Category: Commercial

AFI KLM E&M and Air Canada Sign Major 10-Year Contract for Component Support of Boeing 787 Aircraft

AFI KLM E&M and Air Canada Sign Major 10-Year Contract for Component Support of Boeing 787 Aircraft

Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) and Air Canada signed a landmark 10-year contract for the component support of 58 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This agreement marks the first major component support contract between the two airlines and includes the establishment of a new pool stock positioned in Toronto, Canada, to support Air Canada’s expanding operations. Starting with a fleet of 39 aircraft on May 1, 2024, Air Canada plans to grow its fleet to 58 Boeing 787 Dreamliners by 2029. The contract also encompasses an option for 12 additional 787 aircraft, further underscoring Air Canada’s commitment to fleet modernization and expansion.

With this Component Support contract, the Canadian airline has deepened a long-standing partnership with AFI KLM E&M of more than 15 years. This collaboration has included programs such as the GE90, CFM56, APS5000, and airframe events, demonstrating a robust history of mutual trust and cooperation.

“This groundbreaking agreement with Air Canada is a testament to our shared vision of innovation and excellence in aviation”, stated Mathieu Essenberg, executive vice president of KLM Engineering & Maintenance. “We are honored to provide robust component support for Air Canada’s expanding 787 fleet. This collaboration leverages the strengths of both airlines and sets a new standard for industry partnerships. We look forward to a decade of mutual growth and success.”

“We are excited to embark on this new chapter with Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance, a partnership that signifies our shared, unwavering commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction,” said Josh Vanderveen, vice president of Air Canada Maintenance. “The support for our growing 787 fleet will not only enhance our service reliability but also fortify our position as a leader in the aviation industry. This agreement is a strategic milestone in the ongoing modernization of our fleet so we can keep delivering a world-class travel experience to our passengers.”

FCAH Announces Amy Merkley as COO of MRO Services and Mike Abram as President of Cobalt Aero Services

FCAH Announces Amy Merkley as COO of MRO Services and Mike Abram as President of Cobalt Aero Services

FCAH Aerospace has appointed Amy Merkley as chief operating officer of MRO services and Mike Abram as president of Cobalt Aero Services.

Merkley is a seasoned industry leader with an impressive history of driving operational excellence, building high-performance teams and spearheading strategic growth initiatives. In addition, she has a proven track record in managing global operations, driving market expansion and aligning organizations. Previously, she served as COO at Precision Aviation Group (PAG) and as a senior vice president at Meggitt. In her role, Merkley will oversee all maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations for FCAH Aerospace, ensuring the company continues to exceed customer expectations while enhancing operational efficiency.

Mike Abram joins Cobalt Aero Services with extensive leadership experience and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. Previously, Abram spent 15 years at Triumph Group where he was responsible for spearheading organic growth and operational initiatives.

“These appointments mark a pivotal moment for FCAH Aerospace as we continue to elevate our leadership and capabilities,” Isac Roths, CEO of FCAH Aerospace, commented. “Amy and Mike are dynamic leaders whose expertise and passion align perfectly with our mission to deliver outstanding value to our customers. Their contributions will drive innovation, strengthen our market position, and take FCAH Aerospace to new heights. Together, Amy and Mike bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership that will undoubtedly enhance our organization’s success and reinforce our commitment to excellence in the aviation industry.”

Airbourne Colours paints Brussels Airlines’ newest Belgian Icon livery

Airbourne Colours, industry-leading experts in aircraft painting and refinishing, has successfully transformed Brussels Airlines’ Airbus A320 (OO-SNM) into the latest Belgian Icon livery ‘Atomium’ at its aircraft paint facility at East Midlands Airport. The meticulous painting process required over 400 litres of paint and took approximately 2,400 hours to complete, resulting in a stunning tribute to one of Belgium’s most recognised symbols. The ‘Atomium’ proudly joins the prestigious line-up of Belgian Icons, reinforcing Brussels Airlines’ commitment to showcasing local heritage worldwide and bringing little pieces of Belgium to the skies. This marks the sixth Belgian Icon livery that Airbourne Colours has created for Brussels Airlines in the last 10 years, highlighting the company’s expertise and long-standing partnership with the airline. The Belgian Icons series aims to introduce the best of Belgium to the world, making flying even more enjoyable for passengers. Simon Cracknell, Airbourne Colours’ Sales and Marketing Director commented: “We are thrilled to have partnered with Brussels Airlines again to bring their vision of the Atomium to life. This project showcases our team’s skill and dedication in creating intricate, eye-catching aircraft liveries.” The newly painted A320 made its debut at a special ceremony in Brussels before embarking on its maiden commercial flight to Prague on March 27, 2025. Aviation enthusiasts and travellers alike can look forward to spotting this impressive aircraft as it serves Brussels Airlines’ European network.

