Category: BizJet

Conflux Partners with AMSL Aero to Develop Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cooling for Long Range Zero Emissions Electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) Aircraft

Conflux Technology, a global leader in design, engineering and production of additive manufactured heat exchangers, today unveiled a collaboration with AMSL Aero, an Australian aircraft manufacturer and designer building the world’s most efficient long-range zero emissions electrical Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft.

Under the first phase of the project to develop hydrogen fuel cell cooling for AMSL Aero’s Vertiia VTOL aircraft, Conflux developed three innovative heat exchanger concepts to minimize weight and volume while managing continuous heat loads and reducing drag, to enable flight distances of up to 1,000 km.

The project is now advancing into its second phase. This stage will optimize the design and manufacture of a full proof-of-concept assembly to evaluate its performance within Vertiia’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain.

“Hydrogen fuel cells represent a transformative technology in Australia’s pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. We are proud to incorporate our heat exchange technology to enhance the efficiency and performance of Vertiia’s hydrogen fuel cells. Together, we’re advancing innovation in creating world-leading sustainable air transport,” says Michael Fuller, CEO & founder of Conflux Technology.

The Conflux cooling solution will be optimized to provide cooling for high transient heat loads experienced during vertical take-off, landing and hover operations of the Vertiia. Weight, performance and packaging size are key constraints for aeronautical hydrogen powertrains and geometrical freedoms granted by additive manufacturing means heat exchangers for these systems can be lightweight and conform to the space available. Conflux’s unique thin-walled, patented designs deliver thermal performance and low drag.

AMSL Aero chairman Chris Smallhorn said: “In Vertiia we are building a hydrogen-electric aircraft that flies record-breaking distances at Formula 1 speeds, making Conflux Technology, with its storied history of innovation in motorsport and aviation, the perfect partner for us.

“AMSL Aero is committed to Victoria for future development of Vertiia and Conflux is one of Victoria’s industrial champions, making the Avalon Air Show the ideal place for us to unveil this partnership.”

“We’re excited to work with Conflux, whose reputation for delivering at Formula 1 speed combined with AS9100D manufacturing and quality certification will be critical in enabling Vertiia to become the world’s first long-range passenger-capable hydrogen VTOL. Working together, we are pioneering a future where clean energy and cutting-edge engineering drive the aviation industry towards a greener and more sustainable future,” says Simon Coburn, Hydrogen Systems Engineer at AMSL Aero.

This engagement further expands Conflux’s presence in aerospace applications, leveraging additive manufacturing to develop high-performance heat exchangers for next-generation aviation. Applications now extend across propulsion system cooling, transmission and gearbox cooling, environmental and avionics cooling, and power electronics cooling. As the demand for sustainable solutions accelerates, additive manufacturing is setting new performance benchmarks, delivering advanced thermal management solutions that conventional methods cannot achieve.

Skills and Thrills on Full Display at The Competition Presented by Snap-on

By Katie Robertson

Every year during the MRO Americas convention, one event shines a spotlight on the best and the brightest in aviation maintenance.

The Competition Presented by Snap-on features 27 skills tests, including airframe damage inspection, composite repair, engine fan blade removal, fuel tank entry precautions, and others. Each team has just 15 minutes to complete the task, and their time and accuracy are scored against other competitors to find the best of the best. Teams compete to win individual events and titles in Commercial Aviation, General Aviation, Space, Military, MRO/OEM and School divisions, as well as the overall top prize, the William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance. Presented by Snap-on, the O’Brien Award is a traveling 5-foot-tall trophy bestowed to the team with the best overall winning score. In addition to the trophy, teams will also be vying for tooling and equipment prizes.

“Supporting this event is incredibly important to Snap-on, as it elevates a field with highly trained professionals, a massive impact on the safety of air travel, and not nearly enough public appreciation,” said Bill Willetts, Vice President, Snap-on Industrial.

Regardless of how they place, the event also offers a platform for the 90 teams to showcase their knowledge, skills and integrity. Admission to the event is free with MRO Americas credentials, offering the entire aviation industry the chance to see this incredible talent up close and personal.

Cherry Creek Schools

One group that is especially excited for the spotlight offered by The Competition is the team from the Cherry Creek School District in Denver. This team of high school students is ready to prove that they have what it takes to compete against groups with much more experience.

