Cobham’s AVIATOR LCS selected by Spirit Airlines: Cobham Aerospace Communications announced Spirit Airlines has selected Cobham’s Light Cockpit Satcom (LCS) SwiftBroadband system. The LCS, also known as AVIATOR 200S, is suitable for a wide range of single-aisle and wide-bodied aircraft. Providing secure, segregated Cockpit Safety and Internet Protocol (IP) data and voice communications over the Inmarsat SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S) satellite communications network, the AVIATOR 200S system represents a dynamic evolution in aircraft cockpit communications. Compared to previous generation / legacy satellite communication systems, 200S offers two segregated aircraft communication domains, an 80-times increase in data-transfer capacity, as well as safety services-approved ACARS and SATVOICE. Secured by VPN/IPsec, and in addition to expanded communication capabilities, the 200S system offers SWaP (Size, Weight, & Power) metrics superior to all current SATCOM systems. The versatile 200S is EASA Certified (TC), paving the way for this Light Cockpit SATCOM installation on Airbus A320 Family, A330, and A350 platforms.
Pipistrel celebrates first electric aircraft delivery to Canada: Pipistrel announced its first delivery to Canada of its all-electric, two-seater aircraft the Velis Electro. The Canadian customer, the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) at the University of Waterloo and its partner Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC), will use the Velis Electro to increase their research and collaborative capacity to evaluate battery powered electric flight in Canada. Pipistrel continues its work with Transport Canada toward certification of the Velis Electro. The Pipistrel Velis Electro is the world’s first and currently only in service, commercially available, type-certified electric aircraft, having achieved EASA type-certification in 2020 and UK CAA certification in 2022. Pipistrel is currently pursuing a FAA airworthiness certificate for the Velis Electro. The two-seat, fixed-wing aircraft produces noise levels of only 60 decibels and no exhaust gases, while cruising at an average speed of 90 knots and covering a range of 108 nautical miles at a payload weight of 172 kg (378 lb).
AJW Group extends PBH to Modern Logistics: AJW Group, a world-leading independent aircraft component parts, repair, and supply chain solutions provider, announced the extension of a power-by-the-hour (PBH) support contract with Brazilian cargo operator Modern Logistics. The support contract providing full power-the-hour services for B737CL freighters, has been in operation since 2017 and was the first PBH contract for AJW in Brazil. Since 2017, AJW has become the supplier of choice for airlines across the South American region, reinforced by the recent signing of Chilean ultra-low-cost carrier, JetSMART Airlines SpA, with its rapidly expanding fleet of A320 ceo and neo aircraft, and the Caribbean’s first ultra-low-cost airline, Arajet S.A., and its growing fleet of LEAP powered B737 MAX aircraft. Earlier this year, AJW Group was recognised as one of the top suppliers in the region during the ALTA CCMA & MRO Conference, and the Group recently announced its commitment to capability expansions in the Americas by joining the prestigious Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) as an affiliate member. The agreement means partnering and problem solving as a community with the ALTA member airlines and service providers in unison, as well as bringing extensive technical expertise.
ADSE and Fokker Services Group enter multi-year strategic partnership: ADSE, an independent consulting and engineering company, and Fokker Services Group, an independent aviation aftermarket company, have signed a five-year agreement. Building on a long-standing collaborative history between the two companies, this step forward formalises the partnership for current and future projects. Ron van Baaren, General Director at ADSE, said: “It is great to reconfirm our long-lasting relationship with this agreement. This allows us to continue our work to sustain, modify and optimize the current generation of aircraft and work together towards a sustainable aviation future.” Frans van de Pol, Managing Director Engineering at Fokker Services Group, added: “This agreement is an important new development in our partnership with ADSE. We are setting concrete foundations for our joint future. With this partnership, together we will provide customers with a wider set of resources, skills, products, and services.” Joint focus areas include product and business development, mutual project execution, sharing engineering capabilities, and more for aircraft such as Airbus A330, Boeing 737, Dash 8, and Fokker 70 and 100. Fokker Services Group and ADSE first collaborated in 1996. Since then, the companies have worked together on a range of topics such as the development of their CPDLC modification and the completion of various VIP projects.
