Category: PRs

Chromalloy Appoints Voth As VP Of Business Development

Chromalloy announced the appointment of Andres Voth to the role of vice president of business development for the Americas. In this role, Voth will lead all sales and business development activities to support Chromalloy’s commercial aero, military, and energy turbine engine aftermarket customers in the Americas, including the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Voth is rejoining Chromalloy after a decade with AAR Corp, where he served as the regional sales director for the Americas. He spent 12 years with Chromalloy, including business roles at Chromalloy San Diego and as the regional sales director leading commercial aero-engine sales for the United States. He is a seasoned sales executive credited with combining sales, marketing, and business development to deliver substantial revenue growth in highly competitive markets. He has extensive experience and relationships within the aviation and engine aftermarket, with a history of real time communication and driving customer value. Chromalloy says Voth brings a business development approach that is “a unique blend of technical, tactical, international, and strategic customer engagement.”

“We are glad to welcome Andres back to Chromalloy,” shared Chris Celtruda, CEO. “His extensive knowledge of Chromalloy solutions and experience as an engine market sales leader will help accelerate our growth and ensure that we build strong relationships with our customers.”

Voth has a bachelor’s degree in international business from San Diego State University. He will be based in San Diego, California.

Honeywell to Provide APU Maintenance for VietJet Air’s Growing A330 Fleet

Honeywell and Vietjet Air have signed an exclusive five-year agreement for the maintenance of Honeywell’s 331-350 Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) on Vietjet’s fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft. Covering 30 widebody aircraft, this agreement represents a significant expansion of the long-standing partnership between the two companies.

Announced today at the Paris Air Show, the agreement builds on Honeywell’s existing maintenance support for Vietjet’s A330 fleet. It further positions Honeywell as the aftermarket partner of choice for one of Asia’s fastest-growing low-cost carriers.

“Honeywell is proud to support Vietjet’s continued growth with reliable, high-performance APU solutions,” said Dave Marinick, president, engines and power systems, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “Our agreement reflects a shared commitment to both operational excellence and long-term success.”

As Vietjet continues its rapid fleet expansion ­­— including orders for 20 additional A330 Neo aircraft and 200 Boeing 737 Max aircraft — securing scalable and dependable technology partners is critical. The new APU program ensures Honeywell remains at the core of Vietjet’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency and fleet readiness.

“Honeywell’s advanced APU technology and global service expertise have consistently delivered performance and reliability,” said Dr. Dinh Viet Phuong, Vietjet’s chief executive officer. “This expanded partnership reaffirms our confidence in Honeywell as a trusted partner in scaling our widebody operations and delivering cost-efficient service across our network.”

Honeywell says the expansion of this partnership with Vietjet reinforces it’s commitment to delivering world-class aftermarket solutions that help airlines improve availability, reduce operating costs and grow.

Sonic Announces Summer Impact Scholarship Program Winners

Sonic, a leading provider of professional-grade tool solutions and equipment, today announced the winners of the first round of its Impact Scholarship Program. The initiative recognizes exceptional automotive, aviation, and manufacturing technician students who embody the company’s PACE values of Passion, Accountability, Collaboration and Experience.

Five students have been selected from the group of scholarship applicants from across the United States, each receiving a comprehensive set of premium hand tools curated specifically for their trade to support their educational journey and future technician careers. The four aviation student winners each receive the Sonic 263-pc Intermediate Aviation Toolset, within the Next S9 Toolbox. The automotive student winner receives the Sonic 255-pc Basic Automotive Toolset, within the Next S12 XD Toolbox. 

Summer 2025 Scholarship Winners:

Aviation Students:

  • Sydney Pursifull – School of Missionary Aviation Technology in Ionia, Mich., from Rockford, Mich. 
  • Joseph Reid – Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) in Hagerstown, Md., from Martinsburg, W.Va.
  • Aaron Insua – National Aviation Academy in Clearwater, Fla., from Riverview, Fla.  
  • Kevin Farris – Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) in Duluth, Ga., from Monroe, Ga. 

