Tag Archives: #maintenance

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Bombardier To Establish Aircraft Service Center in UAE

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120,000-sq-ft facility is expected to be operational next year

Bombardier announced today that it will begin construction later this month on a new Middle East aircraft service center to be located at Al Bateen Executive Airport (OMAD) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The 120,000-sq-ft facility is expected to open in the second half of next year. Originally intended to be situated at Abu Dhabi International Airport (OMAA) when first planned in 2022, a Bombardier spokesman said that during the planning and development phase it was determined that OMAD provided a more strategic location.

The facility will offer a 55,000-sq-ft hangar capable of accommodating Bombardier’s flagship Global 8000, along with a parts depot. It will offer a complete slate of aircraft services, including scheduled and unscheduled heavy maintenance, aircraft modifications, and AOG support. It is also expected to create some 100 aerospace jobs.

According to Bombardier, the facility will expand its existing UAE service network, which consists of a line maintenance station in Dubai that provides its Learjet, Challenger, and Global customers with AOG and general line service capabilities.

“We are thrilled to announce the new location of our Abu Dhabi service facility at the dynamic Al Bateen Executive Airport,” said Paul Sislian, the Canadian airframer’s executive v-p of aftermarket services and strategy. “This location is strategically aligned with all our aftermarket priorities and perfectly matches the needs of our discerning customer base.”


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Nigeria’s Aero Contractors targets one-stop MRO facility

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Aero Contractors (N2, Lagos) expects to complete an expanded maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRTO) facility in Lagos within three months, aiming to create a one-stop maintenance hub for Western and Central Africa and improve its heavy maintenance capabilities, according to CEO and Managing Director Ado Sanusi.

Sanusi spoke to the newspaper Punch after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) in Lagos on March 17 to enhance safety training, knowledge exchange, and human capital development in the industry.

“We are also acquiring new tools and upgrading the hangar to the next level. Our workshop has been modernised and is undergoing expansion to cater for both older and new-generation aircraft,” he said.

As previously reported, Sanusi was appointed in 2017 to turn around Aero Contractors, which has been under the receivership of the state-owned Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) since 2016.

The company’s maintenance division, Aero MRO, has emerged as a strategic expansion of Aero Contractors’ core services, offering line and base maintenance services. Under Sanusi’s leadership, the airline has completed C-checks for B737 Classics, transformed its MRO capabilities, added to its workshop services, and expanded its hangar. Sanusi previously told ch-aviation that all this was being done without external financing.

According to Punch, Aero Contractors has secured line maintenance contracts for operators of B737 MAX and B787s. The carrier is also expanding its capabilities to handle Bombardier Aerospace aircraft, including engine maintenance, auxiliary power unit overhauls, landing gear repairs, and component servicing. Additionally, the MRO unit can perform up to D-checks on B737 Classics and De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Dash 8 aircraft.

The NSIB said in a statement that the MoU with Aero Contractors reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to upholding global aviation safety standards and that the agreement sets a framework for structured training programmes, technical collaboration, and the sharing of resources between NSIB and Aero Contractors. The partnership will see the NSIB’s transportation safety officers and technical personnel undergo specialised on-the-job training using Aero Contractor’s facilities, including simulators and maintenance workshops. In exchange, Aero Contractor technical staff will benefit from NSIB-led training in accident investigation and related disciplines.


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P&W powered A321XLR gets EASA certification

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The Airbus A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney (P&W) GTF engines has now received certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) paving the way for the first customer delivery and entry into service later this year.

Until now, only the CFM LEAP-1A-powered variant was certified limiting customer options but the certification of the P&W GTF (Geared TurboFan) means Airbus can now deliver aircraft with both engine variants.

Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engine represents a significant leap forward in aviation technology, offering improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and quieter operation. At the core of the GTF engine is a revolutionary gearbox system that allows the fan to rotate at a slower speed than the turbine, optimizing airflow and reducing fuel consumption.

