Category: PRs

Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and Delft University of Technology, have signed a master research agreement (MRA) enabling bilateral collaboration across a range of sustainable aviation research opportunities, including advanced materials, hydrogen propulsion, advanced manufacturing and industrial design. Through the strategic framework of the MRA, Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney will initiate multiple research projects involving TU Delft graduate research facilities, students and staff over the next five years. Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney are RTX businesses.

“Collaboration between RTX engineers and university research institutions plays an important role in developing our understanding of emerging technologies, while also supporting the next generation of talent that will drive our industry forward,” said Michael Winter, RTX chief science officer. “Our MRA with TU Delft – our first agreement of its kind with a European university institution – will focus on advancing technologies to support more sustainable aviation, which is key to the future of our industry.”

Among the first projects initiated as part of the MRA, Collins and TU Delft are collaborating on a high speed intelligent inspection system to enhance manufacturing processes for lightweight and recyclable aircraft materials. Pratt & Whitney and TU Delft will develop novel engine configurations that utilize thermal energy recovery technologies in order to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions for commercial aircraft.

“We’re excited and very happy to sign this new agreement. It gives us the opportunity to step up our collaboration on sustainable aviation with the engineering teams of Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney,” said Professor Henri Werij, dean of the faculty of aerospace engineering at TU Delft. “Collaboration with leading aerospace companies is absolutely crucial to take the necessary steps towards reaching the goal of climate-neutral aviation by 2050.” 

The new research agreement builds on long-standing engagement between Collins, Pratt & Whitney and TU Delft, including through European framework program such as Clean Aviation, under which Collins and TU Delft are part of the COCOLIH2T  project, aimed at developing technologies for storing liquid hydrogen fuel on commercial aircraft. The companies sponsor TU Delft’s aerospace student association VSV Leonardo da Vinci and facilities, there is a close collaboration with the Aerospace Innovation Hub at TU Delft, as well as regular internship opportunities at Collins Aerospace’s aircraft interiors development facility in Houten, Netherlands.

TU Delft: impact for a more sustainable society.  
TU Delft in the Netherlands houses a comprehensive academic and innovation ecosystems on sustainable aviation. In all eight faculties – including the dedicated faculty of Aerospace Engineering – work is done that contributes to sustainable aviation, ranging from the sustainable production, maintenance and circular life cycle of aircraft, highly energy efficient aircraft designs, to propulsion technology and energy carriers, green ATM and sustainable airports to multimodal transport and fundamental research into the climate effects of the system. This enables us to work from a systems approach on minimizing the climate impact of the entire aviation system. In total the university has more than 26,000 Bachelor and Master students, of which almost 3,000 Aerospace Engineering students and close to 8,000 staff.

Group Rhodes, one of Europe’s largest Original Equipment Manufacturers in its field, will be showcasing its latest innovations for hot and cold forming of metals and composites within the aerospace industry at the Advanced Engineering Exhibition (30^th-31^st October) at the NEC, Birmingham.

As well as celebrating its 200th anniversary, the company will unveil its latest advancements in Superplastic Forming and Diffusion Bonding, while also highlighting its comprehensive turnkey solutions for specialised machinery in the aerospace sector.

Mark Ridgway, CEO of Group Rhodes, stated, “This year’s Advanced Engineering exhibition holds particular significance as it marks our company’s 200th anniversary. Our exhibition stand will not only honour key milestones from our remarkable history but will also showcase our latest innovations in metals and composites forming.”

Group Rhodes actively manufactures and markets state-of-the-art machinery from its facilities in Wakefield, West Yorkshire which it sells to both the UK and Global Markets. The company has extensive capabilities including the design, development and manufacture of bespoke equipment and complete turnkey solutions. The main trading divisions of the Group consist of Rhodes Interform, Craven Fawcett,   Hallamshire Engineering Services and BJD Crushers which manufacture machinery and spare parts for the aggregates, heavy clay and material handling sectors. Rhodes Interform designs and manufactures machinery for the advanced metal and composite forming industries, with a particular focus on the aerospace sector.

Rhodes is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year and will be highlighting the evolution of the business since its inception in 1824, and the nurturing of a dedicated workforce in a traditional yet dynamic manufacturing environment. 

ERIKS, a specialized industrial service provider, has released a new guide designed to help manufacturers streamline their MRO operations. The guide, called “5 ways to enhance your Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) supply chain,” offers practical strategies to improve procurement, storeroom discipline, data management, and operational efficiency in the face of evolving industrial challenges.

In light of recent disruptions, such as Brexit, COVID-19, and global geopolitical tensions, the guide addresses the critical need for resilient and responsive MRO practices. By adopting the five strategies businesses can better navigate these complexities, ensuring they remain competitive and operationally efficient.

Commenting on the launch, Nathan Cutler, chief business development officer, ERIKS Industrial Services said, “In today’s rapidly changing industrial environment, efficient MRO management is more important than ever. Our new guide provides simple, actionable insights that can significantly enhance the resilience and effectiveness of MRO operations, helping businesses to optimize their processes and reduce downtime.”

The new guide addresses five critical areas. It begins by emphasizing the importance of prioritizing critical components, ensuring that businesses can maintain operational continuity even in the most resource-constrained environments. 

Another key focus of the guide is data management. ERIKS highlights the need for streamlined and accurate data to support decision-making processes within MRO operations. Proper data management not only reduces the risk of stockouts but also enhances overall operational efficiency by providing a clear view of inventory levels and needs.

