Category: Commercial

PGL Launches Engine StandBy Program to Help Operators and MROs Maximize Capacity and Focus on Core Maintenance

PGL announced the launch of its PGL Engine StandBy Program, a forward-positioned engine stand storage solution designed to support aircraft operators and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers by reducing logistical complexity, improving readiness, and freeing teams to focus on service and repairs.

As engine availability, AOG pressure, and shop capacity challenges continue to impact the aviation industry, PGL’s Engine StandBy Program provides a strategic alternative to reactive logistics. By positioning engine stands at PGL’s forward stocking locations, operators and MROs gain immediate access to critical ground support equipment—without the burden of managing storage, transport coordination, or last-minute deployment.

“In today’s market, speed and cost can no longer be traded against each other. Our approach focuses on positioning freight closer to demand, reducing touch points, tightening transit windows, and leveraging smarter routing so you gain faster delivery performance while simultaneously driving down total logistics spend,” said Christian Solana, PGL SVP operations and aerospace. ”Engine StandBy was built to remove friction from the process, allowing operators and MROs to focus on what they do best—maintaining engines, repairing aircraft, and keeping fleets flying—while PGL manages the logistics behind the scene,” he further added.

Reducing Disruption, Increasing Throughput

Engine stands are essential, high-value assets in engine change and maintenance operations. When they are not positioned correctly, delays, expedited freight costs, and operational bottlenecks can quickly escalate.

The PGL Engine StandBy Program helps mitigate these risks by:

● Strategically positioning engine stands at forward stocking locations

● Reducing response time during AOG and scheduled maintenance events

● Eliminating the need for emergency transportation and customs delays

● Providing controlled handling and secure storage

● Offering visibility and coordination through a single logistics partner

By removing logistical constraints, the program enables MROs to increase throughput, optimize shop flow, and maximize available capacity — without expanding infrastructure or diverting resources away from core maintenance activities.

Supporting a Smarter Maintenance Ecosystem

With global fleets aging and maintenance demand continuing to rise, operators and MROs are increasingly seeking partners that can help them operate more efficiently.

“Logistics should not be the limiting factor in engine maintenance,” said PGL global sales executive, Lauren Barmby. “Engine StandBy ensures the right equipment is in the right place at the right time, so maintenance teams can stay focused on service quality, turnaround times, and operational excellence.”

The Engine StandBy Program complements PGL’s broader aerospace logistics capabilities, including engine transport, preservation, and global coordination, reinforcing the company’s commitment to proactive solutions that reduce risk and support long-term operational success. The PGL team will be attending the Aero Engines USA Conference in Tampa next month and can discuss customized solutions for your requirements.

ELOKON’S ELOfusion Named “Fleet Management Innovation of the Year” in 10th Annual IoT Breakthrough Awards Program

 ELOKON, which provides safety and fleet management systems for material handling and intralogistics, announced that its ELOfusion all-in-one forklift safety system has been selected the winner of the “Fleet Management Innovation of the Year” award in the 10th annual IoT Breakthrough Awards program. The program is conducted by IoT Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the most innovative companies in the global Internet-of-Things (IoT) market today.

Combining ELOKON’s ELOfleet and ELOshield systems into one integrated platform, ELOfusion provides fleet management and proximity detection to avoid collisions. The flexible and expandable system enables a comprehensive overview of the entire material handling equipment (MHE) fleet, and additional required functionality can be implemented. ELOfusion’s fleet management capabilities deliver access control, collision reports, and productivity insights, while proximity detection and on-body pedestrian warnings focus on collision avoidance (vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-pedestrian, and zone monitoring). 

“ELOfusion fuses safety and telematics data into one platform,” said Steve Johansson, managing director, IoT Breakthrough. “The lack of a unified, OEM-independent platform for proximity detection, pedestrian safety and forklift fleet telematics means fleet managers have to juggle multiple portals or proprietary systems. Traditional IoT platforms are usually siloed to a specific OEM or asset type. ELOfusion transforms fragmented, single-purpose IoT solutions into a holistic, OEM-agnostic safety and fleet intelligence platform. For setting a new benchmark for how IoT delivers both human safety and operational ROI in intralogistics, we’re awarding ELOKON with ‘Fleet Management Innovation of the Year!’”