This design innovation enables the engine to deliver up to 20% greater fuel efficiency compared to previous-generation engines, making it a popular choice among commercial airlines seeking to reduce operating costs and environmental impact. Additionally, the GTF engine is designed to lower carbon dioxide emissions and noise levels, aligning with the aviation industry’s push for more sustainable solutions.

Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus said, “The A321XLR already displays its great versatility crossing the Atlantic in daily operations. With the certification and entry-into-service of the GTF-powered A321XLR we will see more operators introduce this game changing aircraft. It is also good news for our customers’ passengers who will benefit from the convenience of new direct city-to-city connections with a heightened level of cabin comfort.”

P&W GTF v CFM LEAP-1A

1. Fuel Efficiency

  • CFM LEAP-1A: Up to 15% better fuel efficiency compared to previous CFM56 engines.
  • Pratt & Whitney GTF: Up to 20% better fuel efficiency compared to previous-generation engines.

2. Noise Reduction

  • LEAP-1A: Reduces noise footprint by up to 50%.
  • GTF: Reduces noise footprint by up to 75%, due to its slower fan speed.

3. Emissions

  • LEAP-1A: Reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 15% and NOx emissions by 50% below CAEP/6 standards.
  • GTF: Reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 20% and NOx emissions by 50% below CAEP/6 standards.

4. Thrust Range

  • LEAP-1A: 24,500 to 35,000 pounds of thrust.
  • GTF: 24,000 to 33,000 pounds of thrust.

5. Fan Diameter

  • LEAP-1A: 78 inches (1.98 meters).
  • GTF: 81 inches (2.06 meters), contributing to quieter operation and better bypass ratio.

6. Bypass Ratio

  • LEAP-1A: 11:1, contributing to better fuel efficiency.
  • GTF: 12:1, enabled by the geared fan, leading to higher efficiency and quieter operation.

7. Maintenance

  • LEAP-1A: Designed with advanced materials like ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and 3D-printed parts, enhancing durability.
  • GTF: Simplified architecture with fewer stages and parts, reducing maintenance costs. However, initial versions faced durability and reliability issues.

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HAECO and Emirates agree new 777 landing gear MRO partnership

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Aircraft engineering and MRO services provider HAECO has announced a new partnership with Emirates to provide specialised landing gear repair and overhaul services for the airline’s Boeing 777 fleet.

The agreement represents HAECO’s debut in providing landing gear support for Emirates, with the first induction scheduled for 2025.

The new long-term agreement is expected to strengthen the long-standing partnership and facilitate future collaborative opportunities between Emirates and HAECO.

Part of the HAECO Group Component Services division, HAECO Landing Gear Services holds authorised capabilities for the Boeing 737, 747, 757, 767, 777, and 787, as well as the Airbus A320 and Embraer E190/E195.

With its specialised facility in Xiamen, the company can provide a comprehensive range of in-house inspection, repair, maintenance, modification, overhaul, and leasing services, offering cost-effective and reliable landing gear solutions to major airlines worldwide.

HAECO Landing Gear Services is a joint venture between HAECO, HAECO Xiamen, Xiamen Aviation Industry, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines and Japan Airlines.


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Atlantic Jet Partners Aims To Be ‘One Stop Shop’

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‘There definitely seems to be an optimism’

Atlantic Jet Partners (AJP), originally established as a light-to-midsize jet sales and acquisitions company, has evolved into a multifaceted aviation company. Guided by CEO Tom Conlan’s vision of creating a “one-stop-shop” for aviation needs, the company has diversified its operations significantly over recent years, encompassing multiple specialized divisions and services.

“Basically what (Conlan) wants to do is from purchase to sale, whatever is needed to do with an aircraft, whether it’s maintenance parts, upgrades, interior refurbishments, engine extension insurance, whatever it might be, we’d like to be able to take care of that in-house for our customers,” AJP chief information officer Stephen Kaufman .

AJP owns and operates numerous subsidiaries, including Sky Aviation Holdings. Initially focused on jet sales, Sky Aviation Holdings made its mark in the light-to-midsize jet market by acquiring and refurbishing legacy jets. These refurbishments include new paint, interiors, engines, and avionics upgrades.