Sherwin-Williams Skyscapes Basecoat/Clearcoat Adds Easy-to-UseE 850 Series Effect Systems

The latest 850 Series SKYscapes Effect Finishes from Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings is now available as a durable, high-performance line of mica, metallic and hybrid finishes.

This high-performance polyurethane basecoat is specially designed for productivity and appearance with a full complement of metallics and micas for use in everything from striping and accents to overall paint completion of larger or commercial aircraft.

In addition to its extensive color and effects palette, the new SKYscapes 850 Series also offers what aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and paint shops desire most – an incredibly simple and easy-to-use product.

“After a lengthy period in the MRO operation, by the time the aircraft is ready to be painted, it has often been in for weeks or more for major rework,” says Richard Giles, Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings global technical service manager. “Because of this, the paint shop often has to ‘pick up the pace’ and get the plane painted and out the door ASAP. Because of the 850 Series’ simplicity, as well as its incredible ease-of-use and repairability, the shop can get their paint and detailing work usually done on time and get the aircraft back into service.”

The 850 Series SKYscapes is easy to apply and implement in the shop. It has the same 4:1:3 friendly mixing formula as other SKYscapes topcoats and undercoats, as well as consistent alignment. The same hardeners and reducers are all encompassed in the same mixing system, and it can be applied over all Sherwin-Williams aerospace epoxy or urethane exterior primers, making it easy to order, mix, spray and inventory.”

“The real benefit is its repairability,” says Giles. “This new 850 line is smart repairable, with no special guns and tools needed. It features a long pot life and is outstanding for immediate spot repairs while still on the paint line. Any de-wetting, last-minute line corrections or minor basecoat issues – like orientation, tiger striping or shadows – can be repaired wet-on-wet before the clearcoat application; this saves rework, labor and delivery time, and of course, money.”

The 850 Series SKYscapes is ideal for all sized aircraft, but really hits the sweet spot for business aircraft and helicopters with its excellent color accuracy and consistency, as it now matches the Sherwin-Williams extensive aerospace color palette. It’s also quick drying at ambient temperatures, allows for multiple color applications per day without mechanically sanding up to 48 hours and doesn’t require baking.

Its effects application also has many features:
• Excellent flow and leveling
• Easily wets a properly prepared surface
• Wet edge blends itself easily
• Outstanding effect orientation
• All three effects can be overcoated with each other for elaborate livery designs

The 850 Series SKYscapes Effect System provides a robust application and efficient finish process while being compatible with all Sherwin-Williams Aerospace clearcoats, including flat and semi-gloss.

AAR and Trax Sponsor soFLY Girls in Aviation Tech Day 

AAR CORP. partnered with soFLY Southern Tropics Inc. to host soFLY Girls in Aviation Tech Day Powered by AAR & Trax, on March 19, 2025, at Barrington Irving Technical Training School (BITTS) in Miami. With a growing industry demand for skilled talent, this event served as an opportunity for students to learn more about aviation, STEM, and available career paths and to connect with professionals in the aviation industry.

During the event, AAR team members presented “A day in the life of an aircraft mechanic” to help students envision a career with the Company. Trax exhibited “Mobilizing aviation maintenance,” demonstrating how technology is transforming the field. The event also included flight simulators and an introduction to soFLY’s Women in Aviation international mentor connect program. More than 250 high school and college students from southern Florida participated. 

AAR, Trax, and soFLY invest in recruitment initiatives, training, and educational opportunities to engage the next generation of aviators and advance the future of aviation. soFLY Girls in Aviation Tech Day Powered by AAR & Trax is the annual flagship event of the partnership. 