“I’ve run into some people in the industry who think that, even though our graduates are certified, they’re still too young or immature for the workforce,” said David Williamson, Aviation Pathway Lead in the district and the team’s coach. “I think events like this help to show that Cherry Creek students pull together, organize and work as a group. Their professionalism will be on full display at The Competition, and we want the industry to know that they can do it even at 18 or 19 years old.”

The Aviation Pathway is one of seven career preparation tracks available to students at the eight high schools in the Cherry Creek district. Through these pathways, students can explore different options as part of their school curriculum. In addition to confirming whether aviation maintenance is a great fit for them, students can earn their A&P license through their time in school and one additional year after high school graduation. 

“We see a lot of career exploration. Some kids find it’s not for them, and they go on to study engineering, aviation business, or something like that. Some double down and get really excitedto finish their license and get out into the field. Either way, they have the chance to explore the possibility of a career in aviation maintenance and even become fully licensed for it without going into student debt,” Williamson said.

For those pursuing a career in aviation maintenance, The Competition offers a glimpse into the possibilities their futures hold and a chance to make an impactful first impression to potentialemployers and colleagues. Each competitor will be bringing their resume and an arsenal of skills that they are excited to display on the biggest stage in the industry.

Victory Lane Aviation

Another group with an impressive skillset to showcase is the Victory Lane Aviation team from North Carolina.

Flexibility is the name of the game during The Competition, as technicians have to learn and adapt quickly to tasks that they may not be familiar with. Luckily, flexibility is built into the culture of Victory Lane, where their specialty is anything that flies. 

“America is the only country that says if you have an A&P license, you can work on any aircraft. We take full advantage of that while also upholding the highest quality standards,” said Ryan Shepherd, CEO of Victory Lane Aviation. “That’s why we’re pumped about The Competition,because it gives us the opportunity to showcase our team’s diverse expertise and see the diversity in the industry as well.”

As the name would imply, Victory Lane has been on the fast track to success in both the industry and The Competition. Since its founding only a few years ago, the company has doubled in both staff and revenue. The team from Victory Lane also took home the General Aviation title last year, in just their second appearance at The Competition. 

In addition to his team’s strong showing, Shepherd is grateful for the recognition the event provides for the unsung heroes of the aviation industry. 

“You can see other technicians supporting each other, but you can also see the support from many other people in our industry. That recognition, whether we place or not, from Snap-on and the other sponsors that put on this event shows that they are passionate and appreciative of what we do,” he said. 

With the positive results the team has found in the past, Shepherd is unsurprisingly excited about the future of the event. He is looking forward to the networking opportunities in Atlanta to meet new potential customers or employees and the new challenges awaiting his team during The Competition.

He said, “They continue to add events and technology, so even if you’ve been in the industry for decades and competed multiple times, you’ll still see an event you’ve never done before. It’s not something that’s stuck in time; it keeps up with what our industry is producing and keeps the event exciting.”

See for Yourself

These two teams join the 88 others vying for the O’Brien Award, April 8-10, in Atlanta. Last year, Southwest Airlines Team Herb captured the O’Brien Award, and they will be back facing a new crop of challengers gunning for the title. 

Check out this can’t-miss event and meet the stars of aviation maintenance at The Competition.

Katie Robertson is an account executive at LePoidevin Marketing, a Brookfield, Wisconsin-based business-to-business marketing firm that specializes in hand tool and storage solutions for the aerospace industries.

Veryon Expands Diagnostics Suite with AI-Powered Parts Predictability and Reliability Solution

Veryon, information services and software solutions provider for the aviation industry, announced the expansion of its comprehensive diagnostics suite with the launch of Veryon Reliability, an AI-enabled parts predictability, fleet reliability, and reporting products and services solution that helps aircraft operators and OEMs forecast parts and component failures, improve fleet availability, and support proactive maintenance to reduce unscheduled downtime.

A major driver of unscheduled time is parts performance, availability, and failure. Operators are consistently looking for more insights into parts performance, predictive markers, early warnings, and integrated reporting to help optimize maintenance planning, minimize operational disruptions, and improve uptime.