The company’s expansion began with the recruitment of Jim Clifford, an aircraft engineer, to head its TBO division. This program extends the operational life of JT15D engines by 2,000 hours at a fraction of the cost of a traditional overhaul.

Clifford also oversees SkyVue Avionics, an avionics division specializing in cockpit upgrades for legacy aircraft. SkyVue’s product line includes upgrades such as the SkyVue 1000 for Primus 1000-powered Citations, the SkyVue 400 for Beechjets, and the SkyVue 60 for Learjets. These upgrades enhance aircraft functionality with features like dual FMS and WAAS/LPB compliance.

To support maintenance operations, the company established Sky Aircraft Maintenance, a Part 145 maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility located in Lexington, North Carolina. The facility, managed by Steve Trent, includes two hangars totaling more than 22,000 sq ft with an additional 50,000-sq-ft hangar currently under construction.

In fractional ownership, the company launched Sky Flight Air, offering shares in aircraft such as King Airs, Beechjet 400As, Learjet 60s, and Hawker 1000s. The program is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to traditional fractional ownership and jet card providers.

Sky Aviation Insurance, another division, has experienced rapid growth due to targeted marketing and SEO initiatives. The division processes between 30 to 60 aviation-related insurance requests monthly.

The company recently expanded its engineering and manufacturing capabilities with the acquisition of Aerospace Design & Compliance (ADC) in New Castle, Delaware. ADC specializes in engineering work for supplemental type certificate (STC) approvals and recently achieved STC approval for the SkyVue 1000. This approval includes compliance with the FAA’s 2023 cybersecurity standards, enabling secure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi communications.

Complementing ADC, Sky Aviation Holdings acquired a 10,000-sq-ft facility in Melbourne, Florida, named ADC2. This facility will focus on parts manufacturing under FAA Part 21 regulations. The Melbourne site enables the company to design, certify, and manufacture FAA-approved parts in-house, fostering collaboration between certification and manufacturing processes while attracting top aerospace engineers.

Further broadening its maintenance capabilities, the company acquired Aerodyne Turbine Repair & Maintenance in Stuart, Florida. This facility provides a range of services, including hot section inspections, heavy maintenance, preventive maintenance, line maintenance, fuel nozzle repair, and oil analysis.

Additionally, the company purchased Great Lakes Turbines in Toledo, Ohio. This FAA Part 145 component repair station offers services such as welding, fabrication, non-destructive testing, CNC machining, and turbine engine component repair. The Toledo facility enhances the company’s ability to meet rigorous machining and process requirements, attracting aerospace and land-based power clients while streamlining inter-company operations.

Backing up all of this growth activity has been a strong business aviation market. “I think optimism for the economy is, from what we’re seeing, better than ever,” Kaufman said. “There was a lull period during the last four years, there was hesitance, but I think with after the election, the new government coming in, there definitely seems to be an optimism.”


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Atlantic Jet Partners Buys Component MRO Specialist

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Pompano Beach, Florida-based Atlantic Jet Partners has added more MRO capability to its offerings with the acquisition of Great Lakes Turbines. Based in Holland, Ohio, Great Lakes Turbines specializes in OEM-approved turbine engine component repair, fabrication and machining, and aircraft interior refurbishing.

The acquisition strengthens the services provided by Atlantic Jet Partners family companies, including Sky Aviation Holdings, Sky Aircraft Maintenance, SkyVue Avionics, Aerospace Design & Compliance, Aerodyne Engine Repair & Maintenance, Sky Aviation Insurance Services, Sky Flight Air, and TBO Extension. Adding Great Lakes Turbines also supports Atlantic Jet Partners’ efforts to become more vertically integrated.

