Category: Commercial

Trax and Rolls-Royce Launch Interface to Improve Engine On-Wing Operations

Trax and Rolls-Royce announced the launch of a seamless interface between Trax’s eMRO application and Rolls-Royce’s Blue Data Thread platform. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in the integration of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations with real-time data analytics, enhancing efficiency and reliability for airlines worldwide.

The new interface connects Trax’s eMRO, a comprehensive, device-agnostic application designed to manage every aspect of aircraft maintenance and fleet management, with Rolls-Royce’s Blue Data Thread, an open industry solution that enables a truly connected ecosystem for airlines, MROs, and OEMs. This integration allows for the real-time exchange of critical data, optimizing maintenance schedules, improving asset utilization, and reducing operational disruptions.

By leveraging the Blue Data Thread, the interface provides a continuous flow of engine focused data between maintenance systems. This connectivity ensures that maintenance teams have access to up-to-date information on engine configuration and maintenance needs, enabling predictive maintenance and minimizing downtime. The integration also supports the digital twin capabilities of Rolls-Royce’s IntelligentEngine platform, allowing for more accurate simulations and maintenance forecasting to sustain longer engine on-wing performance and reduce shop visit frequency.

“We are thrilled to team with Rolls-Royce to bring this innovative solution to the aviation industry,” said Miguel Sosa, Trax’s vice president of product innovation and head of Trax’s Innovation Hub. “The integration of eMRO with the Blue Data Thread represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide cutting-edge technology that enhances the efficiency and reliability of aircraft maintenance operations. This integration will be available to all operators of the Trent 1000, Trent 7000, and Trent XWB family of engines as an ‘out of the box’ solution in 2025 at no additional cost.”

“This collaboration with Trax exemplifies our commitment to leveraging digital technology to improve business outcomes for customers,” said Richard Swallow, Rolls-Royce’s head of data services for civil aerospace. “The Blue Data Thread is a key component of our vision for digitally enabled services, and our new interface with Trax will help airlines maximize their operational efficiency.” 

De Havilland Canada Selects Universal Avionics InSight Display System for Dash 8 Cockpit Upgrade

Universal Avionics (UA), an Elbit Systems company, announced an agreement with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (De Havilland Canada) to supply avionics for flight deck upgrades on the Dash 8 series 100 & 200 aircraft. De Havilland Canada, the manufacturer of the Dash 8, selected Universal Avionics InSight display system to modernize the aircraft while increasing operational efficiency and digital capabilities with connected solutions.

This upgrade brings enhancements to increase navigation capabilities, safety with improved situational awareness and connected analytics for proactive insights. Automated database delivery helps technicians save 45 minutes on aircraft updates each month, while extensive fleet and aircraft data reporting is recorded in real-time for every flight. Norwegian-based Widerøes Flyveselskap AS (Widerøe) will be the first customer for the new system, enabling its fleet of Dash-8 regional operations to continue well into the next decade. 

“The selection of InSight for yet another aircraft platform, and within the airline market, highlights the versatility of the system,” says Dror Yahav, Chief Executive Officer of Universal Avionics. “The growing adoption of this modernized flight deck across more than 10 unique platforms signifies its success as an industry standard for today’s flight operations and builds on our collaboration with other exciting De Havilland programs.”

“Partnering with Universal Avionics to upgrade our Dash 8 100 & 200 aircraft reinforces De Havilland Canada’s commitment to investing in the fleet and delivering modernized and reliable solutions to our customers. The new avionics provides a good solution to replace components difficult to replace and repair,” said Jean-Philippe Côté, Vice-President of Programs and Business Improvement at De Havilland Canada. “Their proven track record in avionics innovation and deep understanding of the complex operations of our DHC customers make them an ideal partner as we continue to enhance the performance and capability of our aircraft and is aligned with our plan to keep our fleet flying.”

