China Airlines 2020 operating results: Taiwan-based China Airlines released its 2020 operating results on 18 March and reported consolidated operating revenue of TWD 115.25 billion (US$4 billion), a consolidated operating profit of TWD 2.184 billion, a consolidated pretax loss of TWD 654 million, a consolidated net loss of TWD 280 million, and TWD 140 million in net income attributable to owners of the company. Passenger traffic was heavily affected by COVID-19. Border restrictions and strict quarantine measures resulted in a drastic drop in the number of travellers and widespread flight cancellations; the global pandemic also showed no signs of abating in the fourth quarter with Taiwan tightening restrictions again in response to new strains of COVID-19, reducing passenger demand even further. As a result, 2020 passenger revenue was reduced by 76.93 percent compared to 2019. In the cargo business, the global supply of cargo slots was significantly reduced due to cancelled passenger flights. China Airlines adapted to the imbalance in supply and demand by using 18 747F and the newly introduced 777F freighters to maximise cargo revenues. As a result, 2020 cargo revenue was up 87.06 percent compared to 2019.
ICAO approves new edition of testing manual: The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has announced the release of the revised second edition of the UN aviation agency’s Testing and Cross-border Risk Management Measures Manual. Approved by ICAO Secretary General Dr Fang Liu, the manual is fundamental to the effective global alignment of countries’ pandemic response and recovery efforts, and provides national governments and air transport operators with important updates on wide ranging pandemic response and recovery priorities relating to civil aviation and public health measures. The manual contains new and revised information relating to pandemic risk management, public health corridors (PHCs), updates on the latest scientific developments regarding COVID-19 testing, and an entirely new section on vaccination and its interdependencies with the multilayer risk management framework it recommends countries adopt.
ITP Aero to support Pratt & Whitney Canada: ITP Aero and Pratt & Whitney Canada have agreed that ITP Aero will be the exclusive supplier of Original Equipment Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (OEMRO) services for the MTF (Mid Turbine Frame) and LPC (Low Pressure Compressor) modules of Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW814 and PW815 engines. This is of particular significance for ITP Aero as the PW800 programme is the first civil programme in which the company is a RRSP (risk and revenue sharing partner) with MRO arrangement. This MRO arrangement is for the initial period following entry into service of the PW800, and will be carried out at the company’s main MRO facilities in Ajalvir (Madrid). The first works will be carried out during the first quarter of 2021 with the arrival of the first modules. ITP Aero has been participating in the PW800 programme as a RRSP partner since 2011. In the PW800 engine family, ITP Aero is also responsible for the design, development, production, and assembly of the LPC (low pressure compressor) modules and the Mid Turbine Frames (MTF). Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW800 family of engines has been developed using advanced manufacturing technologies and sustainable materials. PW800 engines equip the Gulfstream G500 aircraft with the PW814 version, the G600 with the PW815 engine and the Dassault Falcon 6X aircraft with the PW812D engine.
GKN Aerospace signs contract for Boeing 777X wiring: GKN Aerospace has been awarded a new contract to supply electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) for the Boeing 777X family of aircraft. The agreement adds to GKN Aerospace’s extensive portfolio of Boeing EWIS products, with production due to start in 2024. The contract will be delivered from multiple locations across GKN Aerospace’s extensive global footprint, including Langfang in China, and its new state-of-the-art wiring facility in Pune, India. GKN Aerospace has supplied EWIS for more than two decades to multiple Boeing aircraft platforms. GKN Aerospace is globally recognised as one of the market and technology leaders in EWIS products. John Pritchard, president Civil Airframes, said: “GKN Aerospace is very proud to have been producing EWIS for Boeing aircraft for many years. This new contract demonstrates our continued commitment to quality, on-time delivery and customer focus, and it is a significant addition to our extensive portfolio. This success builds upon our partnership over the years and we are delighted to strengthen and expand our business relationship with Boeing Commercial Airplanes.”