Automotive Student:

  • Creed Crocket – Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Irving, Tx., from Denton, Tx. 

“These five exceptional students represent the future of skilled technicians. Each winner demonstrated not only academic excellence but also a commitment to the PACE values of passion, accountability, collaboration, and experience, that drive success in their chosen fields,” said Colby McConnell, CEO, Sonic USA. “By providing them with professional-grade tools, we’re investing in their ability to focus on learning and skill development rather than the financial burden of acquiring essential equipment. I can’t wait to see how these students use Sonic tools to help propel their careers forward.”

Addressing Critical Industry Needs

The scholarship program directly responds to the growing technician shortage across the automotive, aviation, and manufacturing industries. Sonic recognizes that skilled technicians are essential to keeping critical infrastructure and transportation systems operational, making significant impacts in their respective communities and industries.

Each scholarship package includes tools specifically vetted by technical instructors and industry leaders, ensuring recipients receive equipment that will serve them throughout their educational programs and into their professional careers.

More Scholarships Awarded in the Fall

Sonic will award five additional scholarships in November 2025, completing the inaugural year of the program. Students interested in applying for the November scholarship round must submit proof of enrollment, an instructor recommendation letter, a 500-word essay on exemplifying PACE values and making an impact, and a brief video describing how Sonic tools will advance their respective career goals.

For more information about the Sonic Impact Scholarship, visit http://www.sonictoolsusa.com/scholarship/.

NTSB Recommends Modifications to LEAP-1B Engines

The National Transportation Safety Board issued an urgent safety recommendation Wednesday, June 18, 2025 to address the possibility of smoke entering the cockpit or cabin of airplanes equipped with CFM International LEAP-1B engines and issued additional recommendations to evaluate the potential for the same issue with LEAP-1A and -1C engines.

CFM LEAP engines are used on variants of Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 Max narrow-body passenger jets.

The NTSB found that the engine load reduction device, or LRD, a safety feature designed to reduce the severity of vibrations transmitted from a damaged engine to the airframe, can result in damage to the engine oil system. Such a condition can allow smoke from hot oil to enter the ventilation system and ultimately the cockpit or passenger cabin.

The recommendations stem from the NTSB’s investigation into a December 2023 incident in which smoke entered the airplane after a bird was ingested into the left engine of a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-8 shortly after departing New Orleans, Louisiana. The flight deck filled with what the crew described as “acrid white smoke” so thick that the captain had difficulty seeing the instrument panel. The crew donned masks, were able to clear the smoke, and landed the airplane back in New Orleans. None of the crew or passengers were injured.

A similar engine damage event occurred in March 2023 on another Southwest flight when vapor fog filled the passenger cabin after birds were ingested into the right engine shortly after departing Havana, Cuba. The flight crew declared an emergency and returned to the departure airport without further incident.

Concerned that flight crews operating these airplanes may not be fully aware of the potential hazard of an LRD smoke-related event along with the appropriate mitigation actions, the NTSB issued an urgent safety recommendation to the Federal Aviation Administration asking the agency to ensure that operators inform flight crews of airplanes equipped with the affected engines. Boeing has revised flight manuals for pilots detailing the steps to take to prevent smoke from entering the cockpit or cabin following an LRD activation.

In safety recommendations issued to the FAA, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the NTSB asked the aviation regulators to determine if other variants of the CFM LEAP engine are also susceptible to smoke in the cabin or cockpit when an LRD activates.

The NTSB also asked the FAA and EASA to require all operators of the affected engines to incorporate software modifications developed by CFM and Boeing.

The 11-page aviation investigation report is available online​. 