Universal’s InSight flight display system installation on the Dash-8 adds five high-resolution LCD displays with improved synthetic vision and digital engine indication, replacing aging CRT equipment to remove unnecessary weight and increase available payload. Precision navigation is enabled down to RNP AR 0.1, with enhanced terrain awareness warning systems for enhanced situational awareness. Dual touchscreen controllers and KAPTURE™ recorders streamline pilot and maintenance workflows, complemented by UniLink data communications and UA FlightPartner & FlightReview applications.

Following the agreement signed earlier last year, the project is expected to be completed by early 2026. Learn more about Universal’s connected avionics for regional airlines and InSight.

Three Announcements from RH Aero Today at MRO Americas

RH Aero Systems Announces New Strategic Training Agreement with Safran Aircraft Engine Services Brussels

RH Aero Systems is proud to announce the signature of a new strategic training agreement with Safran Aircraft Engine Services Brussels as they undergo a major industrial ramp-up.

As part of our long-standing collaboration, RH Aero has been supporting Safran’s growth by providing tailored solutions from the supply of specialized tooling to repair services, technical support, and operational assistance. Today, the two companies are taking their partnership one step further.

For the first time, RH Aero will deliver training in maintaining the CFM LEAP engine from engine manual comprehension to module piece part — a unique and unprecedented initiative that reinforces their joint commitment to operational readiness, knowledge transfer, and long-term success.

This agreement reflects RH Aero and Safran’s shared ambition to empower teams, secure industrial performance, and elevate the standards of engine maintenance worldwide.

For more information about RH Aero Systems’ support equipment and services, visit RHAero.com.

RH Aero Systems Expands U.S. Operations to Strengthen OEM and MRO Support Across North America

MASON, OH, April 08, 2025 – RH Aero Systems, a global provider of aviation support equipment and services, is expanding its U.S. operations to better serve aircraft OEMs and MROs across North America. With enhanced capabilities coming online at its Mason West facility, north of Cincinnati, RH Aero is accelerating its localization strategy—aimed at improving lead times, strengthening regional service delivery, and providing OEM-aligned support to a growing customer base.

To meet increasing demand for faster and more flexible support, RH Aero is developing Mason West into a production, assembly and service hub. The facility now enables local delivery of high-demand ground support equipment and tooling solutions, reducing dependency on international logistics and increasing responsiveness for customers across the continent.

As part of its long-term commitment to localized operations, RH Aero has built a hydraulic test stand at Mason West, designed for testing and validation of Ground Support Equipment with a testing capacity of up to 55 metric tons. This capability will enable production and proof load testing in the U.S., improving turnaround time while maintaining compliance with global quality standards.

The transformation of the former Rhinestahl Advanced Manufacturing Group (AMG) into RH Aero’s Mason West site has also secured and strengthened high-value manufacturing roles in the region. By integrating Rhinestahl’s skilled legacy workforce, RH Aero is building on decades of precision machining expertise and sustaining a critical knowledge base for the aviation industry.

According to Martin Dürr, Executive Vice President Commercial, “Our U.S. expansion is a direct response to the operational needs of our partners and customers. With localized capabilities and a highly skilled workforce, we’re able to help OEMs and MROs to achieve greater flexibility and operational readiness—while building a foundation for long-term industry partnership.”

The development of RH Aero’s U.S. site is part of the company’s global mission to integrate engineering excellence with regional execution and joins the list of US sites along with the Washington, D.C. and Seattle, WA service centers. Through coordinated knowledge transfer, strategic investment, and local talent, RH Aero delivers on its promise of proximity, performance, and partner alignment.

RH Aero Systems Renews 10-Year CFM License Agreement for the Manufacture, Sales and Support of LEAP Tooling and Services Worldwide

MASON, OH, April 2025 – Rhinestahl Corporation and by extension, Hydro Systems KG, both RH Aero Systems businesses and the global leader in aviation support equipment and services, announced today the renewal of its CFM LEAP tooling license agreement for another ten years. The renewal reaffirmed RH Aero’s position as a CFM Licensed Supplier for LEAP Tooling with CFM authorization to manufacture, sell, and support engine tooling for the LEAP-1A, LEAP-1B and LEAP-1C engine programs. CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.