With the launch of Veryon Reliability, formerly known as RCMBT Reliability Decision Support Systems (RDSS), Veryon has now integrated the AI-powered capabilities of its Veryon Diagnostics platform with the advanced decision-support features of RDSS, creating a unified solution. Veryon Reliability leverages proprietary machine-learning algorithms and pattern recognition technology to detect failure trends, predict short-life components, and identify rogue parts before they fail. By enabling operators to take proactive action, the solution reduces the risk of costly disruptions and enhances overall fleet reliability. As part of the Veryon Diagnostics platform, operators can see a comprehensive picture across parts, chronic defects, root causes, and first-time fixes, facilitating predictive analytics and advanced maintenance planning and strategies.

“With Veryon Reliability, we are equipping operators with AI-powered failure predictions, real-time parts forecasting, and automated reliability insights,” said Kris Volrath, senior vice president of product at Veryon. “This expansion represents a significant advancement in our predictive maintenance capabilities, allowing operators to transition from reactive repairs to proactive decision-making that enhances aircraft availability, reduces maintenance costs, and improves operational efficiency.”

Volrath added, “When paired with Veryon Guided Troubleshooting, operators have a fully closed-loop solution for reliability as well as troubleshooting. This combination allows them to rapidly return their aircraft to service in a safe and compliant manner.”

Getting started with Veryon Reliability is a streamlined and proven process. Operators collaborate with Veryon to provide the necessary data, utilizing the same successful implementation framework established with Veryon Diagnostics. With both products now seamlessly integrated, operators benefit from a single data integration that enhances onboarding efficiency, strengthens data security, and delivers connected, actionable insights.

Bethany Little, CEO of Veryon, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation in aviation maintenance technology. “Veryon Reliability is another milestone in our mission to transform aviation maintenance with intelligent, data-driven solutions,” said Little. “By harnessing AI and automation, we empower operators and their OEMs to make informed, proactive decisions—resulting in safer, more efficient, and cost-effective operations.”

Jet Parts Engineering Announces Acquisition of Percival Aviation

Jet Parts Engineering (JPE), a developer of PMA parts, DER repairs and MRO services for commercial aircraft announced the acquisition of Percival Aviation, a privately owned company specializing in high-speed design, production, and maintenance of aircraft interiors and associated equipment. This strategic acquisition enhances JPE’s capabilities, enabling the provision of comprehensive solutions to meet the evolving needs of customers worldwide.

“Percival aligns with JPE’s mission to reduce airline aftermarket costs. We are excited to collaborate with Chris Bench and his impressive teams in both the UK and US,” said Anu Goel, CEO of Jet Parts Engineering. “Percival’s expertise in aircraft interiors complements our existing services, allowing us to offer a more extensive range of high- quality competitively priced products and services to the industry. Their commitment to strong service and ready inventory aligns closely with JPE’s core values.”

Percival Aviation, based in Fareham, Hampshire, UK specializes in aircraft interiors and associated equipment. The company has been undergoing a significant growth plan to expand its overseas presence, aiming to be the aviation industry’s supplier of choice for aircraft interiors.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter for Percival Aviation as we join forces with Jet Parts Engineering, we look forward to leveraging our combined strengths, innovating together, and delivering even greater value to our customers and stakeholders,” said Chris Bench, managing director of Percival Aviation. “Utilizing both Percival and JPE’s regulatory approvals, this acquisition opens up tremendous opportunities for growth, and we are thrilled about the future we will build together.”

The transaction was overseen by Vance Street Capital, a middle-market private equity firm focused on investing in highly engineered solutions businesses across the aerospace and defense, industrial, and medical markets. JPE is a Vance Street Capital portfolio company.

“Percival embodies the engineering expertise, operational excellence, quality delivery and fast turn times that Jet Parts and Vance Street seek in a partnership.”, said Will Robinson, VP at Vance Street. “We look forward to contributing to their future growth.”

Sherwin-Williams Announces Four New Aircraft Model Types For Its Successful Aircraft Color Visualizer

Due to its overwhelming success, Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings is pleased to announce the addition of four new aircraft types for its Aircraft Color Visualizer. This web-based tool allows plane owners, paint shops, aircraft scheme and livery designers, original equipment manufacturers, and aviation enthusiasts to let their imaginations go to work as they create and envision aircraft color combinations easily in a fully interactive experience.

The interactive tool allows users to choose from numerous aircraft models – ranging from a kit aircraft to a heavy jet – to customize with any color in the Sherwin-Williams aircraft color library and instantly view the combination on screen. The pre-designed schemes can integrate one base color and up to three accents, in both solids and metallics. Aircraft designs can now be created from thousands of colors, accents and paint style combinations.

