Azerbaijan Airlines gears up for growth with Lufthansa Systems: Lufthansa Systems announced that Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has adopted its cloud-based scheduling solution, NetLine/Sched, and its slot management solution, NetLine/Slot. As AZAL aims to expand its market presence, transitioning to a solution that enhances growth while enabling greater integration, automation, and optimization was a natural next step. For Lufthansa Systems, this partnership represents a strategic opportunity to solidify its presence in a growing and dynamic market. NetLine/Sched offers a wide range of scheduling tools, from customizable visualization options to flexible scenario management and real-time schedule feasibility checks combined with outstanding performance. It’s designed to help airlines stay agile in an ever-changing market, allowing them to adapt schedules in response to competitor actions or changes in sales and marketing strategies – all while ensuring operational integrity.
Etihad enhances digital experiences: Etihad Airways has enhanced its digital platforms with new features that make travel easier and more personalised for guests. The improvements to etihad.com and the Etihad Airways mobile app introduce new market-specific payment options, expanded self-service capabilities, and enhanced loyalty programme features. Guests can now pay using local payment methods across key markets including India and Europe, easily modify their bookings through the improved self-service options, and seamlessly redeem Etihad Guest miles for flights and upgrades. The enhanced platforms also offer a more intuitive booking process with features such as calendar-based fare searches and local language options. In the Indian market specifically, customers benefit from Hindi language support, locally preferred payment options, and an innovative fare calendar that makes finding the best travel deals easier. These market-specific improvements reflect Etihad’s commitment to meeting the distinct needs of its global customer base. Looking ahead, Etihad Airways is focused on further enhancing the customer experience, with upcoming improvements to the check-in process and more accurate, timely travel updates. These changes will make the entire travel journey, from booking to arrival, even more seamless for guests.
CAE accelerates maintenance training Bombardier technicians: Global aviation training leader CAE and Bombardier are collaborating on the development of a modular maintenance training program which will aim to optimize the time required to train Bombardier Service Centre maintenance technicians. The testing phase of this new training program will take place at Bombardier’s service centres in Wichita, Kansas; Tucson, Arizona; and Opa Locka, Florida. CAE’s 2023 Aviation Talent Forecast predicts a need for 402,000 new maintenance technicians industry-wide by 2032, more specifically 74,000 in business aviation. “While there is a need to better promote the career path of an aircraft technician to students around the globe, a big part of the challenge is that it currently takes too long to train new technicians and even longer to train them across several aircraft platforms,” explained CAE Business Aviation Division President Alexandre Prévost. “CAE’s new modular solution developed for Bombardier will reduce training time by consolidating courses for an entire aircraft family since they share many components and features.”
AAR signs new engine parts supply agreement with Chromalloy: AAR announced the signing of a multi-year engine parts supply agreement to distribute Chromalloy’s Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) parts for the CF6-80C2 engine high pressure turbine (HPT) Stage 1 and Stage 2 turbine blades. Under the agreement, AAR will be the exclusive distributor of these two PMA blades to the global aftermarket with limited account coverage exclusions, due to Chromalloy’s pre-existing customer agreements. “This agreement builds on the long relationship between AAR and Chromalloy for connecting innovative solutions to our global aftermarket customers. The combination of the Chromalloy engineering and manufacturing capability, with the AAR global aero-engine channel access ensures that our PMA solutions are accessible by operators and repair stations in every region,” Chromalloy’s Chief Executive Officer Chris Celtruda commented. The agreement has an initial term of three years, and AAR has made an initial provisioning order that ensures there is inventory in place to provide for the global distribution of Chromalloy’s CF6-80C2 HPT Stage 1 and Stage 2 turbine blades.