As the LEAP engine program continues to power a growing fleet of aircraft worldwide, operators and MROs face increasing demand for reliable, OEM-compliant tooling and aftermarket services to ensure safe and efficient maintenance. RH Aero’s continued program support and technical expertise enables airlines and MROs to establish and maintain operational readiness to elevate their evolving requirements.

RH Aero Systems delivers LEAP tooling services through a network of 26 service centers strategically located near major aviation hubs and MROs. Each service center is equipped to provide inspection, calibration, certification, and rapid servicing of LEAP tooling, with a focus on minimizing downtime and simplifying the complexity of large-scale operations.

In addition to physical tooling services, RH Aero Systems supports its customers through its Readiness Hub Solution — a customized blend of Integrated Services and Services enabled technology developed to increase operational readiness, safety, compliance and asset efficiencies within high volume MROs. As the market leader in technical support, RH Aero Systems’ Field Service Engineers and Technical Program Managers support customers through tooling familiarization and training, engine facility layout and optimization inclusive of workscope development and tool trouble-shooting with rapid-response assistance.

The extension of RH Aero’s LEAP tooling license is more than a contractual renewal—it’s a clear reflection of the trust placed in the company’s people, processes, and performance. RH Aero is proud to continue supporting the global LEAP engine program with the same level of safety, precision, quality, responsiveness, and reliability that defines RH Aero.

With this license renewal, RH Aero reinforces its role as a long-term partner to both engine OEMs, MROs and Operators, delivering support equipment and Service solutions that set the highest standards for safety, readiness and reliability.

StandardAero Accelerating Its Shop Visit Capacity Ramp-Up In Support Of Airbus A320neo And Boeing 737 MAX Customers Worldwide

StandardAero, a leading independent pure-play provider of aerospace engine aftermarket services, including engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and engine component repair, is accelerating plans to grow its annual CFM International LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B throughput capacity significantly by 2029.  These plans reflect the projected increase in demand for quick-turn shop visit (QTSV) and performance restoration shop visit (PRSV) events as the worldwide fleet of A320neo family and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft continues to grow.  StandardAero’s planned capacity ramp-up will leverage the two LEAP test cells and significant available footprint at its San Antonio, TX facility. 

In line with this acceleration, StandardAero has strengthened its long-standing relationship with CFM International through an agreement for LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B shop visits and test cell support.  Engines inducted by StandardAero under this new agreement will facilitate the acceleration of the San Antonio facility’s path to run-rate efficiency and scale on the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B, benefitting operators worldwide. 

CFM is expecting LEAP shop visits to triple by the end of this decade due in large part to a ~70% win rate on A320 family aircraft over the last several years and ~40% of the fleet in service being operated in hot and harsh environments, which can reduce on-wing life. 

StandardAero supports the LEAP-1A (Airbus A320neo) and LEAP-1B (Boeing 737 MAX) as a CFM LEAP Premier MRO provider, having signed the first non-airline CFM Branded Service Agreement (CBSA) in the Americas for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B in March 2023. The 810,000 sq. ft. San Antonio facility initially began accepting LEAP QTSVs in March 2024 and inducted its first PRSV workscope in the second half of 2024, after completing test cell correlation for both engine variants. StandardAero’s LEAP line was designed from the outset to accommodate future expansion, including the correlation of additional test cells, and the facility is well positioned to meet the growing needs of the LEAP open MRO ecosystem

“This agreement between StandardAero and CFM International reiterates the close relationship between the two companies, now in its 16th year,” said Lewis Prebble, president – engine services – airlines and fleets. “2024 was a significant year for StandardAero’s journey as a Premier MRO provider, with our substantial investment in the program enabling us to induct our first QTSV and PRSV engine workscopes.  We already provide LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B services to a range of airline operators and asset managers across North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, and our capacity expansion over the next 5 years will enable us to further expand our support of the global LEAP customer base.”

