Category: BizJet

Duncan Aviation Develops New Aircraft Disinfection Service

Keeping aircraft flying and those who fly within them safe is a top priority right now for business aircraft owners and operators. To that end, Duncan Aviation has implemented an aircraft disinfection service that it is providing for operators who have scheduled into the company’s main MRO facilities in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Provo, Utah. All aircraft are disinfected upon arrival and before Duncan Aviation’s technicians begin work on them. They are disinfected again right before delivery back to the operator and departure from the Duncan Aviation location.

“We care deeply about our customers, team members and the communities in which we conduct business,” says Jared Stauffer, Manager of Interior Services at the company’s Lincoln location. “Customers began asking about possible disinfection services so we started researching disinfectant distribution systems, disinfectant product, and proper procedures. We tested the unit and the disinfectant and are pleased to be able to offer the service to the market now.”

The process uses a portable unit that employs an EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant on all interior surfaces in the aircraft and uses either an aerosolized application mode for hands-free disinfection or can be hand-applied with a portable applicator, depending on the size of the aircraft.

Dunncan says the disinfectant solution produces no harmful by-products for the environment, contains no VOCs, and is 100% biodegradable. It is non-corrosive and has been proven safe for the various custom surfaces and avionics found in business aircraft today.

Although Duncan says that disinfection units are currently in limited supply, they have one unit now and will have additional units available for scheduled use throughout their network soon. The process will then be available through their Avionics Satellite and engine Rapid Response networks as well.

AireXpert Reports Rapid Acceleration of Global Network & Finds Secret to Dramatic Decrease in Costly Flight Delays In Midst of Economic Uncertainty and Severe Spending Cuts

AireXpert Reports Rapid Acceleration of Global Network & Finds Secret to Dramatic Decrease in Costly Flight Delays In Midst of Economic Uncertainty and Severe Spending Cuts

AireXpert announced several key integrations and software enhancements that increase the performance of air carriers across their route networks and improve the passenger experience. The latest release offers new ways to immediately capture the cost savings benefits of real-time operations collaboration without the necessity of upfront labor or resource commitments.

AireXpert Andy Hakes

“Air carriers’ first priority and survival strategy focuses on preserving cash and minimizing spend,” says Andy Hakes, founder & CEO at AireXpert. “To meet those objectives, our rapid- response support crew is prepared to quickly deploy our time and cost saving platform into air carrier’s System Operating and Maintenance Control Centers (SOC/MOC) so that management and operational teams can increase control and visibility of maintenance events in real-time. Well informed business decisions are driven by team collaboration, situational awareness and up-to-the-second status updates. Our decision to expand these capabilities across carriers’ entire route networks is necessary to facilitate immediate savings while keeping delay performance high and compliance risks to a minimum.”

The latest release of AireXpert enables:

  • Core integrations with flight following and maintenance & engineering platforms
  • Vendor management & LMS integrations for systemwide compliance
  • Management escalation protocols for oversight, CASS & SMS

The new release of AireXpert is accessible immediately and flexible terms are available to meet the needs of partner air carriers. For more information, please contact Troy Salwei at troy.salwei@eng.io For more information on AireXpert, please visit eng.io.

Dallas Aeronautical Services (DAS) Receives ISO 9001:2015 and AS9110 C Rev C Registrations

Dallas Aeronautical Services (DAS) received their formal ISO 9001:2015 and AS9110 C Rev C registration through Perry Johnson Registrars.

“DAS has once again demonstrated its dedication to world-class service and performance for our customers and to the highest level of safety and quality for customers and our employees,” says Terry Cooper, general manager, DAS. “These credentials will enable us to continue to grow our business and meet the future needs of our vendors, military, and OEM programs.”

The registration covers DAS’ overhaul and repair support of composites, metal bonded structures and assemblies, including thrust reversers, nacelles, flight-control surfaces, radomes and fairings specialties.

“ISO 9001 sets out the criteria for a quality management system that is based on a number of mandated quality management criteria and principles,” adds Cooper. “We embrace these principles, which have a direct correlation to customer focus, quality management, process and continual improvement. This is the core of DAS business model for our clients.”

