Category: PRs

Bombardier Aerospace announced the opening of its newest Regional Support Office (RSO) at Farnborough, UK. The new office, the 10th Bombardier RSO to open outside North America in the past four years, will anchor regional support capabilities for the growing number of Bombardier business aircraft customers in Europe.

The Farnborough RSO is located with the Bombardier business aircraft international sales office within the TAG Farnborough Airport Terminal building and alongside Bombardier’s Authorized Service Facility (ASF), TAG Farnborough Engineering. The new office is staffed by an RSO Manager, who oversees three Field Service Representatives on site, as well as 12 Bombardier Field Service Representatives (FSR) currently located in Belgium, France, Germany and Latvia. The office will also help coordinate efforts of the company’s Mobile Response Team (MRT), which is based throughout Europe. The MRT’s EASA-licensed technical and maintenance experts work in concert with FSRs and the company’s PartsExpress airborne parts delivery service to deliver world-class round the clock Aircraft-on-Ground (AOG) support in the region.

“Our customer base counts on Bombardier support teams embedded in their region,” said Andy Nureddin, Vice President, Customer Services and Support, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “By centralizing our technical expertise and operations support in Farnborough, we will significantly bolster our response times for our European customer base and build lasting partnerships locally and globally to foster efficient operations of Bombardier aircraft.”
More than 560 Bombardier business jets are based in Europe. The Farnborough RSO will provide expertise and support to local customers, as well as customers flying into the region.

Bombardier’s Regional Support Office strategy responds to the growing international business aircraft market and customer requirements. The offices serve as locally based links to Bombardier’s network of highly skilled in-service engineering teams and 24/7 Customer Response Centres (CRC). The offices also work in close collaboration with Bombardier’s maintenance network of wholly owned service centres and ASFs, as well as our network of parts hubs and depots, to provide the highest level of convenience to customers.

Bombardier has been aggressively expanding its customer support network to bring services closer to its growing international customer base. Bombardier also operates RSO locations for business aircraft in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Hong Kong, China; Sa?o Paulo, Brazil; and Singapore. Commercial aircraft RSO locations include Munich, Germany and Tokyo, Japan. The network is complemented by locations jointly supporting commercial and business aircraft operators in Shanghai, China; Sydney, Australia; and Mumbai, India.
Gold medal-calibre support at the London 2012 Summer Olympics

Bombardier business aircraft customers traveling through London during the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympics can expect bolstered on-site support round the clock from July 23 to August 17, 2012. Five FSRs will be posted in the London area, with Bombardier’s dedicated MRT in close proximity. Qualified technicians will also be on standby at the company’s nearby wholly owned Schiphol Service Centre in Amsterdam as well as at three of its Authorized Services Facilities in the London area – Tag Aviation Farnborough & Ocean Sky Jet Centers in Luton and Manchester. Spare parts inventories have been boosted in our Frankfurt warehouse, at TAG Aviation and at the facilities of our key suppliers, Rockwell Collins, Honeywell, Rolls-Royce, General Electric and Pratt & Whitney.

Comtek Advanced Structures receives PDA design approval from Transport Canada for the Q-series radome which applies to the Bombardier Dash 8 Q100/200/300/400 aircraft. This design approval allows Comtek to manufacture and sell certified airworthy radome assemblies directly to operators flying this aircraft. This is expected to significantly reduce the lead time typically required for an operator to procure a radome assembly.

The aftermarket radomes are guaranteed to meet OEM transmissivity requirements, and include features such as venturis that help resist moisture ingression, a common issue that limits the transmissivity of the radome.

Comtek’s aftermarket radomes will replace the existing configurations of Q-series radomes (P/N 4426X-2-10/11/12).

 

Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) announced at the Farnborough Airshow, an exclusive sales and distribution agreement with Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Italy-based subsidiary, Northrop Grumman Italia (NGI), to equip BLACK HAWK utility aircraft with its NAVEX-12 Air Navigation System. Certified to military standards, the NAVEX-12 provides a lower weight, more reliable, fiber-optic air navigation system for BLACK HAWK utility helicopters. With OEM compatibility, NAVEX-12 will enhance SAS’ strategic upgrade program for revitalizing helicopters eventually sold through the U.S. government’s Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program. Sikorsky Aerospace Services is the worldwide aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

“We are excited to work with NGI and bring new opportunities to the BLACK HAWK market worldwide. This distribution agreement enables us to provide upgraded solutions and effectively manage material obsolescence for UH-60A and UH-60L helicopters,” said Frank DiPasquale, SAS vice president, Sales & Strategic Relationships. “SAS is continually augmenting its upgrade program, and this capability is part of our strategic international focus to increase foreign military sales.”