Aero Norway Achieves AS9110 Certification

Aero Norway has achievedAS9110 certification. This was a comprehensive process that involved a detailed evaluation of the specialist engine MRO’s quality management system, ensuring compliance with aerospace-specific maintenance, repair, and overhaul requirements.

Auditors from the UK and Sweden conducted an assessment over five days which covered multiple aspects, including risk management, regulatory compliance, documentation control, personnel competency and customer satisfaction processes. Key areas examined included maintenance process control, work order management, corrective and preventive action systems, continuous improvement initiatives, and supply chain management.

“Prior to the audit, Aero Norway undertook a thorough internal review, aligning procedures and enhancing documentation to ensure full compliance with AS9110 requirements,” explains Raja Mohan Ravi, manager quality & ERP – Aero Norway. “This certification is held by very few engine MROs, making it a distinct achievement for Aero Norway.”

According to Ravi, AS9110 is a globally recognized quality management standard which is tailored specifically for MRO organizations in the aerospace sector. Unlike ISO 9001, which applies broadly across industries, AS9110 incorporates additional aviation safety, regulatory compliance, and maintenance-specific requirements. For an aero engine MRO, achieving this certification demonstrates adherence to the highest industry standards in safety, reliability, and operational excellence.

He goes on to say, “AS9110 certification mandates a strong focus on risk-based thinking, process control, and continuous improvement, which are critical in engine MRO operations where errors can have severe safety and financial implications.  At Aero Norway we have concentrated on minimizing human error with standardized procedures and documentation that reduce maintenance-related risks. Our streamlined workflows enhance efficiency in overhaul, inspection, and repair processes, reducing turnaround times (TAT). Data-driven decision making emphasizes data analysis, performance monitoring, and corrective action tracking, allowing us to enhance reliability and service quality”.

In the highly competitive engine MRO market, AS9110 serves as a key differentiator for Aero Norway, particularly when competing for contracts with airlines and leasing companies who prefer AS9110-certified MROs because they minimize operational risks and ensure engines are maintained under a globally recognized standard.  From an OEM perspective, it increases confidence in the MRO’s capabilities, processes, and adherence to best practice. 

Aero Norway has now been placed on a global database of certified aerospace maintenance providers, increasing the Company’s visibility to potential customers. The AS9110 global database, OASIS (Online Aerospace Supplier Information System), is maintained by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) and accessed by industry stakeholders.

“Aero Norway is also certified to ISO 9001:2015 which forms the foundation of our Quality Management System. AS9110 is an aerospace-specific extension of ISO 9001, incorporating additional maintenance and regulatory requirements. Highlighting our compliance with both standards further reinforces Aero Norway’s commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction. As the responsible manager for Aero Norway’s AS9110 certification, I am incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and commitment. This milestone not only reinforces our position as a leading independent engine MRO but also demonstrates our unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, quality, compliance, and operational excellence. The certification assures our customers that Aero Norway adheres to the highest global standards in aviation maintenance, ultimately enhancing safety, reliability, and service quality,” concludes Ravi.

Aviation Clean Air Signs Long Term Agreement with Gulfstream

Aviation Clean Air (ACA) announced that it has completed a long-term agreement with Gulfstream for installation of ACA’s patentedIonization Purification System on Gulfstream aircraft, including the Gulfstream G700 and Gulfstream G800. The agreement also includes installation of the ACA system by Gulfstream on in-service models.

“We are appreciative that this agreement ensures the ACA system will be available on Gulfstream aircraft for many years to come,” said Howard Hackney, ACA managing member. “Our system is the only proactive system that immediately rids the cabin and cockpit of 99.9% of airborne and surface pathogens, improves interior air quality and neutralizes many VOCs.”

