Category: Commercial

Dallas Airmotive’s Brazil Regional Turbine Center will now provide hot section Inspections for all PW500 family engines that power the Embraer Phenom 300, Cessna Citation Bravo, Excel, Encore and XLS Series aircraft.

“All related tooling and training, along with full ANAC approval, is now in place and we have our first hot sections scheduled for early Q2 2021,” commented Wellington Amorim, general manager of the Dallas Airmotive RTC. “Significant effort has been in place for a number of months as our team prepared to offer this enhanced layer of regionally based support.” The facility will also be able to service operators who participate in the Pratt & Whitney Canada Eagle Service Plan.

“Since 2009 the Brazil RTC has continued to expand its portfolio of engine and APU support,” said Jeff Turner, Dallas Airmotive, vice president of Sales and Service. “With the growth of PW500 powered aircraft in the region, adding PW500 Hot Section Inspection capability was a natural extension of the multiple engine services our Brazil RTC provides customers each and every day.”

The Brazil RTC is ANAC-approved to provide maintenance for Pratt & Whitney’s PT6A, PW500 and JT15D engines and Honeywell’s TFE731 MSP and non-MSP engines. The RTC also provides line maintenance for Honeywell’s HTF7000 engines and 36 series APU.

With the recovery of the Chinese aviation market, Lufthansa Technik Shenzhen (LTS) has resumed its investments into new capabilities. The company is currently converting its bonded warehouse to a 2100 sq. m. maintenance workshop as well as climate controlled material storage.

The corresponding conversion measures are scheduled to be completed in June 2021 and will enable LTS to further build up its capabilities. These will include providing component repair services for more than 70 Honeywell shipped components onboard the Airbus A350, for which the company will be the only licensed facility in Asia-Pacific.

The increase of capabilities will also include a cooperation of LTS with its partner TAT Technologies. LTS will soon provide the Asia-Pacific market with the largest capability of heat transfer component repairs, overhaul and core replacement services, supporting most major platforms and components on the environmental control, bleed air and fuel inerting systems.

Additionally, LTS also plans to build up service capabilities for components of Meggitt fire & safety Systems, valves, sensors and fuel systems, with LTS serving as Meggitt OEM center of excellence in China

Rolls-Royce has started testing the first elements of the most powerful hybrid-electric aero power and propulsion system in aerospace at a newly-renovated testbed. The tests are part of the 2.5 megawatt (MW) Power Generation System 1 (PGS1) demonstrator program, for future regional aircraft.

Rolls-Royce has begun testing the AE2100 engine element, specialist controls and thermal management system, supported by a system integration generator, at their Testbed 108 in Bristol, UK.

Later this year a fully operational generator and a 3,000-volt power electronics system, currently completing testing at our facility in Trondheim, Norway, will be brought together to start full PGS1 system testing. The generator can be used either for hybrid-electric propulsion systems or as part of a “more-electric” system for larger aircraft.

Rolls-Royce says the PGS1 forms an important element of their sustainability strategy, which includes developing innovative electrical power and propulsion systems, as well as further improving gas turbine performance and promoting the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels.

“This is an important milestone for us all at Rolls-Royce. We are bringing together a system that promises to be truly ground-breaking in the world of aviation,” says Alan Newby, director Aerospace Technology and Future Programs, Rolls-Royce. “We know that in a post COVID-19 world people will want to connect but do so more sustainably. Electrification offers a new way to power short-haul aircraft and we want to be at the forefront of pioneering this technology. “

Newby continues, “Our PGS1 tests will lead the way in finding out what this new generation of hybrid-electric propulsion system is capable of delivering. For example, our generator is about the size of a beer keg but it needs to produce enough electricity to power around 2,500 homes and do so continuously. By doing these tests we will be able to validate our digital modelling and find out precisely what is physically and technically possible.”

Once ground tested, PGS1 will then provide a technology basis for any future hybrid aircraft program requiring MW power.

Both Testbed 108 and PGS1 have been supported by the UK Aerospace Technology Institute’s MegaFlight project, while the 2.5MW electrical generator, motor and power electronics design, make and testing in Trondheim has been supported by the EU Clean Sky 2 program.

DHL Supply Chain Iberia and Iberia Maintenance signed a contract through which DHL will manage the internal logistics of spare parts and components for Iberia Maintenance at its La Muñoza hub in Madrid and also at the Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat airports.

In addition to this contract, DHL provides Iberia Maintenance with global distribution of these spare parts when the need arises at any of the customer airline’s destinations around the world.

