328 Support Services becomes Deutsche Aircraft: 328 Support Services has rebranded as Deutsche Aircraft. The new company name follows the reestablishment of the company as an Aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Following a decades-long track record of success as 328SSG, Deutsche Aircraft is poised to support the future of aviation with development of the D328eco aircraft, a fast, modern, high-flying, 40-seat hybrid green tech turboprop that is SAF compatible and features a new integrated Companion flight deck (based on Garmin 5000 avionics suite). The D328eco is expected to enter service by end of 2025. Headquartered in Oberpfaffenhofen, near Munich, Deutsche Aircraft will continue to provide maintenance and technical support to the global D328 fleet in service. Deutsche Aircraft also has plans to grow its engineering, operations, programmes and supply chain teams to support the D328eco programme development. The first prototypes of the D328eco will be built in Oberpfaffenhofen with the flight-testing campaign scheduled to start in 2024.
AviaAm delivers 737-8: AviaAM Leasing has announced the delivery of the company’s first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter to the lessee – Icelandic air cargo transportation company Bluebird Nordic. The 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter underwent the P2F conversion works at the Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft Engineering Company Limited (STAECO) facility in Jinan (TNA), China. A subsequent C Check and a repaint of the airframe to match the future lessee’s livery were performed at Kaunas, Lithuania. The 737-800BCF has already joined the fleet of Bluebird Nordic, an expanding Icelandic air cargo transportation company.
Embraer Selects SKYTRAC and ACR Electronics for GADSS: SKYTRAC Systems and ACR Electronics have signed an agreement with Embraer, the world’s third-largest commercial aircraft manufacturer, to provide novel Autonomous Distress Tracking (ADT) and Emergency Locator Transmitter with Distress Tracking (ELT-DT) technology to satisfy the European operational requirements and ICAO recommendations relating to Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS), that begin in January 2023. SKYTRAC and ACR Electronics are both brands of the ACR Group and represent the only company with a full end-to-end GADSS solution for airframe manufacturers and airline operators.
Cathay Pacific signs deal with Amadeus: Cathay Pacific, supported by Amadeus technology, has deepened its commitment to NDC by making plans to offer a range of content available on the Amadeus Travel Platform, to the largest network of travel sellers in the world. This announcement builds on Cathay Pacific’s existing distribution strategy underpinned by the carrier’s use of Amadeus Altéa NDC. Both organizations have started to work on integrating Cathay Pacific’s NDC-sourced content into the Amadeus Travel Platform. This will ensure that Amadeus travel agents worldwide will be able to search, compare, book and service Cathay Pacific content via NDC in one merged display, alongside other content, in a familiar booking environment. Cathay’s new NDC offers will include content such as seat selection, fare families, and special fares. Critical functionalities such as ticketing exchange and refunds will also be available.
Emirates and utu sign strategic partnership: utu, a travel tech startup, has announced a strategic partnership with Emirates in a bid to shake-up the VAT refund sector. Emirates is the first to join utu’s innovative new service based on deep industry experience that adds customer loyalty and rewards elements to the tax-free shopping experience for cross-border travellers. Through the “upsize” model, tourists using utu will soon be able to supersise their tax refunds from shopping with rewards including Frequent Flyer Miles, hotel points, restaurant vouchers, retail loyalty points and more. This pivot to rewards signals the biggest upheaval in the history of tax- free shopping. By leveraging the virtual utu Tax Free Card in the utu Tax Free app, Emirates Skywards members will now be able to upsize their VAT refund value by 4,167 Skywards Miles for every US$100.
Embraer Executive Jet Service Centre certified by Collins: Embraer announced that the Embraer Executive Jet Service Centre in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been certified as a Collins Aerospace Completion Centre for in-service aircraft upholstery and cushion. The updates are available for the Legacy 450, Legacy 500, Praetor 500, and Praetor 600 executive jets. Using soft good materials and coverings, the certification enables Embraer to offer new upholstery designs, which will be provided by Embraer’s Executive Jet Interior Design Team. It will also allow foam reshaping and the creation of new bolster designs with options that Embraer customers haven’t previously had in the aftermarket. This approval is specific to cabin seats, including in-service seats and new seats installed on in-service aircraft, which gives Embraer the ability to design entirely new upholstery looks within the original type certificate limits.
FlightSafety and GE Digital partner on data: FlightSafety International and GE Digital have announced the launch of their new partnership to use actual flight data to reduce flight risks through superior training delivery. GE Digital will provide data-driven C-FOQA insights to FlightSafety. FlightSafety will use these insights to enhance training and ensure pilots are prepared for any possible threat before the risks are real. More than 300 operators and 1,000+ aircraft are part of the C-FOQA community, able to make use of automatic processing of flight data with a library of 200+ events and 2,000+ measurements that monitor everything from simple aircraft limitation exceedances to highly advanced risk-based modelling.
