Topcast, Honeywell sign distribution agreement for China: Topcast Aviation Supplies in Hong Kong and Honeywell Aerospace have signed a five-year distributor agreement covering the exclusive distribution of mechanical components, including the starter generator, mechanical systems, and air and thermal LRUs (line-replacement units), on Boeing 737NG aircraft in Mainland China. This cooperation is set to lead the way with the delivery of Honeywell’s high-quality and integrity aftermarket mechanical products. Mainland China is the second largest region for the 737NG aircraft model – counting over 20 percent of the global market size. The new agreement expands Topcast’s portfolio to meet Honeywell’s diverse customer base, and represents Topcast’s and Honeywell’s first joint advancement into the global commercial aviation aftermarket.
Collinson partners with Alibaba’s Fliggy: Collinson announced a strategic partnership with Fliggy, the Alibaba Group-owned travel platform, to bring lounge access to its premium members across China. Under the new partnership, Fliggy F3 members will have the opportunity to redeem access via the Taobao Fliggy app in order to relax, unwind and recharge at more than 190 lounges within Collinson’s China network (over 60 major airports) before boarding their flights. Simultaneously, Fliggy F4 members will also have the opportunity to invite additional guests to enjoy these facilities’ quiet, relaxing atmosphere, amenities, and services through redemption of points. Todd Handcock, president, Asia Pacific, Collinson, said, “Our recent research has uncovered that, across the globe, mental wellbeing is a priority for those looking to return to travel; with a large proportion of frequent flyers in Asia seeking to de-stress and relax in socially-distanced spaces at the airport. Our partnership with Fliggy represents an important step in providing a seamless, stress-free experience for travellers in Asia. It also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to aiding the recovery of the travel industry, with domestic travel critical for the success of the region, particularly in terms of rebuilding local economies.”
Lufthansa Systems launches new solution to optimise networks: Lufthansa Systems announced the launch of the NetLine/HubDesigner, an optimiser that generates profitable (multi-)hub networks, optimises fleet utilisation, and creates the ideal bank structure at a single hub or in a multi-hub environment. Based on advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, the solution harmonises supply and demand while considering operational restrictions. This results in a schedule that is operationally feasible, perfectly suited to meet demand, and generates maximum network profitability. The new solution paves the way for more efficient, data-driven decisions in the recovery phase and well beyond. The solution was developed in response to the current market situation, where demand and the competitive landscape are subject to dynamic and sweeping change in the short term. Even airlines operating based on hub-and-spoke business models now have to adjust or completely redesign their networks more frequently, more radically, and closer to the day of departure.
Lufthansa Technik supervisory board extends Stark’s mandate: At its meeting on 22 April 22 the supervisory board of Lufthansa Technik re-appointed Soeren Stark as chief operations officer (COO) and accountable manager of Lufthansa Technik for a further five years until 31 December, 2026. Stark has been member of the executive board since January 2019. He is responsible for Technical Operations, Logistics and IT. As the “accountable manager” within the meaning of EASA Part 145, Soeren Stark is the point of contact for the aviation authorities on all matters relating to the maintenance and manufacturing operations of Lufthansa Technik AG. Soeren Stark has held various positions within Lufthansa Group since 2001. From 2016 until 2018, he was responsible for Operations at Lufthansa Cargo as member of the Executive Board.
Bye Aerospace unveils 8-seat all-electric eFlyer 800: Bye Aerospace has announced an eight-seat all-electric twin turbo-prop class airplane, the eFlyer 800, in response to growing demands for regional all-electric airplanes with significantly reduced operating costs, plus increased capacity and utility. Performance estimates for the eFlyer 800 include up to 320 knot cruise speed, 35,000 feet ceiling and 500 nm range with 45-minute IFR reserves at normal cruise speed of 280 knots. Safety features include two wing-mounted electric motors, each with dual redundant motor windings, quad-redundant battery packs and a full airplane parachute. Additional potential features include emergency auto-landing system, intelligent algorithm ensuring envelope protection, terrain avoidance and routing for emergency auto-land, and also an option for supplemental power solar cells and in-wheel electric taxi. The airplane’s 8-seat configuration consists of up to seven passengers and one or two pilots. The eFlyer 800 will have only one-fifth the operating costs of traditional twin turboprops and is geared for the air-taxi, air-cargo, regional and charter aircraft markets.
