AAV News in Brief 12 May 2025

TP Aerospace signs brake, wheel deal with Solitair: TP Aerospace has signed a new Land For Less (LFL) Programme with Dubai-based cargo airline, SolitAir. The programme will cover the airline’s existing and future fleet expansion of B737NG, providing a comprehensive supply of wheels and brakes. SolitAir plans to expand its operation to 14 aircraft, with activities extending beyond Dubai. With TP Aerospace’s ready-to-go inventory, we add significant value to SolitAir’s mission of connecting high-yield trade routes across the Global South, offering reliable and efficient logistics solutions. TP Aerospace will support the growth plans of SolitAir by delivering high quality, expert service and a global reach. The new LFL agreement is scheduled to start during this month in May. SolitAir is UAE’s only dedicated cargo airline operating express daily scheduled services between Dubai and high-yield key trade routes across Global South, catering to the transportation needs of freight forwarders, integrator airlines, SMEs, and e-commerce businesses. SolitAir operates a growing fleet of modern narrow-bodied Boeing 737-800 aircraft connecting Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum International Airport) to high yield Global South markets across the Middle East, Africa, the Sub-Continent and Central Asia while adhering to stringent global, regional and local regulations. VINCI Airports inaugurates phase one of Belfast airport redevelopment: Belfast International Airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, has inaugurated phase one of its £100 million five-year investment programme with a new terminal extension which includes a state-of-the-art security hall using Next Generation Security Equipment, an immersive new Duty-Free experience as well as enhancements to the Arrivals experience including a new external forecourt area. Joined by Northern Ireland’s First Minister and deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, Pierre Anjolras, CEO of VINCI and Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of Concessions at VINCI and President of VINCI Airports outlined ongoing investment plans, which were designed since VINCI Airports’ investment in Belfast International Airport in 2018. With further investment committed over the next three years, Northern Ireland’s busiest airport is expected to record another record year building on the success of 2024. The Airport plays a critical role for aviation, tourism and the local economy employing over 4,000 people across the site. The first £25 million investment phase, which is now complete, features the transformative 1600 sqm Duty Free store which combines Duty Free, Food & Beverage and Travel Essentials all under one roof.  The new security hall has been purpose built for growth to ensure the area can adapt with passenger demand and features state of the art Next Generation Security Equipment meaning passengers no longer have to move liquids or electronics from hand luggage making for amore seamless transition through the security process – the wide open space provides passengers with a more relaxed experience. Signature Aviation unveils start of new terminal: Signature Aviation, the world’s largest network of private aviation terminals, has announced the completion of phase one of its ambitious new facility at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). This initial phase introduces a state-of-the-art terminal designed to enhance the travel experience for private aviation guests and sets the foundation for further expansion. The new terminal is situated strategically to serve the thriving business sectors and tourism in Savannah which has helped make it one of the most recognizable and historic areas in the U.S. Southeast. The terminal location will facilitate quick and easy access to downtown Savannah and its nearby commercial hubs, while serving as a critical gateway for the area’s central industries, which include tourism, aerospace, electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, and logistics. The area is also home to the fastest growing port currently on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts. Signature SAV’s phase one terminal design includes several new on-site amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. A redesigned crew lounge and conference room create a comfortable atmosphere for work or rest with a combination of natural light and a nod to Savannah’s arts culture, complete with a fully stocked amenities bar. The development is also home to 22,000 square feet of new, energy-efficient hangar space. Vehicle amenities are also elevated at the new terminal, with a new EV parking station directly in front of the terminal that will offer immediate access to charging for guests with electric vehicles. Future phases of Signature’s facility expansion in Savannah will include added hangar space, office space, and additional terminal amenities. The phase one updates follow Signature’s recent terminal grand opening in Huntsville, Alabama. Upcoming unveilings in the Signature network will include renovated or new facilities in Raleigh-Durham, Palm Beach, and Westhampton Beach. FL Technics expands EASA approval for Boeing 737 MAX MRO: FL Technics, a global MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) provider and subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, has successfully received official approval for maintenance services on Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The approval, granted under EASA Part-145 regulations, covers both the Boeing 737-8 and 737-9 models equipped with CFM LEAP-1B engines. This development allows FL Technics to perform heavy maintenance operations at its facilities in Kaunas and