GKN Aerospace Secures Five-Year Repair Contract Extension with Pratt & Whitney

GKN Aerospace announced the signing of a five-year contract extension with Pratt & Whitney, a RTX business, to continue providing engine component repair services through 2029. This renewal further strengthens the longstanding collaboration between the two companies and underlines GKN Aerospace’s position as a trusted provider of critical engine component repair services.

Under the extended contract, GKN Aerospace will continue to deliver high-quality repairs on Pratt & Whitney and IAE V2500 engine fan blades out of the San Diego site. The services support Pratt & Whitney affiliate locations worldwide and contribute to maintaining performance, reliability, and supply chain continuity.

“This extended agreement is a strong vote of confidence in the value, reliability, and global capability of GKN Aerospace’s Repair Solutions,” said Gerald Coste, senior vice president for the mngines MRO business. “We’re proud to continue supporting Pratt & Whitney and its affiliates around the world with industry-leading MRO services.”

The extension reflects the shared commitment of both companies to advancing operational excellence, supporting global fleets, and driving efficiency in aftermarket services.

FDH Aero Advances Global Growth in Europe and Asia

FDH Aero (FDH), an independent supply chain solutions partner for the aerospace and defense industry, announced recently the company is advancing its global growth and investing long-term in infrastructure and local expertise with expansions across Europe, East Asia, and South Asia. These expansions are fueled by significant contract wins and by establishing long-term partnerships in growth regions. The company says the result for their customers will include better inventory visibility, faster fulfillment and stronger technical support, all tailored to regional demand.

In the EMEA region, FDH Aero’s Center of Excellence in Bremen, Germany, is expanding its relationship with Airbus to supply a broader range of critical components and is strengthening its role in supporting the manufacture of new aircraft to meet global demand. Already an authorized solutions partner for Airbus’s helicopters, defense and space, FDH Aero is creating additional efficiencies and value to help increase manufacturing of commercial aircraft in the region.

Additionally, FDH Aero is expanding its Singapore facility to better serve customers and support growth across Southeast Asia. The company has also established a new sales office in Bengaluru (Bangalore), India, strengthening local inventory and support for FDH Electronics and FDH Hardware as they meet the needs of the country’s fast-growing aerospace manufacturing sector.

“These investments reflect FDH Aero’s commitment to growing alongside our customers around the world,” said Matt Lacki, president of FDH Hardware. “We’re excited to deepen our presence in key markets like Germany, Singapore and India, where we’ve combined great people, deep product knowledge, and operational strength. That’s what gives us the ability to solve problems fast—and solve them locally—ensuring on-time delivery.”

GKN Aerospace Delivers First High Voltage EWIS System for Clean Aviation’s SWITCH Project


GKN Aerospace has completed and delivered the first high voltage Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) for the Clean Aviation SWITCH project. The system, developed at GKN Aerospace’s site in Papendrecht, the Netherlands, is designed for megawatt-class hybrid electric propulsion and will undergo system integration testing later this year at Collins Aerospace’s advanced electric power systems lab, The Grid, in Rockford, Illinois. Following this, it will support future hybrid-electric Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine demonstrator testing at EME Aero in Poland.

The SWITCH project is a major international collaboration focused on developing advanced aircraft propulsion technologies for enabling improved efficiency and performance in future short and medium range aircraft. Led by a consortium including MTU Aero Engines AG, RTX businesses Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace, Airbus, and GKN Aerospace, SWITCH is supported by the European Union through the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking.

GKN Aerospace is responsible for the design, assembly, testing and delivery of the high voltage AC wire harnesses – a critical component in enabling safe, efficient power distribution in hybrid-electric aircraft.

“The delivery of GKN’s high voltage electric wiring system to RTX is a critical next step toward demonstrating the effectiveness of hybrid-electric propulsion technology for future aircraft platforms,” said Kristin Smith, vice president, Electric Power Systems at Collins Aerospace. “As part of the SWITCH project, Collins’ powertrain system will begin testing later this year at The Grid lab before assembly and test of two Collins megawatt-class power motor generators within a full-scale Pratt & Whitney GTF demonstrator engine.”   