ELOfusion also includes speed zoning, RFID forklift driver login, customizable OSHA pre-operational checklists, impact recording and alerts, near-miss analytics, preventive maintenance planning, and an easy-to-use cloud platform.

The system offers true interoperability with any forklift, automated guided vehicle (AGV), or autonomous mobile robot (AMR), regardless of brand. Built to scale, ELOfusion integrates directly into warehouse and supply chain IT ecosystems. By merging UWB proximity detection with fleet telematics, ELOfusion also prevents incidents before they happen, while optimizing operations. ELOfusion combines IoT sensor streams and operator behavior data into actionable insights, creating a digital twin of mobile operations, resulting in data fusion for smarter decisions. 

“Customer feedback is not an afterthought for us — it actively drives the roadmap of every ELOKON solution,” said Alexander Glasmacher, CEO, ELOKON. “Yet despite advances in automation, accidents involving manual forklifts remain one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries and fatalities. This award reinforces that IoT-based safety is no longer optional — it’s essential. With ELOfusion, companies gain a practical way to reduce accident risks while making forklift fleets safer, more transparent, and more productive. We invite safety leaders and operations teams to work with us — share their challenges, test new ideas, and help shape the next generation of connected safety and fleet management solutions. Together, we can set a new standard for safety in intralogistics.”

APOC Appoints Carlos Miguel Branco Sandels as Business Development Manager

APOC Aviation, a trading and leasing specialist for narrowbody aircraft parts, engines and landing gear, has announced the appointment of Carlos Miguel Branco Sandels to the role of Business Development Manager. 

Sandels, who will be based at APOC’s Rotterdam office, joins with more than 15 years’ professional sales and business development experience gained across varied industries. For the last five years he has focused on the aviation sector, most recently working at TDA (Touchdown Aviation). He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Languages & Communication, and a Master’s degree in International Relations from University of Évora.

Known for successfully developing new customer portfolios in highly competitive markets, Sandels comments: “My role at APOC is to expand our commercial footprint across Europe, and globally, by strengthening our relationships with airlines, MROs and strategic partners. I will also be actively identifying new opportunities for component support, teardown programmes, asset acquisition, and material solutions. 

“I approach every business relationship with a reciprocal mindset, aiming to create partnerships where both sides benefit and grow together. Above all, my goal is to accelerate APOC’s entry into new markets, expand its networks, and position the Company as a trusted supplier with more operators worldwide.”

Sandels explains that it was APOC’s culture and the existing team that attracted him to the role. “In a market facing constant supply chain disruptions and an increasing global demand for high quality, serviceable components, what truly stood out to me is APOC’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to these challenges. The company has a practical, forward looking approach to material sourcing and teardown strategy, which is essential at a time when operators are struggling to secure reliable components to keep aircraft in service.”

“We are delighted to welcome Carlos to the team. His broad commercial experience and customer centric approach brings invaluable perspective as we look to further develop our support to airlines and MROs within Europe,” said Craig Skilton, VP Components, APOC Aviation. “Carlos has a strong network and a clear understanding of how European operators make decisions regarding component sourcing and maintenance strategies, which will be a great asset to our team.”

FL Technics’ Multilayered Approach to USM

Used serviceable material (USM) is a cost effective and practical option for aircraft maintenance and component replacement, provided stringent airworthiness processes are followed. Arunas Ganiprauskas, head of the procurement and products unit at FL Technics, a provider of MRO services, explains how it ensures only genuine, safe parts go back onto airplanes.

Benefits and challenges with used serviceable material

Used serviceable material plays a vital role in aviation maintenance. It can provide a cost-effective option for safely repairing aircraft and help to address supply chain challenges. Nevertheless, unlocking these benefits is not always straightforward, explains Arunas Ganiprauskas. “Used serviceable material can be a cost-effective alternative to new parts, but only when proper processes and controls are in place,” he comments. “The EASA, FAA and other civil aviation authorities have regulated frameworks for these materials, with documentation and traceability both required.”

