Lufthansa Technik’s AVIATAR broadens international set-up: AVIATAR, Lufthansa Technik’s digital solutions suite, has opened a new site in Valencia. By the end of the year, an initial team of up to 20 IT experts will be working on data-driven applications ranging from predictive maintenance to automated fulfilment solutions optimising the entire value chain of the aviation industry. Valencia, with its leading universities and rising tech company ecosystem, was chosen as the ideal location for growing internationally. An emerging tech scene with more than 900 start-ups, multiple incubators and community events create opportunity for future collaborations. In order to ease its landing and effectively connect with the local business network, AVIATAR has partnered with the Invest in Valencia Office, a joint initiative of the City Council of Valencia and the Official Chamber of Commerce acting as a facilitator and connective link to the city. AVIATAR is looking for experienced Full-Stack Developers and Software Architects who are eager to work in an international environment and driven to disrupt the aviation industry digitally. At a later stage this year, Data Scientists and junior positions in further disciplines will also be available.
XL Aero gets OK for Bell 205/212/412 transmission case repairs: XL Aerospace said it has received Transport Canada (TC) approval for the repair of the Main Transmission Casing applicable to Bell Helicopter 205, 212 and 412 helicopter models. Tim Blaskovich, president and DAR for XL Aero, said his company recently completed a test and certification programme for a structural repair of the Bell Helicopter model 205/212/412 Main Transmission Case. “This repair design has received Transport Canada (TC), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval; using XL Aero’s patented Additive Friction Stir Deposition process,” said Blaskovich. The specialised process represents a significant advancement in the repair of structural components, particularly in repairs involving metals that are non-compatible with fusion-based processes. XL Aero’s proprietary process was incorporated as part of the overall transmission case repair work scope, as it is capable of using magnesium and it successfully achieves the necessary bonding and material density.
Bii signs lease and exchange deal with European Air Charter: Bii.aero, a provider of aircraft parts and services for the commercial aviation sector, has signed an exclusive lease and exchange agreement with Bulgarian airline European Air Charter (EAC). The three-year deal, which will ultimately comprise 10 percent of Bii’s A320 inventory, will also see the company undertaking repair management for the airline. The inventory of modern A320 components will divided between Sofia, Bulgaria, and Germany for accessibility, and will support the airline’s fleet of six A320s operating charter flights from 8 cities in Germany to destinations in Egypt, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy and others. The stock, which was shipped from Bii’s London warehouse at the end of April, is on lease to EAC with all future repairs being managed by Bii.
Vallair, UUDS Group, announce Airbus A330-300 E Class conversion: Vallair, the mature asset specialist, unveiled the first E Class widebody freighter conversion capability at its new hangar in Châteauroux, France. Designed to bridge the gap while operators currently wait five years or more for full freighter conversion slots, this innovative solution is the result of a joint investment between France-based companies Vallair and UUDS, which is Part 21 certified. Grégoire Lebigot, Founder, President & CEO of Vallair, explains the importance of the programme and what it means for operators, particularly those involved with e-commerce. “Innovation is and has always been integral to Vallair’s DNA. Turning the Airbus A330-300 upper deck into a cargo area without installing the large cargo door means that the conversion cost will be just a quarter of the cost compared to a conversion with one. Turnaround time will be just around one month instead of six – so the benefits are clear to see. Also, it is the very first “made in France” cargo conversion programme for a widebody aircraft, and Vallair is proud to spearhead this efficient, industry-leading process as part of its re-industrialisation of aviation in the region.” Vallair’s E Class solution means that loading is not done on pallets or containers but uses a conveyor that fits inside the cargo hold to efficiently load and distribute individual parcels instead. This proven concept expedites the process and reduces turnaround times considerably.
Goshawk delivers first A320 to Avion Express: Goshawk, the Dublin-based global aircraft lessor, announced the delivery of one A320 aircraft to Avion Express, the Lithuanian ACMI operator headquartered in Vilnius. Stephen O’Dwyer, Airline Sales & Marketing EMEA at Goshawk said: “As we commence the European summer season, we are delighted to be delivering this A320 to Avion Express, the first aircraft to be leased to the airline by Goshawk. This activity aligns with the start of a new period of growth for Avion Express and we are pleased to support the airline as it responds to unprecedented demand from its customer base.” Goshawk Aviation Limited is a top ten global aircraft lessor with an owned, managed and committed fleet of 222 aircraft. Formed in 2013, the business has grown to become one of the premier global aircraft leasing companies, building a high-quality portfolio of young new technology aircraft placed on long leases to airlines globally. Goshawk is headquartered in Dublin and owned by each of Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and NWS Holdings Limited in Hong Kong.
