Category: Commercial

Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP) Launches Global Search for AI-Powered Aviation MRO Innovations

Following the success of the 2022 LTP Startup Challenge, Seedstars announced the launch of the LTP Startup Challenge 2024, a global open call for entrepreneurs and startups to develop cutting-edge AI solutions for the aviation MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) industry. Interested applicants can sign up for the challenge before July 16, 2024, for AI-enabled solutions and September 3, 2024, for innovative MRO solutions at https://seedsta.rs/ApplyLTP.

The aviation industry is witnessing a transformative shift with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. AI has the potential to revolutionize aviation MRO processes, enhancing safety, efficiency, and overall performance. LTP recognizes the immense potential of AI in aviation MRO and is committed to fostering innovation and collaboration among startups aiming to leverage AI to optimize existing MRO processes.

“The LTP Startup Challenge 2024 builds upon the success of our previous program, which saw impressive innovations from startups worldwide,” said Stefan Yordanov, VP Finance and Strategy and Corporate Projects at Lufthansa Technik Philippines. “This year, we are particularly excited to focus on AI-powered solutions that can revolutionize aviation MRO. We believe that the integration of AI will unlock unprecedented efficiency and help us deliver superior services to our customers.”

The 4-day virtual program offers a unique opportunity for high-potential startups to collaborate with LTP’s subject-matter experts, gaining invaluable insights into the aviation MRO landscape. Participants will receive venture-building support to strengthen their business foundations and tailor their solutions for implementation in the aviation MRO industry.

“We are thrilled that Lufthansa Technik Philippines will once again drive innovation in the aviation MRO sector,” said Natnicha Lertplakorn, Program Manager at Seedstars. “The LTP Startup Challenge 2024 provides a platform for visionary entrepreneurs to showcase their AI solutions, explore partnerships with industry leaders, and contribute to the advancement of the aviation MRO industry.”

The program will culminate in a main pitching and exhibition event in October 2024, where startups will have the chance to present their solutions to investors and LTP teams. Up to three ventures will be selected and invited to visit the LTP headquarters for in-depth negotiations and potential collaboration opportunities.

Startups and entrepreneurs from around the globe with innovative solutions designed to enhance aviation MRO operations are encouraged to apply. The program has a strong interest in AI-enabled solutions that improve the MRO process and administrative tasks.

Mike Audus Named DVP & Business Unit Manager AMETEK MRO, Europe

 AMETEK MRO has named Mike Audus as its new DVP & business unit manager – MRO Europe.  In this new role, Audus will be responsible for driving customer satisfaction and growth, leading AMETEK MRO’s multiple businesses across Europe including: Muirhead Avionics, AEM, AvTech and Antavia.

With a career to date focused on avionics, power management systems and engine MRO, Audus has significant experience of working closely with airlines, military organizations, and across the OEM/prime manufacturer sector.

He joins AMETEK MRO as the organization reinforces its footprint in Europe. A new facility for Muirhead Avionics incorporating AvTech’s capabilities opened near LHR last year, and additional battery and wheels & brakes repair shops have recently on stream for Antavia near CDG in Paris.

Audus says that the fast-paced growth of the business, and the opportunity to get back to aircraft component MRO support after his lengthy stint with the OEMs, were the catalysts for the move. “I am keen to take responsibility for the performance of the business and bring commercial and operational skills to the table – the potential is far-reaching across the aviation industry” he explains.

“AMETEK MRO businesses in Europe have a proud heritage and strong business ethos anchored by their niche technical expertise and a reputation for excellent performance. Airlines, parts broker customers, and specifically our OEM partners entrust their MRO services to AMETEK MRO due to the services provided by our highly trained technicians and quality of work they deliver.  We are underpinned by solid partnerships throughout the supply chain which firmly support the needs of customers.

“I have worked in operations across many countries and cultures and would describe myself as an absolute Lean zealot. Removal of waste and creating value are key for me, coupled with nurturing and sustaining a culture at AMETEK MRO that everyone wants to be a part of.”