“Enthusiasm for this event and the overwhelming participation demonstrates youth are interested in the role of technology in the future of aviation. This is encouraging from a workforce pipeline perspective and supports AAR’s interest in growing the Best Team in Aviation to meet current and future demand,” said Shannon Egan, AAR’s leadership development trainer based in Miami. Egan, who also serves as vice president of the company’s female-focused employee resource group, Ascend, continued, “AAR is grateful for the partnership of soFLY and their work in southern Florida, where the industry continues to flourish.”

“The future of aviation depends on cultivating a skilled, dynamic, and inspired workforce — and that starts with creating opportunities for the next generation. Through collaborative efforts with industry leaders like AAR and Trax, soFLY is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and career readiness. By providing exposure to aviation MROs and emerging technologies, we’re preparing young people to step confidently into high-demand roles, driving innovation and ensuring the long-term success of the industry,” said Jessica Matthews, president & co-founder of soFLY Southern Tropics Inc.

Norwegian-Based Norse Atlantic Airways Achieves Operational Approval for ULTRAMAIN ELB

Norse Atlantic Airlines (Norse Atlantic), a Norwegian airline founded in 2021 and specializing in low-cost, long-haul, and direct flights across Europe, the U.S. and Asia, has received Ops Approval from the CAA Norway to operate ULTRAMAIN ELB, and is in live production use of ULTRAMAIN ELB across their Norwegian fleet. 

Norse Atlantic selected Ultramain Systems electronic logbook, ULTRAMAIN ELB on iPads, to fully replace the aircraft paper technical log, cabin log, journey log, and fueling logs on their fleet of 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

This transition from paper to digital line maintenance operations marks a significant step forward for Norse. Real-time Flight and Cabin Crew reports, selected from ULTRAMAIN ELB’s on-device B787 tailored fault repository, will enable enhanced planning and defect clearance. This will lead to lower deferral rates, increased operational service levels and lower maintenance costs across their Dreamliner fleet.

“ULTRAMAIN ELB is a dream to work with; you have so much control using the fleet dashboard regarding status and history,” said the MOC team at Norse Atlantic Airways.

“Nothing energizes us more than seeing a new customer transition to ULTRAMAIN ELB, said Tim Spears, vice president of the onboard systems division at Ultramain Systems. Norse Atlantic has an all B787 fleet which has enabled us to configure the ELB specifically to that fleet type with a workflow to suit both scheduled and charter operations. The collaboration between the project teams has been excellent leading to an expedient implementation.  We look forward to supporting Norse through their journey and seeing the positive impact ELB has on their business moving forward.”

Skills and Thrills on Full Display at The Competition Presented by Snap-on

By Katie Robertson

Every year during the MRO Americas convention, one event shines a spotlight on the best and the brightest in aviation maintenance.

The Competition Presented by Snap-on features 27 skills tests, including airframe damage inspection, composite repair, engine fan blade removal, fuel tank entry precautions, and others. Each team has just 15 minutes to complete the task, and their time and accuracy are scored against other competitors to find the best of the best. Teams compete to win individual events and titles in Commercial Aviation, General Aviation, Space, Military, MRO/OEM and School divisions, as well as the overall top prize, the William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance. Presented by Snap-on, the O’Brien Award is a traveling 5-foot-tall trophy bestowed to the team with the best overall winning score. In addition to the trophy, teams will also be vying for tooling and equipment prizes.

“Supporting this event is incredibly important to Snap-on, as it elevates a field with highly trained professionals, a massive impact on the safety of air travel, and not nearly enough public appreciation,” said Bill Willetts, Vice President, Snap-on Industrial.

Regardless of how they place, the event also offers a platform for the 90 teams to showcase their knowledge, skills and integrity. Admission to the event is free with MRO Americas credentials, offering the entire aviation industry the chance to see this incredible talent up close and personal.

Cherry Creek Schools

One group that is especially excited for the spotlight offered by The Competition is the team from the Cherry Creek School District in Denver. This team of high school students is ready to prove that they have what it takes to compete against groups with much more experience.

“I’ve run into some people in the industry who think that, even though our graduates are certified, they’re still too young or immature for the workforce,” said David Williamson, Aviation Pathway Lead in the district and the team’s coach. “I think events like this help to show that Cherry Creek students pull together, organize and work as a group. Their professionalism will be on full display at The Competition, and we want the industry to know that they can do it even at 18 or 19 years old.”

The Aviation Pathway is one of seven career preparation tracks available to students at the eight high schools in the Cherry Creek district. Through these pathways, students can explore different options as part of their school curriculum. In addition to confirming whether aviation maintenance is a great fit for them, students can earn their A&P license through their time in school and one additional year after high school graduation. 