The ACA system’s effectiveness is derived by using patented NeedlePoint Bi-Polar Ionization (NPBI) technology, and is a 100% replication and acceleration of nature’s natural cleansing process. The system is installed in the aircraft’s existing environmental control system (ECS)and functions automatically whenever the ECS is running. It electronically creates positive and negative ions from the hydrogen and oxygen molecules in the water vapor present in the air, which effectively cleans and disinfects the interior of a large cabin aircraft in minutes. The system provides constant decontamination of the aircraft interior without using or introducing any chemicals.

“Although our system has been installed on a variety of aircraft models for several years, the onset of COVID-19 in 2020 brought the need to mitigate the spread of that virus and other pathogens into sharper focus,” added Hackney. “Our system is proven to neutralize viruses and bacteria and offers numerous other benefits to the air quality in the aircraft that ensure a safe and comfortable cabin environment.”

The system also removes odors, dust and pollen, sterilizes mold, neutralizes common industrial gases and reduces static electricity. In addition, with the fresher, cleaner cabin air, passengers and crews report feeling refreshed, even after long flights. On-going testing by independent laboratories continues to show outstanding results of the ACA system. 

While much of the testing over the last several years has been around COVID-19 and its variants, successful neutralization of a vast array of pathogens has been achieved. Based on the system’s efficacy on the viruses and bacteria already tested, ACA is confident the system will be equally as effective on viruses and bacteria that will be a threat in the future. Ongoing testing ensures the system continues to provide essential protection.

TJC Closes Acquisition of L3Harris’Commercial Aviation Solutions Business

TJC, L.P. recently announced that an affiliate of The Resolute Fund VI, L.P. has closed the acquisition of L3Harris Technologies Commercial Aviation Solutions business (CAS) for $800 million.

CAS has two operating business units; the Avionics unit designs and manufactures mission critical, IP driven avionics products, and the Commercial Training Solutions (CTS) unit provides an integrated suite of aircraft training solutions.

The Avionics unit is a global leader in aviation that enhances safety and increases efficiency and situational awareness for next-generation requirements and helps its customers create safer skies. Their products include ADS-B NextGen surveillance, configurable voice and data recorders, collision avoidance systems, navigation products, display systems, processors and additional products such as satellite communications equipment and data analytics services. The business serves over 160 distinct aircraft platforms across commercial air transport, business and regional jet, and military end markets.

The CTS unit manufactures training systems and provides airline training, including recurring courses for pilots and airline academy participants. The training systems suite includes full flight simulators, flight training devices, flat panel trainers, and relevant training courseware and equipment upgrades. Airline training includes airline-specific qualification courses, refresher training and simulator time. Its airline academy provides an integrated environment that supports cadets over a 12-18 month training period, including flight training, instruction, type rating, and placement with regional and major airlines.

“L3Harris’ CAS business is a global leader with a long history of providing highly engineered products at the intersection of data, communications and safety,” said Erik Fagan, a partner at TJC. “We look forward to partnering with their strong management team to build upon their history of success to provide high-reliability solutions to their critical customers.”

MTU Maintenance and Air Canada Sign CF6-80 MRO Contract

MTU Maintenance has signed an exclusive contract with Air Canada for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of CF6-80C2 engines powering the flag carrier’s Boeing 767 cargo aircraft. The agreement is a continuation of the two companies’ strong partnership: MTU Maintenance has been the exclusive MRO service provider for Air Canada’s CF6-80C2 engines for more than 25 years.

Under the agreement, the Montreal-based airline will send the wide-body aircraft engines to the MTU Maintenance Canada facility in Delta, British Columbia, where they will undergo various workscopes, including performance restorations, overhauls and accessory repair, among others. MTU Maintenance Hannover, which also specializes in the MRO of the CF6-80C2, will act as support for its Canadian sibling, while MTU Maintenance Dallas, the network’s North American hub for ON-SITEPlus services, will complement with on- and near-wing services. The contract runs until 2027 and has a three-year extension option, thereafter.

