cabin design update

AviTrader
MRO
August 2012 - www.avitrader.com
CABIN DESIGN UPDATE
• LATEST IFE SYSTEMS
• CONFIGURATION OPTIONS
• NEWS FROM ACROSS THE INDUSTRY
• WHY SUPPLIER COMMUNICATIONS MUST TAKE TOP PRIORITY
when it comes to cabin maintenance,
other companies simply can’t keep up
m
ax
capa
b i li t i e s
Overnight servicing. Seat part replacement.
Carpet refresh programs. Building on the
backbone of the TIMCO LineCare network,
TIMCO leverages the extensive design and
manufacturing experience of its TIMCO
Aerosystems interiors group to deliver
superior cabin support services that few
can match.
www.timco.aero
Editor‘s Page
3
MRO NEGLECT LEADS TO DISASTER
Missing parts
W
elcome to the August edition of MRO.
When an Antonov plane crashed into a mountain
in Sudan in mid-August this year, killing 32 people, it was the third major air disaster to afflict the
African country in the past four years. Some commentators suspected that political intrigue was
behind the tragedy, which claimed the life of the
Sudanese government’s religion minister, along
with several other high ranking politicians and
military personnel.
But a more likely cause of the accident is less dramatic and far more predictable: the lack of spare
parts for Sudanese aircraft. The same argument
holds in Iran, another country with a woeful record of air safety spanning all the way back to the
1970s. Since 1980, Iran has had 24 major air disasters claiming more than 1,700 lives.
These are disturbing figures, for a number of reasons. First, they mean that hundreds of innocent
people are losing their lives thanks to avoidable
causes. Second, it highlights the crucial importance of MRO services in keeping people safe in
the air, not only when they fly on carriers belonging to developing countries, but from day to day
on the largest carriers of all.
Russia, China and Indonesia also have poor flight
safety records, with Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo not far behind.
potentially fraught issue, liable to cause acute
problems if it is not conducted properly.
Elsewhere, Keith Mwanalushi looks at the latest
developments in cabin upkeep and renovation,
as the options available to operators continue to
multiply and the demands from customers grow
ever more elaborate.
Thanks for reading and, as ever, please get in
touch with any comments or suggestions.
David Nicholson
The answer is for the industry to continue sharing
best practice, updating its technological capacity
so that issues are spotted and addressed in good
time, for manufacturers, airlines and suppliers to
be more aware of the absolute need for high MRO
standards.
As we explore in a special feature this month,
communication with suppliers is a complex and
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Contents
MRO & Production News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Cover Story: Cabin Interior Upkeep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
News From Across The Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-14
Effective Supplier Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Finance News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-21
Industry People on the Move . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Jenny Falk
Head of Sales & Marketing
Email: jenny.falk@avitrader.com
Tel: +49 (0) 8761 346007
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Opinion
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AviTrader MRO - August 2012
S I A
E n g i n e e r i n g
SIA Engineering Company, Marketing & Sales
Email: siaec_marketing@singaporeair.com.sg
Website: www.siaec.com.sg
Tel: (65) 6541 6794
Design.
Installation.
Cabin Programme
Integrator.
Create the ultimate cabin experience for your
passengers, complemented by a communications
suite, effortlessly. As a pioneer in one-stop turnkey
cabin solutions, we provide a complete, seamless
management programme for cabin reconfigurations.
Partnering reputable design houses, aesthetic
suppliers and experienced engineers, we will help
you take care of ever y step — planning,
engineering, procuring, fabricating, installing and
even certifying your brand-new aircraft cabin. The
only thing you need to do is, share with us your
dream cabin today.
MRO and Production News
5
•
LHT signs 10 year component support contract with GoAir
Go Airlines (GoAir), one of the leading domestic carriers in India, and
Lufthansa Technik have signed a 10-year component support contract,
effective from August, 2012, for the carrier’s present and future fleet of
20 A320 classic and 72 A320 neo aircraft. The contract covers most of
the spare parts required for the regular maintenance of A320 classic
aircraft and will also cover the new A320neo fleet of GoAir which is expected to enter into service from 2016 onwards.
The component support will be handled via the Lufthansa Technik
Group network. Spare parts shall be supplied to the airline’s bases at
Mumbai and Delhi. The contract also provides GoAir access to Lufthansa Technik’s manage/m technical operations WebSuite, through which
both parties will observe just-in-time inventory management. This will
enable further efficiency gains on both sides.
le, differing with respect to scratch resistance, finally achieved surface
roughness and wear resistance. Interfill not only restores components
to serviceability, but endows them with better wear characteristics
than the original surface. This results in an improved performance of
the complete assembly or system, while the base material properties
remain unaffected even after repeated application.
•
Lufthansa Technik receives CAMO approval from United Arab Emirates
Effective immediately, Lufthansa Technik AG can offer customers from
the United Arab Emirates (UAE) airworthiness services for the Boeing
747-400 and 747-8 aircraft types as a CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness
Management Organisation). Lufthansa Technik received the relevant
approval from UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for its
Hamburg location on July 1, 2012.
The background to this step is a change in the legal framework for aircraft owners whose aircraft are registered in the UAE: now, both commercial and non-commercial operators, like private aircraft owners, are
obliged to have their own CAMOs or to commission a CAMO such as
Lufthansa Technik. For this reason, Lufthansa Technik applied to the
GCAA for approval as a CAMO before the legal change took effect, and
supplied all the necessary documentation and evidence for this step
to be taken.
Provisional approval was granted on the basis of the Part M approval
already issued to Lufthansa Technik by the German Federal Aviation
Office; in order to grant final approval, the GCAA will conduct an audit
in Hamburg sometime during the next few months as soon as CAMO
tasks are performed for the first UAE customer.
Final component testing at LHT
Photo: Lufthansa Technik
•
LHT Component Services expands North American market offer
Lufthansa Technik Component Services (LTCS), headquartered in Tulsa,
Oklahoma, has significantly expanded its portfolio of technical services for aircraft components and plans to grow even further. LTCS has
bundled all its services for the repair and supply of aircraft components
at this site in the heart of the American continent, with the result that
the square footage of its workshops and warehouses has significantly
increased in recent years.
In addition to component services, the company now also offers services for the disassembly of aircraft and the sale of their components
and engines. “With our expanded service offer in the centre of one of
the world’s most important aviation markets, we can meet the needs
of our customers on site in the Americas even better,” said Dr. Thomas
Stueger, Lufthansa Technik Chief Executive Product and Services, after
meeting elected officials in Oklahoma on 1 August in Tulsa. “For this
reason, we definitely see potential for a further expansion of our service
portfolio for the American market at this successful location.”
•
Lufthansa Technik Intercoat broadens Interfill repair capability
Lufthansa Technik Intercoat has enhanced its repair capability spectrum with Interfill to regional aircraft, namely to hydraulic parts of the
Q400. Interfill is the key component of the Advanced Epoxy Repair Process, which is an advanced repair method for aircraft and engine components. With the adaption of Interfill to Q400 components the company is now able to offer operators of regional aircraft this cost efficient
repair solution. Lufthansa Technik Intercoat is now capable of repairing
the hydraulic pump port cap subassembly as well as the steering actuator transfer tube of the Q400.
Further developments for regional aircraft components are in progress. Interfill as an airworthiness approved material can be applied
to the component in a coating thickness ranging from 0.2 mm to 5.0
mm (0.008″ – 0.2″). Three variants of the Interfill material are availab-
•
Lufthansa Technik AERO Alzey services the 1.000th CF34-series
engine
Lufthansa Technik AERO Alzey (LTAA) celebrated the final test run after
servicing the 1.000th turbofan engine of the General Electric (GE) CF34series. The first engine of the CF34-series of the American manufacturer
was serviced by LTAA in 1991. Since then the engine type has become a
backbone in the service portfolio of the company specialising in maintenance, repair, and overhaul of regional aircraft and business jet engines within the worldwide Lufthansa Technik network.
•
ACG orders 5th B737-400SF for SPEC conversion
Aeronautical Engineers (AEI) has been selected by Aviation Capital
Group to provide one B737-400SF 11 Pallet Configuration conversion.
The speculative conversion is expected to be completed in mid-November 2012 at which time the freighter will be available for immediate
lease. The aircraft is a high gross weight B737-400 (MSN 28661) built in
1997 and is currently undergoing freighter modification at AEI’s Authorized Conversion Center, Commercial Jet, located in Miami Florida.
•
Gama Support Services awarded UAE GCAA Part 145 maintenance
approval
Gama, the global business aviation and services group, reported that
the United Arab Emirates General Civil Aviation Authority has awarded
Gama Support Services FZE UAE CAR 145 Approval, permitting it to undertake Line Maintenance on Challenger 604 and 605 business jets and
King Air B300 turboprop aircraft.
