Aviation News in Brief 18 September 2020

Safran awards contract to OEMServices: OEMServices and Safran Power Units have signed a five-year logistics support contract, naming OEMServices as Safran Power Units’ Aircraft On Ground service provider worldwide. The contract means OEMServices will be covering the warehousing and dispatching of items, as well as the AOG Desk capabilities required by the Safran Power Units division and aircraft manufacturers. OEMServices will dispatch, on behalf of Safran Power Units, the following items on 24/7 basis: Spare Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) SPU300 for the Bombardier Business Aircraft Global 7500; Subassembly spare parts for this APU. Within the scope of this contract, OEMServices will be supporting Safran Power Units’ components services through several stock locations to a global customer network. Emirates’ flagship A380 returns to Moscow: Emirates has announced it will resume its A380 service to Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME). The airline resumed flights to the Russian capital in September due to strong passenger demand. Its A380 will operate the Dubai to Moscow route starting 18 September. Emirates currently serves five cities utilising its A380 aircraft including, Cairo, Paris, London Heathrow, Guangzhou and Toronto. Flights to Moscow will operate every Friday and Saturday. On Fridays, Emirates flight EK 133 will depart Dubai at 10:10hrs and arrive in Moscow at 14:25hrs local time. The return flight, EK 134 will depart Moscow at 17:35hrs and arrive in Dubai at 23:35hrs local time. On Saturdays, Emirates flight EK 131 will depart Dubai at 16:15hrs and arrive in Moscow at 20:30hrs local time. The return flight, EK 132 will depart Moscow at 23:20hrs and arrive in Dubai at 05:30hrs local time, the following day. North American Aerospace Industries announces merger: North American Aerospace Industries (NAAI), a provider of sustainable end-to-end aircraft recycling, has merged with the UK’s Aircraft Interior Recycling Association (AIRA). Sven Daniel Koechler, president and CEO of NAAI, said “AIRA is the only aircraft interior recycling company that has developed the scientific expertise and technical know-how to properly recycle end of life aircraft interiors and waste materials from manufacturing.  Since our top priority is to provide sustainable aircraft recycling services through which 100 percent of an aircraft is recycled or up-cycled, gaining the ability to effectively address one of the most challenging aspects of an aircraft’s recycling – its composite plastic interior components – is a major achievement for us. We are very proud of our new alignment with AIRA. Together, we intend to revolutionise aircraft recycling, transforming it into an industry which delivers enormous benefit across the entire chain, from OEMs, MROs, airlines, and leasing companies to the general public and the environment.” Airline reps call for digital solution to track COVID-19: The representatives of more than 10 national airline associations (boards of airline representatives, BARs) are urging governments to collaborate without further delay on developing and implementing an international digital border solution for air travellers. Their pressing appeal is addressed to the respective governments, as well as to the European Commission and the current German EU Council Presidency. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that such a transnational, digital solution is required as an efficient and non-bureaucratic tool contributing to public health, as emphasized by the BARs. By facilitating the rapid tracing of potential chains of infection, it can support the responsible national authorities in taking appropriate and prompt action. A harmonised, electronic solution is considerably superior to the current, mainly manual, procedures in individual countries. The first promising solutions are already in place, for example in Spain, the United Kingdom and Greece. However, what is now urgently required is a coordinating political effort to ensure a high-performance digital platform that transcends national borders and achieves a more consistent passenger experience. The representatives of the BARs operating in Europe – including the executives from, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, and the UK – are calling for a harmonised approach in other areas as well. Thus, in addition to the urgently needed digital solution, they are jointly campaigning for: The joint travel impact assessment of the COVID-19 situation within the EU and globally by the respective ministries of the states and superordinate institutions, such as the European Commission, as well as coordinated action on that basis; The coordinated implementation of the ‘Take-Off Guidance’ Aviation Health Safety protocol developed by ICAO, EASA and ECDC; Clear and unambiguous information for passengers on possible measures, always in consultation with the travel industry. Cebu Pacific adopts CellPoint Digital’s platform: CellPoint Digital, a provider of digital commerce and payment solutions to airlines and travel