Category: PRs

Wencor Announces Strategic Channel Partnership with Novaria 

Novaria has selected Wencor as a preferred strategic aftermarket channel partner supporting products for the commercial and defense markets. The agreement includes precision component and specialty hardware products supporting airframe and engine platforms which will boost Wencor’s material solution offerings to the aerospace and defense market segment customers. 

“We are excited to partner with Novaria and their market leading products. Their diverse product and engineering capabilities, combined with our extensive portfolio and value added services will enhance opportunities to the commercial and defense markets. We pride ourselves on being able to provide innovative solutions to our customers that enable reliability, material availability and cost efficiencies.” said Hunter Mitchem, Wencor president of distribution. 

“With Wencor’s proven track record of servicing commercial aftermarket customers, this is an ideal solution for channeling Novaria’s rapidly growing product offering into the global aftermarket,” Phillip Alaniz, EVP at Novaria Group, noted. “This partnership allows us to efficiently service the aftermarket while boosting Novaria’s focus on engineering and manufacturing technology solutions.”

First Class Air Holdings Partners with Aviation Inflatables and Survival Products

O2 Investment Partners announced that through First Class Air Holdings it has made an investment in and partnered with Aviation Inflatables and Survival Products to support its strategic growth plan.

“Aviation Inflatables and Survival Products are known across the aviation industry as premier providers of emergency equipment products and services. We are excited to have German and his team join First Class Air Holdings and are committed to providing best-in-class customer service,” said Isac Roths, CEO of First Class Air Holdings. “We believe there are significant revenue synergies, with an opportunity to bring superior value and innovative solutions to a broad set of cargo freighter and commercial aviation customers.”

Aviation Inflatables is an independent evacuation slide, raft, and life vest MRO facility in the Americas serving the aerospace industry. Aviation Inflatables is a licensed FAA and EASA repair station, aftermarket distributor, and PMA licensee/manufacturer with an onsite DER. Survival Products is the leading manufacturer of life rafts and related products for general and corporate aviation as well as the marine industry. Survival Products manufactures a series of 4-12 person FAA-approved, TSO life rafts with distributors and certified service/repairs stations worldwide.

German Alvarez, founder and president of Aviation Inflatables and Survival Products, commented, “First Class Air Holdings and O2 are a great fit for our organization and will help us reach our full growth potential. This partnership will allow us to grow our geographic presence, make strategic investments in our organization, and enhance our capabilities for customers. Isac and I share the same vision for the future and we are excited to partner together.”

Charlie Miller of O2 Investment Partners added, “We are honored to welcome the Aviation Inflatables and Survival Products team to First Class Air Holdings. The combination of Aviation Inflatables, Survival Products, and First Class Air Holdings is highly complementary, adding proprietary MRO services, exceptional engineering capabilities, and new customer relationships to the platform. German has built a great team and terrific business and we look forward to supporting his strategic growth plans.”

Collins Aerospace to Provide Electric Power Generation System for Boeing’s B-52

As part of the U.S. Air Force’s ongoing modernization efforts to keep the B-52 bomber flying into the 2050s, Boeing has selected Collins Aerospace to upgrade the aircraft with a new electric power generation system (EPGS).

The new EPGS will be an upgrade to the B-52’s current 70-year-old system, with more efficient technology that requires less power from the engine to operate. This will contribute to the Air Force’s goal of a 30 percent improvement in fuel efficiency for the B-52 along with a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions.

“Collins Aerospace is a leading provider of electric power systems for military platforms and the supplier of choice for virtually all U.S. Air Force aircraft,” said Stan Kottke, vice president, Electric Power Systems for Collins Aerospace. “Our new EPGS for the B-52 will leverage proven commercial technology to support greener aircraft operation while also paving the way for future platform enhancements that will extend the operational service life of the Stratofortress for decades to come.”