•
GKN Aerospace wins Global aircraft winglets and ailerons contract
GKN Aerospace has won a contract from Triumph Aerostructures –
Vought Aircraft Division, a subsidiary of Triumph Group, covering the
design, build and supply of composite winglets and ailerons for the
Bombardier Global 7000 and Global 8000 ultra long-range business jets.
The ailerons will be developed and manufactured at GKN Aerospace’s
Munich wing structures operation in Germany, with the winglets activity being undertaken by the company’s team on the Isle of Wight, in
the south of the UK.
AviTrader MRO - August 2012
MRO and Production News
6
•
CTS Engines signs new long-term contracts with Nordic Global and
Spirit Airlines
CTS Engines, a leading independent engine MRO, has signed multiyear engine maintenance service agreements with Finnish cargo carrier
Nordic Global Airlines and Ft. Lauderdale-based Spirit Airlines. The agreement with NGA is a multi-year power-by-the-hour engine overhaul
agreement for seven CF6-80C2D1F engines operating on NGA’s fleet of
MD-11Fs. Under the contract, CTS is responsible for all off-wing maintenance performed on the contracted engines. The Spirit agreement, also
multi-year, encompasses all on-wing engine field service work for Spirit’s
fleet of 42 V2500-powered A320s.
11 Pallet Configuration Freighter Conversions. The aircraft are all ex Qantas high gross weight B737-400′s, (MSN 24440/1992, MSN 24433/1994,
MSN 24446/1994). All three aircraft will undergo freighter modification
at AEI’s Authorized Conversion Center, Commercial Jet, Inc., located in
Miami Florida.
AEI’s B737-400SF 11 Pallet Configuration will provide the ASL Aviation
Group with an Ancra equipped Main Deck Cargo Loading System capable of carrying ten 88“x125“x82“ or Eight 96“x125“x82“ ULD’s in P1-P10
and a 53“x88“x64“ high pallet in P11 (More full height ULD’s than any
other B737-400 conversion). This unique configuration will allow operators to maximize the interior volume of the B737-400SF by the addition
of a tenth ULD position.
•
Liebherr’s A380 Supplemental Cooling System enters into service
The second-generation supplemental cooling system developed, manufactured and qualified by Liebherr-Aerospace for the Airbus A380
aircraft has entered into service in July 2012, upon delivery of the A380
serial number 078 to Malaysia Airlines. Liebherr-Aerospace’s supplemental cooling system is a high-power cooling system that features latestgeneration power electronics and a screw compressor.
Complete Turbine Services engine maintenence
Photo: CTS
•
Flying Colours completes first Global Express refurbishment and
maintenance project for Malaysian customer
Flying Colours has completed and delivered its first Global Express refurbishment and maintenance project for a Malaysian customer. It is the
fifth Global Express refurbishment project Flying Colours has completed
in the last twelve months and reflects the company’s developing focus
on this aircraft type. The latest project in the Flying Colours Corps.’ expanding programme of Global Express refurbishments, modifications,
and maintenance orders, was completed and delivered to a Malaysian
client in early July 2012.
The project was undertaken on behalf of a private client, and reinforces
the continued interest in Flying Colours’ services from the Asian market.
The completed interior underwent a full refurbishment of all interior
soft goods, woodwork, and numerous IFE upgrades which focused on
modernizing the aircraft with IPAD holders, and a Honeywell IPOD dock.
•
Boeing opens new parts processing centre at Portland site
Boeing announced the opening of its new parts processing centre and
building expansion in Gresham, Ore., a suburb of Portland. Employing
about 1,800 people, Boeing Portland is an ISO 14001-certified site that
serves as the company’s Center of Excellence for complex machining,
gear systems and flight controls. Employees at the 64,000 ft² processing
centre will use the latest Lean processes and tools to process machined
parts destined for all Boeing 7-series airplanes assembled and delivered
in Everett and Renton, Wash, as well as Boeing South Carolina.
•
Jet Aviation Basel signs narrow-body completions agreement for
BBJ3
Jet Aviation Basel signed an agreement with an undisclosed client from
the Middle East for the completion of a BBJ3. The
spacious cabin interior of the aircraft has been
designed by Studio E/motions and its layout includes a living area, a conference/dining room and
a private bedroom with en-suite bathroom. Completions work on the cabin interior of this aircraft
is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2012.
•
ASL Aviation Group orders three AEI B737400SF conversions
Aeronautical Engineers (AEI) has been selected by
ASL Aviation Group, to provide three B737-400SF A350 Flight Deck
The system provides additional cooling to control the temperature level
in such critical areas as galleys and electronic bay. In addition to the supplemental cooling system, Liebherr-Aerospace supplies a wide range of
key systems to the Airbus A380, including the high lift system, spoiler
actuation, the engine bleed air system as well as the hydraulics cooling
system.
•
Constant Aviation completes Citation X winglet modification
Constant Aviation has announced that it has completed its fifth winglet
modification on the Citation X. “We made a commitment to make the
Citation X one of our niche aircraft. The commitment required a significant investment in talent, training, tooling, and experience allowing
Constant to become Citation X experts. Within the first seven months
of 2012, we have completed over 60 maintenance events, averaging 8
inspections a month, specifically on the Citation X.
These have ranged from the small to the largest inspection, a Doc 11,
and have included significant structural and composite repairs,” said Stephen Maiden, President of Constant Aviation. The Citation X is a transcontinental airplane and adding the winglet option increases the performance of the aircraft. The addition of winglets to the Citation X allows
the aircraft to climb directly to 34,000 feet in 29 minutes compared to a
93 minute step climb without the winglets, which increases the aircraft’s
range by 160 nautical miles.
•
A350 XWB “MSN1” flight-deck comes to life
Airbus has successfully powered-up the flight-deck of A350 XWB “MSN1”
for the first time, following the initial application of electrical power to
the aircraft’s front fuselage. This significant milestone was passed only
two weeks after this section was delivered to the Final Assembly Line
(FAL) in Toulouse. Moreover, it gives a promising indication of the A350
XWB’s progress in pre-FAL and the readiness of the aircraft’s systems.
Flight-deck power-on is an important step on
the route to complete aircraft power-on and first
flight, because it enables most systems’ functional
checking to be undertaken.
Having achieved this nearly a year before first
flight will allow early identification and resolution of potential issues and thus help to protect
the aircraft’s development schedule. Testing of
the front fuselage section will proceed during this
summer. This will be followed by the power-on of
Photo: Airbus the entire fuselage later this year.
AviTrader MRO - August 2012
Cover Story: Cabin interior upkeep
7
From the inside out
Keith Mwanalushi outlines the latest thinking in cabin design and configuration
Airlines have their work cut out when
it comes to configuring whole fleets of
aircraft with completely new interiors.
This is often to match the service levels
of newly delivered aircraft with older types in the fleet.
Having determined if the task is minor or major, and fits in within one‘s
DOA scope, he says the next task is
to ensure that all the relevant regulations are complied with. Compliance can be demonstrated by either an official statement or, in some
cases, tests and technical reports or
drawings.
This often presents itself in the form of a
multi-million dollar package that includes inflight entertainment (IFE) system
upgrades and cabin refurbishments in
tandem with other marketing initiatives, such as upgrading airport lounges.
Analysis and testing, in order to support
aircraft modifications especially interior
work is a delicate task which takes into
consideration several critical factors.
According to the Singapore based SIA A newly refurbished 777 cabin
Engineering Company (SIAEC), cabin
makeovers and retrofits will typically include engineering and designing of the new cabin layout; defining, selecting and procuring required materials such as carpet, curtains and galley
mats; coordinating vendors and partners for the timely arrival and installation of modification kits on-site; besides ensuring the timely issuance
of Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) from the regulatory authorities.
Dennis A Santamaria, head of design organisation at Vilnius-based FL
Technics, agrees that making interior changes is a very complex process.
“The first and most important task is to establish whether the change requested by the customer is classified as minor or major and is within the
scope of your DOA.
This is usually done through a specifically designed questionnaire. It is a
very complex procedure – it involves a lot more than just ticking the questionnaire boxes with a simple yes or no answer as sometimes substantiations are required to support the classification process,” says Santamaria.
Photo: SIAEC
“Following this, a change bulletin is prepared together with the
drawings to provide the customer
with the information and instructions that may affect the change
and, if necessary, the pu blication
amendment as a supplementary
document for customer manual
amendments.
The process is independently mo nitored through the quality department and regular audits by the authorities,” he adds. For cabin retrofits SIAEC serves as the programme integrator, working with a wide selection of partners and vendors, including
engineering design houses and aesthetics suppliers, to engineer, plan,
procure, fabricate, install and certify the airline’s customised aircraft cabin
as seamlessly as possible.
A SIAEC spokesperson highlights some of the key factors that airline
operators need to consider while managing their cabin retrofit program:
“When selecting cabin products, always consider maintenance costs in
the long run.
