Category: Commercial

Ultramain Systems Welcomes flydubai as New ULTRAMAIN ELB Customer

Ultramain Systems announced its partnership with Dubai-based airline, flydubai. This partnership marks a step forward for both companies, reinforcing Ultramain System’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to their customers, the company says.

Ultramain Systems’ digital solution, ULTRAMAIN ELB, will further support flydubai’s efforts to invest in technologies that drive operational efficiency and added accuracy as well as its ongoing commitment to the highest safety standards. The transition to the digital log will enable the airline to improve data accessibility for its pilots and engineers while removing the necessity for manual scanning of paper log pages. With real-time access to information, this will result in improved collaboration across the organization.

“We are excited to welcome flydubai to our growing customer community,” said Tim Spears, vice president of Onboard Systems at Ultramain Systems. “This relationship expands our growth and presence in Dubai and further underscores our ability to meet the diverse business needs in the aviation industry. We are excited to work with flydubai to achieve outstanding results and we look forward to a successful partnership.”

Christian Hall, vice president of engineering at flydubai, said: “we are pleased to have partnered with Ultramain Systems. We are committed to adopting digital best practices to enhance our operational efficiency. The implementation of this digital solution will allow for real-time data tracking, advanced analytics, optimised performance as well as added compliance benefits without the need for bulky paper logbooks. We look forward to incorporating the electronic technical logbooks in our operations over the next few months.”

Dr. Johannes Bussmann to Become New CEO of MTU Aero Engines AG

Dr. Johannes Bussmann is to become the new CEO of MTU Aero Engines. This was unanimously decided by the supervisory board of the DAX-listed company at meeting in December. The contract term will be for five years.

Bussmann is expected to take up his new role in the course of 2025. He is currently CEO of TÜV Süd. Prior to that, the aerospace engineer, who holds a doctorate in aerospace engineering, spent seven years leading  maintenance, repair and overhaul specialist Lufthansa Technik. He has been a member of the MTU Supervisory Board since 2024 and will now succeed Lars Wagner at the helm of the company. At the end of October, Wagner announced that he would not be available for an additional term of office after his mandate, which runs until the end of 2025, in order to take on a new professional challenge as CEO of the commercial aircraft division at Airbus. Bussmann will resign from the MTU Supervisory Board in turn.

“We are delighted that, in Johannes Bussmann, we have been able to find an outstanding aviation expert with close ties to MTU to succeed as CEO,” says Gordon Riske, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of MTU Aero Engines AG. “After a record year in 2024, he will continue the profitable growth and transformation of the company and successfully lead MTU into the future.”

 “I would like to thank the Supervisory Board for the trust it has placed in me and I look forward to the opportunity to continue MTU’s success story with the Executive Board,” said Bussmann. “The company has a successful business model, excellent prospects and a great, value-based culture.”

Bussmann holds a degree in aerospace engineering and a doctorate in combustion technology from RWTH Aachen University. He took over as CEO of TÜV Süd in Munich at the beginning of 2023. Prior to that, he spent more than two decades in various management positions at Lufthansa Technik, serving as chief human resources and production officer from 2012 and as CEO from 2015. In this role, he played a key role in the 2017 establishment of EME Aero in Rzeszów, Poland, an engine MRO joint venture between MTU and Lufthansa Technik.

“Johannes Bussmann, an experienced aviation industry professional, has been a trusted advisor to MTU for many years. We know, respect and appreciate each other and we will ensure a smooth transition between us,” adds CEO Lars Wagner. The exact date Wagner’s responsibilities will be transferred to his successor will be announced in due course.

RH Aero Announces New EVP & CFO

RH Aero Systems, the new corporate brand created after Rhinestahl acquired HYDRO Systems GmbH & Co. KG in May 2024, has announced that Amanda Presti, CMA, CPA, is joining the company as executive vice president & CFO In this role, Presti will be responsible for leading RH Aero’s global Finance, IT and HR teams.

Presti’s expertise includes more than 25 years of corporate strategy development, execution, and business transformation. She held a senior leadership position with Procter & Gamble prior to joining RH Aero. Presti is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified Management Accountant.  She holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Finance & Accounting from Wilfrid Laurier University.