This contract also includes the logistics of Iberia’s IT and aircraft supply warehouses, where a large part of the elements necessary for the in-flight service are managed.

The new agreement continues the relationship that Iberia and DHL have maintained for years, with Iberia Maintenance providing maintenance, repair and overhaul services for DHL’s fleet of engines since 2008. Specifically, Iberia Maintenance has serviced more than 113 RB-211 engines used in the Boeing B757s of DHL’s subsidiaries DHL Air UK and Blue Dart at its engine workshop in Madrid.

In the new contract signed by Iberia Maintenance and DHL, DHL Supply Chain’s mission will be to ensure the supply of material on demand for Iberia Maintenance technicians, and to reinforce the logistical design to ensure the reliability and visibility that this supply chain requires to optimize planning and improve the availability of the aircraft.

The agreement calls for a redefinition of the pre-existing logistics processes with a strong focus on continuous and exhaustive stock control and inventory and material movement management, carried out by DHL with advanced digitalization tools. That will allow operations to adapt to the demand of Iberia Maintenance’s different business units in a timely manner.

“This strengthened partnership will guarantee real-time traceability of parts moving through our system, complete inventory accuracy and the integration of the freight forwarding activity that DHL has been developing for the last 3 years for Iberia Maintenance,” says Iván González Vallejo, director of Maintenance Strategy and Supply Chain.

“It is an honor and a source of pride that a company like Iberia Maintenance, a benchmark in quality and customer commitment, has placed its trust in DHL to guarantee its spare parts logistics, a critical area in which DHL Supply Chain can provide enormous experience,” says Matilde Torquemada, director of Business Development, DHL Supply Chain in Spain. “This is a long-term agreement in which DHL provides rapid implementation with seamless transition and business continuity in these value-added services for the airline’s MRO operations, providing agile execution and centralized logistics decision making.”

The new agreement allows Iberia Maintenance to integrate the interface of the logistics operation with its transport control tower, reinforcing the precision in the inventory of key parts for Iberia Maintenance’s maintenance and repair operations and guarantees real-time knowledge of the complete traceability of the components.

Cobham Mission Systems announced a long-term agreement to provide air separation modules (ASM) for another major U.S. airline operating Boeing 737s (B737). An aircraft’s ASM prevents the build-up of explosive conditions in fuel tanks by generating nitrogen enriched air to help lower the amount of oxygen in the fuel tank. Since its introduction in 2015, Cobham has delivered 885 B737 ASM model NC1211 units which have achieved over 5,000,000 flight hours with no failures, providing our airline partners with substantial savings in ownership and maintenance costs.

“Cobham Mission Systems is delighted to partner with another major US airline,” said Jason Apelquist, SVP business development and strategy. “Our air separation modules are the most reliable in the world, with 2,100 delivered and more than 17,600,000 flight hours on commercial aircraft worldwide. We are proud to contribute to our airline customers’ aircraft operation and maintenance cost reduction efforts through the outstanding performance, reliability and life on-wing Cobham ASMs provide.”

Cobham has been developing and delivering fuel tank inerting systems and subsystems for 30 years. With 6,700 systems on commercial (including B737, A320, A321, and B787) and military aircraft, and a total over 52,000,000 flight hours, Cobham holds the unique technical ability to design an optimally sized and configured fuel tank inerting system using Hollow Fiber Membrane technology. Cobham fuel tank inerting systems are designed for both military and commercial applications.

EPCOR added a new Canadian customer to its global customer base. The AFI KLM E&M subsidiary based in Amsterdam, which specializes in APU and pneumatic components, won an exclusive maintenance contract for the maintenance of Flair’s expanding Boeing 737 fleet.

Flair Airlines, Canada’s only independent ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), is expanding with the addition of 13 new Boeing 737MAX 8 aircraft in 2021. Currently the Canadian operator uses three 737-800s, and the new aircraft will grow the fleet to 16.

The contract covers the repair and maintenance of the Honeywell GTCP131-9B APU. Key for winning this contract is the expertise that EPCOR has as Honeywell licensed Airline MRO, their ever-evolving predictive maintenance system ‘Prognos for APU’ with latest APU Fleet management functionality.

“EPCOR’s airline mindset with competitive pricing and its continuous workshop process improvements,” says Guy Borowski, VP Maintenance of Flair Airlines.