The selection of IFE systems should be carefully considered due to constant obsolescence and allocate sufficient lead-time for evaluating the entire programme to allow adequate planning and negotiating of purchase
agreements. This will help avoid high mark-ups for rushed lead times.”
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9
Cover Story: Cabin Interior Upkeep
SIAEC also notes that operators should consolidate their requirements
to have long term RFP issued with various LOPA options to minimise engineering cost and products as STC retrofits are expensive. Another key
point is to track the record of suppliers to ensure their products will be
supported.
A recent industry report
showed that modifications
are the fastest-growing
segment of the MRO industry, which amounted to
$44 billion in 2010. Aircraft
modifications represent
7% of that number, or $3
billion per year with about
75% of cabin modification
revenue coming from interior upgrades and 25%
from IFE installations, supposedly creating opportunities for third-party MROs.
The configuration of seats on an Airbus A320 can vary from 136 to 180. The
cabin refurbishment orders that we receive vary depending on numerous
factors, such as the degree of depreciation, changes in the latest trends or
shifts in operation purposes and target passenger groups.”
Santamaria adds that the main challenge is to carry out all these changes
whilst complying with the
aviation regulations which
are becoming increasingly
strict in order to ensure
that the cabin always remains equipped to the
highest industry safety
standards.
Within a relatively short
time FL Technics developed a variety of cabin
interior services that include seat cover and cushion replacement, carpet
replacements, side wall
panel installations, cabin
As airframe manufacturattendant module change
ers will take some years
and curtain replacement
to launch their new airor fittings. Jeff McShane,
craft models namely the
executive vice president
B737MAX and A320neo
at Northwest Aerospace
aircraft, SIAEC indicates
Technologies (NAT), notes
that modifications shall
Photo: CSA Technics the opportunities present
remain the fastest grow- Cabin modifications were worth $44 Billion in 2010
in the cabin works sector
ing segment of the MRO
and says there are as many challenges that come with opportunities.
industry as airlines try to close the gap between rejuvenating tired cabins
on older aircraft and current new models.
“The business hasn’t gotten any easier that’s for certain,” he says. “As far as
the trend of older cabins being upgraded to match the new models, this has
“As a result, there are indeed numerous requests from third party airlines for
been going on for a long time but we are seeing an upswing in interest and
cabin modification including the upgrade of technologically advanced IFE
opportunities with the advancements inside the cabin.”
systems, especially when the passenger experience is now one of a carrier’s
top priorities,” says SIAEC.
He adds: “I think the trend towards a larger cabin SFE content versus BFE at
the OEMs for new models is playing into this as well. We recognise and feel
SIAEC sees trends that point towards more retrofits on aircraft as rollover
the surge in activity for new products and equipment from the front line.
programs are expected to have longer cycles. IFE systems are migrating toThe challenge of growing while ensuring we are getting better is constant.”
wards plug-in and portable systems rather than traditional systems while
the use of PMA parts for cabin items have become more acceptable. Ulti- Virgin Atlantic selected NAT and the Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Commately, the focus will continue to be on lightweight, aesthetic and durable pany Limited (HAECO) for the British carrier’s 747-400 cabin reconfiguration
products with competitive pricing models.
work. The modifications will reconfigure Virgin’s 747 fleet with new and upgraded passenger seating, a new IFE system with connectivity, new monuIn April 2012 FL Technics gained approval for cabin interior modifications
ments, interior furnishing and décor enhancements.
and the company notes that while refurbishing the interiors, specialists
must consider a variety of trends. For instance, new, thinner and more so- NAT is the engineering integrator, providing programme and supplier interphisticated seat models require changing the entire configuration accord- face management, modification engineering and parts kits, on-site installaing to the detailed plans.
tion support and EASA STC certification under its EASA DOA.
“Naturally, all changes create new possibilities for third-party providers,” admits Dennis Santamaria. “Moreover, in some countries the customs taxation
depends on the number of seats, in some of them additional taxes apply to
aircraft with over 150 seats.
The work scope undertaken by HAECO includes aircraft modification project management, material management, on-site coordination with cabin
and inflight entertainment vendors, cabin reconfiguration, and associated
system testing.
AviTrader MRO - August 2012
NEW CHOICE
LONG TRADITION
Czech Airlines Technics has more
than 80 years of experience in in-house aircraft
maintenance, 50 years of experience in jet aircraft
maintenance and more than 20 years of experience
in western built aircraft maintenance.
Czech Airlines Technics's experienced technicians
and engineers, short turn around, well equipped facilities,
24/7/365 guaranteed availability and advantageous location
in the heart of Europe makes Czech Airlines Technics worthy
of consideration.
Capabilities:
Line Maintenance | Base Maintenance | Landing Gear Repair / Overhaul
Component Repair and Supply Management | CAMO Services | NDT | Avionics upgrades
Cover Story: Cabin Interior Upkeep
11
“The Virgin 747-400 prototype configurations have been completed at
HAECO and we are now in production on the follow-on aircraft,” confirms
McShane. “We had a substantial 767-300 prototype at HAECO at the same
time and that particular program was a very large cabin makeover, essentially gutting the interior for an all new one from floor to ceiling, front to
back. Both of these programs are now in full production at HAECO.”
program is part of a full cabin reconfiguration program NAT is supporting
as integrator, installing a large crew rest in the bulk cargo compartment
on A330-200 aircraft. In the end analysis, the location of a crew rest compartment comes down to the economics of passengers, cargo, available
space and overall cost
to install.”
Although airlines with their own MROs will try to do as much of the work
on these fleet programs as possible, many airlines use vendors to help
with engineering the cabins. Delta and United are both using HAECO for
some cabin work and Air Europa has signed a new contract with AFI KLM
E&M to provide and certify business class sections on two of its A330-200
aircraft. The modification covers fitting of 18 business class seats, new
storage furniture and decorative features, and also involves adapting the
IFE to the new aircraft configuration.
Day to day cabin
maintenance
procedures such as refreshing cabins on
overnight stops during line maintenance,
carpet refresh, seat
parts
replacement
and so on can be
delicate tasks. SIAEC,
with its line maintenance
network
coverage across over
30 airports globally,
has specially trained
teams that support
the new “Six star
cabin” packages in
Singapore and at its
Mark Davis, Senior VP MRO sales at TIMCO
overseas line maintePhoto: TIMCO nance stations.
SIAEC had also recently completed a full cabin reconfiguration project
on four B777-300 aircraft for a leading Russian carrier and for two B777200ER aircraft for a new start-up airline, Scoot, with its engineering design house, JAMCO Aero Design & Engineering (JADE).
Spanish operator Iberia will start its own retrofit program for 17 Airbus
A340-600s in mid-October 2012 at its maintenance facility in Madrid according to press reports. Iberia plans to complete all of the modifications
in-house.
“Airlines require and are mainly requesting cabin overhauls and interior
upgrades, as well as asking to boost seat capacity and to improve overall
cabin layout,” comments Pavel Matějka, Czech Airlines Technics’ technical
services sales specialist.
“According to our experience, OEMs of cabin interiors and aircraft manufacturers are not willing to participate in design preparations of such
modifications. If they do, then it’s at extremely high prices and long lead
times. Therefore, there are large market opportunities, but on the other
hand, competition is enormous in pricing, quality and delivery terms,”
says Matějka.
Czech Airlines Technics recently won a number of line maintenance
These teams will ensure the cleanliness and aesthetics of the cabin interior, as well as the functionality of the IFE systems at each overnight stop
at line maintenance, including SIAEC’s collaboration with Leather Institute to provide more repair capabilities on leather products and plastics
moldings to its customers. These repair capabilities include leather and
fabric cleaning and conditioning, repair, refurbishment and upholstery
recovery.
Similarly, TIMCO Aerosystems has designed a suite of services under its
new Cabin LifeCare programme that provides a range of airlines with
what the company believes are consistent levels of cabin reliability and
aesthetics.
Mark Davis, senior vice president MRO sales at TIMCO told AviTrader that
the response and level of market interest for Cabin LifeCare has been
quite encouraging. “The reason we decided to develop programmes that
provide airlines with care for their investment in interiors was a response
to the frustration we hear regularly about replacement parts availability
and traditional approaches to product support,” he explains.
Davis further says the programme provides a support service that mitigates risks to the airline’s operation while also providing clear visibility to
total lifetime maintenance costs. TIMCO is currently preparing the launch
programme with the first customer later this year with hopes that the
model can be replicated with other interested operators, albeit refined to
meet their specific cabin service levels.
Repairs of window panels being undertaken by Czech Airlines Technics Photo: Czech Airlines Technics
contracts particularly in Russia and the scope of work being done there
covers various fixtures of baggage bins, repairs of window panels, replacements of seat tables and of other seat parts. “Our company delivers
complete on-call defect rectifications at various Central & East Europe airports, while guaranteeing technicians’ arrival time,” adds Matějka.