AMETEK MRO companies in Europe:  AEM, ANTAVIA, AVTECH and MUIRHEAD AVIONICS, anticipate that the next five years will be busy as the aviation sector continues to grow quickly and mature aircraft assets remain in demand as new aircraft deliveries suffer from continued supply-chain induced delays.

Audus is conscious that this growth will lead to new challenges for the OEMs and repair vendors across the region. He says, “AMETEK MRO has six main product areas: actuation, thermal management, landing gear and brakes, avionics, safety equipment and power generation. We publish monthly stock forecasts for some of our suppliers, thereby managing our customers’ expectations in terms of repair schedules and unit deliveries – and this helps them to plan efficiently.

“Innovation, and harnessing change to bring new customer benefits that maximize uptime and reduce maintenance costs, are always key components of our business strategy” summarizes Audus. “AMETEK MRO is always looking to invest, partner and establish capability that supports airlines and operators in both commercial and military sectors.”

Bluestreak I Bright AM Achieves CMMC Registered Practitioner Organization Status

Bluestreak Compliance, a division of Bluestreak | Bright AM, a quality management and manufacturing execution system software company, proudly announces its approval as a CMMC Registered Practitioner Organization (RPO) by the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body (Cyber-AB). This significant achievement enables Bluestreak Compliance™to offer expert consulting services to defense contractors and suppliers aiming to comply with CMMC cybersecurity standards and prepare for their Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) audits.

In January 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD) introduced the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program to ensure that contractors have implemented adequate security measures to protect sensitive data across its extensive 300,000-contractor supply chain, known as the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). The CMMC 2.0 framework includes three certification levels, from Foundational to Expert, covering 14 control families and 110 practices aligned with NIST SP 800-171 R2.
Although CMMC 2.0 has not been fully released, the DoD plans to implement the CMMC program under a four-phased plan starting as early as Q1 2025, with all new solicitations for contracts involving Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) by October 1, 2026, to secure DoD contracts.

“CMMC certification is critical for your business because it sets clear and rigorous cybersecurity standards, ensuring that all contractors meet essential security requirements to protect sensitive information and strengthen our national defense,” said Joe Coleman, cyber security officer, CMMC-RPA. “If you do any work for a DoD contractor or handle CUI in any way, you must become certified.”

Aerospace Xelerated Announces Pitch Competition for Startups During the Farnborough International Airshow

  • Startups from anywhere in the world will compete to win prizes including cash, mentorship, and introductions to key industry stakeholders to help grow their businesses;
  • Competition is open to early-stage companies addressing one of the challenge topics – Innovative Workforce; Sustainability in Aerospace; Next-Gen Travel.
  • Startups should submit a 3-minute recording of the applicant pitching their business; their pitch decks, and their application for consideration via an online form; the deadline to apply is 17 June.

Aerospace Xelerated (AX) announced it will run a pitching competition during this year’s Farnborough International Airshow (FIA), on 25 July. The winning startup will get a prize of £5,000 plus six months of mentorship from the AX team as well as exclusive exhibition space for the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow to help them grow their business – the second place will also get a prize of £2,500 and 3 months of mentorship. 

All shortlisted startups will also benefit from the opportunity to showcase their business to key stakeholders from leading organizations within the aviation, aerospace & defense industries. The deadline to apply is 17 June.

Startups from anywhere in the world can apply as long as they are able to attend FIA on Pitch Day (25 July 2024) and can cover the costs of travel to the conference. Eligible companies should be early-stage (Pre-Seed to Seed); registered; founded in 2021 or after; and address one of the challenge topics – Innovative Workforce; Sustainability in Aerospace; Next-Gen Travel.

The competition is open to both software and hardware companies. Startups should submit a 3-minute recording of the applicant pitching their business; their pitch decks and their application for consideration via an online form. A shortlist will be announced by mid-June.