IATA launches lithium battery certification programme: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a new industry certification programme — Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators Lithium Battery – to improve the safe handling and transport of lithium batteries across the supply chain. Shipments of lithium batteries (alone or with finished products) must comply with well-established global safety standards for how they are manufactured, tested, packed, marked, labelled, and documented. These requirements are a key element of the IATA Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations (LBSR) and of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) which combine regulatory and operational input from industry and government experts. CEVA Logistics is the first CEIV Lithium Battery certification for its operations at Hong Kong International Airport and at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, following an extensive period of piloting.
Business aviation pledges net-zero by 2050: Business aviation leaders have pledged to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 as they expanded on a set of bold climate commitments made a decade ago, marking the latest in a string of new sustainability announcements at their main event of the year. At the National Business Aviation Association’s 2021 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the heads of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and NBAA also said the industry would continue its goal of increasing fuel efficiency 2 percent per year between 2020 and 2030. These new ambitions build on the Business Aviation Commitment on Climate Change (BACCC) made in 2009, when the industry said it would reduce carbon emissions 50 percent by 2050, increase fuel efficiency 2 percent per year from 2010 to 2020, and achieve carbon-neutral growth by 2020.
Honeywell, AJW Group announce worldwide distribution agreement: AJW Group and Honeywell announced a worldwide sole distributor agreement for the global sales of Air Data Inertial Reference Units (ADIRU) PN HG HG2030BE04 for Airbus A320, A330, A340 and A380. Under the terms of the agreement, AJW will distribute the new production build ADIRU, for all for Airbus A320, A330, A340 and A380 aircraft for all Initial Provisioning and purchasing requirements for operators and integrated service providers. The collaboration includes AJW holding distribution inventory at their global facilities to meet the needs of worldwide A320NEO family and A330NEO operators, complementing the extensive inventory of Airbus parts and maintenance, repair and overhaul services that allow AJW to deliver complete support solutions to customers. In addition, AJW Technique, AJW Group’s maintenance hub, authorised repair facility for multiple Honeywell products, is lining up for capability extension to offer complete support on the ADIRU.
DeGroff launces new tech: DeGroff Aviation Technologies announced the release of its new PitotShield V2 with SmartCover technology, a fail-safe ‘smart’ pitot cover for turbine aircraft. Developed specifically for turbine aircraft, the device protects the pitot tube while on the ground. Should it not be removed during preflight, its design ensures it safely ejects, within two to five minutes of pitot heat activation, immediately restoring flight-critical air data system function. First unveiled as a concept at NBAA 2019 and Singapore 2020, SmartCover technology was considered breakthrough protection of the air data system for turbine aircraft with passively heated pitot tubes. Subsequent requests for the product led to the commercial development of the device. The patent pending PitotShield V2 with SmartCover technology fits nearly every turbine aircraft pitot tube. Made of frangible heat-resistant polymer and a thermal actuator, it provides a secure non-marring fit. If left on at power-up, it releases within two to five minutes. It includes bright orange streamer with an omni-reflective accent, for increased visibility day or night.
Recaro Aircraft Seating SL3710 on Wizz Air: Recaro Aircraft Seating (Recaro) SL3710 Economy Class seat has taken flight on Wizz Air’s new Airbus A321neo. A total of 146 shipsets will be delivered to Europe’s fastest growing airline through 2027. Weighing in at only nine kilograms, the lightweight and durable SL3710 is the ideal solution for short-haul flights and met the needs of Wizz Air, as the low-cost carrier is committed to achieving high fuel efficiency. The seat’s energy-saving design enables high-density layouts while still accommodating passengers of various heights with its pre-reclined feature. In addition, Recaro uses a unique seat building process to ensure minimal impact to the environment during production.
DART Aerospace announces firefighting supply deal: DART Aerospace is proud to announce it has signed an agreement for the supply of a new generation of Fire Attack Systems for the FIREHAWK, supporting DART’s mission to be the industry leader in aerial firefighting equipment manufacturing. DART Aerospace will be partnering with United Rotorcraft, the exclusive completion centre for the FIREHAWK, for the development and certification of lightweight Fire Attack systems. The systems will be developed and manufactured at DART’s Portland facility in Oregon, leveraging the latest design and manufacturing technologies to provide a 1,000-gallon belly tank combining lightweight materials and durability while offering an optimised drop pattern. The new FIREHAWK tank is expected to receive an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval in the second half of 2022.
