Aerometals introduces new flat filter barrier: Precision aerospace manufacturing company, Aerometals has announced Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concurrence for a new flat filter inlet barrier filter (IBF) design for the AS350 and H130 airframe series with both single and dual hydraulic configuration. The new design will be offered as a new filter assembly as well as an upgrade to existing filter assemblies. Benefits of the new flat design include an increased service interval from 100 to 150 hours, improved cleaning and oiling, a two-pound reduction in weight along with simplified pre-flight and inclement weather inspection. Aerometals designed, manufactures and distributes the advanced filtration system that protects critical engine components from corrosion, fouling, erosion and foreign object damage (FOD). Additionally, the IBF can provide up to 96.8 percent separation efficiency of airborne salt nuclei for salt laden or offshore environments.
Lufthansa Technik back in the black: Lufthansa Technik AG took a big step out of the pandemic-related aviation crisis during financial year 2021 and returned to profitability. The company achieved the turnaround through comprehensive restructuring, a clear customer focus and the further development of its product portfolio. Lufthansa Technik was able to increase revenue by 7 percent to 4 billion euros (previous year: 3.747 billion euros) and again generated a clearly positive adjusted EBIT of 210 million euros (previous year: -383 million euros). “2021 was another tough year that demanded everything from all of us. We have rigorously reorganised and restructured painfully, but today Lufthansa Technik is better, more efficient and more powerful than before the crisis. We owe this not least to the commitment and flexibility of our employees,” said Dr. Johannes Bussmann, Chairman of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Technik.
Astronautics provides wireless system for Airbus helicopters: Astronautics Corporation of America is providing its AeroSync wireless Airborne Communication System (wACS) as the standard-fit connectivity solution for Airbus Helicopters’ new production H125 and H130 helicopters. Astronautics’ AeroSync wACS is a secure and integrated wireless data transmission system that automatically provides high-speed flight, mission, and maintenance data export and storage services to enhance Airbus’ Flight Analyser and FlyScan fleet monitoring connected services. AeroSync wACS collects data throughout the flight and that data is then available for fleet monitoring applications at landing. This system is Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) technical standard order approved and capable of streaming mission data and video between the aircraft and the ground throughout the mission profile, whether in the air or on the ground, and from any external device. AeroSync wACS meets the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and FAA security standards. Additionally, AeroSync wACS has in-flight cabin connectivity and retrofit capabilities.
Vietjet ramps up flights: Vietjet will resume more international flights from late March as Vietnam removes quarantine requirements for foreign arrivals. The airline plans to relaunch several international routes connecting Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City/Da Nang/Hai Phong/Phu Quoc with Phuket (Thailand), Tainan and Kaohsiung (Taiwan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), New Delhi (India), Bali (Indonesia), Busan (South Korea) and Osaka (Japan), etc. from late March and early April 2022. The re-launched routes will be operated from one to four return flights per week with an increase option when travel demands speed up. Vietjet currently operates many services linking Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City with Seoul (Incheon International Airport), Tokyo (Narita International Airport), Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi International Airport) and Taipei (Taoyuan International Airport), etc. The airline is also expanding its international flight network to new destinations in Europe and Australia using wide-body aircraft. The airline also announced it is reopening and increasing the frequency of many routes across Vietnam, especially routes from and to Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Can Tho, Da Nang, etc. to meet tourism, trade and travel demands prior to the summer.
Qatar Airways, SIA order engines with S. S. White Technologies tech: S. S. White Technologies, the leading supplier of flexible rotary shafts for the aerospace industry, is supplying flexible rotary shafts specifically designed to transmit rotary torque for the manual override on the Honeywell Aerospace Starter Air Valve used on GE9X turbofan engines selected to power Qatar Airways 777-8 freighters and Singapore Airlines 777-9 aircraft. The Honeywell Aerospace Air Turbine Starter (ATS) consists of two components, the Starter and the Starter Air Valve. The Starter Air Valve controls air flow from the Engine Bleed, APU or Ground supply to the ATS and has significant built-in operational and protection features. One of the many features incorporates an S. S. White flexible rotary shaft that allows ground crews to manually actuate the Starter Air Valve in case of an operational failure thus enabling the aircraft to still be dispatched avoiding flight delays and cancellations.
AAR signs distribution deal with Goodrich De-Icing & Specialty Heating Systems: AAR has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Collins Aerospace’s Goodrich De-Icing & Specialty Heating Systems business. Through this agreement, AAR will provide airlines, other aircraft operators, and MROs globally with de-icers and supporting products. Product offerings include patented technology and are predominantly used on general aviation aircraft, regional turbo-prop aircraft, and most multi-engine piston business aircraft. “We are excited to distribute Collins’ De-Icing & Specialty Heating Systems and expand our portfolio and offerings, particularly to the business and general aviation marketplace,” said Eric Young, AAR Vice President of OEM Solutions. “AAR looks forward to continuing our legacy of superior customer service through this agreement.”
Digital Aero Technologies invests in Sensus Aero: Digital Aero Technologies, a technology-driven holding, established by a global aviation services group Avia Solutions Group, has announced a new addition to the digital family. The aviation companies’ holding has been joined by Sensus Aero, a new-gen aviation software expert. The newest addition to the holding will receive a 2.3 million euro investment to reinforce its growth and development plans. “We see a lot of potential in Sensus Aero. We believe that the new-gen solutions, offered by Sensus Aero, tackle many important issues that aviation businesses are facing and can have a great impact on the whole aviation industry. We trust that Sensus Aero can leave an important mark on the aviation industry, thus are a great choice for investment,” says Julius Norkunas.
Aviator strengthens partnership with Braathens: Aviator Airport Alliance, a full-range provider of aviation services at 15 airports across the Nordics and a family member of one of the largest aerospace service groups Avia Solutions Group, has strengthened their partnership with BRA by signing a new contract. Under the new partnership agreement, Aviator will provide BRA with ground handling and de-icing services at Gothenburg and Malmö airports. The contract will be in effect till 2025. BRA is a Swedish airline, formed in 2016 by Malmö Aviation, Sverigeflyg, Braathens Regional. BRA operates between 13 destinations in Sweden and to Aarhus in Denmark with its 12 ATR72-600 aircraft fleet. Aviator provides high-quality ground handling services: from passenger and baggage handling, to de-icing, cargo and full-freight handling, to station services, including airport security and the Nordic Dino aircraft washing robot.
RAS to rebrand as JETMS Completions: In the wake of the JETMS acquisition of RAS Completions in 2021, the Biggin Hill based company will be formally rebranded as JETMS Completions. To better represent the professionalism and unity of both companies, and to mirror the esteem in which both companies are held in the aviation industry, the rebranding strategy will serve to strengthen their place in the market. JETMS, as a family member of Avia Solutions Group, and with the backing of its position as a global player in the aviation and aerospace industries, will use the rebranding as a means to represent JETMS and JETMS Completions more closely going forward. The original RAS Group, now JETMS Completions, is a long-established aircraft interior, exterior completions company and is well renowned as being a one-stop shop for jet interiors, commercial interiors, aircraft interior design, aircraft seating, aircraft painting, coatings and ancillary services for both VIP and commercial aircraft. With the support of the JETMS parent company, Avia Solutions Group, and a greater investment strategy, the next milestone on the company’s journey towards creating a truly competitive brand, will include the upgrading of facilities, a brighter more modern look, and a more detailed focus on the delivery of premium quality customer-focused services.