“MTU has been a longstanding partner of Air Canada for the engines on our Boeing 767s. We highly value their support and we are pleased to be extending our relationship. The freighters are an important part of our network strategy and MTU’s expertise will ensure the 767s deliver reliable performance for our loyal cargo customers. We are also proud to support the aerospace industry in B.C. and Canada by having work performed in Canada,” said Josh Vanderveen, vice president of maintenance at Air Canada.

Martin Friis-Petersen, senior vice president of MRO programs at MTU Aero Engines, added: “It is always a pleasure to support an industry partner with whom MTU has such a storied relationship. Air Canada was our first customer after opening the MRO location in Vancouver in 1998, and we want to honor that history with our benchmark technical expertise and comprehensive services.”

AFI KLM E&M Secures Maintenance Contract with CMA CGM AIR CARGO for GE90 Engines

Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) and CMA CGM AIR CARGO announced the signing of a comprehensive extended maintenance contract covering GE90 engines. Building on a successful contract initiated in 2022, which covered four GE90 engines with an initial term ending in 2030, this new agreement expands the partnership significantly. Under the terms of the newly extended agreement, CMA CGM AIR CARGO will integrate six additional GE90 engines into the existing
contract, bringing the total to ten engines. This extension also prolongs the contract term to 2033, ensuring long-term collaboration and enhanced operational efficiency for CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s fleet. Along with engine support, AFI KLM E&M will maintain the commitment to delivering comprehensive component support, further boosting the reliability and performance of CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s operations.

The signing of this new agreement is a testament to the high level of trust CMA CGM AIR CARGO places in AFI KLM E&M’s expertise. ‘We are truly honored by CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s decision to extend their trust in us,” said Pierre Teboul, senior vice president commercial at AFI KLM E&M. “This expansion of our existing contract to include additional engines is a strong endorsement of our technical proficiency and our commitment to excellence in the maintenance of GE90 engines. We are dedicated to meeting the high standards and specific requirements of our clients in the cargo sector.”

AFI KLM E&M says it is fully committed to supporting CMA CGM AIR CARGO in its ambitious plans
to develop and expand its cargo operations. As a reliable and strategic partner, AFI KLM E&M strives to ensure the optimal performance and reliability of CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s fleet. This strategic collaboration is designed to help CMA CGM AIR CARGO strengthen its market position, enhance operational efficiency, and achieve its long-term business objectives through superior maintenance solutions.

Iberia Maintenance Wins Best Sustainability Initiative 2025 at Aerospace Tech Week

Iberia Maintenance has been awarded the Best Sustainability Initiative 2025 award at the Aerospace Tech Review Ceremony, held during Aerospace Tech Week (ATW) in Munich this week, for its long-term sustainability strategy.

The Spanish MRO’s winning candidacy was rooted in its comprehensive sustainable strategy, which includes three key objectives: 

  • Scope 1: Utilization of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the engine test bench, resulting in a reduction of CO2 emissions by 130 tonnes of CO2 in 2024. 
  • Scope 2: Commitment to reduce energy consumption by 20% by 2025 compared to 2022, while generating 10% of that energy through solar panels and using 100% renewable energy, which is already being utilized. 
  • Scope 3: Enhancing internal repair capabilities to achieve 40% of repairs in-house. For outsourced parts repaired by vendors, Iberia Maintenance has an agreement with a logistics provider committed to reducing the carbon footprint by 20%. 

This prestigious award is a recognition of Iberia Maintenance’s dedication to innovation and the adoption of technologies that contribute to more sustainable aviation and MRO sectors.

The Aerospace Tech Week Europe event is dedicated to driving innovation and technology in the aerospace industry. It provides a platform for leaders and technical experts to connect, engage in discussions, network, and collaborate on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities.