CSMIA’s air cargo rises 30%: With the global supply chain operations steadily gaining momentum in the past couple of years, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’s (CSMIA) air cargo witnessed a fruitful year in terms of EXIM (export and import) movements in FY22. With a total of 5,56,900 metric tonnes (MT) of overall cargo facilitated in FY22, CSMIA’s air cargo observed a rise of close to 30 percent in movement as compared to FY21. Where international cargo volumes grew by 26 percent whereas domestic cargo volumes were up by 40 percent over FY 21. The total import of 260,600 MT and export of 296,300 MT of cargo resulted in CSMIA’s overall share of contribution to the global cargo movements. The top three destinations which observed the highest import via CSMIA include China, Germany, and US, respectively. While US, UAE and Germany remain the top destinations in terms of exports. Moreover, automobiles, pharmaceuticals and engineering goods saw majority of transportation to the top international destinations, whereas the top domestic destinations primarily witnessed the movement of engineering goods, documents and samples and postal cargo in FY22. Notably, the top airlines catering to the maximum cargo from CSMIA include IndiGo, SpiceJet and GoFirst in the domestic segment. While Emirates, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines were the top three airlines catering to the highest cargo load internationally in this period.
CPaT signs deal with CommutAir: CPaT Global, the world’s leading provider of distance learning for the airline and aviation industry, announced they have been awarded a new contract with CommutAir for the provision of Aircraft Systems courses for the Embraer ERJ145, as well as CPaT’s General Subjects. Additionally, CommutAir will use CPaT’s content-design software platform, CPaT Invent, to tailor content. “CPaT is excited to partner with CommutAir to provide premium training content for the ERJ145,” said Capt. Greg Darrow, Vice President of Sales. “Equipped with CPaT Invent, CommutAir is empowered to tailor the ERJ145 systems course and CPaT’s General Subjects content specific to their airframe, operating procedures, and more.” “CommutAir is holding recurrent and new-hire pilot classes every month at our state-of-the-art Houston Training Center,” said Joel Raymond, CommutAir’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “We will leverage CPaT’s pilot training content and tools to ensure effective instruction for each of our pilot trainees.”
FBOs joining MRO Insider platform: MRO Insider announced the addition of six FBOs to the platform’s latest feature, bringing the total number of FBOs to 14 since going live in the fall. Andy Nixon, President of MRO Insider, said “FBOs have suffered for years with current fuel programs that force guaranteed rates, leading to margins being cut.” He adds “we incorporated this feature allowing the FBO to lower customer acquisition costs by submitting a quote based on real time supply and demand for services while only paying a $25 admin fee.”FBOs are notified through e-mail and mobile push notification that operators are searching for fuel, hangar space, lavatory service, transportation, and more within the app. “To streamline alternatives for the operator, the app request pings all FBOs on our network within 100nm of the destination,” Nixon said. “This allows FBOs to get in front of and possibly move business to their ramp. It also gives the operator a road map to the best services for that particular trip.” The FBO responds within the app directly to the operator. Pricing, customer reviews, and other pertinent details are included from the FBO. Average response time through the MRO Insider platform is less than 10 minutes, which may include a quote or a message from the FBO. No initial fee is charged for the FBO to sign up. Service also includes logo and location(s) on MRO Insider’s live map feature. The company has a goal of surpassing 100 FBOs in 2022, which may include international locations as well.
Kellstrom Aerospace signs agreement with Amglo Kemlite Laboratories: Kellstrom Aerospace announced the appointment as worldwide aviation commercial aftermarket distributor of Amglo Kemlite Laboratories for commercial aerospace lighting products. This commercial aftermarket partnership will allow Kellstrom Aerospace to support the material requirements of international airlines and MRO customers with Factory New Amglo Kemlite Quartz Halogen Landing and taxi lights. These lights are Boeing IPC approved for many Boeing aircraft models and meet the corresponding ANSI Specs for many additional aircraft manufacturer applications; moreover, FAA-PMA approval has been granted on most other major aircraft types. Amglo Kemlite quartz halogen landing and taxi lights continue to shine as the halogen lamp remains the most cost-effective solution and where halogen lamps have an installed base of 80-90% of in service aircraft. Additionally, Kellstrom and Amglo Kemlite will partner in support of customer LED retrofit programs.
Wiremind sets up cargo subsidiary: In November 2021, Wiremind launched Wiremind Cargo, a dedicated air cargo business unit, headed by CEO, Nathanaël de Tarade, and CTO, Etienne Corbillé. Created in 2014, Wiremind is a leading French company providing Revenue Optimisation and inventory management software solutions for the transport, logistics and events sectors. “Over the past months, we have structured Wiremind Cargo as a separate business entity, and established a strong team of experts dedicated entirely to the needs of the air freight industry. Our engineers all have a background in transport and logistics, and are well-versed in how airlines, GSAs, GHAs and freight forwarders operate,” Nathanaël de Tarade, Chief Executive Officer of Wiremind Cargo, explains. “Wiremind Cargo shares the overall Wiremind mission to create ‘Tools built for people, not tools that people have to adapt to.’ From a data management and coordination perspective, the air freight industry is highly challenging, and therefore also a hugely attractive prospect for us at Wiremind Cargo.”