AX is a global accelerator and innovation program delivered in partnership with corporate and government partners, including the Boeing Company, Tawazun Council, GKN Aerospace, Etihad Airways, Rolls-Royce and the UK’s Defense and Security Accelerator. AX will have a dedicated startup area at FIA’s Startup Zone– the first of its kind in the show’s history – where 16 of its portfolio companies will be present. Located in Hall 3 (Area 3100), The Aerospace Xelerated Innovation Zone will have a lounge area, where exhibiting portfolio companies can host meetings, and a stage with panels, workshops, product demos, and more.

Taking place 22-26 July 2024, Farnborough International Airshow will see global aerospace and defence leaders return to Hampshire, United Kingdom, for five days of unrivalled opportunities to discover the latest pioneering technology and engineering, announce historic partnerships, and collaboratively work towards the cumulative sustainable aerospace vision. The introduction of the Startup Zone, in partnership with Aerospace Xelerated, will support the show’s role in powering excellence and innovation across the global aerospace and defence industries. 

“The collaboration between AX and FIA will encourage innovation within the aerospace industry, highlight FIA’s first-ever Startup Zone, and support early startups, providing them with a unique platform to showcase their groundbreaking solutions to a global audience of industry leaders, investors, and corporates,” said Nichola Bates, managing partner at Aerospace Xelerated.

Joe Muir, commercial aerospace director of Farnborough International, added: “Representing the apex of aviation, the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow will demonstrate the future of the industry to the global aerospace sector. We are proud to join Aerospace Xelerated’s growing ecosystem of partners, with the aim to support collaborative innovation between the titans of industry and the newest trailblazers and highlight the pioneering startups entering the industry with new, sustainable technology.”

Aerospace Xelerated provides investment, mentorship, and support for startups and SMEs developing scalable and sustainable tech solutions for the aerospace industry and beyond. For the last four years, Aerospace Xelerated has invested in, mentored, and supported  40+ startups from 15 countries around the globe. To date, AX-supported companies have raised over £250M in additional funding — beyond the program´s initial £100,000 equity investment into each and created 750+ new, high-skilled jobs internationally. 

For more information go to xelerated.aero

flyadeal and Lufthansa Technik Strengthen Partnership

Saudi Arabian airline flyadeal and Lufthansa Technik are expanding their cooperation in the field of digital engineering. With the five-year contract extension for Aircraft Engineering Services and the selection of AMOS Airline Edition and AMOScloud, operated by Swiss-AS, as M&E (maintenance and engineering) software solution, flyadeal is further advancing its efforts to digitally transform technical operations. This marks a significant milestone for all partners and sets new standards for efficiency and 
innovation. 

flyadeal has chosen Lufthansa Technik with enhancing its maintenance and engineering processes and by selecting Swiss-AS’s AMOS Airline Edition software package and Aircraft Engineering Services. The Jeddah-based airline is well positioned to achieve operational excellence and increase productivity through the digitalization of its technical operations. AMOS serves the airline as a central hub for managing maintenance operations, leveraging data-driven insights to optimize efficiency, ensure compliance, and drive innovation in aircraft maintenance practices.

Lufthansa Technik’s Aircraft Engineering Services will continue to deliver extensive engineering solutions for flyadeal such as maintenance programs, life-time status tracking and in-depth reliability analysis of the entire fleet by using AMOS and cloud services.

“flyadeal is delighted to strengthen our partnership with Lufthansa Technic on the engineering and maintenance side, and begin working with Swiss-AS to enhance the digitalization of our technical operations,” said Ahmed Bakadam, flyadeal director of Engineering & Maintenance. “This is a major step towards optimizing flyadeal’s maintenance activities through digital platforms ensuring greater operational efficiency and lower operational costs.”

Philip Mende, Vice President Digital Fleet Solutions at Lufthansa Technik said: “We are grateful for flyadeal’s continued trust in the expertise of Lufthansa Technik. Our Digital Tech Ops Ecosystem is playing a key role in shaping digital transformation in the technical operation of aircraft. While AMOS delivers great and increasing value individually, the combination of all digital solutions within our ecosystem further provides additional benefits for our partners.” 

