Emirates invests in Airbus Skywise S.FP+ and Core X3: Emirates has signed an agreement with Airbus for the implementation of its Skywise Fleet Performance+ (S.FP+) advanced predictive maintenance and fleet health monitoring solution and Core X3 analytics platform. The adoption of Airbus’s cutting-edge S.FP+ solution is set to further improve aircraft dispatch reliability while enabling strategic data-driven decision-making for Emirates’ fleet of commercial Airbus A380 and A350 aircraft. Using the platform’s advanced capabilities, Emirates Engineering teams will be able to monitor real-time aircraft performance and health data, identify potential issues inflight, and determine maintenance actions during turnarounds. Ahmed Safa, Head of Emirates Engineering said: “As a highly efficient, customer-centric operation, Emirates is always looking at ways to leverage leading-edge technologies that improve operational reliability and punctuality, minimise unscheduled downtime and ensure our fleet operates at the highest standards, ultimately elevating the customer experience. Adopting Airbus’s Skywise Fleet Performance+ is a step forward to support our Airbus fleet, harnessing the latest advancements, and transforming traditional maintenance activities into streamlined, precision led processes that optimise our time in the skies.”
FL Technics welcomes new client: FL Technics has commenced fleet support for a new client, UAE-based airline Fly Vaayu, which operates in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and beyond. FL Technics LLC will perform maintenance on Fly Vaayu’s Airbus A320P2F freighter, a unique model aircraft, that has been converted from a passenger to a cargo aircraft, with containerised belly department for faster loading and unloading, and advanced engine technology. There are only a few of these aircraft in the world, and only one in the Middle East. By the end of this year, the number is expected to reach four. FL Technics LLC will serve as a dedicated maintenance provider for Fly Vaayu, offering a full-time onboard engineering service at each destination. This strategic partnership will empower Fly Vaayu to respond more flexibly to customer requests without constraints, enhancing operational efficiency. The team of specialists will provide a range of maintenance services for the client, including line maintenance. Alongside these services, the engineers will provide additional support during the aircraft de-registration and re-registration procedures by assisting in obtaining the certificate, ensuring a smooth registration process and enabling FL Technics LLC to maintain the aircraft.
TIM Aerospace DWC MRO taps IFS EmpowerMX: TIM Aerospace DWC MRO has announced a strategic partnership with EmpowerMX from IFS to optimise its operations. EmpowerMX from IFS is a premier asset and service management software solution specifically designed for independent third-party MROs, and aligns with TIM Aerospace’s vision of operational excellence. The rollout is scheduled for Q1 and Q2 of 2025, positioning the TIM Aerospace team to leverage their extensive expertise in implementing proven MRO best practices. By adopting cloud-based, digital, and paperless technology, TIM Aerospace will transform its maintenance operations, reinforcing long-term business efficiency and sustainability. This strategic move underscores TIM Aerospace’s commitment to becoming a world-class centre of excellence in the third-party MRO sector. Adam Voss, CEO at TIM Aerospace commented: “This partnership with EmpowerMX from IFS exemplifies our dedication to leveraging innovative tools that enhance service delivery and operational performance.” He continued: “We are excited about the transformative potential this collaboration holds for our future operations.”
STS Aviation Services and Diehl Aviation expand in Dubai: STS Aviation Services, in partnership with Diehl Aviation, announced the expansion of its operations in Dubai with the official opening of a new state-of-the-art facility in the Dubai Airport Freezone. This 1,100-square-meter site is strategically located in the heart of the airport’s logistics hub, further strengthening both companies’ regional presence and operational capabilities. The newly expanded facility will serve as a shared space for both STS Aviation Services and Diehl Aviation. Diehl will oversee the final assembly and certification of cabin components under EASA Part 21G, while STS Aviation Services’ skilled staff will perform the final assembly and kitting of the parts, with Diehl Aviation providing oversight and certification. This collaboration supports an even more dynamic approach to aircraft maintenance and cabin component services in the region. This strategic collaboration enhances both companies’ ability to meet the growing demand for high-quality products, bringing specialised expertise to local customers. The shared facility features dedicated spaces, including production lines, rework workstations, spare parts warehousing, and office space, ensuring seamless operations between the two teams. The initial focus of this expansion will be on completing components for the A380 aircraft family, specifically lavatories and side wall panels. However, the site is equipped to extend its capabilities to other aircraft families based on customer demand. With this expansion, Diehl Aviation and STS Aviation Services are positioning themselves to deliver faster, more efficient services while continuing to exceed customer expectations.
Etihad Engineering named repair centre for L3Harris Technologies: Etihad Airways Engineering LLC and L3Harris Technologies announced their intention to enter into an agreement at the MRO Middle East, under which Etihad Engineering would be appointed as L3Harris’ licensed repair centre for cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders in the Middle East. Daniel Hoffmann, CEO of Etihad Engineering, said: “We are excited about the opportunity to support L3Harris as their licensed repair centre in the Middle East. This strategic partnership would strengthen our component portfolio and enable us to offer OEM-level service and faster lead times on L3Harris aircraft components to our customers from around the world.” The agreement would further enhance Etihad Engineering’s component repair and overhaul capabilities, adding to its comprehensive aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services offered from its state-of-the-art MRO facility in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and open greater market opportunities for L3Harris in the region.
