Category: Commercial

Parker Hannifin to Acquire Meggitt

The boards of directors of Parker-Hannifin Corporation (Parker) and Meggitt PLC (Meggitt) announced that they have reached agreement on the terms of a recommended cash acquisition of Meggitt by Parker.

Parker says they believe Meggitt is very well aligned with their goals and Parker’s global business system, representing a unified strategic vision for its team members worldwide. Parker says the acquisition would be “strategically and culturally compelling, and enhance the future prospects of the Combined Group within global aerospace and defense industries.”

Parker highlights these key reasons for the acquisition: Meggitt is an international group headquartered in the UK; Meggitt, like Parker, has a rich heritage in the aerospace and defence segments; Meggitt has a global brand, a complementary business mix, an impressive international base of blue-chip customers.

Parker says Meggitt has been transforming its business over the last four years through its focused strategy, streamlining its portfolio, investing in new technologies, and growing through its customer-aligned divisions. The two companies says they are complementary across diverse portfolios of products. The acquisition of Meggitt will nearly double the size of Parker’s Aerospace Systems segment.

Parker also believes the combined group will be able to provide a stronger value proposition and the two together are positioned for “strong growth, supported by the commercial aerospace recovery, and will be able to maximize its potential by building on a combined product portfolio and geographic footprint and by sharing operational and functional best practices.”

Commenting on the announcement, Tom Williams, chairman and chief executive officer of Parker said, “The combination of Parker and Meggitt is an exciting opportunity for both companies’ team members, customers, shareholders and communities. We strongly believe Parker is the right home for Meggitt. Together, we can better serve our customers through innovation, accelerated R&D and a complementary portfolio of aerospace and defense technologies.”“We are committed to being a responsible steward of Meggitt and are pleased our acquisition has the full support of Meggitt’s Board. We fully understand these responsibilities and are making a number of strong commitments that reflect them. During our longstanding presence in the UK we have built great respect for Meggitt, its heritage, and its place in British industry. Our own journey over more than 100 years has taught us the importance of a strong culture and reputation.”

LHT to Provide Component Support for Smartavia’s Latest Aircraft

The Russian airline Smartavia and Lufthansa Technik have signed a multi-year agreement covering extensive component services (Total Component Support – TCS). This new contract is to supply component support for Smartavia’s latest fleet of Airbus A320neo aircraft over a period of six years. Service has started in May 2021, the contract includes up to ten aircraft that Smartavia currently plans to operate. 

“We are happy to have secured the support of Lufthansa Technik for maintaining the components of our latest fleet of Airbus A320neo aircraft,” said Sergey Savostin, general director of Smartavia. “In particular, Lufthansa Technik’s cooperation with Woodward and FADEC as the main manufacturers of engine-related components for the LEAP-engines has convinced us that this contract will ensure the operational stability of the new aircraft.” 
 
Stanislav Mitin, corporate key account manager Russia & CIS of Lufthansa Technik, added: “We are proud to continue our partnership with Smartavia by extending our component support to their latest aircraft fleet. Lufthansa Technik has gained experience on maintaining the Airbus A320neo aircraft right from the start of operations, and we are happy to share our knowledge with our Russian partner.”  
 
With this Total Component Support agreement, the carrier benefits from an individual supply concept that enables short and fast transport routes. The services covered by the contract are customized to fulfill the requirements of Smartavia. A pool of homebase stock for the Airbus A320neo fleet has been set up at Pulkovo Airport (LED) in St. Petersburg. Comprehensive logistics support by Lufthansa Technik offers Smartavia different flexible options that are particularly useful as long as the coronavirus-pandemic still affects air transport. 
 
Lufthansa Technik already provides component support to Smartavia’s fleet of Boeing 737NG aircraft. In 2020, Lufthansa Technik has also concluded an agreement for engine services with the Russian carrier. 

Collins Aerospace Invests $30M to Expand Global Repair Facility in Monroe, N.C.