Liebherr earns spot in Boeing Premier Bidder Programme: Liebherr-Aerospace announced it earned a spot in the Boeing Premier Bidder Programme. The programme recognises and rewards consistently high-performing Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Boeing Global Services suppliers, strengthening Boeing’s collective performance and commitment to safety, quality and integrity. The programme provides Premier Bidder members with an opportunity to increase their business with Boeing, including visibility of upcoming bids and an invitation to programme conferences with key Supply Chain leadership. Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH makes the main gear steering system for the Boeing 777 and Boeing 777X, the folding wing tip actuation, high-lift actuators, the power drive unit and the hydraulic motor for the leading-edge actuation system for the 777X as well as the nose wheel steering remote electronic unit for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH joins approximately 140 suppliers that have met and sustained the high quality, delivery and performance criteria required for inclusion in the Premier Bidder Programme.
APOC opens strategic US headquarters in Miami: As the US aviation sector continues to rebound from the effects of COVID-19, APOC has expanded its local services for the Americas region and opened its new US headquarters in downtown Miami. According to SVP Business Development, Kevin Wall, APOC views the US as a strategic market and is shaping the business to align with future growth in the region. “Being close to your customer base and forging productive relationships with business partners are key elements for success. While we are in a truly global industry, there is no substitute for an experienced and professional local team that is willing and able to help.” As APOC’s Senior Vice President of Business Development, Wall will oversee both the organic and inorganic growth of APOC throughout North and Latin America in particular. APOC has developed not only its teardown business for A320/B737 but has also built an ever-growing presence in engine leasing & trading as well as landing gear leasing & trading. “We see great potential to expand this business,” he says. “We have already performed several teardowns in the region and see big potential in developing this further. If we source candidate aircraft in the US and ultimately sell the material here, it makes a lot of sense to tear down here too.” APOC is currently exploring many options through cooperation, joint venture, investment or acquisition, and the reaction from the market to APOC’s presence in the US has been very encouraging. Doing business is simpler with a local presence and flexible local solutions can be devised for customers. “We are talking to end users, repair shops, and logistics providers to provide end-to-end support,” affirms Wall.
BLR Airport sees growth in cargo: The Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport) recorded its highest-ever cargo tonnage in Financial Year (FY) 2022, despite challenging circumstances due to multiple COVID waves. BLR Airport processed an all-time high tonnage for a fiscal year since Airport Opening Day (AOD) of 411,513 metric tonnes (MT) of cargo, recording a growth of 26 percent as against 326,643MT in FY 2021. International cargo recorded a 31 percent growth, 271,988MT processed, as compared to 207,518 MT in FY 2021. Domestic cargo grew at 17 percent, with 139,525MT versus 119,125MT in FY 2021. Perishable cargo has been one of the major growth drivers for BLR Airport. It is the No.1 airport in the country for handling perishables — estimated to account for 31% of India’s total perishable shipments. BLR Airport processed 39,518 MT of cargo in October 2021 — the highest ever for a month since AOD. International cargo processed (both imports and exports) was also the highest ever in October 2021, accounting for 25,695 MT. The Airport achieved a significant record by gaining 13 percent of India’s air cargo market share and 45 percent of South India’s air cargo market share. With this achievement, BLR Airport has become the only major airport in the country to show growth over pre-pandemic levels. Passenger traffic continues to recover with over 45 percent growth in domestic travel and about 136 percent growth in international travel in FY 2022 as compared to FY 2021. BLR Airport welcomed 16.28 million passengers in FY 2022 versus 10.91 million passengers in FY 2021. Traffic recovery was 54 percent of FY 2020 levels – domestic recovery was at 55 percent, while international passenger traffic recovery was at 24 percent.
Lufthansa Systems unveils new release of charting solution: Lufthansa Systems announced the release of the iPadOS-based charting solution for pilots, Lido mPilot 6.1, which is now available in the App Store. With this version, airline customers can look forward to better usability through significantly improved workflows, enhanced situational awareness, and increased efficiency in downloading data. “The Lido Pilot Solutions are designed together with, and specifically for, pilots. We continually strive to improve the user experience of our apps and are excited to share some new features within the Lido mPilot, which make the workflows of pilots more efficient than ever before,” explained Philipp Barzen, Head of Product Strategy & Chief Product Owner Lido at Lufthansa Systems. The new version of Lido mPilot comes with the single procedure selection feature, which also enables charts to display in split view. KLM has already successfully tested Lido mPilot 6.1 in practice. “For us at KLM, the evolution of this product has benefited us greatly, due to the ability to select a single procedure for take-off and landing by runway and type. It not only improves the process of setting up the flight, but also significantly reduces the time to do so,” said Maarten Koudijs, Air Traffic Management, Digitizing & Navigation at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. “The readability of the chart is enhanced, as it displays only the particular procedure and its pertinent information. Moreover, the split view allows the pilot to more easily read the navigational information.”