“The overwhelming popularity among our core audience – aircraft owners, scheme designers, paint shops, and now even enthusiasts – has compelled us to expand our model palette to 10 different aircraft types,” says Julie Voisin, Sherwin-Williams Market Segment Manager for Aerospace, Original Equipment Automotive Interiors and Commercial Vehicle Refinish. “For the expansion of these aircraft models, a Cessna 182, Beech Baron, Kodiak 100, and Pilatus PC-12 were used for inspiration. This brings our total to 10 different aircraft types that can be demonstrated.”

The latest plane types added to visualizer offerings include:

• High Wing Piston
• Light Twin
• High Wing Turbo Prop
• Low Wing Turbo Prop

The new models were added to the existing visualizer models, which already included a kit plane, single piston, twin turboprop, light business jet, heavy business jet and helicopter.

The visualizer tool features two unique designs for each of the 10 aircraft options, allowing the user to switch between them and even spin the aircraft to see the colors from a variety of angles. The Aircraft Color Visualizer allows users to print, save and share their finished designs and they also can be referred to a professional aircraft designer to fulfill their vision on their specific aircraft.

The updated visualizer is available through the Sherwin-Williams Aerospace website (https://acv.sherwin.com/) or as an iPad App.

Beyond the color exploration capabilities of the visualizer tool, Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings also assists users in bringing their visions to life by providing recommendations to professional aircraft designers as well as customer support.

Interested in having your plane painted? Information about finding a scheme designer, reputable aircraft paint shops, project costs, turnaround times, pretreatment steps and more can be found in the FAQs document on the Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings website.

PREMIER AIRCRAFT ADDS THREE AVIATION PROFESSIONALS TO ITS TEAM

Premier Aircraft, the oldest Diamond Aircraft dealer in America, announced that it has made three key additions to its new and pre-owned aircraft sales and training teams.

• Weronika Ross as its assistant chief pilot for its recently opened Premier Aircraft Flight Training flight school located at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE)

• Brett Hawse as the new regional sales manager for new Diamond Aircraft in Premier’s Northeastern region

• Steven Vacek as the new regional sales manager for pre-owned aircraft at Premier’s Fort Worth location

“We have built our company on the skills and dedication of truly great pilots and even better people, and we are extremely happy to welcome Weronika, Brett, and Steven to the growing Premier Aircraft family,” stated Travis Peffer, CEO of Premier Aircraft. “Yes, our business is selling great airplanes, but it has been our customers’ trust and relationships with the Premier people behind those sales that have truly set Premier Aircraft apart and been the cornerstones of our success.”

Gogo announces Gulfstream GV and Gulfstream G550 STC for Plane Simple Ka-band terminal

Broomfield, CO. / 19 March 2025 – Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO) has confirmed Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Plane Simple® Ka-band tail mount terminal for Gulfstream GV and Gulfstream G550 aircraft. This latest development marks another significant milestone in the Plane Simple antenna series rollout.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. developed the STC at its Savannah, Georgia, headquarters in collaboration with Gogo. This adds to the existing Plane Simple Ka-band STCs already available on Gulfstream G650 and Gulfstream G650ER aircraft. The terminal optimizes the SD Modem Unit (SMU), which is integrated with the SD Gateway Router to distribute high-speed broadband to passenger and crew devices. The Ka-band hardware is available now for installation through authorized Gulfstream and Jet Aviation service centers. Work continues on an aftermarket STC for Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600 models, with completion expected later in the year.

Connecting with existing Viasat GX satellites powering the Jet ConneX service, the Ka-band antenna is the first terminal in business aviation built to optimize compatibility with Viasat next-generation GX satellites. These will transmit dual polarity signals, more than doubling the volume of data transmitted and received to deliver an enhanced connectivity experience supporting video conferences, streaming and increased network priority for business aviation users.

“The latest STC in our growing portfolio gives Gulfstream GV and G550 owners and operators access to more speed, more data, and more service plan flexibility and facilitates dual-dissimilar options for optimized global connectivity through our multi-orbit, multi-band strategy,” says Gogo CEO, Chris Moore. “At the same time, forward compatibility with Viasat’s next-generation GX satellites helps operators to future-proof their connectivity fit, which is complemented by the added value delivered through the Gogo ecosystem, including expert global customer support, unparalleled cybersecurity services, and a connectivity portfolio designed to evolve with the changing connectivity landscape.”

