Category: PRs

Ronatec Introduces Paladin: The Next Generation of Electroless Nickel Plating Technology

Surface finishing solutions provider Ronatec announced the launch of Paladin Electroless Nickel, a breakthrough in plating technology designed to deliver unmatched stability, bath life, and deposit performance. Paladin is setting a new standard for corrosion resistance with a 10 to 15 times improvement.

Paladin’s advanced formulation offers superior bath longevity, consistent plating quality, and exceptional resistance to corrosion and wear, making it the ideal solution for industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to electronics and heavy manufacturing.

“At Ronatec, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of plating technology to meet the expectations of the markeplace,” said Jim Wetherald – president of Ronatec. “Paladin was developed to deliver the unmatched salt spray protection unlike anything before it.”

Surface Finishing Innovation:

– Salt Spray protection up to 8,000 hours
– As plated hardness equivalent to mid-phos baths
– Maintains high phos char: non-magnetic, amorphous coating, passes nitric acid test
– One component make up, self pH adjusting, high speed deposition rate
– Enhanced wear resistance, superior to traditional HPEN
– Tested & Proven Results – testing performed at a NADCAP accredited materials testing lab

With its innovative technology, Paladin is poised to become the go-to solution for manufacturers looking to updgrade their plating process.

Paladin Electroless Nickel is available now. For more information, visit Ronatec.us or contact Ronatec’s sales team at 760- 453-7367.

Textron Aviation Expands Affordable and Convenient Health Care Options for Wichita Employees With Second Onsite Plane Healthy Wellness Center & Pharmacy

Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the opening of its second innovative Plane Healthy Wellness Center & Pharmacy, located at the company’s east headquarters in Wichita, Kansas. The Wichita-based wellness center provides more than 9,500 employees and their dependents the choice to access affordable, convenient, comprehensive and quality health care services, helping to manage healthcare costs and giving them a resource to improve their overall wellbeing.

The Plane Healthy Wellness Center & Pharmacy is a private clinic focused on the needs of Textron Aviation employees and their dependents, leading to a personalized experience and shorter wait times. The wellness center is owned by Textron Aviation and operated and staffed by Premise Health, a leading provider of employer-direct healthcare services in the nation.

Textron Aviation opened this facility following the success of its first location at its west Wichita campus, which opened in 2022. Last year, the west Wichita wellness center served employees and their families with more than 19,000 visits, filling over 32,000 prescriptions and achieving a world-class Net Promoter Score of 90 — significantly surpassing the healthcare industry average of 58.

“At Textron Aviation, we embody our value of ‘Be Human’ — putting people at the forefront of everything we do,” said Maggie Topping, senior vice president, Human Resources & Communications, Textron Aviation. “Our employees are our greatest asset, and we are dedicated to providing them with the resources they need to thrive both personally and professionally. By opening our second wellness center, we are making a significant investment in our people, ensuring they have easy access to convenient and affordable care.”

Onsite services include primary care, urgent care, pharmacy with drive-through access, physical therapy, radiology, mental health services, wellness coaching and condition management. For added convenience, virtual appointments are also available during regular business hours at the same cost as in-person visits.

Bluetail Launches Bluetail Fleet, the All-in-One Solution For Fleet-Wide Compliance and Digital Records Management

Bluetail, the leading modern aircraft records solution for business aviation, announced the launch of its newest product: Bluetail Fleet. Designed specifically for Part 135 and 91 operators managing multiple aircraft, Bluetail Fleet enables teams to efficiently organize, access, and manage aircraft records—while ensuring consistency and compliance across the entire fleet.

“Business aviation operators have told us that they continue to have labor shortages and need a more efficient, intelligent solution to reduce the time and cost tied to maintenance and inspections,” said Bluetail CEO, Roberto Guerrieri. Bluetail Fleet is that solution — developed in close collaboration with our customers to deliver greater control, streamlined compliance, and significant time savings for operators managing anywhere from a few aircraft to large-scale fleets.”