Arunas also notes that other cost considerations must be weighed up. “Buyers should take into account shipping, duties, and potential shop visits when calculating the cost,” he adds. “Whether the part is overhauled, repaired, or “as removed” will also affect the price. In summary, there are a lot of careful considerations that need to be made in terms of cost, regulation, and airworthiness.”

Trust but verify

To navigate these challenges and ensure the airworthiness of parts, FL Technics follows a number of rigorous steps. The company’s approach follows a principle of trust but verify, says Arunas. “We source parts only from trusted suppliers with a strong reputation, and we immediately reject any parts that do not have strong paperwork,” he comments. “However, along with trusting our suppliers and the documentation, we also carefully verify for ourselves via checks and inspections. To enter our system, a part must come from a trusted supplier, and be certified and fully traceable,” explains Arunas.

Parts from trusted sources

The process begins with carefully sourcing used serviceable material from reliable suppliers. “The authorities have strict policies for preventing Suspected Unapproved Parts (SUP) from entering the supply chain,” says Arunas. “FL Technics only uses approved suppliers that have valid release certificates. Furthermore, we monitor regulatory alerts regarding any potential bogus parts.”

Along with following official procedures, FL Technics employs its own rigorous standards. “We vet our sources carefully. Our internal assessment follows EASA regulations and is a strong safeguard for ensuring the quality of the supplier’s system,” comments Arunas.

Ensuring traceability

With a reliable supplier selected, the next step is to ensure the traceability of the part being ordered. “Our internal verification is multifaceted and includes mapping out the complete ownership chain for the part,” comments Arunas. “We deploy a range of specialized tools to ensure there are no gaps, inconsistencies, or potential risks in terms of compliance, and we also check for any ownership breaks or sanction exposure risks.”

These traceability assessments require the establishment of a complete trail of all the part’s identifying information, including part numbers, serial numbers, reason for removal, and hours and cycles where this is applicable. “We pay particular attention to Life-Limited Parts (LLPs),” adds Arunas. “We crosscheck all serial numbers and documentation against our own internal systems and industry databases. If we find mismatched numbers, unusual formatting, or unfamiliar issuing organizations, we quarantine the part for further investigation.”

Thorough traceability is especially important because of the persistent problem in the aircraft spares market of counterfeit parts or SUPs. “Any part we receive must come with an EASA Form 1 or an FAA Form 8130-3,” explains Arunas. “For Hard Time (HT) and LLPs, we also require complete traceability records that tell us the part’s operating history and life limits, along with its compliance with Airworthiness Directives (ADs) and Service Bulletins (SBs).”

“If any of the necessary documents are missing, we will not use the part,” says Arunas. “Similarly, an unclear maintenance history or gaps in the paperwork can be grounds for rejection.”

Inspection and works

“We verify that Part-145-approved repair stations have performed detailed inspections, including includes visual and dimensional inspections, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), functional or bench testing, and, if needed, repair and overhaul in accordance with the documentation. Any parts with exposure to extreme conditions or that have an incomplete history receive additional scrutiny. The part is rejected if gaps identified cannot be resolved.”

Only when required, the part is then repaired or overhauled in full compliance with approved documentation.

Unlocking the benefits of used serviceable material

FL Technics deploys a rigorous approach, ensuring that only parts that are certified, fully traceable, and from a trusted source enter its system. By doing so, it ensures used serviceable material can be a valuable part of the supply chain, providing a safe and cost-effective solution to help keep fleets flying.

JetRay Delivers Sensor-Agnostic “Rover” Platform for Automated Non-Destructive Testing; Systems Now Supporting Northrop Grumman Operations

JetRay Corporation announced that its JetRay Rover automated inspection platform is now deployed in operational use supporting Northrop Grumman programs, marking a major milestone for the company after nearly two decades of development focused on robotics-enabled inspection for aerospace applications.

The JetRay Rover is a field-deployable, sensor-agnostic automation platform designed to help inspection teams collect high-quality non-destructive testing (NDT) and surface measurement data more efficiently and repeatably across large, complex structures. The system is engineered to integrate a wide variety of inspection payloads, up to 200 lbs, including contact-based sensors and standoff sensors, enabling customers to tailor the Rover to their preferred methods and equipment while improving throughput, consistency, and operator safety.

