AAV News in Brief 11 November 2024

BAA Training expands Pilot Runway to Poland and Bulgaria: BAA Training is expanding its Pilot Runway programme to Poland and Bulgaria. It is a financed training programme with a job guarantee and is run in partnership with the Group’s ACMI companies, such as Avion Express or AirExplore. “Pilot Runway’s students will follow the Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) program, which provides extensive experience in piloting Airbus or Boeing aircraft. Upon graduation, students will receive the globally recognized EASA Pilot License, which is valid in Europe and beyond. They will also be guaranteed a job at one of the biggest ACMI airlines operated by Avia Solutions Group,” said Norbertas Akromas, Managing Director for Pilot Runway project. “Prospective students will be offered a loan from specific airlines to cover the remaining study costs, with a job guarantee upon completion.” Turkish Airlines carries 24.5 million passengers in Q3: Turkish Airlines carried 24.5 million passengers and recorded a US$1.3 billion profit in Q3 of 2024, despite global geopolitical tensions and aviation industry challenges. Passenger numbers were up 5.4% from the same period in 2023 amid a turbulent period for airlines, with aircraft production bottlenecks and engine manufacturing issues hitting the sector. The Turkish carrier’s total revenue for Q3 increased by 4.9% year-on-year to $6.6 billion, with passenger numbers accounting for 84% of the total. Flights to the Far East were particularly popular during this period. Turkish Cargo also enjoyed strong Q3 growth, with revenue rising by 47% year-on-year to $911 million. Meanwhile cargo volumes were up 16.8% compared to last year’s third quarter, making Turkish Cargo the world’s third-largest air cargo carrier for September with a 5.7% market share according to IATA data. During Q3, Turkish Airlines became the first carrier outside of China to finance three Airbus A350s using Chinese Yuan. It also secured a sustainability linked loan for two fuel-efficient A321-Neos, marking the airline’s first deal involving sustainable finance. Pratt & Whitney to demonstrate hydrogen-fuelled turboprop tech: Pratt & Whitney Canada will demonstrate hydrogen combustion technology on a PW127XT regional turboprop engine as part of a project supported by Canada’s Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT). The project, named Hydrogen Advanced Design Engine Study (HyADES), will be in collaboration with Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc., which will develop high-efficiency, low-cost electrolyzers needed for establishing hydrogen production infrastructure. “This collaborative project with INSAT enables us to develop key technologies for future hydrogen powered aircraft and complements our wider efforts to advance aviation sustainability through a range of pathways, including continued improvements to engine efficiency, hybrid-electric propulsion and compatibility with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF),” said Edward Hoskin, vice president, Engineering, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “While regional aviation represents one of the most promising use cases for hydrogen, the project will also demonstrate the versality of adapting the proven, highly efficient PW127XT turboprop engine to operate with low carbon alternative fuels and continues our legacy of technology leadership in this segment.” Funding for the first phase of the project will include fuel nozzle and combustor rig testing using hydrogen fuel, while future phases will target full engine ground testing. Pegasus Airlines wins CAPA sustainability award: Pegasus has received the Global Environmental Sustainability Airline of the Year Award at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia and Sustainability Awards 2024. After securing the CAPA EMEA Environmental Sustainability Airline of the Year title in 2023, Pegasus has this year achieved global recognition, following an independent assessment of airline emissions data. Ali Uzun, General Counsel and Sustainability Director at Pegasus Airlines, accepted the award on the airline’s behalf at the ceremony held in Hong Kong on 5 November 2024. Airline winners across various categories have been selected by CAPA using data that has been independently sourced and analysed, building on the work of the CAPA-Envest Global Environmental Sustainability Benchmarking Report. Güliz Öztürk, CEO of Pegasus, commented: “We are deeply honoured to receive this special award from CAPA, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication that drives our Environment, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) efforts at every level. Working towards our industry’s Net Zero 2050 goal, we are pushing forward with strategic investments in next-generation aircraft, expanding