Delta Air Lines orders 25 additional Airbus A321neos: Delta Air Lines has placed a firm order for 25 A321neo (New Engine Option) aircraft. This is in addition to Delta’s 2017 order of 100 A321neo aircraft. These planes will be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines. Additionally, Delta has accelerated delivery of two A350-900 aircraft as well as two A330-900neo aircraft. “With our customers ready to reclaim the joy of travel, this agreement positions Delta for growth while accounting for the planned retirements of older narrowbody aircraft in our fleet, reducing our carbon footprint, increasing efficiency and elevating the customer experience,” said Mahendra Nair, Delta’s senior vice president – Fleet Strategy. “We thank Airbus for their steadfast partnership during the pandemic and look forward to working with them as we take delivery of the A321neo as well as our accelerated A350 and A330-900neo deliveries.” First delivered in April 2017, the A321neo shares 95% airframe commonality with the Airbus A320 Family, facilitating seamless integration into existing single-aisle fleets. The A321neo also shares a common type rating with the rest of the A320 Family, permitting A320 Family pilots to fly the A321neo without additional training. This latest order from Delta Air Lines brings the A321neo’s total order since introduction to nearly 3,500, with more than 500 aircraft already in fleets around the world.
Lufthansa Technik to auction large amount of surplus aircraft components: During MRO Americas 2021, Lufthansa Technik AG will put up large amounts of surplus aircraft parts for auction using the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) new MRO SmartHub e-Auction platform, for which the MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) giant will act as the launching customer. In the global auction, Lufthansa Technik will offer a broad variety of aircraft parts for almost all current commercial aircraft types. All auctioned components have been part of the company’s surplus inventory for less than three years and are made available in various sub-packages to perfectly fit the needs of specific fleet operators or MROs. Commercial assets include: Airbus A320, A320neo, A330, A340, A380, MD-11, Boeing 737 NG, 737 MAX, 747, 757, 767, 777, and 787. Regional assets include: Bombardier CRJ, Embraer ERJ and De Havilland DHC-8-400. The material will come with dual or triple release certification (FAA/EASA/CAAC) mainly from Lufthansa Technik and with a 12-month warranty. “In this auction, we offer high quality and well-maintained aircraft components from our extensive surplus portfolio that we are permanently adjusting to the changing demand of our valued customers from all over the world,” said Dr Georg Fanta, head of Commercials – Aircraft Component Services at Lufthansa Technik. “We are proud to be the first to partner with IATA`s new MRO SmartHub e-Auction platform in order to find new homes for these attractive assets.”
Kleos’ Polar Vigilance satellites pass integration readiness review: Kleos Space, a space-powered radio frequency reconnaissance data-as-a-service (DaaS) company, confirmed development of its second satellite cluster, the Polar Vigilance Mission (KSF1), is on track for a mid-2021 SpaceX launch after successfully completing Integration Readiness Review, and the satellites start the build process with satellite builder ISISPACE. The four Polar Vigilance nanosatellites are in the assembly and testing phase in preparation for final acceptance. Kleos’ satellites will then be delivered to the launch site for integration into the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The KSF1 Polar Vigilance Mission satellites are scheduled for a mid-2021 launch onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, under a rideshare contract with Spaceflight Inc. The KSF1 satellites will launch into a 500-600km Sun Synchronous orbit, increasing Kleos’ coverage to the north and south of the 37o inclination of the Scouting Mission satellites, which successfully launched in early November 2020. Kleos’ third satellite cluster, the Polar Patrol Mission, is scheduled to launch in December 2021 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.
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