Collins Aerospace has completed an approximately $30 million expansion of its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Monroe, North Carolina.

Opened in 2004, Collins‘ Monroe facility focuses on repairs to a number of commercial and military aircraft systems, including actuation, cargo, rescue hoists and winches, landing gear, air management, potable water and lighting, along with 24/7 aircraft-on-ground spare services. The recent expansion increased the site’s footprint more than 25 percent, including a new two-story office building, added shop floor space and an enlarged loading dock.

“The ongoing growth of our Monroe facility represents our commitment to our customers and the community,“ said Mary DeStaffan, general manager of the Monroe site for Collins Aerospace. “This current expansion will allow us to better support our airline customers as they transition their fleets to more modern, next-generation aircraft. And we’re proud to undertake this journey with support from Union County and the City of Monroe as we continue to contribute to the region‘s growing aerospace cluster.”

In addition to its recent Monroe expansion, Collins is deliberating plans to invest another $30 million over the next three years to increase additive manufacturing and rescue hoist and winch repair capabilities. The company’s decision to further grow its operations is contingent on approval by both the Monroe City Council and Union County Board of Commissioners of a new economic development program recently introduced by both entities. The new MAGNET100 program is intended to encourage continued capital investment by companies over a 10-year period. To qualify, companies must meet investment thresholds of $30 million in the first three years and $50 million in the first seven years. The grant recognizes capital investment up to $100 million.

“Collins Aerospace is one of the crown jewels of North Carolina’s aerospace industry, which is among the fastest-growing in the U.S.,” said Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. “That Collins Aerospace continues to deepen its footprint in our state with ongoing investment is a strong validation of our business climate and attractiveness to aerospace and aviation companies.”

“In 2004, Collins Aerospace located operations in Monroe, helping to create North Carolina’s largest geographic cluster of aerospace companies,” said Chris Platé, executive director for Monroe-Union County Economic Development. “The company’s desire for sustained investment in our community further demonstrates the strength of Union County’s aerospace cluster and the commitment our local leaders have to support its continued growth.”

Oriental Air Bridge Signs with TRAX eMRO

Nagasaki-based Oriental Air Bridge inked a deal with TRAX to implement the
web-based eMRO system to manage maintenance activities on its fleet of Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft.

The airline operates charter flights throughout southern Japan in addition to scheduled services between Nagasaki and remote islands and between Fukuoka and several destinations. The airline has been flying since 1961 – originally known as Nagasaki Airways – having been renamed as Oriental Air Bridge (ORC) in 2001. “Oriental” was put in the company’s name to signify Nagasaki’s history as the gateway to Japan from China, Korea, and elsewhere, and “Air Bridge” to signify its position as the bridge between Japan’s main island of Kyushu and Nagasaki’s outlying islands.

With Nagasaki Prefecture being home to 51 of the more than 300 inhabited islands of Japan, an airline that provides vital air service connections between the islands and the mainland is essential. In fact, its website slogan is “Connect People, Connect Islands in Nagasaki”. ORC’s former President referred to
the carrier as “a different type of LCC, a local community carrier.”

Implementing the eMRO cloud solution with its leading-edge technology will bring many advantages to ORC. Users can have maximum mobility while accessing required documentation and electronic data, viewing assigned maintenance tasks, receiving real-time updates on planned and completed work, tapping into integrated materials modules, and an overall increase in lowered costs, enhanced
productivity, and efficiency.

AEM Receives Techtest Repair Center Approval

AEM Limited, a division of AMETEK MRO, announced it has signed an agreement with Techtest Limited, an HR Smith Group company. The agreement will see AEM become an authorized repair center for Techtest products.

Under the agreement, AEM will test, recode, and repair Techtest emergency locator transmitters, which are fitted to various manufacturers’ life rafts. As an authorized repair center, AEM will have access to Techtest maintenance documentation, technical support, and spares purchasing.