Air Astana launches new service to Phuket: Air Astana continues to expand its international network, with the launch of twice weekly direct flights from Almaty to the tropical island of Phuket in Thailand on 31st October 2021. Service frequencies to Dubai are being boosted to a total of 10 flights a week, including three flights a week from Almaty starting on 23 October 2021 and daily flights from Nur-Sultan starting from 1 November. Earlier in October, Air Astana resumed its services to St Petersburg with a weekly flight from Nur-Sultan and has increased services to Moscow with daily flights from Almaty and five flights per week from Nur-Sultan. The airline also increased the frequency of flights to Istanbul to three services a week from Nur-Sultan and five services a week from Almaty.
Aviator signs deal with Ryanair: Aviator, a full-range provider of aviation services at 15 airports across the Nordics and a family member of Avia Solutions Group, signed a partnership agreement with Ryanair for ground handling services. Under the new partnership, Aviator will provide Ryanair with full passenger- and ramp-handling services, including de-icing, at Stockholm-Arlanda Airport. The five-year agreement was signed in July for services to be provided starting October 2021. Aviator at Arlanda perform emission free turnarounds and is in the process of becoming totally electric in all its operations.
Magnetic MRO rebrands: Magnetic MRO announced a rebrand and introduced a new company structure, affecting some subsidiaries and sub-brands. All future activities will be consolidated under a holding company called Magnetic Group. Under the Magnetic Group, the company will introduce four sectors, each representing a distinct activity: Magnetic Creative – design and manufacturing; Magnetic Assets – capital-intensive businesses e.g. loaning, trading, leasing; Magnetic Maintenance – labour-intensive business e.g. line, base, and engine maintenance; Magnetic Talents – employs the most talented specialists to serve the industry’s engineering and training needs.
GrandView Aviation signs deal with Pratt & Whitney Canada: Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) announced that business jet charter company GrandView Aviation has signed a Fleet Management Programme for its fleet of 26 PW535E engines powering Embraer Phenom 300 aircraft. P&WC’s FMP is a flexible, high value engine maintenance solution that helps lock in lower operating costs and simplifies fleet operations management. Tailored to suit the unique requirements of fleet operators and airlines, the FMP allows customers to focus on their core business and eliminates the overhead and logistical challenges of operating a maintenance facility. Under this program, a skilled Pratt & Whitney-appointed team manages fleet operations delivering maximum return on investment, customer satisfaction and peace of mind.
Etihad Airways retail pact with ATPCO: Etihad Airways announced the carrier has signed a long-term retailing agreement with ATPCO to create and distribute UPAs (Universal Product Attributes) to all third-party distribution channels. The deal enables the airline to accurately, consistently, and visually display its unique offers in its own brand voice and tone, in multiple languages, regardless of the channel where the flight is sold. UPAs bring unique airline fares, products, and services to life with messaging, images, videos, and cabin tours. UPA content can be highly targeted by aircraft, cabin, route, time of day, fare, and more, giving passengers, as well as travel agents and their customers, time-sensitive and relevant content as they shop.
Frontier Airlines selects Skywise: Frontier Airlines has become the latest North American operator to adopt Skywise Health Monitoring as its key future fleet performance tool under a five-year contract covering 111 single-aisle aircraft. Launched in 2019, Skywise Health Monitoring (SHM) gathers live diagnostic feeds from the aircraft through its ACARS link to the airline’s information system. Frontier will use the solution for its A320 Family fleet. Airbus’ SHM will support the airline’s maintenance and engineering teams by enabling real-time management of aircraft events and troubleshooting. This will help the airline in identifying, prioritising, analysing and handling in-service events, enabling quicker decision-making and minimising AOG risks. Using the power of the Skywise aviation data platform, SHM collates and centralises the alerts, flight-deck effects, maintenance messages etc., prioritises them, correlates any faults with the relevant troubleshooting procedures, highlights operational impacts, provides the maintenance history of the system (from the logbook and MIS information collected through Skywise Core and stored in the data lake), allowing effective tracking of the alerts.
IATA challenges Dutch slot rule: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has started legal action in the Netherlands to prevent the application of a new Policy Rule for slot allocation that would have significant negative effects on the globally functioning system of slot allocation and would result in very significant (commercial) damage for the members of IATA. The rule was implemented by the Netherlands slots coordinator, ACNL, to take effect for the summer 2022 season. It prescribes a list of priority destinations for slots at three congested Dutch airports (Amsterdam Schiphol, Eindhoven and Rotterdam The Hague). This would contravene the European regulation on the common rules for community air services (1008/2008) and the European Slot Regulation (95/93) in several respects. IATA said the rule was improperly implemented. ACNL unilaterally applied the rule without the proper consultation of interested parties, as would be required under EU law.
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