Honeywell and Curtiss-Wright develop cockpit voice recorders: Honeywell and Curtiss-Wright announced they have collaborated to develop a Honeywell Connected Recorder-25 (HCR-25) cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) that is now available for applicable Boeing and Airbus commercial and cargo aircraft. The HCR-25 was type-certified for use on Boeing 737/767/777 aircraft last year and is scheduled to be type-certified for use on Airbus A320 series platforms in the first half of 2025. The development of this new technology supports Honeywell’s alignment of its portfolio to three compelling megatrends including automation and the future of aviation. The HCR-25 satisfies the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act’s directive that requires commercial passenger aircraft to be equipped with a CVR set to record the most recent 25 hours of flight data. The directive specifies that all newly manufactured aircraft must meet the 25-hour requirement, while existing aircraft must be compliant within six years. The use of a 25-hour CVR dramatically improves the ability to identify the root cause of commercial aircraft incidents and accidents, which results in greater air travel passenger safety and improvements to training, policies and procedures. Honeywell and Curtiss-Wright’s joint development of the CVR follows a letter earlier this year from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that called for the installation of 25-hour CVRs in new aircraft production and the retrofit of existing airplanes. The letter highlighted 14 NTSB investigations since 2018 that were hampered by a lack of CVR data because that data was overwritten due to insufficient recording capacity.
Teledyne’s new-gen secure data loader certified on Boeing 737NG aircraft: Teledyne Controls, a leading provider of innovative avionics and aircraft data management solutions, announced that its new onboard enhanced Airborne Data Loader (eADL XS) has received certification for use on the Boeing 737NG aircraft series. Certification for other aircraft platforms is in progress. Teledyne’s eADL XS represents a new generation of data loading technology and is the first onboard data loader to meet the stringent ARINC 645-1 requirements for OEM secure data loading. With advanced features, such as built-in cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity, comprehensive validation of digital signature, and secure boot, the eADL XS ensures the integrity of software parts and protects against unauthorized access at every stage. “We are thrilled to achieve this certification for the Boeing 737NG,” said Mehrdad Radmehr, President of Teledyne Controls. “As aircraft continue to integrate powerful new systems and networks into their design, the software distribution process becomes more complex, opening more opportunities for cybersecurity attacks. This certification milestone demonstrates our commitment to providing cutting‑edge solutions to enhance the safety and efficiency of our customers’ operations.”
VantageSOLO takes flight for Iberia on very first A321 XLR: Thompson Aero Seating’s illustrious VantageSOLO took flight with Iberia on the very first A321 XLR. The entire vision behind Iberia’s A321 XLR is to enable the airline to use a single-aisle aircraft for long-haul flights, whilst maintaining the same premium service enjoyed on their twin-aisle aircraft – thus making VantageSOLO the perfect choice of seat. The VantageSOLO was initially developed by Thompson and Factorydesign specifically in response to increasing business class cabin requirements on board the medium-to-long-range latest generation of single-aisle aircraft. Thompson was the first to design and certify this type of seating product a number of years ago with Iberia’s business-class passengers being the latest to benefit from a fully horizontal flat bed seat, each with its own direct-aisle access. Soft, natural elements have been carefully selected for the trim and finish. Warm, woven materials give a welcoming feel, and wood-effects continue the theme. There is the occasional pop of colour from Iberia’s red and yellow brand accents. Comfort and function are offered by wide leather headrests and thoughtfully designed compartments. Fixed screens have been selected by Iberia to increase the sense of privacy in these already secluded seats. Each seat also features its own lighting system, which the passenger can adjust to create their own individual atmosphere, and there are 18-inch 4K monitors offering the sharpest of images. There are 14 business class seats in each of Iberia’s A321 XLRs and Thompson will deliver eight ship sets in total.
Satair and Champion Aerospace sign MOU: Satair, an Airbus Services company, and Champion Aerospace, a global leader in aerospace ignition and power systems, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to extend their multi-year distribution agreement. This MoU builds on their 40-year partnership and paves the way for the renewal of their collaboration on the global distribution of Champion’s turbine engine ignition products. The anticipated agreement, once finalised, would grant Satair exclusive commercial aftermarket distribution rights to Champion’s igniters, exciters, and ignition leads. This partnership is expected to enhance Satair’s product offerings while continuing to deliver high-quality solutions and technical support to operators worldwide. “This MoU reaffirms our mutual trust in the strong relationship between Satair and Champion Aerospace. It also demonstrates the value Satair is creating for OEMs and we are excited to explore the next phase of this collaboration,” said Thomas Lagaillarde, Vice President Product Management & Business Development, Satair. “We look forward to continuing to provide top-tier solutions for the aerospace industry.”