companies, has partnered with Cebu Pacific, the largest airline in the Philippines, to implement the Payment Orchestration Platform across all its digital channels. CellPoint Digital’s Payment Orchestration Platform, Velocity, will enable Cebu Pacific to simplify the payment experience of its repeat customers by deploying stored cards in all its digital channels with a single sign-on. Based on CellPoint’s experience, stored cards will generate a double-digit uplift on the conversion rate and a payment acceptance rate far exceeding airline industry average. Customer satisfaction and conversion will also be boosted by pay-by-link messages that re-engage customers who leave at check-out, and by a Multi-Currency Pricing feature that offers international travellers the option to pay in their preferred currency. Cebu Pacific will have the ability to fast track the launch of new payment methods in new markets, by picking and rapidly activating new ones from CellPoint’s growing payment eco-system, including over 40 local and global cards and over 350 alternative payment methods. ExecuJet MRO completes first 8C inspection in Australia on Bombardier Global Express: ExecuJet MRO Services Australia has completed the first 120 Month (8C) heavy maintenance check performed in Australia on a Bombardier Global Express. The 8C heavy maintenance check involves a large scope of work, including many structural inspections. To inspect the airframe and other structures, the interior cabin needs to be dismantled and removed. The external panels, to enclosed structural areas, also need to be removed. In addition, the 8C check includes performing functional checks on all the operating systems, such as the flight controls, and overhauling the landing gear. During the project ExecuJet also completed many recommended service bulletins and upgrades offered by Bombardier. Incorporating these during the 8C inspection greatly enhances the aircraft’s asset value and reduces downtime later on. All the work was carried out at ExecuJet’s maintenance, repair and overhaul facility at Sydney Airport. ExecuJet MRO Services Australia was chosen, because of its many years of experience with the Global series aircraft. The operator, Walker Air Services, was also able to closely oversee the work in progress. ExecuJet predicts that more operators will choose to have 8C maintenance checks carried out in Australia, thanks to the company’s strong track record and reputation in the market. Airport Dimensions debuts in Qatar: Airport Dimensions, an award-winning global provider of premium shared-use lounges, has recently acquired sleep lounge pioneers and innovators sleep ’n fly and is now ready to launch its first non-traditional lounge at Qatar’s five-star airport Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha. This will also mark the launch of Airport Dimensions’ first premium lounge offer in the Middle East. The new concept combines Airport Dimensions’ unrivalled expertise in global lounge operations and design, with sleep ’n fly’s unique offer to provide a comfortable, private sleeping and social distancing area for passengers. HIA is classified as a five-star airport by SKYTRAX and currently holds the titles ‘Third Best Airport in the World’, ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ and ‘Best Staff Service in the Middle East’ at the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards 2020. Located at the heart of HIA’s transit area and only a stone’s throw away from the airport’s iconic art piece, Lamp Bear, the 225 square meter lounge features a selection of sleep pods and cabins with accommodation for up to 50 guests. Visitors can pay by the hour to stay at one of the sleep units, which provide a soundproofed and air-conditioned space to relax and rest ahead of or between flights. STARLUX Airlines deploys IBS Software’s iCargo platform: STARLUX Airlines in Taiwan has deployed IBS Software’s iCargo platform to manage business and operational functions for its entire cargo business. The iCargo management platform was implemented ahead of STARLUX Airlines’ launch in January 2020, which saw maiden flights to Macau, Penang and Da Nang with three A321neo aircraft. Although COVID-19 has significantly impacted flights, STARLUX’s cargo operations have been ramping up quickly during this difficult time. STARLUX Airlines chose IBS Software’s iCargo SaaS-based cargo platform to provide a single, unified platform for all critical functions. iCargo now manages all aspects of STARLUX’s cargo business, including sales, airline operations, US customs, mail, Unit Load Device, cashiering, claims, cargo and mail revenue accounting, portal services, data warehousing and business intelligence modules. Jet It Founders launch JetClub: Two former Honda Aircraft sales executives, Glenn Gonzales and Vishal Hiremath, created Jet It in 2018 with the goal of bridging the gap between private charter flights and exorbitantly expensive private aviation services. Jet It offers hybrid ownership in North America and they have now started JetClub, which offers membership in Southeast Asia and India, and hybrid co-ownership