Vallair acquires A320 aircraft from lessor Aviation Capital Group for teardown: Vallair, the mature asset specialist, has purchased two A320s from Aviation Capital Group (ACG) for teardown. The aircraft (MSN 2372 and MSN 2393) are both 2005 vintage and the airframes will be dismantled at Vallair’s facility in Montpellier, France. Armando Filho, Material Management Director, said “Both A320s are currently stored in Montpellier and will be processed at the end of the year with parts available in Q1 of 2023. The multiplicity of components will significantly enhance our stock of freshly tagged, modern narrowbody parts. Our inventory has already been boosted by the recent teardown of A321 MSN 1008 and these two airframes will further sustain our strategy to build a high-quality spares hub in France. We are fully committed to supporting this aircraft type for airlines, lessors and asset managers.” To support Vallair’s asset procurement process, intelligent repair management is combined with an integrated supply chain and global network of audited MRO facilities. This provides a streamlined service for Vallair’s material management team which is closely aligned to the teardown function and processes high volumes of aircraft parts every month, working with the in-house aerostructures repair shop based in Châteauroux.
Challenge Airlines celebrates its AOC: New Maltese airline, Challenge Airlines MT, has received its AOC. Challenge Airlines MT has a fleet of two B767-300ERs, both with a payload of 60 tonnes each. A pool of 10 pilots is available to fly all the specific routes out of the group’s hub and Europe largest all cargo airport, Liège (LGG), Belgium. The anticipated commodities on board of these aircraft, will likely be a mix of perishables, pharma, and sea-air connections in the short-term, broadening out to include high yield long-haul shipments such as e-commerce and the Group’s known expertise: horses, cars & engines in the long-term. “With the official presentation of our AOC, Challenge Group is ready to implement its carefully thought-out network service,” Or Zak, Commercial Vice President of Challenge Group, reveals. As with Challenge Group’s two other airlines, Challenge Airlines MT will operate regular services between Liège (LGG), Tel Aviv (TLV), Sharjah (SHJ), John F- Kennedy New York (JFK), and Mumbai (BOM). Captain Charles Pace stated that the Civil Aviation Directorate was extremely pleased with the inclusion of Challenge Group to the 9H list. “Challenge Group has been present in Malta for some time now and they have presented us with an exciting plan for the coming months.” He thanked the team from CAD led by Ing Connie Di Cesare, the Nominated persons from Challenge and the management who selected Malta for this ambitious project. “We look forward to the coming months to see the company grow and add additional aircrafts to its fleet.”
Awery Aviation Software partners with Airnautic and A.D. Aviation: Awery Aviation Services has entered into separate agreements with General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) Airnautic, and General Sales Agent (GSA) A.D. Aviation which will see them integrate its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform into their current software. The system will streamline both companies’ sales, operations, and finance functions, as well as supporting bookings through Awery’s CargoBooking system. “Over recent years the speed of air cargo digitisation has been relentless as the measurable benefits for both GSAs and GSSAs have been indisputable,” said Vitaly Smilianets, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Awery. Awery’s tech was designed and created as a tool to drive efficiencies for GSAs and GSSAs and these two new agreements are indicative of just that.” Airnautic, a family-owned company, was founded in 1958 and has offices in France, Spain, and Italy. Awery’s ERP platform provides full connectivity of all business and operational activities using the latest AI (Artificial Intelligence) to automate previously manual tasks. Giving real time analytics will enable the two companies to provide better customer service, deliver optimal flight management, and make more informed commercial decisions.
GE delivers 250th CT7-2E1 engine: GE’s CT7-2E1 hit a significant milestone with its 250th engine delivery. The 250th CT7-2E1 engine was shipped to Leonardo in late September in support of the AW149 and AW189 helicopter programmes respectively. According to Elissa Lee, Director of GE Aerospace’s Commercial Turboshaft Engines, “The production rate for the CT7-2E1 engine has been steadily increasing, and we anticipate the production line will continue for many more decades to support the AW149 and AW189 programmes due to its outstanding reliability and performance.” GE’s CT7-2E1 engine is the powerplant of choice with the majority of customers who operate the Leonardo AW149 and AW189 helicopters. The CT7-2E1 has proven itself with reliable operations in harsh and maritime environments while offering lower engine weight, lower fuel consumption, and maintenance cost advantages compared to other engines in this power class. The CT7-2E1 version of the highly successful CT7 family is designed with technical features that ensure the aircraft meets requirements for long-range, high-speed, and Category A performance. The engine leverages more than 100 million flight hours of experience from the T700/CT7 engine family while incorporating a state-of-the-art Full Authority Digital Control (FADEC) and advanced materials, primarily in the turbine section.