The refurbishment of crew rest compartments tends to be overlooked
supposedly because they are unseen and unused by passengers, but Jeff
McShane from NAT sees some activity here. “More recently, we have seen
some lower deck activity on the 767 and A330 aircraft,” he says. “The A330
Cabin maintenance processes will no doubt require the need to safeguard the flammability properties of fabrics, protect the fabric colour
and preserve brand projection. Managing and integrating these aspects
is not an easy task. TIMCO covers some of the regulated standards in their
training programmes to ensure consistency and other aspects are stipulated by the airline customer.
Davis emphasised the need for the service provider to understand those
critical customer-specific requirements as well as the customer’s expectations for the passenger experience they wanted to create. “Today, the requirements can differ significantly from one airline to the next, dependent on how they use their aircraft, the airline’s market strategy and other
factors,” he says.
AviTrader MRO - August 2012
News
•
TAE adds new turbine engine light maintenance capability in Brisbane
Following on from the opening of Australia’s
newest engine maintenance and test facility
for turboprop engines and APUs in Adelaide
on 27 July, TAE announced the addition of a
new PT6 engine maintenance capability at
Brisbane Airport.
TAE now offers customers a ‘light’ maintenance capability, including hot section and
power section repairs for all PT6 models in
Brisbane, backed by the great customer service TAE is known for, quick parts supply and
the ‘heavy’ overhaul capability available in its
new Adelaide facility.
CASA approved and managed on-site by Chris
Christofis, the facility is integrated with TAE’s
regional wheels and tyres operation and is
also a new base for TAE’s PT6 and TPE331 Field
Service Team that provides ‘on-wing’ engine
services across Australia.
•
TAE opens new turbine engine maintenance facility
TAE announced the opening of its new Turbine Engine Maintenance Facility at Adelaide
Airport. TAE provides engine maintenance services for the Honeywell TPE331 and the P&WC
PT6A turboprop engines and the Hamilton
Sundstrand APS500 and APS1000 auxiliary
power units for customers across Australia
and the Asia-Pacific region from its Adelaide
Airport Facility. “It is a great day for TAE” said
general manager, Andrew Sanderson.
“This new facility now gives us a world class
platform for our team to continue delivering
great service to keep our customers flying today and offers new expansion possibilities to
accommodate our planned growth into the
Asia-Pacific region tomorrow.
With the addition of this facility, TAE will be
the largest independent turbine engine MRO
provider in Australia, covering several engine
types powering aircraft from the agricultural
Air Tractor to the F-18 Super Hornet with more
opportunities on the way”.
The 1,500m2 facility has been purpose built
for the maintenance of turboprop engines
and is now fully integrated with TAE’s dual
capability 2,000 kW dynamometer test cell,
offering customers the best maintenance and
test capability for their product in the region,
all under one roof.
•
TP Aerospace Leasing signs 5-year fullservice Wheels & Brakes program with
Bingo Airways
TP Aerospace Leasing has been awarded a five
year contract to provide its full service and all
inclusive Wheels & Brakes Cycle Flat Rate (CFR)
Program to Poland’s newest charter airline
12
Bingo Airways. TP Aerospace Leasing will provide its highly flexible, cost effective and tailor
made Component Maintenance, Pool Access,
Onsite Lease Inventory and Logistics Program
in support of Bingo Airways’ current and planned fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft.
The Program cements TP Aerospace’s position
in Northern and Central Europe as the preferred Wheels & Brakes support partner for
‘progressive and vibrant operators,’ says the
company.
Bingo Airways, based in Warsaw and Katowice, was founded in November 2011 and
started flights in May 2012. The airline was set
up by a group of Polish aviation professionals
headed by Marek Sidor – former vice president of LOT Polish Airlines and CEO of Eurolot.
•
Aviointeriors awarded contract to supply
seats for Nordwind B767 fleet
Aviointeriors, the Italian manufacturer of
aircraft seats, announced that Nordwind Airlines, a Russian charter airline operating from
Moscow Sheremetyevo airport, has awarded
Aviointeriors a contract to supply business
and economy class seats for four B767-300ER
aircraft.
The airline is also considering the option to
extend the contract to three more B777 aircraft. The Nordwind B767-300ERs, the extended-range version of the B767-300, will seat
from 300 to 342 passengers in a two class
layout. The Nordwind passenger accommodation will feature the typical six abreast configuration in business class, and eight across
(2-4-2) in economy.
Aviointeriors will supply the Andromeda seat
model for the business class, and the Centaurus seat model for the economy, both of them
already successfully installed on the B767
cabin of many other operators around the
world.
•
JetCorp Technical Services flies into Indonesia with first CRJ ExecLiner conversion for the region
JetCorp Technical Services, a subsidiary of
Flying Colours Corp., has begun work on the
latest in its series of state-of-the-art executive conversions of the Bombardier CRJ 200
regional airliner. The Bombardier CRJ will be
transformed into an ExecLiner executive VIP
configuration destined for a private Indonesian client.
This is the first ExecLiner to be readied for Indonesia and during the conversion process
Flying Colours will work closely with the client
and Bombardier to achieve Indonesian type
certification for the CRJ200.
Flying Colours will supply an FAA STC that will
subsequently be validated by the Indonesian
regulatory body and the aircraft will be exported to Indonesia upon completion.
In addition to an extensive pre-purchase evaluation, and the interior conversion, Jetcorp
will also be carrying out an extensive maintenance package on the aircraft at its full spectrum MRO facility.
Maintenance work will include a landing gear
overhaul, a 96-month inspection, the conversion from a high utilisation maintenance
programme (HUMP) to a low maintenance
programme (LUMP) and the incorporation of
all outstanding Airworthiness Directives.
•
Pattonair secures major deal with Airbus
Pattonair, a global aerospace and defence
supply chain service provider, reported that it
has signed a major new contract to supply a
range of nuts across all Airbus platforms.
This is a significant new development for
Pattonair, building on the company’s 25 year
relationship with Airbus. Under the terms of
the five year contract, Pattonair will supply all
Airbus facilities in Europe as well as its EADS
sister companies and key sub-contractors.
The company will work with a leading nut manufacturer who has designed a product which
delivers a significant weight-saving, thereby
reducing fuel consumption and enhancing
the green credentials of the latest generation
of Airbus aircraft.
•
328 Support Services signs contract with
ACJC for future projects
328 Support Services GmbH has signed a long
term contract to be a major supplier to the
Airbus Corporate Jet Centre (ACJC) – the specialist in Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) VIP cabin
completions and associated services – based
in Toulouse, France.
This Agreement allows the parties to work
together and cements a strategic partnership
for various future projects and recognises the
quality workmanship, that 328SSG has already successfully provided for other major European completion centres, on both large and
medium sized VIP aircraft.
328SSG has delivered complete conversion
and refurbishment projects on various aircraft
types including the manufacture of a complete rear galley complex for an Airbus A340 V
VIP aircraft. Current projects in work include
all galleys on a B767 VIP aircraft and support
to a Gulfstream GIV VIP renovation.
328SSG’s experience as an aircraft Type Certificate Holder gives it an excellent understanding of the system integration and interface
elements required for VIP completions.
AviTrader MRO - August 2012
13
News
•
LTQ Engineering to cease operations
The Australian aircraft engine overhaul provider
LTQ Engineering, which is based in Tullamarine,
will cease operations and close its doors in September owing to the strong decline in engine
overhaul demand.
•
Norwegian Air Shuttle becomes Boeing’s
largest landing gear exchange customer
Norwegian Air Shuttle, the third largest lowcost airline in Europe, has become the largest
customer for the Boeing landing gear exchange
program with a new service contract covering
an additional 15 Next-Generation 737s. Landing
gear must be overhauled and recertified every
10 years, or after 18,000 cycles.
The closure was announced by the company,
a joint venture of Lufthansa Technik (50%) and
Qantas Airways Limited (50%), on July 26 in
Melbourne. “Reduced regional demand, tough
international competition and more reliable
new generation engines have directly impacted
the viability of the business.
Simply put, LTQ does not have the scale of engine maintenance work to be competitive,” LTQ
Chairman and Lufthansa Technik Chief Executive Officer, August Wilhelm Henningsen, said.
“Significant investment had been made in LTQ
since the joint venture was formed and the
shareholders had continued to support the
business even though it had made consistent
losses in each year of its operation.
By taking the decision now while the company
remains solvent, it ensures that all employees
will receive their full entitlements and all obligations to creditors can be met.” Henningsen
said. Lufthansa Technik advised Qantas that it
could not continue to invest in the loss making
Tullamarine facility.
LTQ Engineering’s board evaluated a number
of different strategies to address the continued
losses, including winding down the company.
Considering the strong decline in demand and
the company’s business and outlook, LTQ is not
financially viable.