Bernard Kuiken, commercial director of EPCOR, added: “We are very proud to be able to support Flair Airlines through AFI KLM E&M’s global MRO network. In a challenging time for our industry, only a few operators have explicit short growth ambitions like Flair does. With over 450 Honeywell GTCP 131-9B APUs repaired since we were licensed, you may call us real -9B experts.’’

Jet Aviation has redelivered the first-ever VVIP cabin interior completed on a BBJ 737-8 to an undisclosed customer. The completion was designed, crafted and engineered at Jet Aviation’s completions center in Basel. It is the company’s third redelivery this year.

The redelivery of the first BBJ MAX aircraft draws on the full extent of Jet Aviation’s completions capabilities. The interior design was created by Jet Aviation’s design studio, in collaboration with the customer, to seamlessly integrate a bespoke cabin with state-of-the-art systems and technology.

“The brief was for a cozy, residential space in which one could relax and enjoy the ride,” says Grischa Schmidt, senior director design at Jet Aviation’s design studio. “The living area features a deep, inviting sofa, a seven-seat dining table for socializing and a well-equipped, functional kitchen to accommodate fine dining. Wooden detail, soft fabrics and indirect lighting all complement this residential and relaxing atmosphere.”

The interior includes details such as woven wooden paneling, full flat cocoon seats finished in 3D wood veneer and an integrated wine fridge in the living area.

“We are delighted to redeliver this exceptionally beautiful and detailed aircraft,” says Matthew Woollaston, Jet Aviation’s vice president completion sales. “As we strive towards creating the ultimate customer experience, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible in VVIP completions. This interior is a fine example of the intricacy and attention to detail of our teams here in Basel. As our first BBJ 737 MAX, this was an exciting opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the next generation of this aircraft, and we look forward to applying that knowledge to future MAX projects.”

“We want to congratulate Jet Aviation on this great milestone,” said James Detwiler, president of Boeing Business Jets. “The BBJ 737-8, with its ultra-long-range and ample cabin space, and Jet Aviation’s top-quality design and craftsmanship create a perfect combination. This new BBJ is built to meet expectations of VIP customers to travel non-stop and in ultimate comfort to their destinations worldwide.”

Rolls-Royce officially opened Testbed 80, the world’s largest and smartest indoor aerospace testbed, in a ceremony that included the Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng, Secretary of State for the Department of Business Energy & Industrial Strategy, in Derby, UK.

The company says the completion of the project is a major milestone after almost three years of construction and a £90m ($74m) investment. With an internal area of 7,500 sq. m., making it larger than a Premiership football pitch, Testbed 80 was designed with technologies and systems which are more capable and complex than any of Rolls-Royce’s other testbeds. The testbed conducted its first run on a Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine at the test facility in Derby, UK earlier this year.

“Testbed 80 is the largest facility of its type in the world. However, it is not only big, it is also smart and features the most advanced testing technology we have ever used,” Warren East, chief executive, Rolls-Royce, said. “As the new global hub of our testing capability, it will support the next stage of our UltraFan program as we begin ground testing the first demonstrator in 2022. This incredible piece of infrastructure is a very visible sign of our commitment to this site and secures the future of Derby as the home of large engine development, continuing a history that began in the late 1960s with the RB211.”

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, said: “This testbed here in Derby shows that the UK remains a global leader in aeroengine technology. I’m proud that we’re supporting Rolls-Royce’s development of the highly-efficient UltraFan engine, as well as investment in green and cutting-edge aerospace technology here in the UK that will create high-skilled, well-paid jobs for decades to come. As the civil aviation market recovers, the innovation of great British companies such as Rolls-Royce and the entire aerospace sector are central to our plans to build back better from the pandemic and end our contribution to climate change by 2050.”

Testbed 80 will support the company’s sustainability strategy. Rolls-Royce says they will be continuing to improve the efficiency of the gas turbine. The facility has been designed to test a range of engines, including the Trent XWB and the Trent 1000, but will also have the capability to test the UltraFan demonstrator, the blueprint for our next generation of engines. UltraFan will be 25% more efficient than the first Trent engine, and ground testing of the demonstrator at the testbed will begin in 2022.

Rolls-Royce also says they are committed to promoting the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), which can already be used as “drop-in” fuels in existing engines. Testbed 80 has been designed to support this commitment – it is equipped with a 140,000-litre fuel tank (you could fill a car up almost 3,000 times with this amount of fuel) SAFs. Rolls-Royce partnered with MDS Aero Support Corporation of Ottawa, Canada, for the design and construction of the facility.