News in Brief: Permira; TP Aerospace; JAL; Shandong Airlines; Vertis; Aircalin; Airbus
Permira completes acquisition of Topcast: Global investment firm Permira announced that a company backed by the Permira Funds will acquire the majority of the shares of Topcast Aviation Supplies Company, an independent aircraft parts distributor in the Asia-Pacific region, from its founders. The founders and current management team, including managing director Thomas Hung and director of marketing and sales Calvin Li, will remain shareholders. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Hong Kong, Topcast has 19 offices across Asia, the Americas and the UK. Topcast connects suppliers with customers in all segments of aviation including airlines, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) service providers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). As a value-added partner, Topcast operates as an extension of the suppliers offering aftermarket support. In addition to the core aircraft parts distribution business, Topcast also provides technical support and maintenance services and distribution of industrial cables and wires.
TP Aerospace opens MRO workshop in Malaysia: TP Aerospace has opened its MRO workshop in Subang, Malaysia. The facility’s 650 square metres are split between three connected units and designed to facilitate maintenance and overhaul procedures of up to 10 units per day with six certified staff, including workshop manager Chong Kai Lum. The new workshop is located at the Subang Helicopter Centre.
JAL selects GE Aviation for digital records system: Japan Airlines has selected GE Aviation for digital records management across its fleet of more than 200 airplanes. The implementation is currently underway and adds to the 700 million aircraft maintenance records being maintained on GE’s digital records management system, AirVault. The agreement includes maintenance and engineering integration of the system at the JAL facilities around the world.
Shandong Airlines selects Sabre: Technology provider Sabre said that China-based carrier Shandong Airlines has selected several retailing solutions from the Sabre Commercial Platform. Under this agreement, Shandong Airlines will use Sabre’s AirVision Schedule Manager and Sabre AirVision Fares Manager to “drive revenue optimisation and accelerate how the airline competes in the Asian market”.
Vertis adds Falcon 900EX for mid-range charters: Vertis Aviation has added a Dassault Falcon 900EX to its Vertis Charter Management Programme, VCMP. The latest addition to the virtual roster of aircraft is managed and operated by a UK AOC holder. Based at London Farnborough Airport the Falcon 900EX is available for international charter. The current Vertis fleet includes the Dassault Falcon 900EX, one Bombardier Global 6000, a Challenger 350, a BBJ and an Airbus A319CJ.
Aircalin adds to SITAONAIR capabilities: SITAONAIR customer, Aircalin is deploying SITAONAIR’s CrewTab service, which will be deployed across Aircalin’s A330neo and A320neo aircraft. CrewTab will streamline workflow by optimising traditional cabin crew processes. By digitising previously paper-based processes, CrewTab ensures information is available and accessible for cabin crews during preparation and briefing, inflight and immediately afterward. Aircalin is also using the Wi-Fi portal, Internet ONAIR, over Inmarsat’s GX Aviation. The offering aims to meet fast-changing and increasingly demanding passenger expectations for ‘always on’ connectivity on popular tourist routes including to Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.
First A220 delivery to EGYPTAIR: EGYPTAIR has taken delivery of its first of 12 A220-300 aircraft on order, becoming the first A220 operator based in the Middle East and North African region, and the sixth operator worldwide. The Cairo-based airline intends to fly the aircraft on routes to and from its main Egyptian hub in Cairo. The airline’s new A220-300 is configured in a two-class cabin with 140-seats including 15 Premium Economy and 125 Economy Class seats.