“We see a lot of career exploration. Some kids find it’s not for them, and they go on to study engineering, aviation business, or something like that. Some double down and get really excitedto finish their license and get out into the field. Either way, they have the chance to explore the possibility of a career in aviation maintenance and even become fully licensed for it without going into student debt,” Williamson said.

For those pursuing a career in aviation maintenance, The Competition offers a glimpse into the possibilities their futures hold and a chance to make an impactful first impression to potentialemployers and colleagues. Each competitor will be bringing their resume and an arsenal of skills that they are excited to display on the biggest stage in the industry.

Victory Lane Aviation

Another group with an impressive skillset to showcase is the Victory Lane Aviation team from North Carolina.

Flexibility is the name of the game during The Competition, as technicians have to learn and adapt quickly to tasks that they may not be familiar with. Luckily, flexibility is built into the culture of Victory Lane, where their specialty is anything that flies. 

“America is the only country that says if you have an A&P license, you can work on any aircraft. We take full advantage of that while also upholding the highest quality standards,” said Ryan Shepherd, CEO of Victory Lane Aviation. “That’s why we’re pumped about The Competition,because it gives us the opportunity to showcase our team’s diverse expertise and see the diversity in the industry as well.”

As the name would imply, Victory Lane has been on the fast track to success in both the industry and The Competition. Since its founding only a few years ago, the company has doubled in both staff and revenue. The team from Victory Lane also took home the General Aviation title last year, in just their second appearance at The Competition. 

In addition to his team’s strong showing, Shepherd is grateful for the recognition the event provides for the unsung heroes of the aviation industry. 

“You can see other technicians supporting each other, but you can also see the support from many other people in our industry. That recognition, whether we place or not, from Snap-on and the other sponsors that put on this event shows that they are passionate and appreciative of what we do,” he said. 

With the positive results the team has found in the past, Shepherd is unsurprisingly excited about the future of the event. He is looking forward to the networking opportunities in Atlanta to meet new potential customers or employees and the new challenges awaiting his team during The Competition.

He said, “They continue to add events and technology, so even if you’ve been in the industry for decades and competed multiple times, you’ll still see an event you’ve never done before. It’s not something that’s stuck in time; it keeps up with what our industry is producing and keeps the event exciting.”

See for Yourself

These two teams join the 88 others vying for the O’Brien Award, April 8-10, in Atlanta. Last year, Southwest Airlines Team Herb captured the O’Brien Award, and they will be back facing a new crop of challengers gunning for the title. 

Check out this can’t-miss event and meet the stars of aviation maintenance at The Competition.

Katie Robertson is an account executive at LePoidevin Marketing, a Brookfield, Wisconsin-based business-to-business marketing firm that specializes in hand tool and storage solutions for the aerospace industries.

Veryon Expands Diagnostics Suite with AI-Powered Parts Predictability and Reliability Solution

Veryon, information services and software solutions provider for the aviation industry, announced the expansion of its comprehensive diagnostics suite with the launch of Veryon Reliability, an AI-enabled parts predictability, fleet reliability, and reporting products and services solution that helps aircraft operators and OEMs forecast parts and component failures, improve fleet availability, and support proactive maintenance to reduce unscheduled downtime.

A major driver of unscheduled time is parts performance, availability, and failure. Operators are consistently looking for more insights into parts performance, predictive markers, early warnings, and integrated reporting to help optimize maintenance planning, minimize operational disruptions, and improve uptime.

With the launch of Veryon Reliability, formerly known as RCMBT Reliability Decision Support Systems (RDSS), Veryon has now integrated the AI-powered capabilities of its Veryon Diagnostics platform with the advanced decision-support features of RDSS, creating a unified solution. Veryon Reliability leverages proprietary machine-learning algorithms and pattern recognition technology to detect failure trends, predict short-life components, and identify rogue parts before they fail. By enabling operators to take proactive action, the solution reduces the risk of costly disruptions and enhances overall fleet reliability. As part of the Veryon Diagnostics platform, operators can see a comprehensive picture across parts, chronic defects, root causes, and first-time fixes, facilitating predictive analytics and advanced maintenance planning and strategies.