NAVEX-12 is a lightweight Fiber-Optic Gyroscope Attitude Heading Reference System (FOG AHRS) designed as an upgrade solution to replace older mechanical Vertical Gyros compatible with Sikorsky’s H-60A and H-60L platforms. Equivalent to the LISA-200 AHRS used by the U.S. Army, the Sikorsky-approved NAVEX -12 system offers both digital and analog interfaces, increased maintainability and improved reliability.

Additionally, this agreement allows SAS to offer the NAVEX-12 for installation on other rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.

“This new relationship with Sikorsky Aerospace Services is a cornerstone in an ongoing endeavor to expand our presence in the high-technology navigation products sector,” said Marco Clochiatti, managing director and general manager of Northrop Grumman Italia. “We will work with SAS to meet the needs of the worldwide military community through superior product performance that offers outstanding reliability and significant total lifecycle cost savings.”

LifePort, Inc. announced at the Farnborough Airshow that it has received a subcontract from L-3 Platform Integration in support of a 747-8 Head-of-State Completion Project. LifePort will equip the upper deck of the aircraft with customized cabinets, partitions and a lavatory. Recognized as an industry leader in helicopter VIP Head-of- State completions, LifePort is a Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) company – the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

“This is our first collaboration with L-3’s VIP and Head-of-State Completion Center, and we are delighted to work with the L-3 team. Coupled with our extensive engineering and certification experience, we have the ability to design unique products to customers’ precise specifications while exceeding their expectations,” said Noah Zuckerman, LifePort’s general manager.

LifePort’s in-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities will uniquely complement the engineering design team at L-3 Platform Integration. With a long history of developing customized mission equipment solutions for all types of aircraft, LifePort has delivered multiple interiors for both narrow-body fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

“We are very pleased to work with LifePort on a new model of aircraft for this VVIP, who has been our customer for 20 consecutive years,” said Jim Seabolt, senior materials program manager – VIP/Head of State Programs with L3 Communications.

Walter Surface Technologies has announce the availability of Bio-Rust, a non-corrosive solution that eradicates rust on iron and mild steel. By providing workers with a safe, biodegradable alternative to traditionally hazardous, labor intensive processes, Walter Surface Technologies is delivering on its commitment to “Making Green Work.”

“We are very proud to launch this truly revolutionary product that is a real ‘game changer’ in terms of helping users increase productivity, while reducing costs and environmental impact. Once again, Walter is making a large step forward in helping our customers work more efficiently and safely,” states Timothy Houghton, president and COO of Walter Surface Technologies International.

Developed by Walter’s R&D team, BIO-RUST can be used anywhere rust is present. For example, fabrication shops can use the solution to clean steel prior to painting or coating operations, while maintenance workers in the transportation and military sectors can use the solution to efficiently clean even the most intricate mechanisms – in a way that is safer for the earth, people and parts.

Safe Alternative
BIO-RUST, comprised of a secret formula of selective chelating agents that work to detach iron oxide from steel, is safer for workers and the environment because it does not use highly corrosive and toxic acids. The new product – part of the Walter Surface Technologies portfolio of Bio-Circle Environmental Solutions – is VOC-free (Volatile Organic Compound-free), solvent-free, and phosphate-free.

Workers can safely use BIO-RUST without wearing special clothing and without necessitating to abide by complicated safeguards. The non-flammable solution does not require costly storage or complex disposal procedures.

BIO-RUST does not require control by WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System – Canada’s national hazard communication standard), and it is certified NFPA Diamond 0-0-0 (National Fire Protection Association – USA, stating that product is ‘’healthy’’, ‘’non-flammable’’ and ‘’stable’’).

