Category: Commercial

Waygate Technologies Announces Relaunch of Industrial Inspection Ecosystem InspectionWorks

Waygate Technologies, an industrial inspection solutions and non-destructive testing (NDT) provider, has released a completely revised and extended version of its flagship ecosystem for inspection data management, InspectionWorks. The upgrade includes an easy-to-use and customer-centric user interface and user experience design as well as new features including fleet management, remote monitoring diagnostics, inspection data storage and advanced analytics.

The company says this release marks an important milestone for them in its commitment to offer an integrated software ecosystem for inspection management. InspectionWorks covers all activities from the planning and dispositioning of devices, to the collection, analysis and storage of data with one single platform. Users can thereby handle their inspection management holistically, improving design, manufacturing, operations and later servicing of their products. This increases productivity and reliability and lifts inspection from a necessary control step to a valuable service. InspectionWorks is compatible both with Waygate Technologies hardware solutions and third party products.

“Predictive maintenance and operational intelligence rely on analytics, automated defect recognition or deep learning on both inspection and/or machine data. They enable our customers to predict issues before they arise by harnessing histrocial data and give actionable insights to make better and faster decisions. For us, this is the future of industrial inspection,” says Arungalai Anbarasu, CTO at Waygate Technologies. “It is an area where we excel because we can  combine the enormous amount of inspection data we collected during the last decades with insights that only a company like Waygate Technologies can reliably provide.”

 

AAR Named Sole Authorized Service Center for Honeywell´s B737 MAX Electronic Bleed Air System Components

AAR has signed a ten year agreement with Honeywell to be the sole channel partner licensee for component repair and overhaul services for the OEM’s suite of Electronic Bleed Air Systems (EBAS) covering 15 components on the B737 MAX aircraft.

The new agreement supplements AAR’s existing Honeywell license agreement that covers over 1,200 Honeywell components. AAR is also authorized to offer Honeywell’s new product warranty on all of these components including MAX line replaceable units (LRUs) and will provide expert component repair and overhaul services with timely delivery and state of the art customer service.

“This meaningful new agreement will allow AAR to support worldwide MAX operators as the fleet returns to service with our expert and proven component repair and overhaul services through our facilities in Amsterdam and New York,” says Ken Hein, AAR group vice president, Component Repair. “Our expertise in pneumatics makes AAR the logical choice to be Honeywell’s strategic partner. We look forward to providing MAX operators with the support they need to relaunch the fleet.”

mPale (Antimicrobial Coating) and mPerial (Disinfectant) Are Now Available from Boeing

Boeing announced that mPact Environmental Solutions mPale antimicrobial coating and mPerial disinfectant are now available for purchase from Boeing. They say these antimicrobial products offer an extra layer of protection in providing a clean and safe travel experience.

How do antimicrobial products work?

mPale is an exclusive antimicrobial agent that controls mold and bacteria without using a poison, instead controlling such microbes by puncturing cell walls on a microscopic level. mPale’s spiked molecular structure is imperceptible to human touch but is highly effective against virtually all viral, bacterial and fungal infestations.

  1. Clean the surface that is to be treated. mPerial is a cleaner, sanitizer and deodorizer and is registered with the EPA as a virucide and fungicide. mPerial may be used in food preparation areas and many other areas, and is specifically formulated for compatibility with mPale antimicrobial coating.
  2. Apply the antimicrobial coating. Unlike chemical poisons, mPale, once it is sprayed and bonds to the surface, retains effectiveness for 30 days. mPale is colorless, odorless, and can be applied to wood or steel, sheet-rock, carpets, upholstery, and painted surfaces in addition to plastic, leather and fiber. mPale is registered with the EPA.

Boeing says these antimicrobial coatings can give peace of mind knowing that germs and viruses that land on treated cabin surfaces won’t survive for long.

mPale and mPerial are referenced in the Boeing Multi-Operator Message (MOM) of October 05, 2020.

Boeing Digital Services to Optimize Planning and Operations for Frontier Airlines Through New 10-year Agreement

Boeing announced a new 10-year agreement with North American carrier Frontier Airlines to implement a range of crew, flight-planning and operations tools to enhance efficiency for the airline.

These digital solutions from Boeing’s Jeppesen product range provide fleet-wide cost savings across regional and international routes, enhance airline crew-planning processes and increase operational reliability.

“We are fully confident that these robust Jeppesen flight-planning and operational tools will bring tremendous benefit to Frontier’s operations from day one following implementation,” said Brad Lambert, vice president of Flight Operations for Frontier Airlines. “From maintenance and operational planning to day-of and irregular operations, the Jeppesen automation and crew-management tools will complement our low-cost business model while contributing to our system reliability and efficiency.”