Managing obsolescence is also covered, with proactive strategies to identify and mitigate the risks associated with outdated or soon-to-be-unavailable components. The guide suggests leveraging predictive analytics and regular reviews to ensure that businesses are not caught off guard by unexpected shortages.

ERIKS also explores innovative procurement models that address the inefficiencies often found in traditional MRO purchasing processes. By adopting more agile procurement strategies, businesses can reduce unnecessary spending and better manage their inventory levels.

Finally, the guide underscores the importance of building strong relationships with MRO supply chain experts, emphasizing the value of suppliers who can act as strategic partners to businesses and contribute to their continuous improvement efforts. By drawing on extensive technical knowledge and industry expertise, such suppliers can support manufacturers in refining their maintenance operations, improving efficiency, and addressing the evolving challenges of modern industrial environments.

AerSale Corporation announced the appointment of Mark Davis as the new vice president of airframe MRO sales, reinforcing the company’s commitment to transforming its presence within the Airframe Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) industry. In this role, Davis will spearhead AerSale’s strategic push to expand its Airframe MRO services, driving innovation and enhancing its competitive edge in the global aviation market.

With over four decades of experience, Davis is a proven leader in the aviation sector, having led significant transformations at several industry giants. His most recent position as Senior Vice President of Group Commercial at HAECO Americas underscores his expertise in scaling MRO services, fostering innovation, and nurturing key industry relationships. At HAECO, Davis oversaw the global services portfolio, which played a crucial role in the company’s evolution within the MRO landscape.

Prior to his time at HAECO, Davis served as Vice President of Sales & Marketing at TIMCO LineCare, playing a key role in the company’s expansion from a few locations to a network of maintenance and refurbishment sites at over 20 airports. His career in aviation began with a remarkable 30-year tenure at United Airlines, where he managed global contractual oversight of outsourced Airframe and Line Maintenance.

“Mark’s appointment is a key part of AerSale’s larger strategic goal to elevate our Airframe MRO capabilities and become a leader in the sector,” said Basil Barimo, president – MRO services of AerSale. “We are determined to not only expand our services but also to redefine how we engage with our clients and partners in the Airframe MRO space. Mark’s proven ability to lead complex operations and drive growth makes him the perfect person to guide us through this transformative phase.”

Davis said, “AerSale is positioned to significantly evolve its Airframe MRO offerings and I’m excited to contribute to this vision,” Davis said. “As the aviation industry evolves, AerSale’s commitment to innovative, high-quality MRO services will be critical in defining the future of airframe maintenance. I’m thrilled to be a part of that journey.”

AerSale’s leadership says that this appointment is a signal of its intent to strengthen its market position and achieve long-term growth in the Airframe MRO sector. By leveraging the company’s extensive aviation expertise and fostering key industry partnerships, AerSale aims to deliver unmatched value to its customers and position itself at the forefront of the MRO industry.

ITOCHU Corporation has made a strategic investment in Killick Aerospace Limited, a global supplier of aftermarket solutions for airlines, MROs, lessors and asset managers. Killick specializes in providing commercial aircraft and engine solutions for Airbus and Boeing platforms.

This investment marks ITOCHU’s entry into the aircraft aftermarket business, complementing its existing aircraft leasing operations.

The aircraft aftermarket industry is projected to experience significant growth, driven by a robust recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. In the maintenance of Commercial Aircraft, the use of not only newly manufactured parts but also parts that have been re-certified by approved repair facilities – Used Serviceable Material or ‘USM’ has been increasing year by year. The demand for USM is expected to grow to approximately $11 billion by 2032, about 1.5 times the current level^{※ 1}. With air passenger demand surpassing all time highs, the need for Killick’s USM solutions has never been greater. Utilizing USM not only reduces costs for airlines but also shortens lead times for parts procurement and supports environmental sustainability.

For nearly 20 years, Killick has been in the aircraft aftermarket industry. Headquartered in Ireland, the company operates in global markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Australia.

In recent years, Killick has expanded its offerings beyond its core USM business to include the distribution of Nitrogen Generation System (NGS) components and other critical equipment manufactured by Honeywell for Boeing aircraft types.

With distribution centers in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, Killick offers a comprehensive inventory of immediately available equipment, ensuring world-class service for all its clients globally.

ITOCHU has a long-standing presence in the commercial aerospace business, through its aircraft leasing and management offerings. By creating synergies between ITOCHU’s capabilities and Killick’s aftermarket services, the partnership will deliver high-quality, customer-focused solutions that meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry. ITOCHU has put forth a management policy, “The Brand-New Deal: Profit opportunities are shifting downstream,” and is accelerating growth investments starting downstream, and further expanding business areas.

Alongside the partnership with Killick, ITOCHU aims to expand commercial aviation business areas, and contribute to the sustainable growth of the aviation industry.

Boeing Machinists union members rejected management’s contract offer late on Thursday, September 12, 2024. The majority of the union’s members voted to go on strike and walked out at midnight.

International Association of Machinists (IAM) District 751 voted in favor of rejecting the offer by Boeing by 94.6% and for striking by 96%.

“This is about respect, this is about addressing the past and this is about fighting for our future,” Jon Holden, president of the group said Thursday evening. “We’re going to get back to the table as quickly as we can,” Holden said, “We’ll certainly engage so that we can try to resolve the issues and address what the members’ needs are.”

The strike of the 33,000 machinists is not expected to disrupt commercial flights right away but will likely shut down production of aircraft.

Boeing’s 33,000 blue-collar workers were instructed to stay out indefinitely.