The new EPGS will include eight generators per aircraft providing added redundancy in onboard electrical power necessary to support future B-52 modernization upgrades including radar, avionics and mission systems.

Collins says they expect to create more than 60 jobs to support the B-52 EPGS program at its Electric Power Systems Center of Excellence in Rockford, Illinois.

In addition to the EPGS, in April of 2021, Collins was also selected to provide new wheels and carbon brakes for the B-52. The company currently supplies several systems for the aircraft and is says they are actively working with the Air Force and the plane’s manufacturer to explore how it can support further B-52 modernization efforts, including communications and avionics upgrades.

StandardAero to Purchase PTS Aviation, Supplier of Serviceable Aircraft Engines and Components

StandardAero has signed an agreement to purchase boutique asset management company PTS Aviation, a supplier of serviceable aircraft engines, engine components and engine inventory.  Founded in 1995, PTS has more than 150 years of combined aviation management experience and significant expertise buying, leasing and selling engines, modules and used serviceable material (USM). PTS is headquartered in Miramar, Fla. PTS is a private company and terms of the transaction were not disclosed.   

The deal marks StandardAero’s tenth acquisition since March 2015. Most recently, the company acquired Signature Aviation’s Engine Repair and Overhaul (ERO) business, an engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider that includes well-established brands such as Dallas Airmotive, H+S Aviation and International Governor Services.  

“We are excited to put the PTS Aviation team’s asset management and trading know-how to work for StandardAero,” said Lewis Prebble, president of StandardAero’s Airlines & Fleets division. “The knowledge and experience they bring to our portfolio will immediately support our preparation to serve global operators, initially focused on the CFM56, and will accelerate our growth plans for the future.” 

StandardAero is an OEM authorized independent MRO provider and a GE Designated Fulfillment Center for CFM56-7B engines. The company has been providing CFM56-7B heavy maintenance and overhaul services for airlines worldwide from its 162,000 square foot facility located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada since 2008. The acquisition of PTS Aviation will expand StandardAero’s CFM56 engine portfolio of services and allow it to accelerate its capabilities to buy, sell and embody USM into the CFM56-7B and its wider portfolio of engine platforms, thereby enhancing the company’s ability to provide customers with highly customizable MRO solutions.

“PTS is a great fit for StandardAero, and we will quickly integrate their strategic capabilities into our commercial aviation division to strengthen our capabilities, services and competitive offerings,” concluded Prebble.

Independent Falcon Aircraft Operators Association Triples Membership in the Last Three Months

The Independent Falcon Aircraft Operators Association (IFAOA), formerly the Falcon Jet Association, has gained an additional 55 members since its soft launch in September.

The IFAOA, founded by Dallas-based aviation entrepreneur Sean Lynch, creates community for Falcon aircraft owners and operators through in-person and on-line interaction and connects them to resources who can assist them in operating their aircraft economically for years to come.

“We knew that Falcon owners and operators were particularly proud of their aircraft and were seeking opportunities to exchange information, and based on how quickly the IFAOA is growing, we were right. We have signed up 55 members since our soft launch in mid-September, and they operate Falcon 10s, 50s, 900s and 2000s,” said Sean Lynch, group organizer.

Interested owner/operators and sponsors can join the IFAOA at www.independentfalconaircraft.com.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

The IFAOA also has secured its maximum of five platinum sponsors: Aviation Partners, Inc; Duncan Aviation; Engine Assurance Program; StandardAero and West Star Aviation. To date, two of five gold sponsors, Marklyn Jet Spares and VisionSafe, have committed as well.

“We are onto something exciting here,” added Lynch. “We encourage our members to chat in the forums on the website and we plan to organize several in-person events in 2022.”

The new association will continue to develop as interest grows. In this first phase, it is building a robust on-line presence. When COVID concerns lessen, it plans to hold gatherings at larger events like regional forums and conventions. It ultimately hopes to evolve into its own destination event featuring fly-ins with a static display, breakout sessions and sponsor exhibits.