Kale Info Solutions partners with Vancouver International: Kale Info Solutions, the US subsidiary of Kale Logistics Solutions, is to implement its Airport Cargo Community System (ACCS) at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Canada, to support growing cargo throughput. A proof of concept of Kale’s ACCS will take place ahead of full implementation of the solution, with the aim of improving efficiency for all stakeholders, streamlining cargo flows, and addressing airport truck congestion challenges, which continue to affect many North American airports as cargo volumes swell. YVR is investing in its cargo operations to ensure it can continue to meet growing demand while identifying new solutions that will increase efficiencies with trucking and transportation, especially during peak hours. Kale’s system will enable advance shipment notifications to be sent from shippers, agents, and truckers to cargo handlers and airlines at the airport, bringing real-time updates and transparency on estimated arrival times, as well as details on actual cargo on board, facilitating communication between all stakeholders concerned.
Schiebel CAMCOPTER supports Iceland Coast Guard: Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER S-100 is supporting the Icelandic Coast Guard both day and night delivering enhanced maritime situational awareness for an array of operational tasks, through a contract with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). Currently deployed from the patrol vessel ICGV Thor and from ICGV Freyja, the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) is operated by Schiebel. The CAMCOPTER® S-100 gives the Icelandic Coast Guard the possibility of gaining better coverage of its large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The main task is being able to identify vessels and activities of interest at a much greater range than normal, thereby substantially extending the ship’s situational awareness. The activities include fisheries inspection and control, maritime safety, ship and port security, environmental protection and response, as well as supporting Search and Rescue (SAR) when needed. The S-100 executes these various tasks equipped with a Trakka TC-300 (and in future with an MX-10 Gen-4) Electro-Optical / Infra-Red (EO/IR) camera gimbal, an Overwatch Imaging PT-8 Oceanwatch wide area camera, a Becker Avionics BD406 Emergency Beacon Locator and an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver. Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group, said: “This operation is delivered as part of our ongoing service contracts with EMSA. It is great to witness that ever more European maritime authorities are making use of the exceptional capabilities of the S-100. Especially in the maritime domain, the CAMCOPTER S-100 is demonstrating its solid level of performance and experience.”
Volotea awards AFI KLM MRO deal: Volotea, the airline connecting mid-sized European cities, will send its A320 aircraft to Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance for a comprehensive airframe service, mainly to be carried out during the winter seasons. This agreement, which will come into force in January 2023, fulfils a heavy maintenance activity solution with a time horizon of five and a half years. AFI KLM E&M is selected to perform 120 C-Checks after a comprehensive bidding process that demonstrated the relevance and high quality of its airframe maintenance services. Depending on operational conditions, C-checks, typically performed every 2 years, consist of the inspection, overhaul, maintenance and replacement of aircraft parts, also include preventive maintenance. A total of 120 visits are expected during the winter seasons of the coming years. The services will be carried out according to world-class standards in the hangars of Aerotechnics Industries (ATI). ATI capitalizes on the unique expertise accumulated by its parent companies over more than thirty years in the operation and maintenance of the A320 family.
Emirates and Air Canada form strategic partnership: Emirates and Air Canada announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement that will create more options for customers when travelling on the carriers’ networks while also enhancing the customer experience throughout the journey. Emirates and Air Canada intend to establish a codeshare relationship later in 2022 that will offer enhanced consumer travel choices for Air Canada customers to travel to the United Arab Emirates and to destinations beyond Dubai. Emirates customers will also enjoy an enhanced travel experience when travelling to Toronto or to key destinations across the Air Canada network. Customers will have the ability to book connecting travel between both airlines’ networks with the ease of a single ticket, seamless connectivity at the carriers’ respective global hubs and baggage transfers to their final destinations. To further enhance the customer experience, the carriers will also establish reciprocal frequent flyer benefits and reciprocal lounge access for qualifying customers. Further details of the partnership and specific codeshare routes will be announced when finalized and will be subject to regulatory approvals and final documentation.