“We are excited to establish a successful relationship between Techtest and AEM. The approval underpins AEM’s position as a leading MRO provider in safety equipment and means we can offer enhanced customer support,” said Andy Wheeler, AEM’s divisional vice president and managing director.

Jake Ford, head of Global Sales and Marketing for Techtest said, “We are pleased to establish this repair and service agreement with AEM, who will provide excellent support to the growing user base of our market leading PLBs and ELTs.”

AEM Limited Achieves JOSCAR Accreditation

AEM Limited, a business unit of AMETEK MRO, has successfully renewed its JOSCAR accreditation. JOSCAR (the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register) is a collaborative tool used by the aerospace, defense, and security industry to act as a single repository for pre-qualification and compliance information. Using JOSCAR can determine if a supplier is fit for business.

“We are thrilled that AEM has once again satisfied the requirements to become fully compliant on the JOSCAR supplier accreditation register,” said Andy Wheeler, Divisional Vice President and Managing Director of AEM. “The accreditation is a testament to our commitment in the aerospace, defense, and security industries.”

AEM has been Europe’s leading independent overhaul and repair facility for over 60 years. The company has built a solid reputation in the aerospace industry, providing a broad range of services to international and regional airlines, helicopter operators, airframe manufacturers and military organizations. Conducting business from three sites in the United Kingdom, AEM is proud to receive the accreditation, which shows the company has gone through the process required to demonstrate its commitment and credentials to the industry.

ExxonMobil Selected as Exclusive Lubricants Supplier for Avelo Airlines

ExxonMobil will be the sole aviation lubricants supplier for Avelo Airlines’ growing fleet. Avelo, the first new mainline U.S. carrier to launch in nearly 15 years, selected ExxonMobil based on trust in the company’s products and legacy in the aviation industry, the two companies said.

Avelo is currently using Mobil Jet Oil II across its fleet of single-class 189-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft and is in the process of converting to Mobil HyJet V and Mobilgrease 33. Poised for rapid growth, Avelo needed a lubricant supplier that could scale with its fleet.

“We chose ExxonMobil as our lubricants partner because their experience and reputation in the aviation industry is unmatched,” said Greg Baden, COO, Avelo. “ExxonMobil shares our commitment to excellence, helping us Inspire Travel through everyday low fares. As a trusted brand, we are confident that ExxonMobil can support our needs today and grow with us tomorrow.”

The ExxonMobil suite of aviation lubricants has a long history of strong performance in various aircraft and engines which made Avelo confident in its selection. 

  • Mobil Jet Oil II is a high-performance, synthetic aircraft-type gas turbine lubricant formulated for reliable performance. With more than five decades of flight experience, it has accrued over 5 billion hours of on-wing performance.
  • Mobil HyJet V is a high-performance Type V phosphate ester hydraulic fluid used by major airlines for optimal reliability in high pressure systems. It has logged more than 10 million in-service hours since its introduction.
  • Mobilgrease 33 is a high-performance, multipurpose airframe grease providing superior performance and hydrolytic stability, excellent resistance to thermal and oxidative degradation and exceptional wear protection. 

“ExxonMobil has been a technology leader since 1903, with aviators and engineers relying on our expertise to push the boundaries of flight. From supporting the Wright Brothers’ first flight to now being the exclusive lubricants supplier for Avelo, we remain committed to providing innovative aviation lubricant solutions to address customers’ evolving needs,” said Ali Bakr, ExxonMobil Global Aviation Lubricants sales director. “We’re excited to continue to make history with Avelo, supporting them as they work to Inspire Travel.”

GROB Systems Introduces New G550 5-axis Universal Machining Center

GROB Systems recently announced the availability of its new G550 5-axis Universal Machining Center, featuring a milling concept they say “guarantees the best milling technology and extremely stable and precise cutting of practically all materials.”