“We are pleased to continue to support flyadeal with our Aircraft Engineering Services. We focus on the technical optimization of the fleet based on a continuous, safety-oriented and closed-loop monitoring system,” added Frank Martens, senior director sales AVIATAR, Aircraft Engineering Services and Digital Products. “Our partner benefits from our specialization in providing technical services in AMOS by using a cost-efficient global production system enhanced with digital, intelligent workflows and provide data-driven recommendations for corrective actions as well as follow-up and feedback for continuous monitoring.”

Happy Charles Taylor Day!

Charles Taylor, who was the Wright Brothers’ mechanic and is considered the father of aviation maintenance, was born on May 24th. AMT Day is celebrated each year in the aviation maintenance industry and honors Charles Taylor on the date of his birth. Like Taylor, aircraft mechanics are truly the unsung heroes of the aviation industry. Congress passed a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National AMT Day in 2008. After several years of continuous effort, Senate Resolution #SRES335 passed in December 2016, joining Congressional Resolution #RES#444, recognizing May 24 as AMT Day, and the day is now observed in many states in the U.S. Here’s to all the people who work selflessly to ensure the safety of our air transportation system.

GE Aerospace to Hire More Than 900 Engineers This Year

GE Aerospace says it plans to hire more than 900 engineers in 2024, reflecting its continued focus on innovation to support current aircraft engine programs and develop new technologies for the future of flight.

Hiring has already started and will take place throughout the year. Openings include experienced engineer roles for programs like CFM International’s Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) technology demonstrator and advanced military engine programs.

Most engineering roles are expected to be filled in the U.S. with positions available globally.

“Throughout our history, GE Aerospace has been at the forefront of innovation,” said Mohamed Ali, vice president of engineering for GE Aerospace. “Today, we’re entering a new era of technology development focused on reducing emissions with new architectures, advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and supercomputing capabilities revolutionizing what’s possible. Now as a standalone public company with innovation at the core of what we do, we look forward to welcoming more engineers to help us invent the future of flight.”

Top disciplines in high demand include mechanical and thermal design, analysis, systems, controls and aerodynamics.

“GE Aerospace is proud to power the flying military fleet and supply advanced avionics and electric power systems to military and commercial customers around the world,” said Darin DiTommaso, vice president of engineering for GE Aerospace Defense & Systems. “Our revolutionary new technologies and capabilities are laying the foundation for generations to come, and we are excited to welcome experienced engineers who will help ensure continued U.S. aviation superiority.”

Continued Investment
In 2023, GE Aerospace spent approximately $2.3 billion on aviation research and development, including external customer and partner funding. To continue advancing technology building blocks to redefine the future of flight, plans for research and development spending in 2024 are in the range of 6-8% of revenues including external funding.

Engineering hiring efforts for technology innovation follows an announcement made earlier this year that GE Aerospace plans to invest $650 million in its manufacturing facilities and supply chain. These investments look to increase production and strengthen quality to better support commercial and defense customers.

Innovative Engineering
The company says testing and development for the CFM RISE program continues to progress. Unveiled in 2021, GE Aerospace says the RISE program is advancing a suite of pioneering technologies, including advanced engine architectures like Open Fan, compact core, combustion technology, and hybrid electric systems to be compatible with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The CFM RISE program targets more than 20% better fuel efficiency with 20% lower CO2 emissions compared to the most efficient engines in service today.

Additionally, GE Aerospace says it has completed the next series of testing on its XA100 adaptive cycle engine to gather additional data and advance this next-generation technology for future combat aircraft. Adaptive cycle engines are critical to ensure U.S. combat aircraft maintain their superiority by providing 30 percent greater range and significantly more thermal management compared to today’s most advanced combat engine.

Cultivating Talent
Engineers at all stages of their career can impact aviation for decades to come at GE Aerospace, with a strong need for experienced engineers. The company offers multiple talent development programs, such as the longstanding early career Edison Engineering development Program and Take2Flight, a new career relaunch program for engineering professionals ready to return to work after a break of one year or more.