Enhanced Productivity
Traditional rust removal methods are not only hazardous, but can hamper productivity. Sanding, grinding and sand blasting methods are time-consuming and tedious, especially for complicated parts. With BIO-RUST, the worker simply immerses parts in the liquid at room temperature. While the part is soaking, a worker is free to attend to other important tasks. It has a high workload and can remove 1.0 kg (2.2 lbs) of iron oxide per 20L of Bio-Rust liquid. Once the rust is removed, the user rinses parts with water, then immediately applies a corrosion protection product (such as OMNI by Walter Surface Technologies) or a long-term corrosion inhibitor.

Highly acidic rust removal solutions can also damage parts during cleaning. BIO-RUST works just as quickly as these traditional solutions, but only reacts with iron oxide – it zeroes in on the problem – without damaging the parent material, non-ferrous alloys, painted or plastic surfaces.

 

Walter Surface Technologies announced the launch of the improved longer life Enduro-Flex finishing disc for metal finishing applications. “We are proud to bring to market a true breakthrough. Through our in-depth industry knowledge and creative research, we have been able to introduce this remarkable trail-blazing product,” says Timothy Houghton, President and COO of Walter Surface Technologies International.

Developed by Walter Surface Technologies, the improved Enduro-Flex disc features a totally new design and flap configuration with an exclusive cloth and abrasive composition. Patented backing can be trimmed down adding total longevity to the product. This breakthrough innovation offers a more consistent surface finish, and most importantly, removes more material. A five-inch disc with Grit 40 removes up to 2,500 grams over its lifespan – performance is comparable in other disc sizes and different grit sizes.

New Walter Enduro-Flex is highest performer where longevity and cost reduction are main goals. Longevity of the new design lowers costs. Overall this results in less disc changeovers as well as less waste over the long-term, making it the ideal solution for finishing steel and stainless steel, aluminum, and other alloys. To view a product demo, click VIDEO.

 

ST Aerospace has announced that it has secured about $370m worth of new contracts in the second quarter of 2012. These contracts for Aircraft Maintenance and Modification, Component Total Support, and Engine Total Support businesses will be carried out at its global maintenance, repair and overhaul network.

Between April and June, ST Aerospace redelivered 157 aircraft for airframe maintenance and modification work. For PTF conversions, it redelivered six converted freighters to various customers. Besides airframe redeliveries, ST Aerospace serviced 8,136 components and 78 engines for both commercial and military customers.

During the quarter, ST Aerospace’s affiliate VT Aerospace received approval from the United States Bankruptcy Court in the District of Delaware to acquire the Tampa aerospace maintenance facility and certain assets of Pemco World Air Services Inc. (PEMCO), including the Boeing 737 freighter conversion Supplemental Type Certificates. Subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions precedent, the acquisition is anticipated to close in July 2012, with operations to start immediately after closing.

Additionally, VT Aerospace completed the acquisition of its 50.1 percent stake in EcoServices, LLC, becoming a partner to Pratt & Whitney in the joint venture. EcoServices won the 2012 Eco-Technology of the Year Award at Air Transport World’s inaugural Eco-Aviation Awards 2012. EcoServices’ EcoPower engine wash reduces fuel burn and CO2 emissions, and is an innovative solution for aircraft operators to reduce their environmental impact, and at the same time, improve the operational efficiency of their fleet.

In the quarter, ST Aerospace also finalized the agreement with Airbus, EADS and EADS EFW on the A330 passenger-to-freighter conversion program.

On the Component Total Support front, ST Aerospace concluded an agreement with Woodward, Inc. for the maintenance support of Woodward, Inc. components to aircraft operators of the Bell 204, 205, 206, 212, 214, 407, 412, 427 helicopters worldwide. Woodward, Inc. customers are assured of OEM aftermarket solutions marked by ST Aerospace’s high standards of quality and reliability. Additionally, ST Aerospace’s component repair and overhaul subsidiary has been approved by Gulfstream Aerospace as a supplier for component repair and overhaul services. In Europe, ST Aerospace Solutions secured a 10-year contract to provide aircraft rotables Maintenance-By-the-Hour support for a fleet of Boeing 757.

On Engines maintenance, repair and overhaul, ST Aerospace’s Xiamen engine facility received certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency, on top of their existing certifications from the US Federal Aviation Administration, Civil Aviation Administration of China and Korea MLTM. ST Aerospace’s Singapore engine facility has also obtained certification from the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau for CFM56 engines.