The joint venture partners have therefore decided to wind down production and close the
company. LTQ has been in operation since 2004
- formerly under the name of Jet Turbine Services - before becoming a new joint venture between Lufthansa Technik AG and Qantas Airways
Limited in 2008.
•
Lufthansa Technik AERO Alzey and InterSky continue cooperation
Austrian based carrier InterSky and Lufthansa
Technik AERO Alzey have announced that they
will prolong their partnership by signing an agreement that extends the duration of the existing contract by an additional five years.
Participants in the landing gear exchange program receive fully overhauled and certified landing gear shipsets during scheduled gear maintenance cycles, giving customers an alternative
to the large capital investment of new landing
gear.
Lufthansa Technik CEO August Hennigsen
Photo: Lufthansa Technik
nes. Under the exclusive contract, the company
will be responsible for maintenance services of
all GE90-110B engines powering AeroLogic’s
Boeing 777F fleet including their owned spare
engines. The long-term contract has a value of
more than $200m.
•
Oman Air and Onur Air select Hamilton
Sundstrand as maintenance provider for
Auxiliary Power Unit
Oman Air has selected Hamilton Sundstrand
Corporation for a long-term agreement to be
the maintenance provider for the APS2300 Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) on its existing fleet of
five Embraer 175 series aircraft.
The APS2300 APU is currently on board more
than 800 Embraer 170/190 aircraft around the
world and is operated by more than 70 customers since its introduction into service in 2004.
Onur Air has selected Hamilton Sundstrand to
be the maintenance provider for the APS3200
Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) for its fleet of nine
Airbus A320 family aircraft, equipped with the
APS3200. Hamilton Sundstrand will also retrofit
two additional A320 aircraft with the APS3200
APU.
The new contract gives Norwegian Air Shuttle
a service schedule that runs until 2027. Norwegian has undergone three landing gear exchanges with Boeing to date. This next exchange is
scheduled for October 2013.
•
Avion Express signs up for SMART
Monarch Aircraft Engineering (MAEL) has signed an agreement with Avion Express to provide a worldwide support structure for the use
of SMART (Specialised Monarch AOG Response
Team.)
SMART operates under MAEL’s EASA 145 approval and has a highly experienced team of engineers on all day and night standby 365 days a
year. Under the terms of the agreement MAEL
will provide support to the Lithuanian airline’s
Airbus A320 fleet of aircraft at various locations
around the world.
•
MTU Maintenance Hannover completes
repair of 3,000th V2500 engine
MTU Maintenance Hannover has repaired the
group’s 3,000th V2500 engine. It was delivered
to US aircraft lessor ILFC (International Lease Finance Corp).
MTU Maintenance is the market share leader for
maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services regarding this engine type. Co-developed
by MTU Aero Engines, the V2500 powers the
Airbus 320 family of aircraft.
In 2010 InterSky and Lufthansa Technik AERO
Alzey entered into an exclusive Agreement to
support InterSky’s fleet PW123 powered Q300
aircraft with engine MRO services.
•
MTU Maintenance wins AeroLogic for
maintenance of GE90-110B engines
MTU Maintenance Hannover has won another
customer, the German express cargo operator
AeroLogic, for the maintenance of GE90 engi-
Hamilton Sundstrand's APS 3200 Auxiliary Power
Photo: Hamilton Sundstrand
AviTrader MRO - August 2012
14
News
•
GE Aviation announces upgraded repair
warranty programs for CF6 and CFM International engines
GE Aviation has upgraded repair warranties for
CF6-80C, CF6-80E and CFM International CFM56
engine parts. Warranty hours for GE repaired
CF6-80C/80E engine parts have tripled to 6,000
hours and CFM56 warranties have doubled to
4,000 hours.
“The enhanced warranty program demonstrates GE’s commitment to lead the engine services market in meeting the cost and technology
needs of our customers,” said Anna Nabb, general manager of Repair at GE Aviation’s Services
organization. “GE Aviation is the first in the engine repair industry to introduce these extended
warranties on CF6 and CFM engines because we
are dedicated to raising the standard of OEM value and quality.
GE’s CF6 engines have been among the most
utilized and reliable in the industry for more
than 40 years. Powering more than 10 models
of wide-body aircraft, the CF6 engine family has
established an unparalleled record of reliability
and has compiled more than 7,000 deliveries
with more than 250 operators in 87 countries.
•
SR Technics completes 50th heavy check
for easyJet out of Malta
SR Technics has redelivered the 50th heavy
maintenance check on an Airbus A319 aircraft
for easyJet out of its Malta facility. In addition to
the heavy maintenance checks, the Malta team
has also completed eight end-of-lease (EOL)
checks for the airline, a further four are planned
to be completed by the end of 2012. All work is
completed out of SR Technics’ two-bay hangar
at Safi Aviation Park.
•
A J Walter Aviation completes part-out of
two Boeing 737-600 aircraft
A J Walter Aviation, a leading independent complete aircraft spares support specialist, recently
completed the part-out of two Boeing 737-600
aircraft purchased from Austrian Airlines.
Both aircraft were delivered to eCube Solutions,
an aircraft end of life management company in
Wales, where the disassembly process was performed undercover in its dedicated 56kft2
hangar.
ter DHC-6 aircraft with the installation of new
PT6A-27 and PT6A-34 engines.
The rejuvenation of these aircraft will provide
operators significant performance improvements. Kenn Borek Air operates one of the largest Twin Otter fleets in the world. The company
owns a full service overhaul maintenance hangar in Calgary with routine maintenance anywhere in the world.
•
Epic Aircraft Holdings signs long-term agreement with P&WC
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) has signed a
long-term agreement with Epic Aircraft Holdings to power the new E1000 aircraft with its
PT6A-67A engine. Epic Aircraft Holdings currently produces the experimental LT aircraft out
of its facility in Bend, Oregon.
The PT6A-67A turboprop engine is based on
the most powerful engine core in this class and
incorporates the latest in compressor and hot
section materials and design.
It provides easy starting and altitude re-lighting
in all weather and temperature conditions without the need for large batteries or electronic
controls. Its low frontal drag provides the opportunity for significant ram recovery and high
speed, critical for this aircraft.
The PT6A-67A engine design allows for adaptability in changing propeller output speed to
reduce noise, and provides optimal operational flexibility, including the possibility of highspeed low power descents.
•
Chromalloy begins offering CF6-50 aircraft
engine teardown to part
Chromalloy has announced that its San Diego,
Calif., engine maintenance, repair and overhaul
centre now performs CF6-50 power system
teardown services for MRO parts suppliers.
“We have established a launch customer for our
teardown service and will provide it to parts
suppliers worldwide, as well as our existing customers,” said Martin George, General Manager.
“Chromalloy’s San Diego operation is one of the
only service providers that can provide tear-
The part-out of these 737-600 aircraft is
now complete and the parts recovered are
being certified and fed into the AJW inventory reserves for sale, exchange or loan to
the Company’s significant B737NG customer portfolio.
•
P&WC signs new 5-year agreement
with Kenn Borek Air
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) has signed
a five-year agreement with Calgary-based
operator Kenn Borek Air. This contract
covers the upgrade of the Viking Twin Ot- Eurocopter opens Peru Service Centre
down and manage the piece-part inspection
and repair – all under one roof.” Teardown on
two 747 commercial airliner engines for a global parts supplier is now under way at the San
Diego centre. The CF6-50 is the first engine for
teardown service offered by Chromalloy; others
will be added in 2012 and 2013.
The company’s 110,000 ft² maintenance, repair and overhaul centre – the only MRO in
Chromalloy’s global network of component repair stations – provides a range of other services
including module refurbishment, equipment
exchange, seals, Non Destructive Testing, engine monitoring and test cell analysis.
•
Eurocopter opens first certified services
centre in Peru
With a view to increasing the close-proximity
services it offers its customers, Eurocopter’s subsidiary in the Southern Cone has put its partnership with Servicios Aéreos de Los Andes SAC on
an official footing and has also opened its first
certified services centre in Peru.
The new centre, based in the city of Ayacucho
and opened by representatives of both companies, will offer customers and operators a close
and reliable partner providing a comprehensive
range of maintenance services.
Operators of Eurocopter’s Ecureuil AS350 B3
will now have access to a maintenance centre
certified at “Operational & Intermediate” (O&I)
level. The centre will carry out inspections up to
600 flying hours and will replace small and large
components, including gearboxes, blade and
hub units, and electrical and avionics systems.
•
GE facility in Qatar set to receive engines
for upkeep
The GE Aviation On-Wing Support Middle East
& Africa quick turn engine maintenance facility,
located in Qatar Science & Technology Park, as a
part of the GE Advanced Technology & Research
Centre, will soon start inducting engines for
maintenance.
The On-Wing Support facility in Qatar is the newest addition to GE’s On Wing Support global
footprint, which includes locations in Cincinnati
and Dallas in the US, alongside London, Seoul, and Shanghai.