FL Technics Indonesia Gets Australian Approval, Boosting Aviation and Tourism in Bali

FL Technics Indonesia has achieved a significant milestone with the granting of approval by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia. This marks the first occasion that CASA has extended this level of approval to FL Technics Indonesia, thereby authorizing the company to deliver a comprehensive range of aviation maintenance services at both I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta. The approval underscores FL TechnicsIndonesia’s commitment to supporting the continued growth and development of the aviation sector, particularly in Bali, a rapidly expanding hub for international air traffic.

Bali, one of the world’s premier holiday destinations, sees over 250 flights per week from major Australian cities, with an average of 40 flights per day. This growing demand for air travel between Australia and Bali underscores the importance of reliable aviation services. By receiving CASA approval, FL Technics Indonesia is poised to support this demand, ensuring safe travel for tourists and bolstering the island’s tourism industry.

“Receiving CASA approval is a pivotal moment for FL Technics Indonesia, as it not only strengthens our ability to provide comprehensive aviation services for Boeing 737s (Classic, NG, and MAX) and Airbus CEO and NEO models at both DPS and CGK, but also supports Indonesia’s broader goals for tourism and aviation,” said Martynas Grigas, CEO of FL Technics Indonesia. “This approval aligns with the government’s vision to enhance Indonesia’s tourism sector, and our expanded capabilities will help ensure a safe and efficient travel experience for visitors to Bali.”

As the first company to offer extensive aviation maintenance services in Bali, FL Technics Indonesia is leading the way in meeting the growing needs of airlines operating in the region. This approval enables the company to offer critical maintenance services, playing an important role in maintaining the safety and reliability of aircraft flying into Bali, which will have a positive impact on both the local economy and the broader aviation sector in Indonesia.

Broward Aviation Services Acquires Boeing 737 NG from AerCap for Disassembly

Broward Aviation Services (BAS) has acquired a B737 (MSN 32798) airframe from AerCap. Previously operated by South Korean operator, t’way Air, disassembly for the year 2004 vintage aircraft will be undertaken at the AerCap Materials facility in Greenwood-Leflore County Airport Mississippi and be completed mid-February. 

Dennis Amaty, co-founder and president of the BAS Group of companies, said that around 800 desirable torn down assets will be harvested from the airframe, repaired and put into stock at the organization’s hubs in the US, and at their new facility in Shannon, Ireland, to support customers worldwide for all MRO and AOG requirements. “We’re procuring airframes and engines for teardown to boost our inventory and enable us to better serve our rapidly expanding global customer base. We have inventory valued at over $60 million and are actively focusing on stock for the B737NG aircraft type.”

After teardown all parts will go to specialist shops for repair and overhaul including Jet Air MRO and Air Accessories & Avionics which are both BAS Group companies.

Craig Padvaiskas, vice president of asset management, confirms that the airframe was acquired in partnership from AerCap via competitive tender. “We’re focused on building real depth in our parts portfolio and we recently dismantled a 737-700 to boost USM stock supporting narrowbody operators and MROs seeking comprehensive and efficient component provision 24/7. We seek to develop our capabilities and cement our reputation as a trusted and reliable partner for lessors and airlines that want to sell mature assets.”

Czech Airlines Technics Choose QOCO MROTools to Improve Tooling Control

Aviation software solutions provider QOCO Systems has entered into a long-term agreement with Czech Airlines Technics (CSAT) for its advanced aviation MRO tooling inventory application QOCO MROTools.  

The agreement will bring many advantages in operational efficiency to CSAT, helping to accelerate the digitalization of critical and time consuming operations related to tooling management. QOCO MROTools is designed to simplify the process of booking, returning and tracking tools needed for the aircraft maintenance and repairs. It is currently used by countless airlines and MROs including Finnair, Endeavor (part of Delta Group) and TAP Portugal among others.