As a courtesy to Dassault Falcon Jet, the organization’s name was changed from Falcon Jet Association to Independent Falcon Aircraft Operators Association to emphasize the fact that it is an independent association.

AvAir Achieved Impressive Growth & Milestones in 2021

Aviation aftermarket solutions provider, AvAir, reports continued growth and says they have reached new milestones in 2021.

Early in the year, the company earned the No. 1 position on Airline Economics’ Aviation 100 “Parts Supplier of the Year” rankings. This ranking is judged on several criteria including parts stocked, clients, number of employees – all areas that AvAir continued to focus on throughout the year. Mike Bianco, CEO of AvAir also secured a place on the prestigious “CEO of the Year” rankings by Airline Economics’ Aviation 100 awards.

Five strategic partnerships that encompassed both part acquisitions and asset management were finalized and put into place this year including one with GE Aviation Materials managing nearly 70,000 components. 

Additionally, AvAir celebrated its one-year anniversary of the Dublin, Ireland office. This facility received its customs warehouse accreditation from Irish Tax and Customs. This status allows the company to expedite the process of receiving and storing parts it acquires, continuing to save clients both time and money. In the last year, the facility has experienced significant growth with not only staff, but also in high-quality, in demand inventory.  

Twelve new staff members joined the company in a variety of roles in both the Arizona and Ireland offices. Inc. 5000 also recognized AvAir in 2021 in its “Fastest Growing Companies in America” list for the fourth year. AvAir’s three-year revenue growth earned the company a ranking of 4683 out of 5000 of the fastest growing companies in the nation. Inc. also named AvAir to its 2021 Best in Business List in the Logistics and Transportation Category.

“I am incredibly proud of the team at AvAir and all that we have accomplished this year,” said Mike Bianco CEO of AvAir. “Success is a marathon not a sprint and reflecting on the hard work and strategic partnerships we have built this past year and continue to work on, shows that AvAir is a leader in the aviation aftermarket industry. I look forward to more growth next year.”

ASI Aero forms Joint Venture with Initial Investment of $32 Million

Aeronautical Support International (ASI Aero) has announced the formation of Team Aero Partners to target investments in aviation commercial assets to support the Used Serviceable Material (USM) and “Green-Time” aircraft engine leasing markets.  ASI Aero entered into this joint venture agreement with a New York-based private capital partner.

As the operating member ASI Aero will source engine assets for the JV and subsequently manage these assets through consignment programs. Team Aero Partners will initially dedicate $32 Million to the venture.

“This is a great opportunity for ASI Aero to increase our inventory and to support our Airline and MRO customers around the world as the market returns to pre-Covid levels. This also makes other pools of capital available to expand and to diversify our business,” said Dean Morgan, ASI Aero president.

Cementex Announces Belt Pouch Combinations

Cementex announces the availability of Cementex Belt Pouch Tool Combinations, featuring all tools designed for safe use in Arc Flash environments. With 13 different combinations to choose from, the company says there is an ideal Cementex Belt Pouch Combo for any technician.

All tools in the Cementex Belt Pouch Combos feature innovative Cementex double insulation technology. The double insulated tools feature a yellow warning layer underneath the outer orange layer; if the outside insulation is damaged, posing a safety risk, the yellow layer begins to show, and technicians can know that they must replace the tools.

The 13 different configurations of belt pouch and tool kits feature a wide range of tools, including Linesman’s universal crimping, needle nose, and diagonal cutting pliers, various sizes of Phillips, Robertson, and Cabinet screwdrivers, nut drivers, and various task-specialized tools. In addition, customized configurations are also available.

Cementex double insulated tools are tested to 10,000 VAC and rated for 1,000 VAC when working on or around live parts. The pliers comply with ASTM F1505 and IEC 60900 standards, and help meet the requirements of OSHA 1910.331-335, MFPA 70E, and CSA-Z462.