The GE Aerospace Foundation says it is also making investments in the next generation engineering workforce and recently announcing a $20 million dollar commitment to expand the Next Engineers program. This program aims to increase the diversity of young workers in engineering, bridging the gap from middle school to college and has reached nearly 18,000 students since it began in 2021.

Patrick de Castelbajac named Chief Strategy Officer for GE Aerospace

GE Aerospace announced Patrick de Castelbajac will join the company as chief strategy officer, effective June 24, 2024, reporting to GE Aerospace chairman and CEO, H. Lawrence Culp Jr.  

De Castelbajac will lead the company’s enterprise strategic planning, working in partnership with GE Aerospace’s business and functional teams to support long-term growth by optimizing capital deployment with strategic investments across the company.

“Patrick is well regarded as one of the aerospace industry’s leading strategic operators,” said H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., GE Aerospace chairman and CEO “With his deep experience in enterprise-wide planning and execution, he will shape our investment in technology to enable the future of flight, and unlock new opportunities to drive focused, disciplined growth.”

De Castelbajac previously served in several executive positions at Airbus, including as Executive Vice President of Strategy & International, where he led the launch of the company’s zero-emission/hydrogen initiative and steered the acquisition of Bombardier CSeries (rebranded A220 Program), and additionally as President, Asia-Pacific. He also served as CEO of ATR Aircraft, the Airbus-Leonardo turboprop joint venture. More recently, he was CEO of Nordic Aviation Capital, where he successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic through contract and debt restructuring.

“I’m both thrilled and honored to join GE Aerospace at this pivotal moment in its great history and am looking forward to working with the teams to unleash their full potential, developing actionable strategies and supporting the sustainable growth of our industry,” said de Castelbajac.

Saudia Group and Airbus Sign the Largest Aircraft Deal in Saudi Aviation

Saudia Group announced the largest aircraft deal in Saudi aviation history with Airbus during the first day of the Future Aviation Forum 2024 held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This landmark agreement encompasses 105 confirmed aircraft and marks a significant moment not only for the Saudi aviation industry but also for the wider MENA region. The ceremony, in the presence of the minister of Transport and Logistics Services and chairman of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, Saleh Al-Jasser, was attended by dignitaries, country ambassadors and key figures from the global aviation sector, as well as a multitude of media representatives and industry experts specializing in travel, aviation, and transportation.

The deal, signed by Ibrahim Al Omar, the director general of Saudia Group, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, executive vice president sales of the commercial aircraft business, includes A320neo and A321neo models. These aircraft will be distributed between Saudia and flyadeal, the group’s low-cost carrier. Saudia will acquire 54 A321neo aircraft, while flyadeal will receive 12 A320neo and 39 A321neo aircraft.

The new aircraft directly supports Saudia Group’s objectives to connect the world with the country, aligning with several key pillars of Saudi Vision 2030. These include the transportation and logistics objective to increase guest capacity to 330 million and expand destinations to 250 by 2030, and the tourism objective to attract 150 million visits by 2030. This is in addition to the Hajj and Umrah objective to contribute to the increase of Umrah pilgrim capacity to 30 million by 2030.

“The new additions of the A320neo family aircraft will play a vital role in contributing to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP sales of the commercial aircraft business. “It will enable Saudia Group’s strategy to advance the Kingdom’s aviation capabilities while enabling both airlines to benefit from the A320neo Family’s exceptional efficiency, superior economics, highest level of passenger comfort as well as lower fuel-burn and emissions.”

Porter and Ottawa Airport Celebrate Grand Opening of Aircraft Maintenance Base

Porter Aviation Holdings Inc. (PAHI), parent company of Porter Airlines, and the Ottawa International Airport Authority (OIAA) are celebrating the grand opening of Porter’s YOW aircraft hangars and maintenance base.