Vilnius, Lithuania. According to Juozas Lapeika, Deputy CEO for Base Maintenance at FL Technics, this approval reinforces FL Technics’ position as a top-tier MRO partner for next-generation narrow-body aircraft in Europe and beyond. “With the market transitioning toward newer, more sustainable aircraft, this capability helps us stay ahead of fleet evolution and continue delivering high-quality service across the region,” states Juozas Lapeika, Deputy CEO for Base Maintenance at FL Technics. “Our continued investments in infrastructure, technology and talents ensure that FL Technics remains a reliable partner as the industry advances,” adds Zilvinas Lapinskas, CEO of FL Technics. “Approval for Boeing 737 MAX base maintenance is a natural step in our growth, and one that reflects our readiness to meet long-term client and market expectations.” AerFin expands USM inventory in US: AerFin has successfully completed the teardown of a Boeing 777-300ER, formerly operated by Japan Airlines, marking another major milestone in the company’s growing global operations. The aircraft is the first in a series of 777s that AerFin will acquire and teardown over the coming 12 months, bringing a supply of high-demand material to the aviation aftermarket. The teardown was completed in New Mexico, with the aircraft’s major components — including nacelles and reverse thrusters — now securely stored in Arizona, and the majority of harvested parts already relocated to AerFin’s Miami warehouse. This strategic acquisition has added high-quality parts to AerFin’s inventory, offering airlines, MROs, and lessors worldwide access to competitively priced, serviceable material for one of the most widely used long-haul aircraft platforms. The Boeing 777-300ER is a cornerstone of many global airline fleets, valued for its range, efficiency, and payload capabilities. By making high-quality used serviceable material (USM) available from this teardown – and a number of teardowns which will be announced in the near future, AerFin is helping operators optimise maintenance costs, minimise downtime, and extend the operational life of their assets — supporting the future of sustainable aviation. TAG Aviation taking delivery of first PC-24: TAG Aviation said it is taking delivery of a new PC-24. The jet will be based in Jersey, Channel Islands and available for charter. Registered in the UK, the aircraft is ideal for such a location and can easily connect the island residents with the mainland and the rest of Europe. “We are very proud to be taking delivery of this unique aircraft and welcoming it into the TAG Fleet. It will make a superb addition to our existing charter fleet in terms of versatility and performance. As the aircraft is designed and built in the heart of Alps, TAG Aviation feel passionate about craftsmanship by affiliation of our heritage,” said Joanne Goodall, CEO, TAG Aviation Europe. TAG offers a broad range of services including aircraft management, charter, maintenance, training and an FBO in Macau. Employing around 500 staff worldwide with bases in the UK, Geneva, Malta, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, Bahrain and Beijing. Rotortrade delivers AS350 B3+ to NORDURFLUG: Rotortrade has completed the delivery of an AS350 B3+ (S/N 4629, manufactured in 2009) to NORDURFLUG, Iceland’s leading helicopter operator, marking a new chapter for the aircraft as it transitions from private use to commercial operations focused on tourism and heli-skiing. The transaction, which began in January 2025 and was finalised in March, involved a full scope of services from Rotortrade including aircraft sourcing, sale, after-sale maintenance support, and delivery by ferry flight to Iceland. The helicopter entered into commercial service with NORDURFLUG on April 16, 2025. The deal was managed by Clément Lubrano, Sales Manager at Rotortrade Europe, and required extraordinary coordination and persistence. A key challenge was the need to source a replacement engine amid global supply shortages — a task successfully accomplished through strong collaboration between buyer and seller. “This project truly showcased the value of trust, transparency, and follow-through,” said Jean-Noël de Précigout, Sales Director at Rotortrade. “Delivering a fully mission-ready aircraft despite significant supply chain constraints reflects our commitment to going above and beyond for our clients and supporting them at every step of the journey.” Smiths Detection wins deal for Dubai International Airport: Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies, has been awarded a contract by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) to deliver state-of-the-art checkpoint screening solutions across all terminals at Dubai International Airport (DXB). This initiative marks a significant step in advancing security operations and enhancing the passenger experience at one of the world’s busiest airports. “As part of this contract, Smiths Detection will provide its latest, most advanced technologies for checkpoint screening, including the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model-S, an industry-leading computed tomography (CT) screening system,” said Smiths Detection President Jerome de Chassey. “We are proud to be awarded this contract, and the deployment of this cutting-edge technology will significantly enhance both the security and efficiency of passenger screening processes.” The new systems, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities, offer superior image resolution, automatic detection, and quicker, more accurate threat identification. These innovations will contribute to a seamless travel experience while ensuring the highest standards of safety for all passengers. 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