our use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and embracing innovative technologies – each a vital pillar of our Climate Transition Roadmap. I extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to every one of my colleagues at Pegasus Airlines who remain unwavering in our commitment to a more sustainable future.” HAVELSAN completes production of 6 trainers: HAVELSAN has finalised the production of six Flight Training Devices (FTD Level 1) for a prominent airline customer. This collection, featuring a mix of Airbus A320 and Boeing B737MAX models, is designed to meet the airline’s specific training requirements. The devices are scheduled for delivery to the airline’s training centres, significantly enhancing its training capacity. This production milestone aligns with HAVELSAN’s 2024 initiative to expand support for airlines and training centres in meeting the increasing demands of pilot training. In response to industry needs, HAVELSAN has scaled its production capability, now able to manufacture up to eight commercial aircraft full flight simulators annually. This growth underscores HAVELSAN’s commitment to contributing to global aviation safety through advanced training solutions. Beyond boosting production, HAVELSAN has introduced flexible solutions, enabling airlines and training centres to integrate new training devices into their infrastructure seamlessly. The company emphasizes industry-leading after-sales support, ensuring continuous, reliable service for its clients. This commitment includes discussions with customers about potential long-term partnerships to sustain and expand training operations. TP Aerospace partners with K-Mile Air: TP Aerospace extended its partnership with Thai express cargo airline K-Mile Air with a new and updated long-term Wheels and Brakes Program. The continued partnership will see TP Aerospace supply K-Mile Air with its all-inclusive and plug’n’play Wheels and Brakes cost-per-landing program covering support of the airline’s current and future fleet of B737CL and B737NG aircraft. The program is a fully integrated partnership between K-Mile and TP Aerospace, which will see TP Aerospace further strengthening and intensifying its presence in Thailand and surrounding countries. “K-Mile’s renewed partnership is a true testament to TP Aerospace’s continued commitment to supporting both established and new airlines in the region with its financial and operational beneficial full-service Programs”, says Global Program Director, Philip Broskov Hansen. In 2019, TP Aerospace opened an MRO facility in Thailand, from where the signed CFR program will mainly be serviced. The MRO facility is located only 10 minutes from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, where the airline is based. AFI KLM E&M partners with Smartwings Airlines: Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) and Smartwings Airlines announced a new agreement for the comprehensive maintenance of its LEAP-1B engines. This strategic partnership will harness AFI KLM E&M’s technical expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to ensure optimal engine performance, reduce operational costs, and enhance safety. The agreement covers Quick Turn Support for Smartwings’ LEAP-1B engines, ensuring they operate at peak performance and reliability. Operational Efficiency By leveraging AFI KLM E&M’s cutting-edge facilities and technical know-how, Smartwings aims to achieve reduced operational costs and improved efficiency. The collaboration underscores Smartwings’ commitment to providing reliable and efficient services to its passengers, with a strong focus on sustainability and regulatory compliance. Smartwings Airlines currently operates a fleet of 45 Boeing 737 aircraft, including 35 Boeing 737NG and 10 Boeing 737 MAX. This agreement marks a significant step in ensuring the continued reliability and efficiency of these aircraft, which serve a diverse network of destinations across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Indra wins US ATM deal: The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded Indra a contract with a total contract value of $244.3 million, if all options are exercised, to renew its ground-air communications system, key to air traffic management (ATM) in the country, by replacing its analogue radio systems (UHF and VHF) with digital radio equipment capable of analogue and VoIP operation. The company envisions the manufacture of up to 46,000 new radio devices at its facility in Overland Park, Kansas, where it will transfer the production of its Park Air radio technology for the United States market.  