Honeywell launches new pilot app: Honeywell has launched a new mobile app for pilots that is designed to improve fuel savings while increasing crew interaction throughout the flight. The new Honeywell Forge Pilot Connect app will work with Honeywell Forge Flight Efficiency to better enable flight efficiency insights and recommendations. The mobile app will be available in the app store for Honeywell Forge Flight Efficiency customers in March 2022. Honeywell Forge Pilot Connect will provide improved situational awareness and give a clear overview of how it can boost flight efficiency. Combined with pilots’ collective flying experience, airlines will be able to seamlessly integrate fuel efficiency information into their flight briefing and debriefing process. A key advantage of the app is that airlines can customise the flight efficiency insights they share. More than 3,000 aircraft rely on Honeywell Forge Flight Efficiency, an enterprise performance management solution, to improve flight efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Key features of the platform are: Advanced Trajectory Analytics: Machine learning algorithms can automatically detect flight events and procedures such as automated shortcut detection, holding detection, acceleration altitude reduction and continuous descent operations, among others. Deep Data Analysis: Airlines can use the platform to analyse multiple disparate sources of data simultaneously to measure performance and derive insights for more efficient operations. Users can either use the pre-defined analytics and reports or define their own custom queries. Emissions Reduction: Reducing fuel consumption is the best way for an airline to cut emissions while reducing operating costs. Honeywell Forge Flight Efficiency is designed to improve fuel efficiency, assisting with reducing direct fuel costs as well as the additional cost of offsetting carbon emissions.
JetBlue orders 30 additional Airbus A220-300s: JetBlue Airways has signed a firm order with Airbus for an additional 30 A220-300 aircraft. This takes the airline’s firm commitment for the A220-300 to 100 aircraft. This latest agreement lifts the total firm order book for the A220 to 740. “We’re already seeing benefits from the eight A220s we’ve added to the fleet, and we’re very happy to have more on the way,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. “We’ve seen double-digits increases in customer satisfaction scores, and these fuel-efficient aircraft support our leadership in reducing carbon emissions. With 30 additional A220s on order, we’re in a position to accelerate our fleet modernization plans to deliver stronger cost performance and support our focus city network strategy.” Jetblue started A220-300 operations in April 2021 and currently operates eight A220s in a 140-seat configuration, with USB-C, USB-A and AC power at every seat. The A220 also offers the largest cabin, highest ceiling, biggest windows and most spacious overhead bins in its class.
Singapore Airlines signs US$2.8 billion order for 22 GE9X engines, services: Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced an additional order for 22 GE9X engines to power its fleet of Boeing 777-9 aircraft. The order, which includes a 12-year GE TrueChoice services contract, is valued at US$2.8 billion at list prices. Singapore Airlines has a total of 31 Boeing 777-9 aircraft on order and is scheduled to be the first airline in the Asia Pacific region to operate this new generation widebody aircraft. In 2017, the airline placed an initial order for 40 GE9X engines. “Singapore Airlines has been a long-standing customer and we are proud to continue to grow our relationship,” said GE9X programme general manager Mike Hoffmeister. “The GE9X engine offers a combination of power and fuel efficiency that is unmatched in its class.” The GE9X is infused with the latest technology from GE’s toolbox, including heat-resistant Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) materials, additively-manufactured parts and lean-burn combustion that helps improve fuel efficiency. With an overall pressure ratio of 60:1, the GE9X engine has the highest pressure ratio of any commercial aircraft engine in service. The GE9X offers the lowest NOx emissions in its class, and is the quietest GE engine ever produced.
BOC Aviation orders 8 LEAP-1A shipsets: BOC Aviation announced orders for eight shipsets of CFM International LEAP-1A engines to power new Airbus A320NEO family aircraft on order from Airbus and scheduled for delivery in 2023. CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines and produces engines for both the Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737 series. CFM engines have powered BOC Aviation’s fleet since 1998. “With this order, CFM engines will power 486 aircraft in our portfolio, and we look forward to continue providing our airline customers with fuel-efficient and technologically advanced aircraft solutions,” said David Walton, deputy managing director and chief operating officer, BOC Aviation. “We are pleased that BOC Aviation has again chosen the LEAP-1A engine to power its new A320neo family aircraft,” said Gaël Méheust, president and CEO of CFM International “And we are both honoured by the continued faith that BOC Aviation has shown in our people and our products and proud to bring sustainability benefits in terms of better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions, as well as the industry’s highest asset utilisation, to BOC Aviation and its airline customers.”