Key features of Bluetail Fleet include:

  • All-in-one hub for fast searching, sharing and protection – Platform
  • Streamlined pre-buys, conformities and audits – Built-in Compliance
  • Faster support and personalized service – Priority CSM & Support
  • Enhanced security and simplified access – SSO/SAML
  • Centralized record access and automation – Mx-tracking Integrations (Veryon and Traxxall)

“Fleet was built to simplify the complex — from compliance tracking and conformity inspections to AOG research and audit readiness. By reducing manual effort and aligning seamlessly with maintenance tracking systems, we help operators boost efficiency and keep their aircraft flying,” said Bluetail CTO Kent Pickard. “The new feature greatly simplifies the tracking of ADs, SBs, Chapter 4/5 items and alterations.”

Bluetail Fleet also helps operators boost records research efficiency by 10X with predefined search templates and bulk search tools — cutting audit and conformity research time by up to 50%. Share standardized compliance reports effortlessly with owners, MROs, QA teams, and the FAA to accelerate entry into service and faster revenue generation.

The launch of Bluetail Fleet supports the company’s mission to help aviation operators protect aircraft value, improve team collaboration, and prepare for future inspections, audits, or transactions with complete “back-to-birth” digital records.

Unipipe Solutions Highlights UnipipeHP Aluminum Piping System for High Pressure Compressed Air Applications

Unipipe Solutions is highlighting the UnipipeHP Aluminum Piping System for High Pressure Compressed Air Applications. The UnipipeHP is an advanced aluminum piping system specifically engineered for the highest-pressure applications. Featuring a robust design and superior performance, the UnipipeHP system is rated for up to 1015 PSI (70 BAR). It is cost-effective and very easy to install and maintain, making it ideal for a variety of demanding applications, including multi-fluid systems, high-pressure compressed air, and nitrogen systems.

UnipipeHP sets itself apart with its heavy wall tubing and rigorous inspection standards, ensuring reliability and safety. The fittings for UnipipeHP are identical in design to those of the standard UnipipeAIR system which is rated for 232 PSI (15 BAR), maintaining consistency while offering enhanced pressure capabilities. The UnipipeHP system is available in sizes up to 2-½” (63mm), while the UnipipeAIR system is available in sizes up to 10” (250mm). This flexibility allows for the completion of even the largest projects without the need for specialized tools or skilled labor.

One of the standout features of the Unipipe system, including UnipipeHP, is its unique stainless steel gripping ring. This innovative design ensures quick and secure installation without the need for special tools, crimping, or grooving. The installation process takes half the time of traditional piping options and is significantly faster than copper piping. The system’s lightweight nature—75% lighter than iron pipe—allows for single-person installation of systems up to 6 inches in diameter.

Unipipe systems boast the most secure fittings in the market. The proprietary stainless steel clamp ring in every fitting bites into the aluminum pipe, creating a connection rated for over five times the pressure of other systems. This clamp ring ensures 100% contact around the pipe, tightening further as pressure increases. Additionally, a plastic ring identifies the fluid and working pressure for each system, enhancing usability and safety.

In terms of cost-effectiveness, Unipipe systems provide the lowest cost of ownership. When considering both material and labor costs, Unipipe proves to be the most economical choice, saving 30% to 40% over traditional piping methods.

Unipipe systems are suitable for ultra-clean environments and outperform traditional piping methods such as black iron pipe and copper. Black iron pipe is heavy, prone to internal rusting, and labor-intensive to install, while copper is both expensive and slow to install. In contrast, Unipipe systems are faster, easier to install, lighter in weight, and ideally suited for compressed air applications.

Unipipe systems are ideal for ultra-clean environments and Unipipe fittings are universally compatible with most other aluminum systems currently on the market, ensuring a seamless integration process. All Unipipe pipe and fittings come with a 20-year guarantee against manufacturer’s defects, provided they are installed and supported according to the Unipipe installation instructions.