Bahrain and Leonardo announce radar upgrade: The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications of the Kingdom of Bahrain has recently signed a contract with Leonardo to upgrade and enhance air traffic control and radar systems at Manama Airport. The project is part of Bahrain’s ongoing commitment to bolster aviation safety, airspace efficiency and regional air navigation services. The agreement, which has been announced during Bahrain International Airshow, will see Leonardo supply, deliver and install cutting-edge radar systems, including the ATCR 33S NG primary surveillance radar and SIR S/I secondary surveillance radar. These advanced technologies, along with associated equipment, will enhance Bahrain’s air traffic management capabilities by delivering real-time, high-resolution surveillance across the Kingdom’s airspace. The supply, which extends over three years until early 2027, also includes comprehensive in-service support, ensuring operational effectiveness and sustainability of the radar systems over the contract period. Leonardo’s commitment encompasses not only on-site installation but also remote services and support, bringing the highest standards in radar technology to Bahrain’s aviation infrastructure. This upgrade represents a significant leap forward in Bahrain’s air traffic management capacity, reinforcing its strategic role in Middle Eastern aviation. The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, in partnership with Leonardo, is proud to advance Bahrain’s aviation safety, efficiency and technological leadership with this critical infrastructure investment.
GE Aerospace opens technology acceleration centre: GE Aerospace celebrated the ribbon cutting of its Services Technology Acceleration Center (STAC), a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing aerospace inspection technologies and repair processes and enhancing customer support capabilities for its Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities around the globe. The STAC is a hub for rapidly industrializing and deploying cutting-edge technologies and methodologies for inspecting jet engine parts to drive greater rigor around safety and improve turnaround times on inspection. The center will house state-of-the-art inspection technologies, powered by AI and machine learning, that will be able to detect emerging issues sooner and help get customers’ engines back on wing faster. STAC, which opened earlier this fall, is in the process of finalising certification of several technologies, which will be deployed across the company’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities globally.
Lufthansa Technik and SkyFive join forces: SkyFive AG, a renowned provider of smart Inflight Connectivity solutions, is joining forces with Lufthansa Technik AG in the aim to scale up its delivery capabilities for cost-effective Air-to-Ground (A2G) broadband services to commercial airlines around the world. According to a recently signed framework contract, Lufthansa Technik employs its comprehensive design and production organization to design, certify and manufacture installation kits. The latter enable SkyFive’s airline customers a quick and easy upgrade of their narrowbody fleets with fast A2G onboard connectivity. According to figures published by research and analysis firm Valour Consultancy, 74 percent of today’s single-aisle aircraft are yet deprived of any broadband connectivity. A2G technology offers a relatively easy and cost-efficient way to close this “connectivity gap”. Connecting the aircraft and its passengers via ground stations of dedicated mobile networks requires a comparatively small installation form factor, with the lower-fuselage-mounted antenna only measuring about the size of a human hand. The number of aircraft committed to such A2G technology has already doubled over the last 24 months.
Leonardo offers C-27J next-gen “Fire Fighter”” Leonardo announced it was now offering an innovative, high-tech solution for the increasingly difficult fight against forest fires in the form of the C-27J Next Generation “Fire Fighter”, a twin-engine turboprop aircraft intended to work alongside helicopters and amphibious “scooper” aircraft that take water directly from seas, lakes and rivers. What makes this aircraft unique is the second generation MAFFS II (Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System), a “roll-on/roll off” transportable module that can be loaded and unloaded as required in only 90 minutes. The module consists essentially of a 7,500-litre tank which can be refilled on the ground with water and retardant liquid in under 10 minutes, and a spray nozzle emerging through the left hatch of the fuselage.
Silk Way Alat Free Economic Zone Company and ICAO sign deal: Silk Way Alat Free Economic Zone Company (SW AFEZCO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) signed a strategic agreement at COP29. This cooperation embodies a shared vision and joint commitment to establish a certified green airport and cargo village in the Alat Free Economic Zone, supporting both ICAO’s and the Republic of Azerbaijan’s environmental sustainability goals. The collaboration aims to develop environmentally sustainable airport operations that will comply with both national regulations and international environmental standards and best practices. Key areas of focus include technical guidance from ICAO for achievement of Green Airport certification, the integration of industry-leading environmental practices, and innovations to establish the Alat Free Economic Zone as a benchmark for sustainable airport operations.
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