John Pritchard, President of Civil Airframe at GKN Aerospace said: “Delivering these first harnesses is a proud milestone for our team in Papendrecht and for GKN Aerospace. The collaboration with our consortium partners is incredibly valuable and brings deep technical insight to this groundbreaking work. Together, we’re shaping the future of flight.”

Hybrid electric aircraft are central to the aviation industry’s ambition to achieve more sustainable aviation. However, as power levels scale from hundreds of kilowatts to multiple megawatts, new high voltage distribution systems are essential. With decades of experience in EWIS technologies for both commercial and military platforms, GKN Aerospace is contributing to building the electrical backbone of future flight. 

AAR Recognized With Branded Classroom at Aviation Institute of Maintenance Chicago

AAR CORP., a provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, is celebrating the unveiling of an AAR branded classroom at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) campus in Chicago.

AIM presented AAR with this honor to thank the Company for its longtime partnership and recent $20,000 donation to fund scholarships for new and returning AIM students. This marks the second classroom branded with AAR logos, images, and career information at an AIM school.

Recognizing an industry-wide demand for skilled talent, AAR and AIM have collaborated on multiple initiatives to foster a strong aviation maintenance training experience and highlight available career opportunities for students and graduates.

“AAR is proud to make scholarships available to students pursuing aviation maintenance coursework and recognizes the important role schools like AIM play in developing the talent of tomorrow,” said Tom Hoferer, AAR’s senior vice president of repair & engineering. “We thank AIM Chicago for featuring AAR in a classroom and hope it further energizes students.”

“AIM thanks AAR for their generous donation and support of our shared interest in making aviation maintenance education within reach,” said Ben Clark, AIM’s Vice President of Outreach & Development. “Our goal is to advance student success and be a preferred aviation maintenance talent pipeline for the industry.”

Liebherr Strengthens Assembly Capabilities in Europe

Liebherr announced that it will realign and further increase its activities at Liebherr-Transportation Systems Marica EOOD in Bulgaria by establishing a new and larger production site in the vicinity of the existing location, which eventually will be vacated. The new site is expected to be fully operational in 2026. On a surface of 20,000 sqm Liebherr will further develop its existing activities for the railway and commercial vehicle markets, with a focus on heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems for trains and cooling systems for refrigerated semi-trailers. 

Further, new assembly capabilities for aerospace applications will be implemented. Over the next years, production is expected to ramp up for the assembly of flight control and air management systems.

The additional assembly capabilities will be key to coping with the increasing market demand and secure continuous long-term performance of industrial operations. It also serves Liebherr’s double-sourcing strategy for increased resilience, positioning the company as a major supplier of systems for the future transport modes.

The realignment of the assembly activities will create additional jobs at the new site in the Plovdiv area, while Liebherr aims to maintain its workforce at the existing sites unaffected, benefiting from growth in other product areas or activities.

Professional Aircraft Accessories Enters Into Agreement With Liebherr-Aerospace

Professional Aircraft Accessories, a Greenwich AeroGroup company, announced today a five-year General Terms Agreement with Liebherr-Aerospace Saline Inc. Under the agreement, Professional Aircraft Accessories will provide comprehensive landing gear component repair and overhaul (CR&O) services for Embraer 170/175 aircraft. The agreement grants Professional Aircraft Accessories full access to documentation, revision services, and technical engineering support for the Embraer 170/175 landing gear. The company has been offering similar support for Embraer 130/135/140/145 models since 2013.

“We’ve been a market leader in regional aircraft CR&O for more than 25 years,” said Keith Johnson, vice president and general manager for Professional Aircraft Accessories. “We’re proud to collaborate with Liebherr to deliver essential services to Embraer regional aircraft operators.” Beyond landing gear capabilities, the company also specializes in the repair and overhaul of hydraulic, electrical and other aircraft components.