The first of its kind in the region, the facility
received European Aviation Safety Agency
approval on 19 April this year to be an aeronautical engine repair station. Business
leader Tyrone Jones explained that his team
has been qualified to work on five engines
within a short span of 12 months.
“The engine models we will support are
the CFM56, GE90-115B, CF34, GEnx, and
GP7200,” he stated. GE Aviation On Wing
Support Middle East & Africa has 15 staff
Photo: Eurocopter and two interns based in Qatar.
AviTrader MRO - August 2012
Our Best Leaders
Make the Best Partners
As your Best Partner, VAS Aero Services relies on the
ingenuity and expertise of those it chooses to lead its
world-class organization. As it continues to expand its
global presence, VAS has appointed Gabrielle Costigan
to manage its worldwide Military team.
Gabrielle brings with her 20 years of impressive
experience in the global aviation industry. Her wealth
of knowledge and talent will further establish VAS as a
global industry leader in aviation logistics and
aftermarket services.
Gabrielle Costigan,
Vice President of Military Programs
Costigan joins VAS as a former Colonel in the Australian
Defense Force. Most recently, she served as the
Director of Multi-National Logistics under the
United States Central Command, where the Afghanistan
military campaign is headquartered. Gabrielle’s
successful and challenging career has been
highlighted by key senior, engineering, logistic,
operational and command appointments.
Says VAS CEO Andrew Dudgeon, “We welcome
Gabrielle’s insight, proven leadership abilities and
aviation industry expertise, all of which will benefit
VAS as we expand our presence in military markets
around the world.”
www.vas.aero
Effective supplier communication
16
David Nicholson speaks to Tom Lessing of Agile Partners
I
n a worst case scenario
poor supplier communication can result in aeroplane crashes and fatalities,
simply because the right
information was not passed
on, or wasn’t acted upon,
according to Tom Lessing
of Agile Partners. He has
known helicopters end up
in the ocean, killing all the
passengers, because some
parts had been over-used
and should have been replaced.
Agile Partners Inc, founded by Tom Lessing, provides services for aviation, transportation, security and energy sectors “It blows me away how
Image: Agile Partners
the aviation industry still
relies on pieces of paper,” says
Lessing, who helped to develop an online monitoring system for supplier By contrast, many operators still rely on old fashioned systems where they
communication, using a series of flags and reminders to alert customers
have to go looking for potential issues, which means that the system as
to when parts need to replaced, for example.
a whole is vulnerable to human lapses, to the responsible person being
“It’s impossible for the human brain to manage as much detail as there is away from work sick or on holiday, to people neglecting to seek out proin a modern aircraft engine,” he argues, pointing out that a typical engi- blems because it makes their life harder and for irregularities - such as an
ne may have more than 3,000 parts, many of them subject to regulations aircraft being used more than expected – failing to register, putting the
concerning their use. Many repair operations will then communicate with safety of future passengers at risk.
suppliers and sub-suppliers, with different parts of the same engine being
repaired in different places at different times.
“People rely on an excel spreadsheet, but there’s no one place that you
can go, you have to ask multiple people. You can never understand what’s
going on with an engine in one place.”
Agile Partners launched its software package in 2007, using a web browser to access information and communicating much of the relevant information through its flag system. A number of information sharing systems
are now available in mainstream computing, from Microsoft for example,
but there is still little specifically for aircraft suppliers.
As Lessing explains, aircraft engine repair is more to do with individual
‘positions’ in the engine, rather than specific parts. Each position is subject to multiple impacts and the engine itself will wear out at a certain
rate, depending not just on the hours it has flown but on how pilots have
flown it. “Repair and operations people have to monitor the health and
wellbeing of an engine,” says Lessing. “Our system allows repair operations to red flag parts, because they are time limited for example, to identify potential issues.”
“Our system was developed by an aviation expert who understands communication,” says Lessing. “He mapped communications and found weak
spots, so that’s what spawned out product. We’re pushing the envelope
of the aviation communication industry.” Agile Partners has trained more
than 80 aircraft maintenance employees in Asia to use its system.“We’re
just looking to make communication between customers and suppliers
more effective,” adds Lessing. And help to prevent future disasters in the
industry due to lack of good communication.
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AviTrader MRO - July 2012
Ten Years and Still Climbing
Ten years ago, a small team set-off
with a vision to build a company
focused on providing services to the
airline industry. This vision has
materialized into a team nearly 300
strong and a quarter of a billion in
revenues. It seems that the
impossible, is possible, indeed.
Aircraft & Engine Leasing - Component Support & Supply Chain Services - Maintenance Repair & Overhaul
We would like to thank our customers, vendors, partners and friends for their dedication and support over the
past ten years. And Congratulate the very dedicated team that helped make this happen. YOU ARE ALL PART
OF OUR FAMILY.
If you’re seeking to make an impact on the world of tomorrow while ensuring a bright future for
yourself — GA Telesis is the place for you. We offer talented individuals the resources they need
to succeed on both a professional and personal level. We are a diversified, financially-sound
employer with a world-class reputation. Our culture rewards initiative and emphasizes learning.
Our team approach encourages your individuality while providing you with vital support. Plus, we
provide one of the best employee benefits packages in America.
www.gatelesis.com
Finance News
18
•
ST Engineering’s net profit grows 15% in
first half 2012
Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering) reported higher revenue and profits
in the second quarter of 2012 compared to the
same period last year. Group revenue increased 6% to $1.57bn while profit before tax rose
13% to $187.8m and profit after tax grew 10%
to $143.1m.
For the first half of 2012, both profit before tax
and net profit for the Group grew strongly at
15% on a modest revenue increase of 2% over
the same period in 2011. The Aerospace sector
posted revenue of $493m, which is comparable to the second quarter of 2011. The Aerospace sector secured about $370m worth of
new contracts for aircraft maintenance and
modification, component total support, and
engine total support businesses.
Other developments included its agreement
with Airbus, EADS and EADS EFW to launch
the A330 Passenger-to-Freighter conversion
programme, and its investment completion
in EcoServices that expanded its engine total
support value chain.
•
Air Lease Corporation announces second
quarter 2012 results
Air Lease Corporation reported another quarter of consecutive fleet, profitability and financing growth: diluted EPS increased 250% to
$0.28 per share in the second quarter of 2012
compared to $0.08 in the second quarter of
2011. Diluted EPS increased 315% to $0.54 per
share for the six months ended June 30, 2012
compared to $0.13 per share for the six months
ended June 30, 2011. ALC reported revenues of
$158,173 for the 2nd quarter 2012, compared
to $74,344 in 2011. Net income was $28,172 in
2012 compared to $7,023 in 2011.
ALC Increased its pipeline of fuel-efficient aircraft with an order of 100 737-8/9 MAX aircraft,
25 of which are subject to reconfirmation. The
company announced two of its largest narrow
body lease placements to date with premier
carriers, including 18 new aircraft with China
Southern, the single largest lease transaction
for ALC, and the placement of 13 new aircraft
with Air China.
•
FLY Leasing closes $395m senior secured
term loan
FLY Leasing Limited, a leading global lessor of
modern commercial jet aircraft, closed a new
$395m senior secured term loan. FLY will use
the proceeds from the new loan to refinance
its remaining 2012 debt maturities, as well as
the outstanding debt under a facility that matures in 2013.
The senior secured term loan will be secured
by 23 aircraft and will be recourse to FLY. The
loan, which will mature in August 2018, will
bear interest at LIBOR plus 5.5% with a 1.25%
LIBOR floor and is priced at 96% of par value.
•
Avcorp reports improved 2nd quarter
2012 results
During the quarter ended June 30, 2012, Avcorp Industries recorded income from operations of $411,000 on $25,192,000 revenue,
as compared to a $752,000 operating loss on
$20,492,000 revenue for the same quarter in
the preceding year; and net income for the
current quarter of $13,000 as compared to a
net loss of $1,337,000 for the quarter ended
June 30, 2011.
•
Bombardier Aerospace reports financial
results for 2nd quarter 2012
Bombardier Aerospace’s revenues totalled
$2.3bn, compared to $2.1bn last fiscal year.
EBIT totalled $102m translating into an EBIT
margin of 4.5% for the second quarter ended
June 30, 2012, compared to $105m, or 5%, last
fiscal year. Free cash flow usage totalled $504m
compared to a usage of $448m for the corresponding period last fiscal year.
A total of 62 aircraft were delivered during the
second quarter ended June 30, 2012 compared to 56 for the corresponding period last
fiscal year. Bombardier Aerospace’s backlog in-
creased by 14.5% reaching $25.2bn as at June
30, 2012, compared to $22bn as at December
31, 2011. Bombardier Business Aircraft saw a
strong level of order intake with 134 net orders
compared to 43 for the corresponding period
last fiscal year. This includes the conclusion
with NetJets Inc. of the largest business aircraft
order in Bombardier’s history, for 100 aircraft
of the Challenger family, with options for 175
aircraft.