EDGE Partners with Sanad to Provide MRO Services for Rolls Royce Trent 700 Engines

EDGE Partners with Sanad to Provide MRO Services for Rolls Royce Trent 700 Engines

GAL, a regional provider of integrated aircraft sustainment solutions for military and civilian customers within EDGE Group, have signed an agreement for Sanad to provide Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engine maintenance services to support GAL’s Performance Based Logistics contract with UAE Air Force Air Defence (AFAD).

The agreement establishes a new foundation for the delivery of world-class MRO services for Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines that power the UAE’s Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) fleet. Through shared knowledge and a rich tradition in aviation excellence, GAL and Sanad will provide MRO support to service the engines, reducing current turnaround time and shop visit costs by eliminating the need to ship engines outside the UAE.

“We look forward to working with Sanad to facilitate ongoing growth across the UAE’s burgeoning aviation sector,” Khalid Al Breiki, president of Mission Support at EDGE, and managing director of GAL, said. “This is a strategically important partnership between two national entities which has great significance for indigenous future technologies, supporting local talent and capabilities and ultimately contributing to the UAE economy. As the region’s leading MRO provider, we continuously take pride in collaborations which may support the ongoing defence initiatives within AFAD and the UAE. Sanad’s contributions to GAL will be another key component in delivering cutting-edge maintenance capabilities within the region.”

Mansoor Janahi, deputy group CEO of Sanad, said, “As the latest milestone in Sanad’s long-standing MRO services journey, this agreement marks a major step in our strategic long-term collaboration with GAL and EDGE. Having established market-leading MRO expertise by servicing leading global OEMs and airlines, Sanad’s extensive engine MRO infrastructure and capabilities, including the unique capabilities that we have on Trent 700 for more than 10 years driven by local knowledge sharing and underpinned by a commitment to develop national talent — will serve as the foundation for this exciting new partnership.”

Sanad says they are currently the only independent Trent 700 MRO facility worldwide. Sanad works in partnership with major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) including Rolls-Royce, GE Aviation and International Aero Engines and provides a variety of engine maintenance services across multiple major aircraft platforms, including Airbus and Boeing.

Regional Jet Center Selects Donecle’s Automatic Drone for Aircraft Inspections

Donecle announced that Regional Jet Center, the Embraer-specialized MRO, has selected their automated drone solution for performing aircraft visual inspections. The multi-year agreement covers the deployment and support of an automated drone solution and sets the baseline for a strong technical partnership between both companies.

Regional Jet Center is based at Schiphol Airport and performs extended line maintenance operations for all KLM Cityhopper aircraft as well as several other Embraer operators. The growing MRO has an ambitious roadmap to further digitalize and automate their operations, to which the Donecle solution will contribute.

“We have been looking into drone inspections for the past couple of years as we believe they have the potential to accelerate inspections and improve overall traceability,” said Michiel van der Eijk, managing director of Regional Jet Center, on the choice of Donecle’s solution. “We recently trialed Donecle’s drone system and were impressed by its capabilities. We are looking forwards to this partnership.”

The deployed system features fully automatic flight on all Embraer aircraft, with advanced image analysis and reporting software to accelerate all visual inspections, such as general visual inspections, lightning strike inspections, paint and placards inspections. The drone solution comes with a secured cloud platform for tracking data over time and providing digital twin models of the aircraft surface. This will allow for seamless integration with MRO software solutions such as AMOS from Swiss AviationSoftware Ltd as being used by the Regional Jet Center.

“We are extremely happy with our partnership with Regional Jet Center. Deploying our technology at Schiphol Airport is one thing, but starting the qualification of our tool on Embraer aircraft is clearly another. As RJC services over 55 Embraer aircrafts per year in brand new facilities with state-of-the-art tools and innovative teams, we have found the perfect partner for our first deployment on Embraer,” said Matthieu Claybrough, CEO of Donecle on the partnership.