Air India joins AAPA: The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) announced today that Air India, the national airline of India, has joined AAPA as a member with immediate effect. “It is an honour for AAPA to welcome Air India into our ranks as the first Indian airline to join the association. Air India operated its first flight in 1932 in India, which represents one of the largest civil aviation markets in the world. The airline will add considerable weight to the international aviation discourse undertaken by AAPA on behalf of Asia Pacific airlines,” said Subhas Menon AAPA Director General.
Avolon joins SAF study: Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company, announced a collaboration with Boeing, ORIX Aviation, SFS Ireland and SkyNRG, to conduct a feasibility study into the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Ireland. This partnership reflects Avolon and its partners’ commitment to taking a leading role in helping develop future technologies that reduce the aviation sector’s carbon footprint. The study is being led by SFS Ireland and SkyNRG with the goal of identifying market level opportunities for an investable commercial-scale SAF production facility in Ireland. The study will be completed in 2023. The planned growth of renewable energy sources in country makes Ireland a potential location for SAF production. As a global leader in aviation finance and airline operations, Ireland is home to key stakeholders in aviation’s decarbonisation journey. Andy Cronin, Avolon CEO commented: “It’s imperative that the aviation sector delivers on its promise to invest in innovation to reduce its carbon footprint. We are delighted to be partnering with a team of global experts that have a shared ambition of being at the forefront of sustainable innovation that will reshape the future of aviation. The path to net zero requires a combination of new technology aircraft and large-scale deployment of SAF, and this project will help deliver sustainable solutions to accelerate decarbonisation.”
Phenix Jet completes international business jet flight using Japanese SAF: Phenix Jet Group has completed its first international business jet flight outbound from Japan using “SUSTEO,” a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) brand manufactured and sold in Japan by Euglena Co., Ltd. Phenix Jet celebrates this flight as its inaugural international business jet flight departing from Japan using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced in Japan. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) results in reduced CO2 emissions compared with traditional jet fuels, and this biofuel is expected to greatly contribute to the realisation of a decarbonised society in the coming years. Euglena’s “SUSTEO” is a SAF brand manufactured from raw materials such as used cooking oil and microalgae, which is mixed with traditional fossil jet fuel to create a more eco-friendly fuel. Phenix Jet will continue to seek new opportunities to utilise SAF biofuel in its business jet operations moving forward with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions through its business activities.
Safran signs NacelleLife service contract: Safran Nacelles has signed with Avianca a four-year agreement for the support of the nacelles of their Airbus A320neo powered by CFM International LEAP-1A turbofan engines of which 17 aircraft are already in service. Avianca has plans to rapidly grow the fleet. Avianca will have access to a Safran Nacelles’ shared pool of nacelles end-items. The airline will also benefit from OEM guaranteed Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) solutions at Safran Nacelles repair station in Indianapolis, Indiana, Untied States of America. Alain Berger, Safran Nacelles’ Executive Vice President – Customer Support & Services commented: “I am delighted that Avianca is strengthening its trust in Safran Nacelles for their A320neo nacelle fleet, following their first contract announced in 2019. We are fully committed to delivering services that meet Avianca’s needs for their new generation aircraft.” Albert Pérez, Avianca’s Vice President of Maintenance noted: “We know that punctuality is one of the most relevant attributes for our customers, and our priority at Avianca is to deliver on-time departures. In that sense, this agreement not only ensures the availability of our assets, but also enhances our ability to react through Safran Nacelles’ strategic stocking locations. This agreement will also help us to keep our aircraft in flight, where they need to be and without disruptions, while at the same time being more efficient in terms of maintenance.”
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