DoKaSch Temperature Solutions, Japan Airlines sign rental deal: DoKaSch Temperature Solutions and Japan Airlines (JAL) have signed a new Master Rental Agreement (MRA) for the usage of the temperature-controlled Opticooler as part of the cool service of the Japanese major carrier. The MRA opens up new possibilities to use the active Opticooler as a reliable and capable supply chain solution for pharmaceutical shipments to and from Asia. Therefore, DoKaSch and JAL meet the country’s growing needs for vaccine and pharmaceutical transportation in a safe and reliable way. At Narita International Airport, Japan Airlines operates a hub at an airport that handles about 60 percent of Japan’s total pharmaceutical import trade. Furthermore, JAL’s intercontinental networks connect Japan with major hubs in Europe, North America, China, Southeast Asia as well as Australia. The new Master Rental Agreement with DoKaSch Temperature Solutions enables Japan Airlines to strengthen its cool chain capacities for its safe and fast pharma service providing forwarders and pharma producers with highly reliable packaging solutions. This makes Japan Airlines an important partner for the global supply of pharmaceutical products. The Opticooler is a temperature-controlled packaging solution and comes in two sizes: the RAP container hold up to five euro-pallets, while the smaller RKN version provides space for one euro-pallet. Both active containers are battery-powered, can easily be adapted to any transport scenario, and enable customers to always keep the desired temperature level for example between two and eight degrees at any given time. Since the Opticoolers only require a power socket to be charged, they can easily be used as temporary storage when the necessary cool infrastructure is lacking. This makes them the ideal solution for the safe transport of highly sensitive pharmaceutical products which need to be protected from temperature deviations at all times.
Aergo Capital delivers A320-232 to Jetstar Japan: Aergo Capital Limited has delivered one Airbus A320-232 aircraft bearing manufacturer serial number 6362 to Jetstar Japan. The aircraft was acquired from a Dublin-based lessor and financed by AV AirFinance. Fred Browne, Chief Executive Officer of Aergo, commented: “We are delighted to have successfully completed the delivery of one A320-232 to Jetstar Japan. We are excited to add Jetstar Japan to the list of lessees in our growing portfolio and are looking forward to building our relationship together in the future.” Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP acted as lead counsel to Aergo. Aergo Capital also announced it has delivered one A320-200 aircraft bearing manufacturer serial number 4457 to Batik Air Indonesia, a member of Lion Group. The aircraft was formerly operated by an Asian based airline, it was acquired by Aergo Capital as an off-lease asset from another Irish based Lessor. Aergo Capital subsequently placed the aircraft on lease with Batik Air Indonesia.
Cathay to restart Dubai non-stop flights: Cathay Pacific will resume non-stop flights between Dubai and Hong Kong from 2 October. The airline will operate three flights per week on Monday, Friday and Saturday, providing travellers with direct access to Hong Kong in addition to connections to onward destinations including the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea. All flights will depart from Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport Cathay Pacific Area Manager Middle East Vishnu Rajendran said: “Reactivating our link from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to Hong Kong is extremely important to us as the market remains a priority. We’re confident our offerings like the ease of connections, warm Asian hospitality, diverse in-flight entertainment options and customer-centric initiatives such as our health document verification tool, Fly Ready, make us one of the world’s greatest service brands.” Cathay Pacific will deploy its Boeing 777-300 on its Dubai–Hong Kong route, catering to the increased cargo demand as well as passenger traffic. Moreover, the aircraft comes equipped with a three-class cabin configuration, featuring the airline’s forward-facing lie-flat seats in Business, spacious seats in Premium Economy as well as ergonomically designed seats in Economy.
J&C Aero launches Airbus A320/A330 line maintenance: J&C Aero, an international aviation design and production company, has recently received its first EASA Part 145 approval covering Airbus A320 and A330 line maintenance. A Lithuanian air carrier Heston Airlines becomes the inaugural customer for J&C Aero’s new service. The latest EASA approval covers the full scope of line maintenance works on narrowbody Airbus A320 Family (CFM 56/IAE V2500) and widebody Airbus A330 (GE CF6/RR Trent 700) aircraft, as well as various systems and components such as air conditioning, doors, electrical power and lights, windows, and other equipment. Following the receipt of the approval, J&C Aero technicians and engineers have already welcomed their first airplanes operated by Heston Airlines at Vilnius International Airport (VNO). Heston Airlines specialises in full charter flights and ACMI wet/damp leases operating five Airbus A320 and three Airbus A330 aircraft.
Vietjet expands in India: Following its new international routes connecting key Indian cities to Vietnam, Vietjet now reveals a bigger network growth and implementation plan for the India market. The new flight services are planned to link Bengaluru to Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The new routes are set to operate within the fourth quarter of 2022. The airline also plans to open new direct services to other major Indian cities by the year-end. The announcement comes on the heels of the airline’s recent launch of direct routes connecting New Delhi, Mumbai to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and its soon-to-launch routes linking Mumbai and New Delhi with Phu Quoc islands, Southeast Asia’s favoured beach destination in early September. The new direct flights from Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport) will make it easier and more affordable for Indian visitors to travel not only to Vietnam but also connect to other Southeast Asia’s destinations of Bali, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore or further to Northeast Asian cities of Seoul, Busan, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Taipei.
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So happy to see Air Asia X reintroducing flights to Australia and New Zealand in November.