“We are very happy to provide CSAT with a solution that will significantly advance their digitalization efforts even further and welcome them to a list of already satisfied customers. In a market situation where the industry is struggling with resource shortage and increased need for efficiency QOCO MROTools will help CSAT to ensure more efficient and safer tooling management”, says Matti Nevala, CEO of QOCO Systems. 

“CSAT will be the first independent MRO in the industry to deploy this technology. By digitizing the airline tool lending and introducing cloud service for the AMOS, our M&E system, we are meeting the needs of our lessor and airline customers and providing them with an even greater level of safety and efficiency. Equally important, our mechanics will benefit from the reduction in paperwork that is common in aviation due to safety regulations.”, says Petr Dobersky CEO and chairman of the board of directors at Czech Airlines Technics.

The newly signed partnership agreement with CSAT supports QOCO’s strategy to focus on advancing the digitalization of aircraft maintenance in Europe and the Middle East. Recently, QOCO secured a significant growth investment, which will enable the company to expand its operations also into the U.S. market. QOCO approaches the market with a technology-agnostic mindset but believes in creating value through deep partnerships.

Thales Enhances IFE Support on Vietnam Airlines A350 and B787 Aircraft with FlytCARE services

For almost 10 years Thales has provided uninterrupted support to Vietnam Airlines through a contractual partnership with VAECO. Thales reports that, once again, it has been selected for FlytCARE maintenance services on the AVANT IFE systems across 27 wide body aircraft on Vietnam Airlines’ fleets of Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft.

FlytCARE provides direct, seamless support including spares availability services at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat International Airport at Ho Chi Minh City.

With a  presence established in Vietnam since 1994, Thales has been a trusted partner to the country’s aerospace industry, delivering advanced solutions that address Vietnam’s priorities in aerospace amongst other sectors. 

The agreement further strengthens Thales’ long-term partnership with Vietnam Airlines and its subsidiary VAECO. It emphasizes the provision of spare parts, repair services, and logistics management, along with a commitment to equipment availability while minimizing operational risks. The FlytCARE agreement will provide ongoing IFE product support and services to VAECO, enhancing reliability and ensuring a world-class passenger experience for Vietnam Airlines.

“We are very proud of the trust Vietnam Airlines places in Thales through this multi-year agreement. It highlights our commitment to supporting the Airline in delivering a best-in-class onboard experience,” said Thomas Got, VP of Thales Aviation Global Services. “We are confident that the quality, reliability, and advanced technology of our service solutions will be instrumental in supporting Vietnam Airlines serving more than 20 destinations in Vietnam and 40 countries worldwide.”  

Wall Colmonoy OKC Acquires New CNC Unison Tube Bender for its Aircraft Exhaust Line

Wall Colmonoy Oklahoma City increases productivity with a new CNC Unison Breeze 80mm Electric Pipe and Tube Draw Bender. Paired with its HK Laser & Systems R3R Laser Tube Cutting Machine, this addition marks a significant upgrade to the company’s capabilities to support both OEM and Nicrocraft FAA-PMA aftermarket exhaust part production, streamlining operations, improving productivity and lead times for aircraft exhaust customers.

“The new CNC tube bender completes our state-of-the-art tube line and will greatly improve lead times, enabling OKC to meet growing market demands while maintaining our commitment high-quality standards,” states John Mars, general manager of Wall Colmonoy Oklahoma City.

The Unison Breeze 80mm CNC Electric Tube Bender is highly accurate, all-electric system, replacing manual methods. With an impressive 1,200 mm/sec axis feed speed and 14,800 Nm of bend torque, the machine can perform multi and compound bend for parts with complex geometries. This streamlines operations by eliminating processes, shortening welding times, and decreasing multiple saw operations. As a result, Wall Colmonoy OKC will reduce energy consumption and scrap waste, reinforcing their commitment to contributing to a more productive, efficient, cleaner world.

GMV to Develop New Version of the Galileo High Accuracy Service Data Generator

GMV has been awarded a new contract for the development, deployment, support to commissioning and optionally maintenance of a new version of the data generator for the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) by EUSPA.

Galileo is the first global satellite navigation system to offer free real-time high accuracy positioning corrections to all users.