Eve announces deals and partnerships: Eve UAM and Microflite, one of Australia’s premier helicopter operators, announced an order of up to 40 low-noise zero-emission eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft) to support the commencement of new electric UAM (Urban Air Mobility) operations in Australia in 2026. Microflite and Eve plan to begin their partnership using helicopters as a proof of concept to validate parameters that will apply to future eVTOL operations. This partnership also aims to develop new services and procedures that will create a safe and scalable operating environment for eVTOL operations together with communities and other industry stakeholders. Eve UAM also announced a deal with Aviair and HeliSpirit, part of the HM Consolidated group, in which Eve contemplates an order of up to 50 electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) with flights commencing from 2026 by Aviair or HeliSpirit. Aviair and HeliSpirit are multi-award winning operators that serve some of Western Australia’s most iconic tourist attractions in the Kimberley, South-West, and Greater Perth regions. The new partnership will add eVTOLs to the company’s existing fleet of over 50 rotary and fixed-wing aircraft and introduce Eve’s zero-emission aircraft into service in these locations.
Safran and ST Engineering to study and advance the use of SAF: Safran Helicopter Engines and the commercial aerospace business of ST Engineering signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to study the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Safran helicopter engines, with the objective of assisting helicopter operators in their transition to SAF. Under the MOU, Safran and ST Engineering will offer their expertise in engine manufacturing and MRO to promote and help helicopter operators to switch from conventional fossil fuels to SAF. Ground testing of Safran engines using SAF will be performed at ST Engineering’s engine test facilities, while flight tests with participating helicopter operators will be conducted to evaluate the technical and economic performances of the use of SAF on their fleet’s engines. All of Safran’s helicopter engines are currently certified to operate on up to 50 percent SAF. The objective of the collaboration is to also certify in the coming years the use of 100 percent SAF, which can potentially result in carbon emission reduction by up to 80 percent.
SIA finalises order for A350Fs: Singapore Airlines (SIA) has finalised a purchase agreement with Airbus for seven A350F freighter aircraft. The order was signed at the Singapore Airshow by SIA CEO Goh Choong Phong, and Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International Christian Scherer. The order firms up the carrier’s commitment to the new-generation freighter announced by the plane maker in December 2021. The newly ordered aircraft will replace the carrier’s existing 747-400F fleet from the fourth quarter of 2025. “This order underscores the importance of the cargo market to the SIA Group. The introduction of the A350F will enhance our capabilities in this key sector, ensuring that we are ready for the growth opportunities that will arise in the coming years. These new-generation aircraft will substantially increase our operating efficiencies and reduce our fuel burn, making an important contribution towards the success of our long-term decarbonisation goals,” said Goh. The A350F will be powered by the latest technology, fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines.
Pratt & Whitney Canada expands spare engine solution portfolio: Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), a business unit of Pratt & Whitney, announced that it has added a new lease-to-own option to its growing portfolio of Spare Engine Solutions. The portfolio, launched in 2020, also includes flexible options such as long-term leasing and on-wing leasing, complementing the existing short-term rentals offering to customers who are looking to prioritize their spending, reduce costs, better plan their monthly expenses, and extend aircraft life. With the lease-to-own option, customers can lease a new or used P&WC engine and own it by the end of the lease term. Other options in the Spare Engine Solutions portfolio include: Long-term leasing – equips the customer with a latest-configuration spare engine for 12 months or more at a competitive price; On-wing leasing – P&WC leases an engine that will remain on-wing. In some cases, P&WC will purchase the customers’ existing engine and lease one back to them, giving them access to capital and lowering their operating expenses, while extending the life of their mature aircraft; Short-term engine rental – available to customers while their engine is in the shop for scheduled or unscheduled maintenance.