EASA Issues Safety Directive to Combat Spread of COVID-19 via Airline Travel

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a safety directive to reduce the risk of spread of the novel coronavirus through flights to and from high risk areas. This is the first EU-wide operational measure to control the spread of COVID-19 in Europe.

The safety directive specifies measures to be taken for flights serving high-risk destinations. It mandates thorough disinfecting and cleaning of aircraft which operate from high-risk destinations after each flight. Exceptions can be made only when disinfectants with a longer-lasting effect are used – but even in those cases a thorough disinfection is mandated no later than 24 hours after departure from a high-risk airport.

“We need to reassure the passengers, the airline crews and the airport staff that their health and safety is our top priority,” European Commissioner for Transport Adina Valean said. “EU is taking concrete measures to limit and to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. That’s why EASA issued a new safety directive concerning the full disinfection for all the aircrafts after each flight from the high risk areas both in Europe and beyond.”

The definition of high risk geographical areas will be based on all available information, taking into account World Health Organization (WHO) situation report assessments, guidance issued by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and regional public health assessments.

EASA further recommended that airlines operating on all routes step up the frequency of cleaning, disinfect as a preventative measure and ensure full disinfection of any aircraft which has carried a passenger who was suspected or confirmed as being infected with COVID-19. Airport operators should similarly disinfect terminals regularly.

“This directive reaffirms the commitment of aviation to combatting the spread of the novel coronavirus,” said Patrick Ky, Executive Director EASA. “We are aware that many airlines have already enhanced their cleaning procedures, and member states have put additional measures into place. Given that air transport is by its nature international – and we are dealing with a global pandemic – standardization at European level will make these measures even more efficient.”

Additional guidance to be published shortly will recommend that in cases where flights are not full, passengers should be spaced throughout the cabin if possible. Wherever possible, passengers should also be provided with single-use disinfection wipes allowing them to additionally clean their seat area for personal reassurance.

Specific recommendations for cabin crew state that crew members who had direct contact with a confirmed case should be placed under 14-day quarantine. Other crew members on the same flight, or who came into contact with a suspect case, should be asked to monitor their own health and react quickly at the first signs of infection. These measures will help to slow the spread of the disease and will support business continuity for flight operations, by ensuring staff do not pass on the virus to colleagues.

MTU Aero Engines Suspends Operations at Several Facilities Due to COVID-19

MTU Aero Engines Suspends Operations at Several Facilities Due to COVID-19

In the face of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), MTU Aero Engines says it will temporarily suspend a large proportion of their operations across several facilities in Europe. In doing so, the company is taking into account the interruptions in material supply that have begun. At the same time, the company says it is doing its part to protect employees and contain the spread of the virus. In the areas that are required to stay operational, the company has enforced measures to protect its employees from infection.

The temporary suspension will first affect MTU’s manufacturing facilities in Munich, Germany, and Rzeszów, Poland, where engines are assembled or engine components manufactured. Activities will be ramped down by the end of the week in a coordinated approach. Operations are expected to be suspended for three weeks from Monday, March 30.

A week later, the company will suspend operations at its engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities in Hannover and Ludwigsfelde, near Berlin. By deferring this slightly, the company will be able to complete shop visits and ensure an organized start to the suspension. Operations at these facilities are expected to be reduced to an absolute minimum for three weeks, the company will remain available to its customers.

“MTU is known for reliability. These measures will be closely coordinated with our customers and partners, as is customary for the intense international cooperation within the aviation industry,” said CEO Reiner Winkler. “We have been calm, united and resolute while withstanding the first phase of this crisis. In the coming phase and during the ramping back up of facilities, we will rely on the ability and extensive experience of our employees.”

The management team is continually monitoring the situation and will introduce further measures, should this be necessary. At the same time, they will make goal-oriented decisions to minimize any economic impact and to ensure the company’s financial strength.

Lufthansa Technik Looks Back on Record 2019 Year Says the Effects of the Corona Crisis will be Massive

Lufthansa Technik Looks Back on Record 2019 Year Says the Effects of the Corona Crisis will be Massive

Lufthansa Technik AG continued on its growth path in the past financial year and closed 2019 with record revenue and earnings. Revenue rose by 13 percent to EUR 6.9 billion. Earnings before interest and taxes (adjusted EBIT) grew by around eleven percent to EUR 493 million. The extent of the effects of the worldwide aviation crisis affecting Lufthansa Technik cannot yet be concretely foreseen, but the impact is already massive.