In addition to its digital navigation and charting services from Boeing, Frontier Airlines will use a new Jeppesen digital solutions suite that provides day-of-operations decision-support tools, including:

  • Flight-planning and scheduling services to enhance flight operations and enable on-time departures and efficient routing
  • Crew management, tail assignment and operations-control tools that optimize schedules and aircraft utilization in the short- and long-term planning horizon, including day-of-operation issue detection and schedule recovery to minimize issues due to unexpected events

“As commercial aviation emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Frontier Airlines is poised to continue its exceptional growth, utilizing Boeing’s analytics-powered tools to maximize performance and reduce costs during this critical moment for our industry,” said Ted Colbert, president and CEO of Boeing Global Services. “This is a great example of our partnership with customers like Frontier to turn Boeing’s unparalleled digital expertise into operational bottom-line advantages.”

First B777-300ER Passenger to Cargo Cabin Conversion by JADE Enters into Service

Jamco Aero Design and Engineering (JADE), a subsidiary of JAMCO Corporation (JAMCO) and Singapore Airlines Engineering Company (SIAEC), has completed its first passenger to cargo cabin (P2C) conversion program on a Boeing B777-300ER for launch customer Singapore Airlines (SIA). This achievement adds to JADE’s growing list of aircraft retrofitting capabilities and further reaffirms its position as the leading turnkey aircraft cabin interior specialist in Asia.

Global travel restrictions in relation to COVID-19 have caused air travel demand to plunge. In response, many passenger airlines pivoted by launching cargo-only flights using passenger aircraft with cargo secured on passenger seats. Although this approach allows the solution to be deployed immediately, the cargo allowed to be carried in the cabin is limited by the size of the seats. Airlines also have to bear the risk of damage caused to the seats during cargo loading.

The solution JADE and SIAEC developed is part of a JAMCO “Project Blue Sky” Clean Cabin Initiative involving the removal of passenger seats from two zones in the cabin to allow cargo to be secured on the passenger cabin floor. This approach maximizes the cargo capacity in the passenger cabin and reduces the dead weight of the aircraft which in turn creates fuel savings for the airline. What’s more, the removed seats can be safely stored, eliminating the risk of damage during cargo loading. The retrofitted aircraft can now carry up to 193,000lbs of cargo, a 12% increase in cargo capacity from a standard B777-300ER.

JADE’s P2C conversion on the Boeing B777-300ER is the first solution to be awarded a Supplementary Type Certificate (STC) by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). This conversion also meets the set requirements for FAA and EASA STC approvals, making it a quick and compatible solution for any airline around the world, the companies say.

 

 

Jetaire Group Named GLOBE Award Winner by the State of Georgia

The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s International Trade division joined Governor Brian Kemp to recognize Jetaire Group as a winner of Georgia’s 7th annual GLOBE Awards. This state-led awards program highlights companies that have entered new international markets as well as had a significant impact on the overall economy in the state of Georgia.

“Success in global markets takes commitment and hard work. Our Georgia made products and services are making a mark around the world,” said Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp. “We’re proud to celebrate these companies for their contributions to a thriving Georgia economy through exports.”

Jetaire Group is a full-service aircraft engineering firm that provides global services to clients in the aviation and aerospace industries. They specialize in aircraft fuel tank safety, fuel tank ignition mitigation, and FAR 25.981and FTFR Rule certification requirements that comply with U.S. and international aviation standards. They are best known for their INVICTA technology which is the only patented aircraft fuel tank ignition mitigation system that utilizes a proprietary reticulated polyurethane foam to reduce the incidents of fuel tank explosions caused by heated fuel vapor, tank rupture, lightning strike, and static discharge.

Jetaire Group is the developer and manufacturer of the INVICTA system which has been installed in a variety of Boeing and Airbus models flying in some of the most active aviation markets in the world including Mexico, Brazil, and Europe. They have four international offices (France, United States, Peru, and Canada) and have provided more than 150 value-added technical and engineering solutions to customers in 58 countries. Jetaire Group’s 35-year reputation and engineering expertise has made them a trusted leader in supporting the aerospace industry worldwide.

“We are committed to meet the international safety needs of airlines flying around the world, and we are honored to be recognized as a 2020 Globe Award Winner,” said Michael Williams, CEO and President of Jetaire Group. “International trade plays a key role in maintaining Georgia as a leader in the global marketplace, and we are proud to be able to contribute to this success.”

Honeywell Introduces Next-Generation Catalyst To Address ‘Smell In Cabin’ Events

Honeywell unveiled a new catalyst designed for aircraft cabin air systems that can help reduce delays, cancellations and unscheduled maintenance due to in-cabin odors from certain volatile organic compounds in “bleed air” — also known as undesirable “smell-in-cabin” events. In clinical tests, Honeywell’s fourth-generation Combined Hydrocarbon Ozone Catalyst, CHOC4, has proved capable of removing two to three times more VOCs that cause undesired odors compared with other solutions. Honeywell’s solution has also been shown to be more effective in the removal of ozone at lower temperatures.