AFI KLM E&M and Air Côte d’Ivoire extend component deal: Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M), announced the extension of its component support contract with Air Côte d’Ivoire, the flag carrier of Ivory Coast, for an additional five years. This strategic partnership will facilitate the airline’s ambitious fleet expansion and international route development. Under the renewed agreement, Air Côte d’Ivoire will expand its Airbus fleet from five A320 family aircraft to eight A320 family (CEO and NEO) and add two A330 NEO aircraft. This significant fleet enhancement will be supported by AFI KLM E&M, with the launch of the A330 NEO planned for this year 2025. The contract renewal ensures continuation of component support for Air Côte d’Ivoire’s growing Airbus fleet. Air Côte d’Ivoire’s expansion is a key element of its strategy to strengthen its position in the aviation market. The airline will significantly increase its presence in West & Central Africa and introduce new international destinations to Europe, starting with flights to Paris CDG and Beyrouth. This development is expected to boost tourism and business travel between Ivory Coast and Europe, fostering stronger economic ties. M.Y. Dakouri, Head of Fleet Management at Air Côte d’Ivoire, stated about the extended partnership: “This contract extension with AFI KLM E&M marks a crucial milestone for Air Côte d’Ivoire. Their expertise and support are vital as we expand our regional network in West & Central Africa and open new international routes, notably to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Beyrouth. This collaboration will enable us to enhance our service quality and operational efficiency, ensuring a seamless travel experience for our passengers.”
Liebherr-Aerospace expands in the Middle East: Liebherr-Aerospace and Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) signed an agreement for the new Liebherr Service Centre at Dubai South. Liebherr-Aerospace is enhancing its aftermarket service capacities with a new 2,400 m² facility, planned to be put into operation in early 2026. The new facility will cater to the Middle East’s growing demand of aftermarket repair capacity for Liebherr products that are on board a wide variety of commercial aircraft, business jets and helicopters. The new facility will be an EASA Part 145 certified Service Centre with focus on air management systems components repair. “The expansion of our MRO capacities is one of the key elements for continuous extension of our customer support and services portfolio in the Middle East region. It enables us to service more components in-house and in region, thus eliminating logistic routings and in parallel reducing turnaround times,” commented Alex Vlielander, Chief Customer Officer at Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS.
Lufthansa Systems upgrades airline payment system: Lufthansa Systems elevates its SIRAX portfolio by offering a new level of integration and optimised functionality in airline financial management. The all-encompassing financial management portfolio seamlessly combines existing accounting and payment solutions from Lufthansa Systems with newly revised technical integration, specifically designed to meet the complex needs of today’s airlines. With the SIRAX portfolio, Lufthansa Systems assembles multiple state-of-the-art solutions to drive innovation in airline payment and financial management. The portfolio includes airline payment orchestration and reconciliation solutions (SIRAX/Payment Hub, SIRAX/Payment Reconciliation) which cover the payment orchestration starting on the airlines’ payment page till the reconciliation of sales, uplift, and payment advice. It is completed by two solutions subsequently accounting for the payments: SIRAX/Revenue Accounting, which provides a comprehensive and automated solution for accurately and efficiently managing and accounting for passenger revenue, including sales, uplifts, interline billing, and financial reporting, while SIRAX/ONE Order streamlines accounting and settlement processes for airlines with the new IATA ONE Order standard.
ICAO establishes global platform to sustainability financing: The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is pursuing its work toward the establishment of a global platform that will directly connect aviation sustainability projects with investors worldwide. Support for its creation was formalized today through a Letter of Intent signed at ICAO’s Global Implementation Support Symposium by ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar, alongside representatives from Airbus, Boeing, the International Power-to-X Hub, and GenZero. Known as the ICAO Finvest Hub, this platform will facilitate dedicated pathways for funding sustainable aviation fuel production facilities, clean energy infrastructure, and other aviation decarbonization initiatives. This will provide critically important support to the aviation sectors’ efforts, including the urgent need to scale up sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and deployment to meet demand. “The success of aviation’s environmental transition depends on strong partnerships and accessible funding, particularly for developing States,” said ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano. ” The establishment of the Finvest Hub exemplifies the power of international cooperation in addressing our shared environmental responsibilities. Through this platform, we are acting on our commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, while implementing the Global Framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuels adopted in Dubai.”