ICAO-Qatar developing scholarship programme: An agreement was reached between ICAO and the government of Qatar that will see the extension for a further three years of the ICAO-Qatar Developing Country Scholarship Programme. The programme aims to deliver training to aviation personnel globally to ensure the safety, efficiency and regularity of international civil aviation and alignment with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). Implemented through the ICAO Technical Cooperation Bureau, the programme will award Scholarships to participants worldwide in areas of training jointly identified by ICAO and the Government of Qatar targeting Developing Countries most in need of assistance in those specific areas of training. ICAO will assist the Government of Qatar in identifying and recommending relevant subject matter experts and processing the nominations received jointly with the Government of Qatar. “The signature of this Memorandum of Understanding renews the commitment made in 2018 by the State of Qatar to assist Developing Countries through this and other initiatives aimed at ensuring adherence to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices and continuous training,” remarked Mr. Salazar. “This programme, administered by ICAO’s Technical Cooperation Bureau, will have a significant impact towards achieving a sustainable global civil aviation system.”
MAAS Aviation names non-executive director: MAAS Aviation has enhanced its senior management team with the appointment of industry authority, Andrew Hoad to its board of directors. Hoad brings with him valuable airline technical and leadership experience in all aspects of aircraft maintenance and operation, having held senior leadership roles at Cathay Pacific Airways and Haeco in Hong Kong, and more recently completing 14 years at Emirates Airline in Dubai. Hoad also currently holds non-executive directorship positions at Aerfin Ltd and TP Aerospace. His role at MAAS Aviation will focus on operations, investment, strategy and airline engagement with an eye on contributing to the Company’s international growth in both its OEM and MRO business divisions. “Good track record and reputation, excellent product quality, and a management team with a ‘can do’ attitude backed by a very supportive investment group were all obvious attractions for me to join MAAS Aviation,” says Hoad. “The leadership team is embarking on exciting future development plans, and it is a great opportunity to be a part of that journey.”
Air Canada renews deal with AFI KLM E&M: Air Canada and AFI KLM E&M have renewed a multi-year GE90 support contract. The original contract was signed in 2010, mobilising a package of repair and maintenance services specially adapted to meet the Canadian airline’s requirements for the GE90-115B engines on its fleet of Boeing 777s. Through this extended engine support contract, the solutions delivered by AFI KLM E&M include shop visits, LRU support, provision of spare engines and on-wing/on-site support. Géry Mortreux, EVP Air France Industries, expressed his “pride in seeing our teams’ commitment to the customer being duly recognised and rewarded through longstanding and fruitful relationships, such as those we have been developing with Air Canada over the past 10 years. The renewal of GE90 support services offers further indication of the enduring cooperation between our two groups. We are committed to continuing to honour this trust by providing a service offering that remains at the forefront of performance, expertise and reliability.”
Awery Aviation Software names new manager: Awery Aviation Software (Awery) has appointed Phaedra Den Hertog as Customer Success Project Manager in response to the continued uptake of its Cargo Management package, Awery ERP. Hertog has spent over 30 years in air cargo working for leading companies including Polar Air Cargo, Cathay Pacific, and more recently AirBridgeCargo (ABC), where she oversaw the implementation of its new Cargo Management System. “My background in air cargo and my experience of digitisation meant that joining the Awery team was the logical next step for me,” said Den Hertog. “Awery is growing at a tremendous pace, and I look forward to being part of a team that comprises hands-on air cargo experience and cutting-edge technology expertise.” Initially focussed on Awery’s Netherland client portfolio, Den Hertog will oversee and manage projects across Europe.
Tyler Painter joins Wisk as CFO: Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company and developer of the first all-electric, self-flying air taxi in the US, announced that Tyler Painter has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer. In his new role, Painter will lead Wisk’s finance, accounting, corporate development, and information technology teams and will be responsible for overseeing the company’s financial planning and objectives. Painter brings decades of financial and operational management experience to Wisk, with a wide array of experience across private, public, and Fortune 500 companies. Most recently he served as Chief Financial Officer for Surf Air Mobility, a company focused on accelerating the adoption of electric regional air travel. Prior to Surf Air Mobility, Tyler was CFO of Fair Financial Corp. and spent 10 years as the CFO and COO of Solazyme, a biotechnology company that developed and commercialized sustainable renewable oils and ingredients, where he helped grow the company from early stages through its IPO and beyond. Earlier in his career, Tyler was Corporate Treasurer and VP of Finance for Wind River Systems, a global leader in delivering software for intelligent systems with major customers across the aerospace and defence industry.