Based on list prices, the value of the firm order
is $2.6 billion and could increase to $7.3 billion
if all options are exercised. In addition, NetJets
Inc. and Bombardier entered into a long-term
service agreement valued at $820 million, or
$2.3 billion if all options are exercised.
•
LMI Aerospace acquires TASS
LMI Aerospace Inc., a provider of design engineering services and supplier of structural
assemblies, kits and components to the aerospace, defence and technology markets,
announced that it has acquired TASS Inc., a
premier after-market engineering and support
services firm.
Headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, TASS
delivers high-end engineering solutions to aircraft manufacturer, airlines, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services companies
and leasing companies worldwide. TASS has
60 employees with offices in Kirkland, WA, the
United Kingdom, Australia and Sri Lanka. TASS
will be managed by LMI’s D3 Technologies
subsidiary, which is part of LMI’s Engineering
Services segment.
John Brom and Damian Horrigan, currently
managers at TASS, will continue to provide
management oversight of the TASS business,
with emphasis on domestic and international
repair and fleet management services provided to airlines, leasing companies and MRO
services companies. LMI funded the purchase
of TASS with internal cash. TASS is expected to
generate approximately $17m in sales for the
full year 2012.
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Finance News
19
•
DVB Group posts improved first half 2012
results
DVB increased its consolidated net income
before taxes (and excluding net results from financial instruments in accordance with IAS 39)
by 36.6%, to €91.1m (the figure for the first half
of 2011 was €66.7m).
At €183.9m, total income for the first six
months of 2012 (comprising net interest income after allowance for credit losses, net
fee and commission income, results from investments in companies accounted for using
the equity method, and net other operating
income/expenses), was up by 19.6% year-onyear (the figure for the first half of 2011 was
€153.8m). Interest income rose by a marked
16.3%, from €419.5m to €487.8m.
DVB maintained its business policy – one that
is both risk-aware and committed. DVB originated 63 new transactions, with an aggregate
volume of €2.2bn (H1 2011: 75 new transactions with a total volume of €2.4bn). The average interest margin on new business originated by the three Transport Finance divisions
rose to 356 basis points (H1 2011: 327 basis
points). Interest expenses rose by 22.1%, mainly on account of higher funding costs.
•
L-3 completes acquisition of Thales’ Civil
Aircraft Simulation and Training Business
L-3 Communications completed the acquisition of Thales Training & Simulation Ltd’s
civil aircraft simulation and training business
effective 6 August, 2012. The company paid
£83m (approximately $130m), subject to certain contractual adjustments to the purchase
price, and was funded with cash in hand. The
business, which is now known as L-3 Link Simulation & Training U.K. Limited, will become
a part of L-3’s existing Link Simulation & Training division, which is part of L-3’s Electronic
Systems Group.
L-3 Link Simulation & Training U.K. Limited has
its main office and production facility in Crawley, U.K., and has a global customer base. The
unit’s civil aircraft simulation solutions feature
a suite of devices that meet every aspect of
flight and maintenance crew training requirements.
•
Astronics Corporation reports net income
up 14.2% in second quarter 2012
Astronics Corporation has reported that sales
in the second quarter of 2012 were $65.0m,
up $9.5m, or 17.2%, from the prior year second quarter sales of $55.5m. Aerospace sales,
which represented 96% of total second quarter sales, increased 20.2% over the prior year
period to $62.4m.
Test Systems sales decreased to $2.6m for the
second quarter 2012 compared with $3.5m in
last year’s second quarter. Net income in the
second quarter of 2012 was $5.2m compared
with net income of $4.5m in the same period
of last year. Year-to-date net income in 2012
was $11.3m compared with net income of
$9.8m in the same period of last year.
Earnings per share for the second quarter and
year-to-date periods of 2011 have been restated to reflect the impact of the one-for-ten
Class B stock distribution to shareholders of
record on 16 August 2011.
•
Pemco World Air Services announces agreement with Avion Services to acquire
the Company
Pemco World Air Services, an industry leader
in aircraft MRO and engineered services, announced that it has filed with the Bankruptcy
Court for the district of Delaware, an amended
and restated Asset Purchase Agreement with
Avion Services Holdings, an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners.
The Company anticipates that the sale to
Avion Services Holdings will be completed
before the end of August. The Company also
announced that it has agreed with Vision Technologies Aerospace to terminate the Asset
Purchase Agreement entered into on 23 May
2012 with VT Aerospace.
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Finance News
•
Willis Lease Finance earns $2.4m in second
quarter of 2012
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC), a leading lessor of commercial jet engines, reported
that net income was $2.4m in the second quarter of 2012, compared to $2.7m in the year ago
quarter, due to lower lease rent and maintenance reserve revenue and differences in gains
from the sale of leased equipment, partially offset by lower net finance costs.
Lease portfolio decreased 4% to $970.0m from
a year ago, with no engines purchased and four
engines and one aircraft sold in the current
quarter. Average utilization for the second quarter was 82% compared to 83% in the second
quarter a year ago and 84% in the first quarter
of 2012.
Quarter-end utilization was 82%, compared to
83% a year ago and 85% at 31 March 2012. Total
revenues fell 9% to $35.2m from $38.7m a year
ago, reflecting lower average portfolio utilization, decreased portfolio size and lower gains
from sale of equipment. Lease rent revenues
decreased 7% to $23.8m compared to $25.7m a
year ago. Maintenance reserve revenues decreased 7% to $9.4m, compared to $10.1m a year
ago.
•
Astronics Corporation acquires Enhanced
Vision Systems provider Max-Viz
Astronics Corporation, a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace
and defence industries, has acquired privatelyheld Max-Viz, Inc. (“Max-Viz”), a market-leading
developer and designer of Enhanced Vision
Systems (EVS) for fixed and rotary wing aircraft
through both OEM and aftermarket channels in
the general aviation, commercial and military
aerospace markets for $10m in cash. Additional
purchase consideration of up to $8.0m may be
paid by Astronics if Max-Viz achieves certain revenue targets in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
•
Butler National Corporation reports fiscal
year-end financial results
Butler National Corporation reported that fiscal
2012 year ended 30 April, revenues increased
17% to $54.4m compared to $46.3m in fiscal
year 2011.
The year-over-year increase in revenue reflects
additional professional services revenues (up
36%) driven by increased revenues from gaming activities and a decrease in aerospace products revenues (down 9%) attributable to reduced domestic government spending for military
support products and the slow growth of the
United States economy. Fiscal 2012 net income
increased 51% to $1.9m compared to $1.3m in
fiscal 2011.
•
Embraer releases second quarter 2012 results
During the 2nd quarter of 2012 Embraer delivered 35 jets to the commercial aviation mar-
21
ket and 20 to the executive aviation market
(17 light jets and three large jets); as a consequence, 2Q12 revenues reached US$ 1,717.3m
and Gross margin grew from 22.4% in 2Q11 to
23.6% in 2Q12.
2Q12 operating performance was strong and
as a result EBIT and EBITDA margins reached
11.5% and 15.4%, respectively, for an accumulated EBIT and EBITDA margin of 9.9% and 14.4%,
respectively, for the first semester of 2012; Positive operating cash generation of US$ 189.1m
in 2Q12; 2Q12 net income attributable to Embraer Shareholders and Earning per ADS basic
totaled US$ 54.3m and US$ 0.2996, respectively,
primarily as a result of deferred income taxes
generated by the appreciation of the US Dollar
during the period, which negatively impacted
2Q12 net income. Therefore, 2Q12 adjusted net
income, excluding deferred income taxes, was
US$ 186.5m.
•
Safran delivers strong progress in performance in first-half 2012
For the first half of 2012, Safran’s revenue was
€6,413m, compared to €5,622m in the same period a year ago, a 14.1% year-on-year increase
(5.2% organic growth). First-half 2012 revenue
increased by €791m on a reported basis, notably highlighting a good performance in aerospace and security (both organic and from acquisitions).
On an organic basis, revenue increased by
€291m as a result of record production rates
in aerospace original equipment, as well as improving aftermarket trends and momentum in
security (detection, e-Documents). Adjusted
net income grew by 30% year-on-year. It was
€411m, compared to €317m in the first half of
2011.
•
United Technologies obtains regulatory
approvals for Goodrich acquisition
United Technologies has announced that all
remaining regulatory approvals related to the
proposed acquisition of Goodrich Corporation
have been obtained.
The conclusion of the regulatory review by the
U.S. Department of Justice and the European
Commission clears the way for United Technologies to proceed with the proposed acquisition
announced on 21 September 2011.
In line with previous expectations, the regulatory clearances require that UTC sell Goodrich’s
Electric Power Systems business and Goodrich’s
Connecticut-based Pumps and Engine Controls
business.