“With Veryon Reliability, we are equipping operators with AI-powered failure predictions, real-time parts forecasting, and automated reliability insights,” said Kris Volrath, senior vice president of product at Veryon. “This expansion represents a significant advancement in our predictive maintenance capabilities, allowing operators to transition from reactive repairs to proactive decision-making that enhances aircraft availability, reduces maintenance costs, and improves operational efficiency.”

Volrath added, “When paired with Veryon Guided Troubleshooting, operators have a fully closed-loop solution for reliability as well as troubleshooting. This combination allows them to rapidly return their aircraft to service in a safe and compliant manner.”

Getting started with Veryon Reliability is a streamlined and proven process. Operators collaborate with Veryon to provide the necessary data, utilizing the same successful implementation framework established with Veryon Diagnostics. With both products now seamlessly integrated, operators benefit from a single data integration that enhances onboarding efficiency, strengthens data security, and delivers connected, actionable insights.

Bethany Little, CEO of Veryon, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation in aviation maintenance technology. “Veryon Reliability is another milestone in our mission to transform aviation maintenance with intelligent, data-driven solutions,” said Little. “By harnessing AI and automation, we empower operators and their OEMs to make informed, proactive decisions—resulting in safer, more efficient, and cost-effective operations.”

Liebherr Signs Landing Gear Overhaul Agreement with SkyWest Airlines

Liebherr-Aerospace Saline, Inc., Michigan (USA) and SkyWest Airlines based in St. George, Utah (USA) have reached a definitive agreement for landing gear overhaul and systems maintenance on a defined portion of SkyWest Airlines’ Embraer 175-E1 fleet. Program overhauls will commence in 2025 and undergo complete “restoration” in accordance with Embraer’s  requirements for continuing intervals of 30,000 flight hours or 12 calendar years.

From the first entry into service in 2004, the Embraer 170/175-E1 family aircraft have proven highly successful with over 950 deliveries and current production backlog. Will Dew, managing director commercial at Liebherr-Aerospace Saline, Inc. noted: “We initiated induction lines for the first Americas region overhauls in 2012 and have continuously operated active lines for the complete Embraer E170/175/190/195-E1 family since that time. Over the course of the prior three years, we have undertaken a structural transformation of our MRO activities to establish additional capacity, mature efficiencies, and anchor supply chain resilience within the landing gear product line. In this upcoming phase of overhauls, we welcome SkyWest Airlines as a lead customer that will benefit from this achievement.”

The complete landing gear system for the Embraer E1 generation of E-Jets was developed and is manufactured by Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH (Germany), Liebherr’s center of competence for flight control and landing gear systems.

FUCHS Announces New President of North American Operations

FUCHS Lubricants Co., the world’s largest independent lubricant supplier, announced the appointment of Megan O’Meara as the new president of FUCHS North America, effective February 10, 2025. In her role, O’Meara will oversee key functions including sales, marketing, technical, product management, IT, and digital transformation for the North American operations.

O’Meara brings over two decades of professional experience to FUCHS, with a strong background in strategy, business development, and organizational transformation. Her career includes 11 years at BASF, where she progressed through various commercial and strategy roles, ultimately serving as strategy manager for North America and head of management consulting.

Most recently, O’Meara held the position of vice president, fiber and filament business at AdvanSix, where she successfully led business transformation efforts and enhanced customer development and engagement. Prior to this, she served as vice president of corporate strategy and development at AdvanSix, driving the company’s growth strategy through both organic initiatives and mergers and acquisitions. O’Meara’s academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Alabama and an MBA from Pace University in New York City.

“I am excited to join this talented organization and contribute to our continued success here in North America,” stated O’Meara. “FUCHS is an amazing company with a broad portfolio of innovative application solutions, both products and services, paired with a global footprint that is unmatched in the industry. In this role I am looking forward to leveraging our deep industry expertise and passion for our customers to drive success, while ensuring we meet our goals through proven products and technical advancements.”

Throughout her career, O’Meara has demonstrated a strong ability to accelerate growth by implementing effective strategies and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Her appointment aligns with FUCHS’s commitment to driving growth and innovation in the lubricant industry.

“I’m excited to have Megan onboard, as her extensive experience and strong leadership will be key to our growth in North America. Her strategic decision-making and ability to foster collaboration will drive success and help us exceed our goals in the coming years,” remarked Keith Brewer, CEO of FUCHS Lubricants Co.