcIFIc AIRwAyS unveiled its biggest recycling project to date - the en-vironmentally responsible dismantling of Airbus A340 aircraft that are being retired from its fleet, as part of its mod-ernization plan. The Hong Kong-based carrier will retire the remaining seven A340-300s in 2016 and 2017. The carrier says that up to 90% of the aircraft’s weight is being recycled.

Cathay received the first of its A340s in 1996. It will replace the aircraft with Airbus A350s starting in first-quarter 2016. It expects the A350 to offer a 25% improvement in fuel-efficiency. The carrier, which operates an all-widebody fleet, plans to take delivery of 69 aircraft through 2024.

Cathay Pacific Director Corporate Affairs James Tong said: “At Cathay Pacific, we take our responsibility to the environment seriously. Through working with our partners, we are

endeavouring to adopt a more envi-ronmentally responsible and system-atic approach to dismantling retired aircraft. We are very pleased with the results so far, with up to 90% of the weight of aircraft being recycled

Rolls-Royce opens $45m engine production facility extension

RollS-Royce opened its new £30m ($45m) engine assembly and test facil-ity in Derby, UK on November 23.

The 2867m² extension has been built to increase capacity for Trent civil aero engine assembly and become the pro-duction hub for the Trent XWB.

Rolls-Royce said it has invested in new equipment and is utilising advanced manufacturing processes to help boost productivity at the facility in order to meet customer demand.

The OEM aims to grow Trent XWB production to more than 300 engines in the next two to three years, with the firm’s chief executive Warren East describing the engine as “fundamental to the future growth of Rolls-Royce.”

and less than 10% going into landfills as waste. We remain committed to improving our environmental perfor-mance, making the most of technologi-cal advances to help us operate in a more sustainable way.”


India, Japan to finalise aircraft pact

Lectern Aviation Supplies of China orders two K-Max helicopters

InDIA AnD JApAn are set to firm up a contract to jointly produce amphibious military aircraft during the upcoming visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The US 2 amphibious aircraft, that has applications for search and rescue, surveillance as well as intelligence gathering, will be produced in India not only for domestic orders but will also be pitched jointly for exports in the region

and beyond.Besides the US 2 programme, the two

sides are also expected to firm up a larger umbrella agreement to promote the joint development and production of military systems in support of the Make in India initiative.

Officials aware of the developments have told that the Rs 7440 crore US 2 pro-posal was discussed during the recent

lecTeRn AvIATIon SUpplIeS of China has ordered two manned K-Max heli-copters. Both helicopters are slated for delivery in 2017.

The helicopters will begin operations fighting fires for the China Department

of Forestry.The orders are the first to be received

from a Chinese customer, and mark the introduction of the K-MAX into China’s growing aviation market.

Simon Lau, director of Sales for Lectern

MIlITARyvisit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kuala Lumpur where he met Abe, and it was jointly agreed to take the initiative forward.

Sources have told that Japanese manufacturer ShinMaywa has also sent a letter to the Indian government with details of plans to make the aircraft in India in collaboration with Pipavav which is now controlled by the Anil Ambani group.

As reported by ET, Japan’s plans to ex-port its first military equipment to India had hit a bump in April with the defence ministry asking the navy to review, among other projects, the operational requirement of the ShinMaywa US 2.

A report on the necessity and scope of operations of what would be the navy’s only amphibious platform has been requested by the ministry. The report on the Rs 7440-crore project has since been submitted by the navy in consulta-tion with the Coast Guard and has been given the go-ahead as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Japanese firm ShinMaywa is keen to make India a production hub for global orders and has been in touch with several private sector companies since 2011 before finalizing Pipavav as its main partner for the project.

said, “The K-MAX has proven itself worldwide as a very reliable, low-main-tenance helicopter with high availabil-ity rates, attributes that will help meet China’s growing demand for a respon-sive, heavy-lift, utility helicopter.”

Terry Fogarty, director, Business De-velopment, K-MAX Helicopter Programs at the Kaman Air Vehicles and MRO division added: “This agreement with Lectern represents the continued growth of confidence in the K-MAX helicopter from customers around the world. We are confident that customers in China will appreciate the reliability and high, hot performance of the K-MAX helicop-ter demanded by firefighting missions. The Chinese market possesses signifi-cant market potential for the K-MAX and we are working to capitalize on these additional opportunities.”


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