ST Engineering to provide LEAP-1B MRO services: ST Engineering announced that its commercial aerospace business has set up quick-turn services for the LEAP-1B engine by CFM International (CFM), a 50/50 joint company between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines, at the group’s aerospace facility in Singapore. The group targets to expand its capability in LEAP-1B engine to full MRO services by end-2023. Jeffrey Lam, commercial aerospace president at ST Engineering, said, “ST Engineering has a longstanding relationship with CFM as a licensed service centre for its CFM56-5B and -7B engines. The capability set-up for the LEAP-1B engine starting with quick-turn services builds on that relationship and expands our MRO offerings to better support customers’ fleet using CFM engines.”
Thales announces several contracts with airlines: In Singapore, SIA Engineering (SIAEC), a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, and one of Asia’s leading MRO providers recently appointed Thales as their preferred repair services supplier for all Thales avionics equipment fitted on all SIAEC’s customer fleets. The proximity of Thales’ repair centre in Singapore and high standard of excellence will benefit SIAEC’s customers over the next four years. In China, long-term agreements have recently been signed with MRO companies Ameco and Chendu Huatai. Thales will provide premium repair services from our avionics repair centre located in Beijing, as well as technical support and technical documentation with digital access for Ameco’s and Huatai’s in-house maintenance needs. Singapore is one of the world’s leading aerospace MRO hubs, accounting for 10 percent of global MRO output and employing more than 22,000 people locally. Thales has a long history in avionics production and MRO in Singapore establishing its operations in the early 1980s to support the expansion of Airbus in the Asia region. With more than 40 years in the region, Thales has grown from strength to strength, providing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) for commercial avionics and Inflight Entertainment (IFE) and Connectivity equipment, as well as parts production for commercial avionics.
Topcast signs deal with Greene Tweed: Topcast Group, a global supplier of parts, MRO services, and aftermarket solutions for the aviation industry, signed an OEM expansion distribution agreement with Greene, Tweed & Co, a manufacturer of sealing solutions and structural components, for covering new exclusive product range and extending the customer base for OEM production. The agreement now covers the entire scope of aviation parts produced by Greene Tweed and additionally includes strategic product development capabilities to the company’s OEM production portfolio. The market expansion and business growth of Topcast in recent years made the group an excellent match to Greene Tweed’s product targeting and aspirations for growth in the Asia Pacific and South America regions. The strategic expansion of both product range and engineering support reaffirms the long-standing partnership between the two companies and turns Topcast as the exclusive OEM distributor for the full Greene Tweed aero product range throughout the entire Pacific Rim including China, South Korea and Japan.
Collins Aerospace signs sensor deal with Hainan Airlines: Collins Aerospace has signed a long-term agreement with Hainan Airlines to provide Pitot and Total Air Temperatures sensors (Air Data Sensors) for its fleet of 500 aircraft, including the Airbus A320, Airbus A330 and Boeing 737NG. Hainan Airlines is a global airline, based out of China, with worldwide routes. The Airbus aircraft will be retrofitted with the 0851MC Pitot probe, developed to comply with current FAA and EASA ice crystal and mixed phase icing requirements. This will provide the aircraft with improved performance during icing conditions, enhance safety and help keep flights on time and on schedule. In addition, Collins’ OEM-approved Air Data Sensors — which are critical to aircraft performance by measuring a range of important data including air speed, altitude and air data computer calculations — will provide the Boeing 737NG fleet with higher product reliability, cost savings and improved aircraft efficiency.
Cebu Pacific selects Airbus FHS for A330neo fleet: Philippines low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific has chosen Airbus’ Flight Hour Services (FHS) materials management to provide the component support for its fleet of 16 A330neos. The comprehensive and flexible solution includes parts pooling, on-site stock at the airline’s main base in Manilla, components repairs, component engineering services, as well as end-of-lease condition support. Furthermore, Airbus will guarantee spare parts availability, contributing to securing aircraft technical performance. “We are extremely pleased to partner with Cebu Pacific in its A330neo lifecycle journey. Recognising the need to support airlines in their recovery, Airbus offers flexibility with its innovative Flight Hour Services which allows them to minimise maintenance costs whilst maximising aircraft availability and securing operational performance simultaneously,” said Anand Stanley, President Airbus Asia-Pacific. “This collaboration reinforces Cebu Pacific Air’s position as an industry leading Airbus operator. It ensures that we are able to meet our operational and reliability targets, while we remain prudent with our expenditure,” said Michael Szucs, CEB Chief Executive Adviser. With this latest A330 Flight Hour Services selection from Cebu Pacific, Airbus becomes the leading provider for A330 by-the-hour services.