Great Lakes is a Part 145 repair station and specializes in welding and fabrication, painting and coatings, cold and thermo-spray processes, tool and equipment design and fabrication, non-destructive testing, conventional and CNC programmable machining and manufacturing, and finishing and cleaning. Atlantic Jet Partners said it will invest in building improvements, office equipment, and tooling “required to run a high-quality manufacturing and FAA repair center.”

“This acquisition represents a pivotal step in our strategic growth planning, allowing us to offer a broader range of services and innovative solutions to our clients,” said Joe Rizzo, COO of Atlantic Jet Partners. “Great Lakes Turbines’ maintenance and repair capabilities with the enhanced ability for CNC machining will complement our existing capabilities, ensuring we continue to lead in the aviation industry.”


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Salus Aviation partners with MD Helicopters to establish service center in Nevada, USA

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Strategically located, the Nevada facility will serve both existing and new MD Helicopters customers in the USA

Salus Aviation has announced a new service center agreement with MD Helicopters. This collaboration will establish Salus Aviation as the sole approved service center in Nevada by providing extensive hangar and field maintenance services, in addition to supplying parts and accessories for MD Helicopters’ aircraft.

Alongside the Nevada facility, Salus Aviation also operates service centers in Auckland and Queenstown, New Zealand. The expanded network allows Salus Aviation to provide a full range of maintenance services, including dynamic component overhauls (available only in New Zealand), installations, repairs, and the supply of genuine MD Helicopter parts.

“We are thrilled to expand our service offerings in Nevada with the addition of the MD Helicopters service center,” said Greg Edmonds, CEO of Salus Aviation. “This partnership supports our continued growth and enables us to meet the increasing demand for MD Helicopters’ aircraft across the US, ensuring operators have access to the reliable, world-class support they need.”

MD Helicopters’ Service Center Network Manager, Randy Langefeld, commented: “We are excited to welcome Salus Aviation to our US service network. Their extensive experience in aviation maintenance, strong customer relationships, and skilled workforce will play a key role in delivering exceptional service and maintaining the high standards of excellence that define MD Helicopters.”

Last year, Salus Aviation signed a purchase agreement for an H145/BK117 D-3 helicopter.


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Lufthansa Group Purchases Latest-Generation Long-Haul Aircraft

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The group have ordered five more Airbus A350-1000s, bringing the total combined orders of A350-900s and A350-1000s to 75. The newest order is an important step towards the group achieving its goals of fleet modernisation, produce enhancement and CO₂ reduction.

One of the Largest A350 Customers Worldwide

28 of the 75 aircraft ordered are already in scheduled service, with the remaining 47 to be delivered by 2030. With a total order value of two billion US dollars at list price, the 60 A350-900s and 15 A350-1000s make Lufthansa Group one of the largest A350 customers globally.

Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG said:

“Our today’s order underscores our great confidence in our long-standing, close and successful partnership with Airbus. With the state-of-the-art A350 long-haul jets, we are accelerating the largest fleet modernization in our history. We are investing more than ever before in our history to make air transport more sustainable, to achieve our CO₂ reduction targets and at the same time offer our customers the highest level of comfort with a first-class travel experience.

Throughout its history, the Lufthansa Group has ordered 770 aircraft from Airbus, making it the largest customer worldwide.

Long-Term Goal of Emissions Reduction

Lufthansa Group has approximately 250 new, fuel-saving aircraft on its order list, including 100 long-haul aircraft of the latest design. The highly efficient aircraft will help the group meet its long-term strategies of quality, cost efficiency and emissions reduction. In the medium term, the twin-engine long-haul jets are set to replace four-engine aircraft models that are gradually being phased out.

The latest additions to the Lufthansa fleet consume up to 35% less fuel consumption and correspondingly less CO₂ than their predecessors.

The group aims to halve its net CO₂ emissions by 2030 compared to 2019. By 2050, it hopes to achieve a neutral CO₂ balance.


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Dublin FBO/MRO Receives EASA Part 145 Approval

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Alliance Aviation Group plans to expand expertise to more aircraft types

Dublin, Ireland-based MRO provider Alliance Aerospace—a division of Alliance Aviation Group—has received EASA Part 145 approval from the Irish Aviation Authority. The accreditation bolsters capabilities at its 32,300-sq-ft (3,000-sq-m) FBO hangar facility at Dublin Airport (EIDW).