The two aircraft hangars are approximately 150,000 sq. ft. in combined size, supporting the maintenance of Porter’s growing Embraer E195-E2 fleet and existing De Havilland Dash 8-400s. The airline has up to 100 E195-E2s on order, with 33 currently in service. The Dash 8-400 fleet totals 29 aircraft.

OIAA has constructed a new taxiway and related infrastructure to support the hangar development. The growth at the airport represents a combined $125 million investment in YOW’s future.

YOW will be a primary maintenance base for Porter, with 200 local team members being hired to support its operation. This includes 160 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs), plus shop technicians, stores clerks and administrative support. These represent highly-skilled roles that will be based in the city. To support this endeavor, Porter and Algonquin College are establishing a long-term strategic partnership to enhance work-integrated learning opportunities across all areas of the business, and to support program development and training, with specific activities taking place at the Ottawa hangars. Notable programs at Algonquin College include Aircraft Maintenance Technician and Aviation Management. These initiatives are designed to align with the growing needs of the aviation industry and demonstrate the shared commitment to the future of aviation professionals.

Ottawa is Porter’s fastest-growing market outside of Toronto, feeding into the airline’s strong Eastern Canada network and its growing western markets. This summer, Porter will offer more daily flights from YOW than any other carrier, with 16 non-stop routes and approximately two million passengers travelling through YOW in 2024. By the end of this year, Porter expects to employ more than 400 team members in Ottawa, representing customer service, pilots, flight attendants and maintenance.

OIAA invested $15 million constructing Taxiway Romeo in the airport’s north field area. This represents the first airside expansion project in the OIAA’s 20-year history. It accommodates Porter’s hangar development, as well as future federal government needs, and other commercial aviation-related development.

“The investments we are making in the new aircraft hangars and local hiring are foundational to Porter’s future in Ottawa,” said Michael Deluce, CEO, PAHI. “Porter’s presence at YOW has grown significantly in the past year, with new non-stop routes using both our E195s and Dash 8s, and plans to add an E195-E2 crew base at the airport. Our partnership with Algonquin College is extremely valuable for both organizations, providing us with access to local talent and giving students career opportunities that are close to home. We are meaningfully investing in Canada’s Capital Region and see more growth in its future.”

Claude Brulé, president of Algonquin College added: “Our collaboration with Porter Airlines is a cornerstone of our strategy to integrate industry-leading practices into our curriculum and provide our students with unmatched real-world experience. This partnership not only aligns with our mission to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success but also enhances our contributions to the aviation industry.”

Sustainability

The hangars are designed and built with sustainability in mind, including the following features:

  • A predominantly electric fleet of vehicles that will be used for towing and servicing aircraft, as well as ground support.
  • Design criteria that exceeds current energy efficiency standards, including for insulation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting and electrical power systems.
  • The hangars are clad in Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs).
    • Superior to the standard metal siding usually found on aircraft hangars.
    • The anticipated lifespan is greater than 60 years.
    • Constructed with approximately 35% recycled steel and, at end of life, can in turn be recycled.
    • Constructed from materials that have a low embodied carbon footprint – 28% lower than conventional tilt-up assemblies.
  • The structure spans 85.6 m (280 ft.). This substantial clear span has been achieved using prefabricated trusses. The steel tonnage to span ratio is approximately 30% less than conventional rolled steel section beams.
  • Fire protection involves dual systems. In addition to a conventional sprinkler system, the aircraft parking and maintenance areas are equipped with an instantaneous foam deluge system. In the event of a fire, the multi-layers of fire suppression do not rely on a conventional single source of water supply. The city hydrant system is fully supplemented by an onsite underground water storage tank containing approximately 1.2 million litres of water.
  • Stormwater management has become an important factor in both commercial and industrial developments. Instead of rain/stormwater flowing directly to and overstressing existing city mains, two 173,000-litre underground tanks are being installed at the Porter hangars to capture excess.

The hangars are designed by Scott Associates Architects, with PCL Construction acting as Construction Manager, together with Span Construction & Engineering.