Travelport introduces Finnair NDC content: Travelport announced that agency customers now have access to new distribution capability (NDC) content from Finnair, Finland’s flagship carrier. Through Travelport+, all of Finnair’s NDC content is now available, including ancillaries such as seat selection, baggage options, and other in-flight services. PrioFlex, Finnair’s specific product for corporate customers, launched last year and is also available to be booked via NDC on Travelport+. With this launch, Travelport’s agency customers can effortlessly view, compare, and book dynamic NDC offers from Finnair. The addition of Finnair NDC content expands Travelport’s multi-source content portfolio, delivering on the company’s mission to make retail-ready content accessible to agencies so that they can create seamless shopping and servicing. Travelport’s NDC content and servicing solution for Finnair is now accessible for agency customers in 60 countries across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America and the Middle East. Travelport’s Finnair NDC solution will continue to roll out in additional countries in the coming weeks.
WestJet and Lufthansa Technik sign multi-billion-dollar agreement: WestJet and Lufthansa Technik announced that they have signed an exclusive agreement, in which Lufthansa Technik will provide engine maintenance services for the CFM International LEAP-1B engines that power the airline’s Boeing 737 fleet. The 15-year, multi-billion-dollar contract, is the largest in WestJet’s 30-year history and followed a rigorous competitive global sourcing process. As a world leader in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), Lufthansa Technik will establish a new engine repair station in Calgary dedicated to servicing LEAP-1B engines for near-wing and quick-turn work. The facility will feature a modern test cell, the first-of-its-kind in Canada, for next generation engines and drive job creation in the region. Operations are set to begin in 2027, with WestJet as the launch customer. Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “WestJet was founded on the idea of improving air travel and making it affordable for Canadians. This historic contract award will allow us to bring critical engine repair operations home to Canada and provide greater efficiency and cost certainty to a critical part of our operations, all while demonstrating our commitment to improving our competitiveness and supporting the Alberta economy. We are proud to partner with Lufthansa Technik. This is an extraordinary moment for WestJet, our guests, WestJetters, Western Canada’s communities and our suppliers.”
SITA unveils new ATC Connect platform: SITA has launched an innovative new global messaging solution which will help redefine the way ATC communications works. SITA ATC Connect allows the sharing of flight information with air navigation service providers (ANSPs) quickly and securely worldwide. It provides streamlined communications to simplify the exchange of data and ensure flight operations run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. The new messaging platform offers a single, easy-to-use global solution for airlines, airports and ground handlers to exchange flight operational messages with ANSPs. This can include flight plans, NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) that alert pilots of potential hazards along a flight route or at a location that could affect their flight, and other essential advisories. SITA ATC Connect is easily integrated, fully supporting the move from legacy Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Networks (AFTNs) to modern ATS (Air Traffic Services) Messaging Handling Systems (AMHS). With full inter-operability, it allows service providers to share large file messages and images with enhanced features for rich data exchange. Airlines, airports and ground handlers exchange many messages with air navigation service providers for day-to-day flight operations. Customers using SITA ATC Connect enjoy seamless communications throughout the flight operations process while the solution makes all necessary conversions between AFTN and AMHS systems, adapting automatically to the required ANSP environment.
Christchurch Airport adds electric fire truck: Christchurch Airport has taken another significant step in its commitment to operational excellence and sustainability, taking possession of New Zealand’s first electric fire truck. The Rosenbauer RT (Revolutionary Technology) is also the first electric fire truck at any airport in the Southern Hemisphere, reinforcing the airport’s leadership in sustainable airport practices. The arrival of the new vehicle is part of the airport’s broader fleet transition programme. With the corporate fleet already 100% electric, the airport is now transitioning its emergency response vehicles as part of its commitment to a zero-emission fleet by 2035. Justin Watson, Christchurch Airport’s Chief Executive, says the addition of the Rosenbauer RT reflects the airport’s ongoing investment in world-class safety and sustainability solutions. “Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and this new truck ensures our emergency response teams have cutting-edge equipment to keep the airport community safe. At the same time, this is another step towards our zero-emissions goal. Innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. By investing in world-class emergency response technology, we’re ensuring our airport remains at the forefront of both safety and environmental leadership.”
Emirates and Air Peace sign interline agreement: Emirates has signed an interline agreement with West Africa’s largest airline, Air Peace, enhancing connectivity for passengers travelling to and from Nigeria. The partnership expands Emirates’ footprint to 13 new cities in Nigeria with frictionless single-ticket travel and simplified baggage throughput. Travellers booked on flights from Dubai to Lagos can access more of Nigeria, with onward connections to Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna and Owerri. The interline agreement will also benefit corporate travellers, connecting to additional cities in one of Africa’s major economic hubs, including its capital city Abuja, Kano, Uyo, Port Harcourt and Warri, further supporting the strong bilateral trade relationship between Nigeria and the UAE. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said, “Emirates is a steadfast partner of Nigeria’s tourism, trade and aviation sectors. This partnership with Air Peace is the next step on this journey, bolstering our connectivity and introducing more travel options for corporate leisure, and travellers visiting friends and family to and from Nigeria. We look forward to deepening our strategic partnership with Air Peace in the future to enhance the benefits for our mutual customers.”
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