On pilot training business development, ST Aerospace’s pilot training academy obtained Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) certification, becoming one of the first few flight training organisations (FTO) in Asia Pacific that has this qualification. As an authorised JAA FTO, ST Aerospace will now be able to enrol students from countries that recognise this licence. The academy is already licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the Civil Aviation Administration of China for various pilot training programs. In addition, the academy was awarded a contract with Tiger Airways, to provide 30 of its cadets with pilot training, following the successful completion of the first Multi-crew Pilot licence (MPL) for the airline. These trainees will undergo training under the MPL syllabus with specific focus on the Airbus A320 aircraft before eventual employment as A320 Type Rated First Officers.

The developments above are not expected to have any material impact on the consolidated net tangible assets per share and earnings per share of ST Engineering for the current financial year.

 

ST Aerospace’s commercial pilot training arm, ST Aerospace Academy (STAA) has signed a partnership with Sim-Industries B.V., a Lockheed Martin company. Under the agreement, Sim-Industries will provide an Airbus A320 full flight simulator (FFS) for the STAA Multi-crew Pilot License (MPL) program. The FFS will be housed in STAA’s simulator training center, which is currently being developed in Singapore’s Seletar Aerospace Park.

“ST Aerospace holds a strong position within the Asian market, we support STAA in this partnership with our proven equipment to provide the best possible training environment for future pilots,” says Frank Uit den BOGAARD, CEO, Sim-Industries B.V.

“Sim-Industries coming on board this partnership is a vote of confidence in our MPL programme. We are very excited about our upcoming simulator training centre, which will see us having the right infrastructure to bring our pilot training business to the next level,” says PEH Teng Keng, president, ST Aerospace Academy

Expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2013, STAA’s simulator center is designed to house six full flight simulators and one full size fixed base simulator, as well as state-of-the-art computer-based training rooms for both Air Transport Pilot License and entry level ground training. The suite of training equipment and devices is custom designed for the newly legislated Singapore MPL program.

STAA, in partnership with Tiger Airways and with support from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, pioneered the Singapore MPL program. The beta program’s pilots are now flying with Tiger Airways as First Officers.

The MPL program utilizes the latest teaching methodologies and simulation technologies and trains the student in a multi-crew cooperation environment from much earlier in the training than in traditional pilot training programs.

Established since 2007, STAA’s customers include both private individuals, as well as airlines such as Hainan Airlines, JuneYao Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, ShunFeng Airlines and Tiger Airways. STAA operates out of Seletar Airport in Singapore and Ballarat Airport in Victoria, Australia.

Sim-Industries develops and produces a full line of aircraft training technologies – including full flight simulators, fixed base simulators and flat panel trainers – to support the needs of airlines, aircraft manufacturers and independent training centers. The integration of Sim-Industries into Lockheed Martin brings together Lockheed Martin’s expertise in crafting training programs with proven simulators produced by Sim-Industries, with both pushing the standard of realism, reliability and responsiveness in cost-effective design solutions.

 

Lufthansa Flight Training (LFT) recently signed with Swiss-AS agreements to maintain their 37 simulators in AMOS. Since 2008, LFT’s pilot school in Bremen has been relying on AMOS for their training aircraft. Their management has decided to use AMOS and the additional simulator module AMOS_SIM for LFT’s flight simulator fleet.
“With LFT, AMOS is now deployed in two companies for the simulator maintenance. The flight training business is an interesting market for Swiss-AS and we are pleased to be in the position to offer our customers, in addition to the AMOS core application, the dedicated AMOS_SIM module which meets the requirements of today’s aviation training providers,” says Ronald Schaeuffele, CEO of Swiss-AS.

Productivity growth coupled with financial savings
A rise of productivity is expected through the shut-down of LFT’s 20 legacy software systems and the establishment of AMOS as leading application. By using AMOS for the maintenance of the 37 flight simulators as well as the training aircraft of the flight school, Lufthansa Flight Training is counting on remarkable savings over the next few years.

 

An Associated Press report says that Boeing and Southwest Airlines have asked the FAA for more time to inspect their 717 aircraft. Cracks found in the jets prompted the need for the inspections but lack of spare parts from the manufacturer is driving the request for more time. Most of the 717 aircraft came from the AirTran merger with Southwest. To see the Associated Press story click here.