“With the outbreak of the corona crisis, nothing is the same as it was just a few weeks ago,” Dr. Johannes Bussmann, chairman of the Executive Board, says. “The maintenance industry is already suffering from the decline in air traffic. The full extent will hit us with a delay, which means a forecast is currently not possible, but first impacts are massive. Everything depends on the duration of the crisis and how our customers will recover from it. We have prepared ourselves with a very comprehensive package of measures – also, to be able to deliver at any time. Especially now, our customers need a reliable technical partner.”

The year 2019 continued a phase of strong global growth. Over the past five years, Lufthansa Technik AG’s revenue has grown by almost 60 percent. In the last financial year alone, the company acquired 25 new customers and signed 625 contracts with new business worth EUR

4.1bn. Compared to 2018, investments increased by 28 percent from EUR 244 million to EUR 313 million. On annual average, in 2019 Lufthansa Technik employed almost 26,000 people worldwide.

The strategy of long-term partnerships with engine and component manufacturers (Original Equipment Manufacturers) reached important milestones with the start of operations at the two joint ventures XEOS (with GE Aviation) and EME Aero (with MTU Aero Engines) in 2019.

Lufthansa Technik also continued to drive the digitalization of the industry with its AVIATAR platform: More than 30 different modules are now offered to meet the various needs of airlines.

“In the past year, we successfully continued our growth path: More than 5,000 serviced aircraft from more than 850 customers speak for themselves,” explained Johannes Bußmann. “Due to the international nature of our company, we believe that we can cope with the effects of the crisis.”

It is not yet clear how quickly the industry will recover from the decline. It was last forecasted to grow by an average of seven percent per year until 2029.

VistaJet Offers to Support Governments and Medical Organizations During Crisis

VistaJet is helping to ensure that those with critical travel requirements during this time of uncertainty are able to keep moving. Understanding the global community’s needs as the world works to respond to the evolving situation on COVID-19, VistaJet continues to identify new ways to be of help through its global network and infrastructure.

The Company is working directly with Governments and Consulates around the world, helping them to repatriate citizens by providing complimentary empty leg flights. To further ensure that officials are able to keep their response plans as prompt as possible, the Company is assisting with the complex logistics of the necessary permits and paperwork. As cargo flights drastically fall owing to the cancellation of major global commercial routes, and inspired by the incredible gesture of humanity seen around the world, VistaJet is also in talks with medical organizations, health experts and regulators to identify other solutions to help, including the transportation of key medical supplies.

Additionally, empty leg flights are being offered complimentary for critical flights to transport medical experts to necessary locations as they help to fight the global pandemic. “Everyone at VistaJet continues to assess how we can better serve our customers and the greater global community during these difficult times. Listening to expert advice, whether that be security, safety or medical, we are here to ensure that they are fully supported with their flying needs,” says Thomas Flohr, VistaJet founder and chairman. “This is an unusual time and one that we must all work together where possible to do whatever we can to help. We know we don’t normally offer repatriation flights or the transportation of medical equipment, but ultimately, we are a logistics company and we are here to help the global community as much as we can. We are in this fight together.”

The Company has created a dedicated web page to channel all requests from Governments and medical organizations to ensure prioritization, address the most critical cases and manage the relevant safety screening. Additionally, with heightened market insecurity, many customers have been in contact to evaluate alternative options to meet their flying needs. Listening to their concerns, VistaJet has introduced its Dynamic Jet Lease — a short-term lease over one, two or three months, offering a dedicated aircraft and crew positioned at the nearest possible airport to you. It is a unique monthly lease providing the highest flexibility whenever needed, and especially when quick decisions are required. The Dynamic Jet Lease increases safety, releases customers’ core business resources and ensures peace of mind during a constantly-changing global landscape.