“Getting real systems into the field and supporting day-to-day operations is the milestone we’ve been working toward for a long time,” said Michael Sorensen, president of JetRay. “We built the JetRay Rover as a practical automation layer that can carry and precisely position the sensors our customers already rely on—while adding the navigation, visualization, and collision-avoidance capabilities needed for confident use in real-world environments.”

Built for Real-World Inspection Environments

The JetRay Rover combines mobility, precision motion control, and software designed specifically for inspection workflows. Key capabilities include:

  • Sensor-agnostic platform: Integrates a broad range of NDT and surface verification payloads up to 200 pounds.
  • Contact or standoff operation: Supports tools that require physical contact as well as sensors that operate at distance
  • Localized GPS navigation: Enables repeatable positioning and route execution in complex work areas
  • Pre-visualization interface: Provides operators with a planning/preview environment to support safe motion and access
  • Advanced collision detection: Software-driven collision avoidance to protect assets, tooling, and personnel
  • C1D2 rated: Designed for use in hazardous environments where applicable
  • Extended reach: Capable of carrying sensors to heights up to 65 feet, supporting large-area inspection without extensive scaffolding or repositioning

JetRay noted that multiple systems are currently in service and additional units are in the build queue as the company expands production capacity to meet growing demand for automated inspection solutions.

Seeking Sensor OEM and Teaming Partnerships

As JetRay accelerates commercialization, the company is actively seeking teaming and partner relationships with sensor manufacturers and inspection technology providers who want to expand their capabilities through automation.

“Many sensor OEMs have exceptional instruments, but their customers still face bottlenecks in access, repeatability, and inspection labor,” Sorensen added. “We’re interested in partnering with companies who see automation as the next step—where their sensor performance can be delivered faster, more consistently, and at scale.”

CPaT Welcomes United Nigeria Airlines as New Training Partner

CPaT Global, a provider of distance learning solutions for the airline and aviation industry, announced a new training partnership with United Nigeria Airlines. Under this agreement, CPaT will provide comprehensive pilot and cabin crew training solutions to support the airline’s growing operations within Nigeria.

United Nigeria Airlines, headquartered in Enugu, Nigeria, will implement CPaT’s ERJ145 course and CPaT’s all-new B737-800 Aircraft Systems course, General Subjects Courses, Invent, and Exam System for its pilot training programs. In addition, CPaT will deliver the B737NG Cabin Crew Training Suite to support cabin crew initial and recurrent training.

As part of the agreement, CPaT will also provide Enhanced Tailoring for the ERJ145 Aircraft Systems courses, ensuring the training content is customized to reflect United Nigeria Airlines’ specific operational procedures and requirements.

“We are pleased to welcome United Nigeria Airlines to the CPaT family,” said Capt. Greg Darrow, vice president of sales at CPaT. “By providing both pilot and cabin crew training solutions, along with tailored ERJ145 content, we are proud to support their commitment to high-quality training and operational excellence.”

Tecnam Officially Launches the P2006T NG in the USA & Canada

Tecnam has officially announced the launch of the P2006T NG (Next Generation) in the United States and Canada. The P2006T NG represents the latest evolution of Tecnam’s highly successful twin platform, building on the outstanding global track record of the P2006T MkII and the strong market reception of the P2006T NG, which is already in active delivery and operation across multiple international markets.

Over the years, the P2006T family has become one of the most trusted and widely used twin-engine aircraft worldwide, particularly within professional flight training organizations. This success has been driven by its proven reliability, low operating costs, and suitability for modern multi-engine training environments. The Next Generation version further refines this platform with extensive enhancements developed in close cooperation with operators and training academies around the world.

A Clear Roadmap for the US & Canadian Market
Tecnam has defined a structured entry plan for North America:

  • Official Launch: January 19, 2026
  • FAA Certification: Expected in Q4 2026
  • First Deliveries: Scheduled to begin in Q1 2027

The P2006T NG is already validated and operating in several countries outside North America, reinforcing Tecnam’s confidence in the platform’s readiness for the US and Canadian markets.