Redefining Aerospace Interiors: Vaupell’s Ingenuity Driving Innovation

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, Vaupell remains at the forefront, pioneering solutions that merge innovation, efficiency, and sustainability—the three pillars of Vaupell’s product innovation focus. With a legacy of engineering excellence in aircraft interiors and cargo solutions, Vaupell is actively redefining the future of aircraft interiors through forward-thinking material use, smart design, and collaborative partnerships.

A Vision for Product Innovation

Vaupell’s Product Innovation strategy is built on three core principles:

Sustainability – Recycled materials & full lifecycle ownership;

Innovation – Custom materials & groundbreaking designs that optimize product performance;

Efficiency – Decreasing total cost of ownership through unitized structures, weight reduction, and more efficient manufacturing processes.

Transforming Aircraft Interiors

As an industry leader in products such as window reveals, decompression grids, covelight panels and stowbin partitions, Vaupell has implemented proven solutions that enhance product performance and improve the passenger experience, while simultaneously reducing total cost of ownership and environmental impact. A key example is Vaupell’s flagship window assembly that reduces part component complexity by greater than 50%, resulting in simplified product maintenance and reduced overall aircraft weight. Another example is Vaupell’s continued innovation of the covelight panel (CLP). Introduced last year with up to 20% recycled content from Redefining Aerospace Interiors: production waste, Vaupell has further researched how to utilize end-of-life CLP’s and re-introduce as future production material to complete the circular supply-chain.

Advancing Cargo Solutions

Beyond the passenger cabin, Vaupell and Sumitomo Bakelite have been developing a cargo lining product that offers a superior weight to performance ratio. This cargo solution introduces the use of recycled materials (previous aerospace production waste) without compromising structural integrity, aesthetics or fire/safety compliance.

Commitment to Circularity

In partnership with Nandina REM, Vaupell has demonstrated its commitment to innovation by helping bring circular materials into aerospace applications. As a member of the Aviation Circularity Consortium, Vaupell plays a role in driving sustainability through and developing future-ready materials for manufacturing, while advancing circularity and reducing waste in aviation.

VSE Corporation Completes Sale of Fleet Segment

VSE Corporation, a provider of aftermarket distribution and repair services, announced that the company has completed the sale of its fleet business segment, Wheeler Fleet Solutions, to One Equity Partners for up to $230 million in total consideration.

“The sale of our Fleet business marks the completion of VSE’s strategic transformation into a pure-play aviation aftermarket parts and services provider,” said John Cuomo, president and CEO of VSE Corporation. “With our full focus now on the aviation aftermarket, we are well-positioned to capitalize on significant growth opportunities and drive long-term value for our customers, employees, and shareholders. I want to thank the Wheeler Fleet Solutions team for their dedication and contributions over the years. We wish them continued success as part of OEP.”

Jet Parts Engineering Announces Acquisition of Percival Aviation

Jet Parts Engineering (JPE), a developer of PMA parts, DER repairs and MRO services for commercial aircraft announced the acquisition of Percival Aviation, a privately owned company specializing in high-speed design, production, and maintenance of aircraft interiors and associated equipment. This strategic acquisition enhances JPE’s capabilities, enabling the provision of comprehensive solutions to meet the evolving needs of customers worldwide.

“Percival aligns with JPE’s mission to reduce airline aftermarket costs. We are excited to collaborate with Chris Bench and his impressive teams in both the UK and US,” said Anu Goel, CEO of Jet Parts Engineering. “Percival’s expertise in aircraft interiors complements our existing services, allowing us to offer a more extensive range of high- quality competitively priced products and services to the industry. Their commitment to strong service and ready inventory aligns closely with JPE’s core values.”