Also as expected, UTC will sell Goodrich’s interest in Aero Engine Controls (AEC), a joint
venture with Rolls-Royce. The AEC aftermarket
business will remain with UTC, but Rolls-Royce
will have ability to purchase this business in the
future.
•
Rolls Royce Holdings reports half year results
The Rolls Royce Civil Aerospace segment increased revenue by 17% in the first half of 2012.
There was a 26% growth in OE revenue, primarily reflecting higher deliveries of Trent and corporate engines. Services revenue grew by 10%
consistent with growth in the installed base of
thrust. Profit increased by 24% due to increased
OE volume, better OE mix, services growth and
unit cost improvements.
This growth was tempered by a higher R&D
charge to higher spend and lower capitalisation
related to major new programme activity, and
lower entry fees related to the Trent XWB. Rolls
Royce Civil Aerospace reported new orders of
£6.0bn (£6.5bn in H1 2011), resulting in a 4%
increase in the order book.
•
Hawker Beechcraft receives court approval
to enter into exclusive negotiations with
Superior Aviation
Hawker Beechcraft reported that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New
York has approved the company’s motion to
enter into exclusive negotiations with Superior
Aviation Beijing Co., (Superior). Approval of this
motion allows Hawker Beechcraft to spend up
to 45 days exclusively negotiating with Superior
regarding a strategic combination that would
preserve jobs and product lines. As part of the
exclusivity agreement, Superior will make payments over the next month to sustain Hawker
Beechcraft’s jet business. An initial deposit of
$25m is payable before the end of the week and
a second $25m deposit within 30 days.
Any definitive agreement reached with Superior would be subject to approval by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States
(CFIUS) and other regulatory agencies. In addition, any definitive agreement with Superior will
be subject to termination if another potential
purchaser succeeds in the mandatory competitive auction process which will be overseen by
the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
•
AAR reports fourth quarter and fiscal year
2012 results
AAR (AIR) reported fourth quarter fiscal 2012
results that were in line with the preliminary
results released on June 14, 2012. Fourth quarter sales were $563.3m compared to sales of
$487.8m in the fourth quarter of last year.
For the company’s fiscal year 2012, sales were
a record $2.1bn, a 14.4% increase compared to
the prior year, and net income attributable to
AAR was $67.7m compared with sales of $1.8bn
and net income attributable to AAR of $69.8m
in the prior fiscal year. Sales to commercial customers increased 48.5% compared to the fourth
quarter of last year and 32.4% in fiscal 2012
compared to fiscal 2011.
AviTrader MRO - August 2012
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Finance News
23
(continued from page 20)
Industry People on the Move
Fourth quarter sales growth included 16.5% organic sales growth to commercial customers
primarily due to strength in the Company‘s Aviation Supply Chain and Maintenance Repair and
Overhaul segments. The balance of the commercial sales growth came primarily from the newly
acquired businesses, Telair and Nordisk, which
were acquired by the company in early December
2011. Sales to commercial customers represented
60% of total sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal
2012.
Boeing reported that John Wojick has been
named the new vice president of Sales for
Commercial Airplanes. Wojick succeeds Ray
Conner, who was named president and CEO of
Boeing Commercial Airplanes in June. Wojick, a
32-year veteran of Commercial Airplanes who
began his career as an aerospace engineer,
moves to his new position from vice president,
North America Sales for Commercial Airplanes.
•
Honeywell second quarter 2012 sales up 4%
to $9.4bn
Honeywell released that Aerospace sales were up
8% compared with the second quarter of 2011.
Organic growth was 7%, or 4% organic excluding
the absence of prior year payments to Business
and General Aviation customers to offset preproduction costs (OE payments). Aerospace growth
was driven by an 18% increase in Commercial
end markets, partially offset by lower Defense and
Space revenue.
Commercial original equipment (OE) sales were
up 38%, or 16% excluding the impact of the EMS
acquisition and lower OE payments year over year.
Commercial aftermarket sales were up 9% with
growth in both spares and repair and overhaul
sales. Segment profit was up 25%, and segment
margins expanded 260 bps to 18.6%, primarily
due to the absence of prior year OE payments,
higher commercial volumes, commercial excellence and productivity net of inflation, partially
offset by higher investment in research and development to support future growth.
•
B/E Aerospace reports second quarter 2012
results
B/E Aerospace reported second quarter 2012
revenues of $768.1m, an increase of $159.2m as
compared with the same period of the prior year.
Pro forma revenue growth, giving effect to all acquisitions completed during 2011 and 2012 as if
they had occurred on January 1, 2011, was 17.6%.
Exclusive of items, second quarter 2012 operating
earnings of $142m increased 33.1% on the aforementioned 26.1% increase in revenues and operating margin of 18.5% expanded 100 basis points
as compared with the prior year period, while net
earnings and net earnings per diluted share were
$74.0m and $0.72 per share, respectively, increases of 35% and 33.3%, respectively, as compared
with results from the second quarter of 2011.
Second quarter 2012 commercial aircraft segment (CAS) operating earnings of $69.9m increased 34.7% as compared with the prior year period.
Operating margin of 17.8% expanded 100 basis
points as compared with the prior year period,
due to an improved revenue mix and ongoing
operational efficiency initiatives.
Elbit Systems has announced that the
Company’s Board of Directors accepted the
request of Joseph Ackerman, the Company’s
President and CEO, to retire from his position in
the coming months and the Board confirmed
the appointment of Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis as
his successor. The retirement and new appointment will become effective on April 1, 2013,
and until that time Ackerman will continue to
serve as the Company’s President and CEO, leading a gradual succession process.
The Company’s Board of Directors intends to
recommend to the Company’s shareholders,
that following his retirement as President and
CEO, Ackerman be appointed to the Company’s
Board of Directors as Vice Chairman.
On 18 July 2012, Mr. Liao Linghong was appointed as Executive Director of Operations
at Ameco Beijing. Prior to this new position,
Mr. Liao was the Deputy General Manager of
Chengdu Maintenance Base, Air China Technics. Furthermore, Ameco Beijing named Mr.
Liu Chunxi as the Executive Director of the Safety & Management Division.
Mr. Liu was formerly the Deputy General Manager of Dalian Airlines since 2011. He held
the position of Subdivision Manager of Aircraft
Overhaul in Ameco Beijing from 2004 to 2010.
Dr. Christoph Franz, CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, has been elected Chairman of the
Supervisory Board of Lufthansa Technik AG.
In addition, on 24 July 2012, the Supervisory
Board of Lufthansa Technik AG appointed Dr.
Johannes Bussmann to the Executive Board
with responsibility for Human Resources, Engine & VIP Services.
Bussmann will take over this position on 1 September in place of Uwe Mukrasch, who is leaving the company at his own request.
Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Ltd. (JorAMCo), a
leading aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility based in Amman, Jordan,
announced the appointment of Osama Fattaleh as Chief Executive Officer. A veteran business leader, Mr. Fattaleh brings to JoAMCo over
25 years of experience in diverse industries. In
his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the growth and expansion of the company.
Mr. Fattaleh started his career at Aramex, where
he held various executive positions including
Regional Manager, Senior Vice President, Chief
Strategy Office, and Chief Operations Officer.
Mr. Fattaleh will take over from Simon Tate, the
outgoing Chief Executive Officer, who has led
JorAMCO in his interim management role.
At the Sukhoi Civil Aircraft general meeting
on July 12th in Moscow, the Board of Directors
re-elected Igor Y. Ozar as the Chairman of the
Board of Directors of JSC “Sukhoi Civil Aircraft”
(SCAC). The board of directors also appointed
Vladimir S. Prisyazhnyuk as SCAC President.
Boeing announced that Bernie Dunn will succeed Boeing Turkey president Greg Pepin, who
will retire from the company in October. Dunn
will be responsible for coordinating all Boeing
business activities in Turkey and report to Shep
Hill, president, Boeing International and senior vice president, Business Development and
Strategy. Dunn joins Boeing from ITT Defense
International, where he was vice president of
Business Development for Middle East and Africa and responsible for coordinating and overseeing marketing and business development.
Osama Fattaleh is the new Chief Executive
Officer at JorAMCO.
Photo: JorAMCO
PAS Technologies reported that Donald R. Spriggs has been appointed Vice President of
Quality and Technology effective 8 July 2012.
In his new role, Spriggs will lead the Company’s
activities associated with Quality Assurance
and Process Improvement to enhance the quality management systems across the enterprise
through proactive process discipline and data
analysis using the Company’s Performance eXcellence Program (PXP).
In technology, Spriggs will be the functional
lead for technical collaboration efforts across
the company. He will serve as the corporate
focal point for technical guidance on strategic
technology-related projects in the evolving
business and product development opportunities of PAS Technologies.
AviTrader MRO - August 2012