Air supplied to a cabin for air conditioning and pressurization, also known as bleed air, comes directly from the engines and auxiliary power unit. Sometimes it contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fumes or particles from sources like jet fuel, hydraulic oils or de-icing fluid. When VOCs enter the cabin through the bleed air, they can cause unwanted odors in the cabin, resulting in delays.

“Severe smell-in-cabin incidents can cost airlines up to $50 million per year in flight disruptions and unscheduled maintenance,” said Tom Hart, vice president and general manager, Air & Thermal Systems, Honeywell Aerospace. “CHOC4 reduces VOCs from the engines and bleed air supply, thereby reducing the severity and frequency of these incidents.”

Honeywell’s new proprietary catalyst CHOC4 is applied to an aircraft’s ozone converter to catalyze or absorb compounds that cause undesirable odors. It can be applied during normal maintenance as an upgrade to the existing converter unit at a fraction of the cost of a new unit. It is available now for Airbus A320 aircraft, with plans to expand to additional platforms in early 2021.

Thousands of passenger, cargo and military aircraft worldwide are currently flying with Honeywell environmental, air and thermal systems on board. Now, Honeywell is using its decades of experience developing cabin air-management systems to help improve in-flight comfort.

 

MTU Maintenance Zhuhai and Pratt & Whitney Sign PW1100G-JM Network Agreement

MTU Maintenance Zhuhai and Pratt & Whitney have signed a network agreement that covers the maintenance, repair and overhaul of Pratt & Whitney GTF PW1100G-JM engines at the facility in China. The facility will begin introduction of PW1100G-JM capabilities immediately and expects to be able to carry out MRO work from mid-2021. MTU Maintenance Zhuhai estimates a volume of 1,000 shop visits in the next ten years.

“We, along with our colleagues at International Aero Engines, are excited to expand our world-class global MRO network by continuing to add capacity to service our growing GTF fleet,” said Dave Emmerling, vice president, Commercial Aftermarket at Pratt & Whitney. “With MTU Maintenance Zhuhai, we welcome a highly experienced maintenance provider who will provide our customers in region with outstanding service and support.”

“This will be the third facility within the MTU network with full disassembly, assembly and test capabilities for PW1100G-JM engines,” adds Michael Schreyögg, chief program officer of MTU Aero Engines. “We are well prepared for an industry re-ramp up in commercial aviation and will build on and leverage the extensive experience already gained on this engine type, solidifying our reputation as engine MRO experts.” The PW1100G-JM program is currently served at MTU Maintenance Hannover and EME Aero in Poland. Additionally, part repairs are carried out at MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg and MTU Aero Engines in Munich.

“We are the largest narrowbody engine shop in Asia,” adds Jaap Beijer, president and CEO, MTU Maintenance Zhuhai. “Adding the PW1100G-JM to our product mix will enable us to continue our growth strategy, look to the future and better serve the Asian market.” MTU Maintenance Zhuhai added LEAP engines to its portfolio in 2019 and has been reliably serving V2500 and CFM56 engines since it was founded nearly 20 years ago.

AAR and FTAI Partner for Serviceable Engine Products for CFM56 Engine Material

AAR and Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors announced an agreement to create Serviceable Engine Products, an exclusive seven-year CFM56 used serviceable material (USM) partnership.

The partnership will build USM inventory for the global aviation aftermarket and FTAI’s own consumption at The Module Factory, a dedicated commercial maintenance center focused on modular repair and refurbishment of CFM56-7B and CFM56-5B engines. Through its worldwide network, AAR will manage the teardown, repair, marketing and sales of spare parts from FTAI’s CFM56 engine pool totaling 200 engines and growing.

“AAR is very pleased to partner with FTAI, a leader in aircraft engine ownership, by leveraging our extensive USM capabilities to offer CFM56 serviceable engine material to the global commercial aviation aftermarket. This partnership positions us well to service the growing demand for USM on a leading engine platform as customers increasingly prioritize more cost-efficient solutions,” says John Holmes, AAR president and chief executive officer.

“We are excited to offer an attractive USM solution to the CFM56 aftermarket with our partner AAR, the independent market leader in aviation parts. We believe Serviceable Engine Products, combined with our proprietary products and partnerships, completes our unique suite of CFM56 aftermarket offerings aimed at delivering the lowest cost per cycle solution to our airline customers,” adds Joe Adams, FTAI’s chairman and chief executive officer.

STS Aviation Services Lays a Foundation for Hangar

STS Aviation Services announced that it has laid the foundation for its new aircraft hangar in Melbourne, Florida.

The hangar under construction is a closed hangar and will house two bays that measure approximately 206′ x 151′. All together, the hangar will be just over 62,000 sq/ft. of space.