GE Aerospace opening service technology acceleration centre: GE Aerospace’s global network of service shops soon will have a new inspection process to improve the way they inspect metal parts, using the same technology scientists rely upon to help museums and auction houses identify forged artwork. It will be the first deployed through GE Aerospace’s new STAC facility, which opens in September. GE Aerospace, in partnership with Bruker, a leading provider of analytical tools for material characterization, have developed a new inspection process using a non-destructive open beam x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) inspection device capable of detecting microstructural variations in metal parts. Along with improving the quality and detail of part inspections, this new inspection process is designed to improve our airline customer’s cost of ownership by more clearly delineating airworthy repaired parts that can be returned to the field in lieu of replacing them with entirely with new parts. This will help reduce supply chain constraints with the manufacture of new parts, improving overall turnaround time of engine overhauls.
New aviation centre to help accelerate TAP’s digital innovation: Following the partnership with TAP, global IT consultancy and technology provider Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has inaugurated its Aviation Digital Centre in Alfragide near Lisbon, Portugal. In 2022, TAP selected TCS as a strategic partner to accelerate its digital transformation and technological innovation following an international tender. Based on the strategic partnership, TAP is working with TCS to rationalize and modernize the system architecture, enrich the customer experience, and improve operational performance to better serve the airline customers. TCS’ Aviation Digital Centre is home to its consultants, solution architects and technology experts, who make innovative use of digital technologies — such as the cloud, data analysis and automation — to support European companies across the entire aviation value chain. Luís Rodrigues, CEO of TAP, believes that “TAP is continuing its ambitious transformation plan and TCS was selected as a partner based on its deep experience in the airline industry, proven track record of carrying out digital transformations and technological leadership. We are very pleased to confirm that this partnership established with TAP attracted this TCS investment to Portugal, which creates a centre of technological expertise that is unparalleled in our country and even in Europe.”
SmartLynx to employ Lido mPilot: SmartLynx Airlines, a globally acknowledged ACMI, cargo, and charter provider, has signed a cooperation agreement to use the mobile charting application Lido mPilot from Lufthansa Systems. SmartLynx has transitioned to Lufthansa Systems for their superior data quality and user-friendly interface, aiming to improve operational efficiency. Lido mPilot equips pilots with a comprehensive navigation solution by directly providing seamless access to all necessary charts like terminal charts or dynamically generated en route maps, operational documents, and messages on their devices. Lido mPilot ensures that flight-relevant information is always accessible, allowing pilots to concentrate on safe and efficient aircraft operations. The charting solution integrates with modern airline workflows, reducing pilot information overload and elevating pertinent flight data based on aircraft location and flight plan.
AFI KLM E&M expands A220 component support to Bulgaria Air: Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance announced the expansion of its A220 component support to Bulgaria Air. This strategic partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency and ensure optimal service for Bulgaria Air’s A220 fleet. As a renowned provider of comprehensive aviation solutions, AFI KLM E&M is committed to delivering high-quality services tailored specifically to the A220 aircraft. Through this partnership, Bulgaria Air will benefit from a wide range of component support solutions designed to optimize aircraft availability and reduce maintenance costs. The component support includes the provision of OEM parts, on-site technical services, component repairs, and access to an extensive inventory of spare parts. “Bulgaria Air is delighted to partner with AFI KLM E&M to enhance our A220 component support capabilities. With this extended collaboration, we can further enhance the reliability and comfort of our flights, providing a seamless travel experience for our valued customers,” said Georgi Georgiev, COO & Accountable Manager of Bulgaria Air.
Icelandair invests in state-of-the-art CAE full-flight simulator: Icelandair and CAE announced an agreement for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art Airbus A320-family full-flight simulator (FFS) to support the entry-into-service of the airline’s new Airbus A321 fleet in 2025. The new CAE FFS sold to Icelandair will be installed at the CAE Reykjavík – Icelandair Flight Training Centre, a joint venture between the two companies, and will be ready for training by the end of 2025. “We are thrilled to announce our new contract with CAE and to continue fostering our fruitful partnership,” said Sylvia Kristin Olafsdottir, CCO of Icelandair. “The new simulator will allow us to continue providing world-class training in Iceland, giving us the flexibility and agility needed to expand our route network, introduce new destinations, and grow our pilot group accordingly. As an island nation, Iceland heavily relies on air transport and as the leading airline, we recognize the importance of having such facilities within the country, ensuring top-notch training opportunities for pilots.” In addition to being used for initial training and type rating, the FFS will also be used for the twice-annual recurrent training pilots must complete, ensuring they remain proficient and current in their skills and knowledge.
FACC equips 2,000th Airbus with sharklets: In June 2024, FACC equipped the 2,000th Airbus aircraft with sharklets. The upwardly curved wingtips help to significantly reduce an aircraft’s fuel consumption. By manufacturing sharklets for the Airbus A320 Family, FACC is making a significant contribution to increasing the efficiency and range of modern passenger aircraft – the use of the approximately 8 feet high sharklets significantly reduces fuel consumption. This June, the FACC crew is celebrating the production of the 2,000th sharklet, thus impressively underlining its market leadership in this field. The anniversary sharklet will be assembled at Airbus and will go to an airline in the Arab world. “Producing 2,000 Sharklets for our customer Airbus is a milestone for FACC. We look forward to equipping many more Airbus aircraft with FACC Sharklets in the coming years. With over 7,000 Airbus A320 Family aircraft on order by airlines, we are now continuing this success story together,” said FACC CEO Robert Machtlinger.
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