This announcement caps a six-month process and will allow the company to provide MRO and AOG support services from its Dublin base to general aviation customers, with an initial focus on Gulfstreams. The facility holds line maintenance approval for the G650 but plans to add ratings for the remainder of the Gulfstream fleet and business aircraft types from Bombardier and Dassault.

The Part 145 approval augments Alliance Aviation Group’s portfolio of services, including CAMO support, aircraft management, aircraft charter, hangarage, ground handling, trip support services, and technical assistance.

“This approval is another milestone achievement for our ever-expanding facility in Dublin,” said Liam Murphy, Alliance Aviation Group’s FBO regional manager. “Having developed our FBO and ground handling capabilities over the last 18 months, achieving this Part 145 status permits us to expand further and position ourselves to deliver a full-service FBO package to existing and potential new clients.”


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British Airways Unveils Concorde-Inspired A380 First Class

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British Airways has unveiled its new Airbus A380 Concorde-inspired First class layout, which is expected to be rolled out in mid-2026.

British Airways has raised the bar in premium air travel with its new First class seat. It combines elegant design with British craftsmanship, reflective of modern luxury travel.

The new cabin forms part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, expected to take to the skies in mid-2026.  

The seat’s development brought together talented designers and manufacturers from across Great Britain and Ireland. The project hails from the design studios of London to the workshops of Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin. With a united approach, it embodies a truly national approach to aviation luxury.

First Class Appointments


The result is a flying environment that transcends traditional expectations. It transforms the aircraft cabin into a space that rivals the most exclusive boutique hotels. Every element has been carefully considered to provide maximum comfort and functionality.The multi-purpose ottoman offers flexible seating options, while the elegant stowable table ensures practicality meets sophistication. A state-of-the-art 32-inch 4K television provides entertainment, complemented by adjustable mood lighting. This can transform the space from a relaxing retreat to a dining area or immersive cinema experience.

Privacy is noticeable with a cocooned 60-inch curved wall that creates a personal haven while maintaining an open, spacious feel. For passengers traveling together, the seat offers unprecedented flexibility.

The central divider can seamlessly slide open. It creates a shared lounge space that allows companions to dine together or enjoy conversation. It allows the option to restore privacy at a moment’s notice.

Drawing Inspiration from Concorde


The design draws deep inspiration from British aviation heritage, particularly the iconic Concorde. Elegant curves echo the legendary aircraft’s wing design, creating a natural flow that pays homage to Britain’s pioneering spirit in aviation. Subtle design elements, such as an ambient light that references the airline’s speed marque, weave the brand’s rich history into the modern experience.

Technological innovation is at the heart of the new First experience. A wireless control tablet allows passengers to activate a ‘do not disturb’ function, ensuring uninterrupted rest. Intelligent window blinds can be controlled via an internal panel, while soft acoustic panelling creates a serene environment that effectively absorbs external noise.

Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, emphasizes the airline’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of luxury and comfort. “We’ve listened carefully to our customers and colleagues,” Laming explains, “ensuring that every detail reflects the highest standards of modern travel expectations.” This customer-centric approach is evident in every aspect of the new First seat design.

The collaboration with Collins Aerospace RTX represents a pinnacle of design innovation, building on previous successful partnerships in aircraft seat development. As the only European UK carrier offering a First product across the Atlantic, British Airways continues to distinguish itself in the premium travel market.

Summary


This £7 billion transformation program demonstrates the airline’s drive to enhance the customer experience. With over 120 initiatives already implemented, from new short-haul seats to complimentary Wi-Fi messaging, British Airways is reimagining every aspect of air travel.

More than just a seat, this new First class experience is a statement of British innovation, craftsmanship, and hospitality. It represents a bold vision of travel that transforms the journey from a mere transportation experience to an extraordinary adventure in luxury and comfort.