Gogo provides cabin connectivity service plans on both in-production and in-service legacy aircraft for the Gulfstream Connectivity Service program.

Cessna Citation X and X+ Customers Benefit From Starlink High-Speed Internet Availability

Textron Aviation announced an additional high-speed internet connectivity solution for the Cessna Citation X and X+ following the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) issuance of AeroMech’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for Starlink high-speed internet connectivity. AeroMech’s STC utilizes Starlink’s constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to provide more reliable connectivity over land, water and remote areas, where traditional in-flight Wi-Fi may not have service.

Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker customers receive factory-direct support, maintenance and modifications by Textron Aviation Inc., through a global network of service and part centers, mobile service units and 24/7 1CALL AOG support.

“Textron Aviation knows customers are after connectivity solutions which elevate their in-flight experience and helps them achieve their mission,” said Brian Rohloff, senior vice president, Customer Support. “Offering Starlink for the Cessna Citation X and X+ positions our customers to experience cutting-edge technology, providing them with one of the best possible in-flight connectivity and aviation experiences available today.”

Customers can schedule the upgrade for installation at North American Textron Aviation Service Centers and select International Service Centers. AeroMech’s STC utilizes Starlink’s “standalone system” that consists of an antenna, power supply and router, and only requires power input from the aircraft.

World Fuel Expands Services with Platinum Business Aviation Centre to Boost Fuel Services at Gold Coast Airport (OOL / YBCG) 

World Fuel Services (World Fuel), a World Kinect company headquartered in Miami, Florida, announced enhanced services for Platinum Business Aviation Center (Platinum), a member of Air Elite by World Fuel network. Over the past six years, World Fuel has provided top-quality fuel and equipment to support Platinum’s fixed-base operations (FBO). Starting in March 2025, Platinum will become a World Fuel agent. Platinum’s fuel retailing operations on the business and general aviation apron at Gold Coast Airport (OOL) will be managed and administered by World Fuel, growing its long-term collaboration with Platinum.  

This 10-year agreement signifies the next phase of a six-year relationship, with World Fuel managing the fuel retailing at OOL. As part of this agreement, the aviation fuel facilities will undergo upgrades. World Fuel will deliver JIG-compliant aviation fuel training for Platinum’s staff to maintain quality, safety and service standards. 

“Working with World Fuel allows us to offer our customers a more integrated service,” said Joe
Stenning, general manager at Platinum Business Aviation Centre. “This collaboration leverages World
Fuel’s global reach and expertise, which spans over 200 countries and 8,000 locations, to enhance our
operations and the experience for aircraft operators at OOL.”

Customers will experience no changes in their daily refuelling services. Platinum staff will continue to
handle aircraft refuelling and conduct best-in-class ground handling, ensuring a smooth transition and
consistent service quality.

World Fuel has been active in Australia since 2011, with physical operations starting in 2017 after
acquiring ExxonMobil’s fuelling operations at 88 airports globally, including 18 in Australia. The company
has since expanded its local network to 30 airport sites across the country.

“Platinum Business Aviation Centre recognizes the vital relationship between an aircraft operator and an
FBO,” said Davin Magee, managing director at World Fuel Services Australia. “This agreement highlights
our mutual dedication to delivering superior service to aviation customers and improving operational
efficiency at OOL.

E-Z LOK Helical Thread Inserts and Kits for Soft Metals

E-Z LOK, a manufacturer and distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood, offers E-Z Coil and thread repair kits. 

Wire or helical coil threaded inserts quickly repair or reinforce tapped holes in soft metals. Made from 18-8 stainless steel wire, these helical coil inserts are corrosion resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 800°F. Furthermore, they offer corrosion resistance and protection from wearing and stripping. 

E-Z Coil helical insert coils are manufactured by forming the stainless steel wire into a diamond shape and then winding it into a spring. Prior to installation, the insert diameters are larger than the tapped hole.  During installation, the insert diameter of the helical coil insert is reduced, allowing the insert to thread into the hole. Once properly installed, the radial pressure of the released insert holds the insert firmly in place. 

Thread Repair kits are available in both standard and economy, and in a variety of sizes. Each Economy E-Z Coil Thread Repair kit includes a set of inserts, an STI tap, and an installation tool.  The standard kit also includes a tang break tool and drill bit.