in Europe. Aside from introducing a new private aviation service, JetClub will provide access to a consistent experience in Europe and Asia to Jet It owners who are traveling abroad. The same access and private jet availability will be available to JetClub members traveling to North America. The ultimate goal — create two turn-key aviation services. JetClub is servicing Southeast  Asia and India as a membership-based private travel service and is offering a hybrid co-ownership service to Europe. JetClub will allow individuals and businesses to affordably commute within their regions while having access to a worldwide fleet when they travel to other regions. JetClub expects to operate throughout Southeast Asia and Europe by the middle of 2021. Pegasus Launches Flights to Karachi: Turkey’s Pegasus Airlines continues to expand its international network with the launch of its new Karachi route.  Flights to Karachi, the capital city of the Sindh Province in Pakistan will commence on 25 September. Pegasus Airlines will connect guests from its destinations in Manchester, London, Zurich, Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Stockholm, Frankfurt, Berlin, Vienna, Rome, Cologne, Brussels, Kyiv, Bucharest, Kharkiv, Moscow, Stuttgart, Geneva, Barcelona, ​​Marseille, Zaporizhia and Prague, to Karachi via Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. Flights will connect guests from both Manchester Airport and London Stansted Airport to Quaid-e-Azam International Airport in Karachi via Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, with UK departures every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.  Flights to Karachi via Istanbul will depart from London Stansted at 10:45 and 13:25, and from Manchester at 13:20.  Flights from Quaid-e-Azam International Airport will depart every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 04:55 (local times apply). SR Technics announces management buyout of Armac Systems: As part of the restructuring measures aiming to mainly focus on engine services, SR Technics announced the management buyout of Armac Systems, the SR Technics subsidiary that has provided inventory optimisation software and consulting services since its acquisition in 2014. Over the past decade, the powerful inventory planning, decision support and optimisation capabilities of Armac’s RIOsys software were developed and refined in close collaboration with SR Technics’ Component Services. As Integrated Component Services is now ramping down, there is no longer a critical need for the services that Armac Systems provides to be retained as an in-house capability. In this regard, the launching of Armac Systems as a separate entity is part of a new company-wide strategy of SR Technics to build a focused engine services portfolio that meets customer needs on a dynamic market. Recaro Aircraft Seating earns Focus Open Silver Award: Recaro Aircraft Seating has been presented with a Focus Open Silver Award for the ergonomic design of the CL3710 economy class seat. The functionality and design of the seat maximise sleeping comfort for economy class passengers flying on long-haul flights, while remaining the lightest seat in its market segment. Recaro implemented numerous signature innovations to the CL3710, including the Abrazo headrest, extended seat bottom, and flip cushion for enhanced lumbar support. The modular design reduces maintenance, while still allowing for significant customisation features, including connectivity options and cabin configurations. The Focus Open Award competition is held by the Baden Württemberg International Design Academy. Every year, hundreds of companies and design agencies from around the world submit their most innovative product and concept solutions. This is the fifth Focus Open Award won by Recaro since the competition’s inception in 1991. Hong Kong GFS fleet fleet reaches 5,000 flight hours: As the global launch customer of the H175 public services version, Hong Kong-based Government Flying Service (GFS) has achieved two milestones with its H175 fleet: a total of 5,000 flight hours and 3,000 life-saving missions. Since 2018, GFS has received seven public services configured H175s, becoming the world’s first operator of this variant. The public services version enlarged the mission capability of the H175, enabling 18 different missions to be conducted, such as onshore and offshore search and rescue, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and firefighting, etc. The H175’s design and overall performance allow a single helicopter to operate a range of challenging missions without changing the helicopter’s configuration.  Today, the global fleet of H175s operated in 11 countries and regions has accumulated 85,000 flight hours in various missions, including offshore oil and gas, public services, private and business aviation, and passenger transportation, among others. GFS’s 5,000 hours of experience has contributed to this milestone and demonstrates the unique capabilities and safety of the helicopter for demanding public services missions. 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