Etihad Airways signs LoI for A350F: Etihad Airways’ has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) for seven A350F freighters to add to its existing fleet of five A350-1000 passenger versions. The announcement was made at the Singapore Airshow 2022. Etihad has also selected Airbus’s Flight Hour Services (FHS) to support its entire A350 fleet. “Etihad is delighted to extend our relationship with Airbus to include this remarkable aircraft as part of our freighter fleet for the future,” said Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group. “As our cargo operations continue to over-perform and we work towards a more sustainable future built upon the world’s youngest and most fuel-efficient fleet, the addition of the A350F will play a key role in driving our long-term cargo strategy and achieving our 2035 target to reduce CO2 emissions by 50 percent.” “We are pleased to sign this agreement with our long standing partner Etihad, shortly before this most discerning airline also introduces A350 passenger service. Thank you Etihad for endorsing the game changing nature of the new A350F,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International. “The world’s only new generation large freighter will be unmatched in its market segment in terms of range, fuel consumption and CO2 savings.”
ST Engineering to convert firefighting platform: ST Engineering announced that its commercial aerospace business will design and convert an aerial firefighting platform based on the Boeing 757 aircraft for Galactic Holdings. ST Engineering will draw on its deep structural modification capabilities that have been used in converting passenger aircraft into freighters to develop this first-in-the-world Boeing 757 Passenger-to-Tanker (P2T) programme. The prototype is to be converted at one of the Group’s airframe maintenance and modification facilities in the U.S. ST Engineering will undertake the full scope of the programme, from design and engineering to certification and conversion. The group will also leverage its global network of MRO facilities to provide nose-to-tail aftermarket service and support to Galactic Holdings’ operations worldwide. The Boeing 757P2T, estimated to be completed in 2024, will have a capacity of up to 7,000 gallons of fire retardant, making it one of the largest aerial firefighting platforms available on the market when it enters service. The tanker will be equipped with a state-of-the-art dispensing system that helps to ensure high accuracy in the delivery of fire retardant. Compared to the current generation of firefighting platforms that are in service, the Boeing 757P2T is also more fuel efficient, and has the versatility to be deployed to remote locations for firefighting missions.
BOC Aviation awards deal to SIA Engineering: BOC Aviation announced that it has awarded a contract to SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) to conduct heavy maintenance projects on widebody aircraft that it will transition to new customers in 2022. It represents an extension of last year’s successfully completed mandate for support in transitioning narrowbody aircraft. The 2022 work will be carried out at SIAEC’s main base in Singapore and at SIA Engineering (Philippines) Corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiary located in Clark, Philippines. “We are delighted to be working once again with our partners at SIAEC,” said Mr. Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, BOC Aviation. “The combination of quality and reliability make SIAEC a good choice to support our aircraft transition work in order to deliver on our commitments to provide aircraft to our airline customers.”
Avolon partners with AirAsia on eVTOLS: Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company, announced that AirAsia Aviation Group has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to lease a minimum of 100 VX4 eVTOL aircraft from Avolon. These eVTOL aircraft will allow AirAsia to further revolutionise air travel by providing advanced air mobility to a whole new range of passengers. In addition to the eVTOL aircraft, Avolon, through its investment and innovation affiliate Avolon-e, will partner with AirAsia to commercialise zero-emissions eVTOL aircraft and develop an industry leading urban air mobility platform in Southeast Asia. Avolon and AirAsia will form a working group to pursue local certification, research potential market opportunities and infrastructure requirements for UAM. AirAsia will also leverage its successful travel and lifestyle mobile app, the AirAsia Super App, to help support and build an eVTOL ride sharing platform with Avolon. In June 2021, Avolon ordered 500 VX4 eVTOL aircraft from Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) (‘Vertical’), valued at US$2 billion. Since announcing that order, Avolon placed 250 VX4 aircraft with Gol and Grupo Comporte in Brazil, up to 100 aircraft with Japan Airlines in Japan, and a minimum of 100 aircraft with AirAsia. As a result, Avolon has now placed up to 90% of its initial orderbook, underlining the demand for VX4 aircraft from the world’s leading airlines.
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