Percival Aviation, based in Fareham, Hampshire, UK specializes in aircraft interiors and associated equipment. The company has been undergoing a significant growth plan to expand its overseas presence, aiming to be the aviation industry’s supplier of choice for aircraft interiors.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter for Percival Aviation as we join forces with Jet Parts Engineering, we look forward to leveraging our combined strengths, innovating together, and delivering even greater value to our customers and stakeholders,” said Chris Bench, managing director of Percival Aviation. “Utilizing both Percival and JPE’s regulatory approvals, this acquisition opens up tremendous opportunities for growth, and we are thrilled about the future we will build together.”

The transaction was overseen by Vance Street Capital, a middle-market private equity firm focused on investing in highly engineered solutions businesses across the aerospace and defense, industrial, and medical markets. JPE is a Vance Street Capital portfolio company.

“Percival embodies the engineering expertise, operational excellence, quality delivery and fast turn times that Jet Parts and Vance Street seek in a partnership.”, said Will Robinson, VP at Vance Street. “We look forward to contributing to their future growth.”

FL Technics Expands Capabilities to Include Base Maintenance for Embraer E170/E190 models

FL Technics, a globally recognised provider of MRO solutions and a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, has been granted EASA Part-145 approval for the heavy maintenance of Embraer 170/190 aircraft.

FL Technics is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for maintenance services, as many of its clients, including Tier 1 operators, utilise this type of aircraft. The organisation, renowned for providing heavy maintenance to Airbus and Boeing narrowbody fleet operators, recognises that Embraer is forecasting significant growth over the next decade. This projection highlights the growing importance of smaller narrow-body aircraft in supporting short-haul routes across Europe, where such aircraft are essential for meeting the demand in regional and high-frequency markets.

Zilvinas Lapinskas, CEO of FL Technics, said: “FL Technics invests in the future and continuity. As an MRO services leader, recognised as a top heavy maintenance provider for narrow-bodies, we are dedicated to transferring our extensive know-how to new capabilities and positioning ourselves to meet our clients’ needs by servicing all types of aircraft. Our next step is to obtain approval for the maintenance of the E2 series of Embraer, a successor to the E170/E190 series.”

Juozas Lapeika, Deputy CEO for Base Maintenance at FL Technics, commented on a new approval: “FL Technics goal is to expand and strengthen its presence in the global MRO solutions map by fulfilling the needs of our clients. Embraer is perfectly suited for short hauls in the European region, which many European operators, such as TAP Air Portugal, LOT Polish Airlines, Finnair, Air Dolomiti, Helvetic, KLM, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, SAS Link, and others, focus on.”

By providing maintenance for this type of aircraft, the FL Technics team leverages its experience and in-depth expertise in complex structure repairs, combined with an innovative and effective production system, a streamlined and efficient approach to problem-solving, and operational excellence.

FL Technics specialises in base and line maintenance, spare parts and component support, engine repair, full aircraft engineering, technical training, and aerospace logistics, serving commercial aviation clients worldwide, such as Lufthansa Group, Wizz Air, EasyJet, and many others. FL Technics is an EASA Part-145, Part-CAMO, Part-147, Part-21, as well as FAA-145 (Jakarta) certified company with hangars in Lithuania (Vilnius and Kaunas International Airports), the UK (Prestwick International Airport), Indonesia (Jakarta International Airport and Bali Island, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport), and an upcoming location in the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana International Airport). The company operates 23

subsidiaries across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, forming the FL Technics Group.

Sunnen Products Company Highlights the PGE-6000 Gage with Advanced Precision

Sunnen Products Company, a global leader in high-precision bore finishing and measurement, highlights the PGE-6000 Gage, a cutting-edge bore gaging system that redefines accuracy, versatility, and efficiency in dimensional measurement.

The PGE-6000 Gage surpasses traditional mechanical gages with its Electronically Amplified Comparative System, offering unparalleled accuracy, reliability, versatility, simplicity, and economy. Its proven PG gage mechanical design, coupled with sophisticated electronics, positions it as the most adaptable bore gaging system in the market.