Designed for Modern Training and Ownership
The P2006T NG has been designed to meet the demanding requirements of today’s flight schools while offering an uncompromised experience for private owners:

  • Exceptional Operating Efficiency
    Powered by twin fuel-injected Rotax 912iSc3 engines, the aircraft delivers extremely low fuel consumption, enabling operators to significantly reduce direct operating costs while maintaining excellent performance and redundancy.
  • Increased Payload and Mission Flexibility
    The aircraft benefits from an increased Maximum Take-Off Weight, providing greater payload capability and flexibility for training, private travel, and special mission operations.
  • Improved Accessibility and Ergonomics
    A new pilot-side door increases ease of access for instructors and students, improving training efficiency and cockpit flow during high-tempo operations.
  • Advanced Avionics Suite
    The cockpit features the Garmin G1000 NXi, including the GCU 477 FMS keyboard and GFC 700 digital autopilot, ensuring pilots train on avionics architectures fully aligned with modern airline and commercial aviation environments.

Configurations for the North American Market
The P2006T NG will be offered in multiple configurations to meet diverse operational needs:

  • Trainer – Optimized for professional flight training and multi-engine instruction
  • Sport – A refined version with premium interior finishes
  • Special Mission Platform (SMP) – Configurable for surveillance, mapping, and utility missions

“The success of the P2006T MkII worldwide has confirmed the strength of this platform, and the P2006T NG represents its natural evolution,” said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam chief sales officer. “With the NG, we are bringing to the United States and Canada a twin-engine aircraft that has already proven its value internationally, combining efficiency, reliability, and modern technology tailored to the needs of today’s flight academies and private operators.”

Availability
Production slots for the United States and Canada are now being allocated, with deliveries planned to commence in Q1 2027, subject to FAA certification.

GracoRoberts Acquires Sky Mart to Accelerate Latin American Expansion, Anchored by Miami Hub

GracoRoberts has announced the acquisition of Sky Mart to advance its international footprint in Latin America, leveraging the company’s corporate headquarters in Miami as a gateway to the aerospace-rich Latin American region. The acquisition significantly bolsters GracoRoberts’ reach into the $6.5B Latin American MRO market, scales its AOG capability, and offers its customers access to a considerable breadth of in-stock lubricants, amplifying the acquirer’s already sound position as the largest, fastest, and most technically focused aerospace specialty chemicals distributor in the world.

The addition of Sky Mart to the GracoRoberts’ portfolio expands its technical sales coverage throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Florida, and portions of the U. S., while adding an additional 42,000 square feet of fulfillment centers in Miami, FL, San Antonio, TX, and Indianapolis, IN, and offering a rich stocking position for oils, greases, and fluids. Additionally, Sky Mart customers will benefit from access to GracoRoberts’ extensive breadth of adhesives, composites, paints and coatings, a robust ecommerce presence for immediate product access, and a global technical sales team. These enhancements, coupled with a mutual focus on world-class quality, will add meaningful value to both companies’ customer and supplier partners.

“We are thrilled to welcome the team from Sky Mart to the GracoRoberts’ family of companies,” Jason Caldwell, president and CEO of GracoRoberts, commented on the acquisition. “This partnership strengthens our ability to serve the global aerospace community, especially in the important Latin America and Miami markets, with an enhanced stocking position, broader product offerings, and a scalable bolt-on ecommerce presence and AOG platform for an industry that requires speed and dependability.” 

Juan Gregorio Robbin, co-founder and president of Sky Mart, also commented on the integration, and the decision to partner with GracoRoberts after four decades of family-owned operation. “At Sky Mart, our operating philosophy is simple and unwavering: stock the right products, deliver exceptional service, and get it right the first time. This guiding principle has earned us the trust of a loyal Latin and North American customer base, and by joining the GracoRoberts’ family, we can deliver even more value to our customers.”

Ana Maria Robbin, co-owner and executive vice president of Sky Mart, offered her perspective on the acquisition, saying: “2025 marked Sky Mart’s 40th year in a business founded by our parents – our heroes – Gregorio and Lucy Robbin. They raised us to believe in the power of a vision, endless determination, and a deep spirit of service that defines our culture today, and I see these qualities in the team at GracoRoberts. I know the Sky Mart legacy will be upheld with care and purpose.”