AAR signs deal with ProvenAir Technologies: AAR has signed a marketing partnership agreement with ProvenAir Technologies, LLC to enhance the digital solutions available to AAR customers. ProvenAir’s digital solution leverages advanced technologies to analyse and dynamically generate back-to-birth (BtB) trace history for life limited parts. ProvenAir automates the BtB process to save aviation customers time, increase records quality, shorten the sales cycle, ease aircraft transitions, and increase the residual value of used serviceable material. “ProvenAir’s mission is to redefine service in the aviation industry through innovation and technology. We make an impact by digitizing and automating a cumbersome manual process,” said James Boccarossa, ProvenAir Founder and CEO. “By partnering with AAR, one of the world’s top MROs and parts suppliers, we will be able to reach more customers and help those customers realise their digitisation goals.”
El Al to Deploy Bluebox Wow Wireless IFE: El Al has selected Bluebox Aviation Systems to provide wireless in-flight entertainment across 26 of its Boeing 737 aircraft. “El Al is returning its fleet to the air with an invigorated commitment to our digital capabilities to ensure the most positive passenger experience on board,” said Tal Kalderon, head of Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity, El Al. “Before the pandemic we committed to an innovation path towards connectivity, and though still on that path, we’ve realised that with Bluebox’s wireless IFE, we don’t need to wait to deliver the digital service we aspire to for our passengers – we can do that now.” El Al will be deploying Bluebox’s digital services platform on the battery-operated Bluebox Wow wireless streaming system. The solution will offer El Al passengers a selection of movies, TV programmes, games, and a moving map, all streamed to their own devices. In addition to the Bluebox Wow wireless IFE deployment, El Al will be renewing its deployment of Bluebox enabled iPads, pre-loaded with early window IFE content, and enhanced to enable access to content available on the Bluebox Wow wireless system. Bluebox’s software platform provides digital services and content such as film, TV, audio, and games, streamed to passenger devices in any aircraft cabin. It is being deployed for El Al on the Bluebox Wow portable wireless streaming hardware platform. With a remarkably low cost of ownership, Bluebox Wow is a discrete, lunchbox-sized unit, typically stowed securely in overhead bins, which creates the captive Wi-Fi network on board required to deliver digital services directly to passenger phones, tablets, and laptops.
FL Technics signs contract with B&H Worldwide: One of Europe’s largest MRO (Maintenance and Repair Organisations) services providers FL Technics has signed a contract with B&H Worldwide to manage its aircraft parts storage in Germany. The two companies have had a long-term commercial relationship in both the UK and Singapore but this is the first time they have worked together in mainland Europe. Effective immediately, B&H Worldwide will utilise its Frankfurt warehouse facility to store a range of aerospace consumables, engine spare parts, rotables and Dangerous Goods for FL Technics to ensure they can be efficiently distributed to customers across the European Union. All warehousing will be undertaken adhering to strict operating procedures, safety protocols and administrative controls and will be managed using FirstTrac, B&H’s unique, in-house developed aerospace software solution. In addition to providing parts warehousing services, FL Technics has an option to take up freight management, AOG and other specialist services which B&H Worldwide can provide.
Aviator Airport Services signs deal with Sunclass: Aviator Airport Services Sweden, a full-range provider of aviation services at 15 airports across the Nordics has signed a new partnership agreement with Sunclass Airlines for ground handling and de-icing services. Under the new contract Aviator will provide Sunclass Airlines with full ground handling and de-icing services at Stockholm Arlanda, Malmo, and Gothenburg Airports for a 5-year-long period. The new contract extends the scope of Aviator-provided services for the airline as the company has been already providing Sunclass Airlines with high-quality ground handling services. Sunclass Airlines is a Danish charter airline that operates charter services from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. The company closely works with Scandinavian tour operators and offers convenient customer-focused charter services.
IATA and ACA collaborate on catering: The International Air Transport Association (IATA), in collaboration with the Airline Catering Association (ACA), have released an updated Standard Inflight Catering Agreement (SICA). The use of the standardised SICA template helps improve the efficiency of inflight catering procurement across the world. The release of the updated template is the result of an agreement to deepen the collaboration between IATA and ACA. The two organisations will also jointly promote the use of SICA among their members. The SICA agreement template is based on industry best practices and will be included in the IATA Airport Handling Manual which contains all the industry-approved policies and best practices to support safe and efficient ground operations above and below the wing and in the ACA’s growing library regarding onboard catering. The template is a flexible document that can be tailored to fit local contexts, laws, regulations, customs, and practices, as well as the specific needs established when negotiating the agreement.
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