For more information on VistaJet’s heightened efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19, visit: vistajet.com/coronavirus-updates

Tamarack Plan of Reorganization Approved by Court

The Plan of Reorganization filed by Tamarack Aerospace Group was confirmed by the United States District Court for Eastern Washington on March 2, 2020, clearing the way for the company to begin the process to emerge from its voluntary bankruptcy. The Plan of Reorganization was affirmed by all voting classes without objection, includes repayment of all creditors in full and affirms that the Tamarack shareholders remain intact. The court’s approval is a testament to Tamarack’s financial strength, its dedication to its customers and the support of its shareholders.

“The Tamarack Aerospace reorganization has gone extremely well.” says John Munding, who has represented Tamarack in the matter. “It is rare for companies to emerge from bankruptcy this quickly and smoothly.”

“We continue to make significant progress in the reorganization as well as our general growth. We have made a number of strategic changes to the business which have made us more resilient,” said Jacob Klinginsmith, President of Tamarack. “Entering the voluntary bankruptcy was a difficult choice, but in the end it has made us an even stronger company.”

The reorganization allows Tamarack to maintain support for its growing Active Winglet fleet. Sales continued during the reorganization and Tamarack performed its 100th active winglet installation in February 2020. The company continues to grow its installation and service network and has recently added four new partners. This increases the total partner network to more than 20 worldwide. The U.S. Congress, aviation associations, military, commercial airlines and OEM’s are all meeting with Tamarack and taking notice of its groundbreaking technology.

“Our customers continue to be our biggest supporters and advocates when it comes to the performance and safety of the active winglets,” stated Tamarack Founder and CEO Nick Guida. “They see the ROI quickly through better aircraft valuation, fuel savings and improved safety, utility and comfort. In fact, many choose the winglets simply for the improved safety margin,” he added. “Now with well over 20,000 flight hours across our fleet, the fuel savings and emission reduction are significant. It feels good to see this technology having a positive impact in the marketplace, industry and environment.”

Boggi Aeronautics Receives Tecnam P92JS EASA STC for SmartBay Suite Developed with DigiSky

Boggi Aeronautics obtained the first EASA Supplemental Type Certificate for the SmartBay suite developed with DigiSky. The STC permits to install the SmartBay device on Tecnam P92JS aircraft.

SmartBay is a device that permits to board up to three different sensors simultaneously on the wing lower surface to perform complex aerial mapping missions.

SmartBay is equipped with its own mission computer that automatically manages all the remote sensing activities (Payload Control System) during the mission while providing the pilot with all the data to conduct the aircraft (Crew Operator Deck).

SmartBay makes airworthy a wide range of commercial sensors made by different manufacturers.

SmartBay has been developed to meet different conceptual and operational criteria: perform rapid sensors suite configuration on different flight platform, standardize and automate the sensors management during the mission, facilitate post-processing operation of the data collected, optimize the sensor maintenance (off-board) operations

SmartBay suite is a solution that will definitely cover the gap between drones operations and expensive helicopters operations in the field of:
– Precision farming
– Corridor mapping
– Environmental risk monitoring
– Remote emergency response
– Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance
– Law enforcement

Avjobs Offers Free Aviation Resume Cloud Hosting during Covid-19

Avjobs staff has taken immediate action to offer aviation candidates a free resume builder account with cloud hosting. They are urging job seekers to spend this quality down time during the COVID-19 outbreak to not leave their resume grounded along with the aircraft. Job seekers can register now and build a resume that stands out.

Most importantly, Avjobs candidate resumes will remain accessible to industry employers and recruiters that are building pipelines for after the outbreak, and whom are keeping an eye on candidates during the outbreak for future job openings. Immediate access to qualified candidate resumes is going to be a key factor in supporting companies moving forward.

Aviation professionals, candidates and job seekers can build a cohesive aviation resume. Plug all credentials into the most advanced aviation master profile and resume builder and then build, edit, publish, download, apply and store the resume in the cloud.
This product offers complete mechanic  and pilot supplements to highlight special skills that get recruiters’ attention.

Once job seekers complete the Avjobs Resume Builder they can receive an additional 30 days for free (60 free days in total). When the Master Profile and resume builder are complete, job seekers can send a message to the Avjobs Help Desk and ask for a complimentary resume review. If the resume is complete and meets the minimum requirements, the free term is extended an additional 30 days.

Avjobs says it stands committed to addressing the needs of aviation job seekers and employers.