In addition to developing the equipment, the contract includes producing, testing, and qualifying the radios as well as a 10-year warranty on radios. Indra’s digital radio systems are equipped with IP technology to enable voice and data communication over a secure network (VoIP), which will enable air-ground communications between pilots and air traffic controllers in facilities across the U.S. Furthermore, Indra’s technology will help reinforce safety, efficiency, and the resiliency of the nation’s air traffic control system. Etihad, Vietnam Airlines sign MOU: Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines are set to work towards a collaboration for the benefit of their customers after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The deal reflects a dedication to exploring an enhanced working relationship, where the airlines plan to implement a broad collaboration including a codeshare, reciprocal loyalty programmes, cargo transport, maintenance, repair and overhaul, and ground handling. The two airlines have an existing interline agreement, allowing passengers to seamlessly transfer between flights on either carrier without the need to collect baggage or check in again. Jurriaan Stelder, Etihad’s Vice-President Alliances, said: “This MoU is an important milestone to establishing a long-term mutually beneficial collaboration, opening the door for both airlines to explore the benefits of a deeper relationship. Our collective ambition is to further strengthen both airlines’ ability to provide and enhance service to our customers.” AJW Group signs PBH with Enter Air: AJW Group has signed a multi-year Power-by-the-Hour (PBH) agreement with Enter Air Sp., the largest private airline operating in Poland. The contract, which went live on 1st November 2024, covers 22 Boeing 737NG aircraft and includes a full logistics solution, warehousing, and stock positioning in Warsaw, Poland. As a trusted aviation partner for over 90 years, AJW Group’s experts deliver high-quality, tailored maintenance solutions, including spare parts provisioning, logistics, warehousing, and technical support. With a global inventory of Boeing 737NG spares combined with world-class MRO capabilities from its flagship facility, AJW Technique in Montreal, the Group offers bespoke support to its global customer base. By partnering with AJW, Enter Air gains cost predictability, operational efficiency, and minimised financial risks, allowing them to focus on core operations and passenger service. Rise Air upgrading fleet with ATR: ATR announced that Rise Air, a 100 percent Indigenous-owned airline providing essential services across Saskatchewan, is upgrading its fleet with three new 68-seat ATR 72-600, becoming the Canadian launch customer for the latest generation ATR -600 series. The first aircraft is a firm order with ATR, set to be delivered by the end of 2025. The company plans to lease two others for delivery in 2026. While earlier generations of the ATR 42 and ATR 72 are operated by Rise Air and eight other Canadian passenger and cargo airlines, totalling over 50 aircraft, this landmark agreement represents a significant milestone for both Rise Air and ATR, bringing the newest version to Canada. The latest ATR 72-600 is fitted with new PW127XT engines produced by Pratt & Whitney Canada in Montreal, which offer high reliability, lower maintenance costs, and a remarkable 45% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to similar-sized regional jets. The ATR 72-600 also brings an enhanced passenger experience thanks to its modern cabin with large overhead bins, comfortable 18-inch-wide seats, and upgraded air conditioning and heating system. The aircraft’s fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, increased availability, and improved reliability make it an ideal choice for operators looking to replace ageing fleets. Rotortrade and Safran Helicopter Engines sign engine deal: Rotortrade, a global leader in the pre-owned helicopter market, and Safran Helicopter Engines announced a strategic partnership aimed at creating value and providing reassurance for buyers of second-hand helicopters equipped with Safran engines. Together, they are launching a Certified Pre-Owned Program, ensuring peace of mind for operators and offering comprehensive support for the operation and maintenance of second-hand Safran helicopter engines. Owners of helicopters with Safran second-hand engines now have access to the Certified Pre-Owned Program, which includes a range of benefits designed to simplify maintenance and enhance operational efficiency. Philippe Lubrano, Founder & CEO of Rotortrade, commented: “Rotortrade was created with a strong focus on strategic partnerships, as we believe collaboration is key to delivering the best solutions to our customers. This partnership with Safran Helicopter Engines consolidates our presence in the certified pre-owned helicopter market, reinforcing our commitment to providing high-quality, reliable pre-owned helicopters with unparalleled support for operators worldwide.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]