Russelectric Highlights Advantages of Central Paralleling Systems

 Russelectric, A Siemens Business, and manufacturer of power control systems and automatic transfer switches, is highlighting the value of centralized paralleling systems for applications requiring maximum control precision, system resilience and operational visibility.

Unlike onboard paralleling, where synchronization and control components are mounted directly on or near each generator, centralized architectures consolidate all control functionality in a dedicated switchgear environment. This approach enables hot-standby PLCs, manual backup control, discrete analog metering, and detailed event logging. These are all essential features for providing uninterrupted power to critical infrastructure like hospitals, data centers and industrial campuses.

Centralized systems provide superior redundancy and scalability, allowing operators to monitor and manage all generators from a clean, climate-controlled location away from engine rooms that are often harsh, hot and contaminated by diesel particulates. Real-time synchronization logic, configured for tighter parameters and faster resolution, reduces mechanical stress on generator breakers and improves performance during complex transitions or load variations.

In contrast, onboard solutions, though suitable for small-scale, non-critical systems, can lack necessary redundancy and manual control capabilities, often relying on proprietary vendor logic and shared communications between generator controllers. This can hinder troubleshooting, limit customization and complicate system expansion, particularly when integrating generators from multiple manufacturers.

Russelectric’s centralized control solutions are available for both low and medium voltage applications and built to robust industry standards, including UL 1558 and DLAH listings. Their systems incorporate dual PLC architectures, discrete analog controls, and programmable load demand functions, ensuring unmatched reliability and flexibility across all project types.

Whether powering an advanced healthcare facility or a large data center, Russelectric says its centralized power control systems offer future-ready infrastructure for organizations that cannot afford downtime.

Salient Motion Announces Collaborations to Transform Aircraft Systems Manufacturing

Salient Motion, an aerospace and defense component supplier, has developed motion control systems for commercial aircraft that can achieve certification in months rather than years, marking a significant departure from traditional aerospace development timelines. The company is working with Boeing to advance actuation systems—the mechanisms behind aircraft functions ranging from passenger seating to cargo handling—using a modular platform that reuses certified components across programs.

Salient Motion’s technology replaces decades-old, single-use hardware architectures with a reconfigurable platform that’s built more like a modern software stack, reusable, upgradable and fast to certify. Founded in 2022, the company is moving through the certification process at a pace unusual for the aerospace industry.

“In aerospace, certification costs and timelines have always been the biggest drag on innovation,” said Vishaal Mali, Salient Motion’s co-founder and CEO. “By modularizing hardware and reusing certified software across systems, we’re compressing development timelines and cutting those costs dramatically.”

A Strategic Signal from AE Ventures

The company’s approach has attracted investment from AE Ventures, reflecting growing market interest in startups that can accelerate aerospace digital transformation. Unlike conventional supplier relationships, Salient Motion’s model treats OEMs as development partners — sharing R&D investment and aftermarket revenue while reducing non-recurring engineering costs for each new program.

“Our modular platform lets aerospace evolve the way software does,” Mali said. “Certify once, deploy everywhere. That’s the leverage modern aviation has been missing.”

Why it Matters: A New Economics of Innovation

The aerospace industry has long been trapped by single-source suppliers and certification cycles that push costs to the breaking point. Salient Motion’s modular platform breaks that pattern.

By reusing previously certified hardware and software across aircraft programs, the company can develop and qualify new systems in a fraction of the time, dramatically lowering the cost of getting components to market. Standardized digital interfaces further simplify integration, reducing engineering overhead and shortening production timelines.

The result is a new era in aerospace manufacturing — one where certification accelerates, costs decline, and innovation breaks free from the limits of legacy suppliers.

“We are focused on components where we can drive meaningful performance and cost improvements with our motion control technology,” said Mali. “By focusing on building cost-effective, certifiable systems for our OEM and airline partners, we’re able to provide a second source more efficiently than ever before.”

Beyond Actuation: The Road Ahead

Salient Motion’s broader mission is to replace legacy components across commercial aviation, defense, and space applications. The company’s modular, software-driven platform is designed to extend beyond actuation into a wide range of aircraft systems, positioning Salient Motion as a comprehensive technology partner capable of transforming multiple aspects of the aerospace industry.