The G550’s machine concept includes a horizontal spindle position that permits the longest possible Z-travel path and optimum chip fall. The arrangement of the three linear axes offers maximum stability by minimizing the distance between the guides and the machining point (TCP). The G550’s tunnel concept allows the largest possible component to be swiveled and machined within the work area without collision – even with extremely long tools. Three linear and two rotary axes permit 5-sided machining, as well as 5-axis simultaneous interpolation, with a swivel range of 230 degrees in the A-axis and 360 degrees in the B-axis.

The G550 is controlled by the powerful GROB4Pilot machine control panel, which offers a multi-functional user interface that provides machine operators with a convenient working environment. The entire production process is digitally mapped on the control panel, from the CAD model through to the NC simulation.

The G550 is available with a variety of powerful tilting rotary table versions with the latest torque motor technology and optimized dynamics. Users can choose between models with T-slots arranged in parallel (standard) or optional pallet clamping system.

A broad range of spindles are offered, ranging from 6,000 to 30,000 (rpm) and 47 to 575 (Nm). The GROB motorized spindle with cross-feed allows complex internal and external contours to be manufactured with controllable tools. It offers convincing system rigidity, high cutting speeds for machining contours, and low tool costs. The GROB chip-in-spindle detection system (SiS) detects tool clamping faults, optimizing the machining process and avoiding damage. Additional single and double disk type tool magazines are available for the G550, providing fast chip-to-chip times, a smaller space requirement and optimized accessibility.

Available automation options include linear and rotary pallet storage systems as well as a pallet changer system. GROB software solutions are available to optimize and analyze the machine kinematics of the G550 and minimize deviations down to the finest detail.

Pratt & Whitney Opens New Facility Dedicated to Ceramic Matrix Composites

Pratt & Whitney has opened a ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) engineering & development facility in Carlsbad, California. The new 60,000 square-foot facility is an integrated engineering, development and low-rate production facility solely dedicated to CMCs for aerospace applications.

“Pratt & Whitney has been leading the industry with the world’s quietest, greenest, most efficient and highest performance engines in the world. We’ve achieved this by pioneering new materials, aerodynamics and engine architectures,” said Frank Preli, vice president of Propulsion & Materials Technology at Pratt & Whitney. “Some of our best and brightest minds are innovating within this facility and they will ensure that we continue to operate on the cutting edge of aviation technology for decades to come.”

Ceramic matrix composites are a class of material made of ceramic fibers embedded within a ceramic matrix. CMC materials are lightweight and can be used to manufacture engine parts that are one-third the weight of traditional metallic parts. The temperature capability of CMC parts is several hundred degrees higher than state-of-the-art superalloy parts. This translates into a significant improvement in fuel efficiency as well as weight savings, with the added benefit of reduced emissions and carbon footprint.

“Our revolutionary Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines already deliver up to 20 percent better fuel efficiency, 50 percent lower regulated emissions and a 75 percent reduction in noise footprint for our customers. CMC parts will allow us to do even more, by building upon the industry-leading benefits in efficiency and sustainability that the GTF engine already delivers.” said Preli.

“We are excited to bring our legacy of innovation and more than 60 new jobs to southern California,” Preli added.

Lorin YouTube Channel Features Engaging and Educational Anodized Aluminum Videos

Lorin Industries is highlighting its YouTube channel, which features educational and engaging videos about anodized aluminum products, technology, applications, and more.

“Lorin is not just an industry leader for high-quality anodized aluminum technology. We’re also dedicated to providing valuable education to the market about how anodizing protects and adds beauty to aluminum products, what applications see the greatest benefits from anodized aluminum, and how different products can serve different needs,” said Steven Soderberg, Corporate Marketing manager, at Lorin Industries. “This YouTube channel serves those educational purposes. Videos help to make the technology and products come alive.”

The video offerings, which are added to regularly, currently include information about Lorin’s unique AnoGrip and Adhere products for transportation applications, as well as perforated aluminum products for construction and architectural projects. Other videos include a highlight of the trend for weathered-looking materials, a project case study, and a video about Lorin as a company.