The new version of the data generator will enhance performance both globally and regionally in Europe and increase user security and confidence in the service through a new authentication feature.

Madrid, 23 January 2024. The multinational technology company GMV has been selected by the European Union Agency for the Space Program (EUSPA) to develop a new version of the High Accuracy Data Generator (HADG) as part of Phase 2 of the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) development. This globally pioneering service is the first to offer free real-time precise positioning corrections to all system users. The first version of the HADG, also developed by GMV, is currently operational and provides users with the Initial Service (Phase 1) of the HAS.

The new contract, with a duration of up to 45 months and a budget of up to 12 million euros, includes the design, development, deployment, support to commissioning and, optionally, maintenance of an improved version of the HADG. This new version will also incorporate the new functionalities required to deliver the services planned for Phase 2 (Full Service) of the HAS deployment.

Specifically, the new version of the HAS data generator will:

· Improve the performance level of Service Level 1 (SL1): The deployment of a new version of GMV’s magicPPP® algorithms for precise corrections calculation and the expansion of the ground station network will provide global coverage and enhance the accuracy and availability of the SL1 service.

· Implement a new Service Level 2 (SL2): This is a new regional service that will be available only in Europe. By transmitting atmospheric corrections, it will make it possible to reduce the convergence time required to achieve maximum accuracy at user-level.

· Implement a new functionality for the authentication of HAS corrections transmitted through the Galileo constellation, thereby increasing user security and confidence in the service.

GMV’s key role

Since 2020, GMV has led the development of the Galileo HAS data generator following the award of the first contract with EUSPA. Since its operational launch in January 2023, the Galileo HAS service has revolutionized positioning services, offering unprecedented accuracy for advanced applications in sectors such as navigation, agriculture, geodesy, and autonomous driving. In the new contract, GMV maintains its role as the main contractor and leader of an industrial consortium that includes atmospheric modelling experts from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) and cybersecurity specialists from Sidertia. According to Miguel Romay, General Manager of Satellite Navigation Systems at GMV: “The new contract to evolve the Galileo HAS service consolidates GMV’s commitment to technological excellence and its leadership capacity in key projects for Europe. This achievement reinforces GMV’s role in Galileo and allows the company to continue innovating to offer transformative solutions that benefit society.”

GMV has been a key player in the technological development and evolution of the Galileo programme since its inception. The company has contributed with numerous innovations that improve the system’s reliability and accuracy, thus positioning Galileo as a global benchmark in satellite navigation. Currently, Galileo, the European Union global navigation satellite system, serves more than 4 billion users worldwide, offering precise positioning, navigation, and timing services. This new contract strengthens GMV’s position as a leader in positioning technologies and drives the advancement of the Galileo programme towards new standards of precision, reliability, and security.

ST Engineering Secures Contract with Korean Air to Provide LEAP-1B Engine Maintenance

ST Engineering announced that its Commercial Aerospace business has signed a five-year CFM LEAP engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) contract with new customer, Korean Air, to support the LEAP-1B engines powering its Boeing 737 MAX fleet. Under the contract, ST Engineering will provide quick-turn services including high pressure turbines (HPT) as well as Performance Restoration Shop Visit (PRSV) services to the airline’s LEAP-1B engines from its MRO facility in Singapore.

Tay Eng Guan, head of Engine Services at ST Engineering, said, “This agreement underscores Korean Air’s confidence in our ability as a trusted partner who can deliver high-quality engine services and support their long-term growth plans. As a Premier MRO provider designated by CFM for the LEAP engines, we are well-positioned to enable airlines to deliver reliable operations.”

ST Engineering is the first independent MRO provider in Asia to be designated a Premier MRO provider in CFM International’s LEAP open MRO ecosystem. Since becoming a Premier MRO provider, ST Engineering has been committed to continuously broadening and deepening its capabilities for LEAP engine services, which include high pressure compressor rotor and HPT rotor balancing, as well as high-speed grinding. It achieved testing capabilities for LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines at its Singapore facility in 2024, and is currently expanding its capabilities to include LEAP PRSV to better support airlines’ growing LEAP engine maintenance demands in the coming years.