Satair named global distributor for Champion Aerospace product: Satair and Champion Aerospace have signed a global agreement appointing Satair as the exclusive global distributor of Champion’s commercial aircraft ignition products. The agreement covers commercial and regional turbine ignition items, including engine igniters, ignition leads, and exciters. With the new agreement, Satair becomes the first company to be appointed exclusive global distributor of Champion Aerospace commercial aircraft ignition products. Morten Olsen, vice president Product Management of Satair said: “We are honoured to be entrusted by Champion Aerospace as their exclusive global distributor. With Champion’s excellent product offering we are certain that Satair’s global network of customers will appreciate the benefits of lower aircraft ownership costs through improved reliability and service intervals.”
Jet Aviation receives GACA Part 125 Operating Certificate for Saudi Arabia: Jet Aviation announced that it has received its Part 125 Operator’s Certificate from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Swiss-based company has been operating in Saudi Arabia for more than 40 years, but the GACA Part 125 certificate is now required for all privately operated business jets based in Saudi Arabia. Pursuant to recommendations made by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to promote safe flight operations, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requires all operators of private aircraft based in Saudi Arabia to obtain a GACA-approved (Part 125) Operator’s Certificate (OC). Jet Aviation received its Part 125 Operator’s Certificate from GACA and is in full compliance with all safety and operational regulations. The company currently manages a fleet of over 60 aircraft in EMEA and this certificate secures its authorisation to manage aircraft based in Saudi Arabia.
Air New Zealand names new corporate affairs officer: Air New Zealand has appointed Mat Bolland to the newly created role of chief corporate affairs officer. With a corporate affairs career of more than 20 years, Bolland’s experience has spanned energy, water and telecommunications through periods of crisis and significant industry change. Bolland is currently general manager corporate and regulatory affairs at 2degrees where he is responsible for government relations, regulatory and public policy, corporate communications and public relations. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran says Mat will be an outstanding addition to the Executive team at a time of growth and recovery for the airline. “By bringing our government relations, regional, cultural and regulatory affairs, and communications functions into one team under Mat, the airline will be well placed to strengthen those key stakeholder relationships which have never been more important. I know Mat is going to make a terrific contribution to shaping our future business for the benefit of all stakeholders.”
AAR recognised for apprenticeship programme: AAR announced that its EAGLE Career Pathways program for aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) has been recognised by the US Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employment and Training Division as a nationally registered apprenticeship. AAR’s programme standards were approved by the DOL’s Office of Apprenticeship in Washington, D.C., in February. In addition, AAR has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the American Association of Port Authority’s (AAPA) ACCELerate Apprenticeships programme. The programme’s goal is to provide competency-based curriculums, on-the-job training, program development assistance and incentive funding to expand apprenticeship opportunities for careers that drive economic mobility. Launched in 2019, AAR’s EAGLE Career Pathway programme is a partnership of 15 organisations and institutions, including community colleges, high schools and youth centres, which are dedicated to growing the aviation maintenance technician pipeline. These organisations are located near AAR’s four US-based aircraft repair stations in Miami, Oklahoma City, Indianapolis and Rockford, Illinois, and its global headquarters near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
Inmarsat names two new executives: Inmarsat CEO Rajeev Suri has announced two new executive appointments. Barry French, formerly chief marketing officer at Nokia, will join Inmarsat as CMCO. Reporting to the CEO, Barry’s role will be to sharpen customer focus, drive customer engagement and revenue generation to the next level, ensure Inmarsat is an effective and engaged participant in key policy discussions, and further enhance employee engagement. Jat Brainch, previously senior vice president of Group Commercial Management at Inmarsat, is appointed as CCPO. Reporting to the CEO, Jat will be responsible for Inmarsat’s evolving commercial and product strategy and roadmap and to ensuring that the company continues to lead the industry in advanced, customer-centric products and services that are designed specifically for mobility and government users.
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