This advanced gage provides the flexibility to measure in both inches and millimeters, catering to users working with diverse measurement standards. The menu-driven operator interface offers almost limitless customization, allowing users to tailor the display and functionality to their specific preferences. Selectable resolution options, ranging from 0.01/0.001/0.0001 mm (0.0001/0.00001/0.000001”), deliver exceptional precision for a wide range of applications. Additionally, the gage repeatability is +/-.00025 mm (+/- .000010”).

Accommodating various bore sizes, the PGE-6000 features a standard measuring range of 9.40 mm to 38.10 mm (.370” to 1.500”), which can be extended up to 74.30 mm (3.000”) with optional PG-250E Extension Fingers. Simple and quick calibration, along with an easy-to-follow setup menu, minimizes setup time and reduces the learning curve for new users.

The PGE-6000 Gage offers selectable scale settings (“Narrow”/“Wide”) to optimize display and measurement sensitivity for different applications, as well as single or multiple measurement options for diverse inspection needs. Batch or serial number modes facilitate organized data collection and traceability. Programmable operator-defined default settings allow users to customize the gage to their specific requirements, enhancing efficiency and saving time.

Measurement data is presented through a clear graphical and numerical value display, complemented by programmable visual limit indicators that simplify go/no-go decisions and minimize errors. Measurements are stored internally via the touch screen or optional foot pedal which eliminates potential errors with manual recording.

Portable with an external power supply, the PGE-6000 Gage offers flexibility across various locations. Stored measurement data can be exported via a flash-drive or a PC cable which enables seamless integration with SPC software and other data analysis tools. The data display provides valuable insights, including average, median, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum values. Compatibility with PG-400/PG-500 setting fixtures simplifies gage diameter setting. Ring gages may also be used to set diameter. The reversible base extends the measuring range with different finger sizes on each side, further enhancing versatility.

The PGE-6000 Gage facilitates rapid data collection and analysis. Its proven floating reed system eliminates friction and wear, ensuring long-term reliability and consistent performance. Designed for ease of use and durability in everyday shop use, its rugged construction ensures longevity. The gage accurately checks I.D., measuring variations in diameter indicating taper, barrel, and bell mouth, even near ports, lands, and at the bottom of blind holes. Its intuitive design requires minimal training, guaranteeing accurate measurements irrespective of the operator’s skill level.

AAR’s Component Services facility in Amsterdam ranked No.1 Best Source of Repair by NATO Support and Procurement Agency

Wood Dale, Illinois — AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, announced that its Component Services facility in Amsterdam has been named a “Best Source of Repair” and ranked number one among all component source of repair (SOR) facilities by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) and the International Aerospace Management Company (IAMCO). Both organizations manage maintenance work for NATO.

AAR’s Component Services facility in Amsterdam is recognized for its superior product quality, timely delivery, quality assurance services, and component support on the NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition once again as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire team,” said Arnold Koster, AAR’s General Manager of Component Services – Amsterdam. “We are proud of the work we deliver and strive to continue building on this success to support the readiness mission of NATO.”

“NSPA congratulates AAR for their selection as the top SOR. With strong competition from other SORs, AAR managed to once again come out on top and this will be the sixth time that they receive this award,” said Radek Chlistovsky, NSPA Chief of Component Maintenance & Support. “NSPA acts in the market to link industry capabilities and nations’ requirements to find the most cost-effective and efficient solutions, whether for national or collective defence. Our procurement processes rely on competition, transparency, integrity and equal treatment to all companies bidding on our offers, to ensure the cost and operation benefits for our customers are maximized.”

“IAMCO extends its congratulations to the AAR team for being recognized as the Best Source of Repair. This outstanding achievement underscores AAR’s unwavering commitment to excellence and reliability, solidifying its position as a cornerstone in the NATO AWACS program. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and hard work in delivering top-quality services,” said Bernard Masuy, IAMCO Branch Manager – Components.