Lufthansa Technik and MTU Aero Engines have set up a joint venture for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of geared turbofan engines, with each of the partners holding a stake of 50 percent in the new company. The name of the new JV is Engine Maintenance Europe, or EME Aero for short. The contract, which followed up on an agreement on the general principles of the cooperation signed in February 2017, was finalized by the two companies on December 4.
EME Aero sp. z o.o. will be based in Poland and will have a workforce of 800 employees in the future. The two parties to the joint venture will invest a total amount of around 150 million euros by 2020. The company will be headed up by project manager Derrick Siebert (CEO) from Lufthansa Technik and by Dr. Uwe Zachau (COO), his counterpart at MTU Aero Engines. The facility is slated to be up and running in 2020. The planned annual capacity is over 400 shop visits of PW1000G-series geared turbofans, which power the Airbus A320neo family of aircraft and other airliners. The two joint venture partners MTU and Lufthansa Technik have raised their forecast for the number of employees and the annual shop visits over the past few months.
“With this project we have taken the big challenge to get EME Aero up and running in a short time. Without our combined project team, unifying the strengths of both stakeholders, it would not have been possible to achieve this milestone on schedule. For us it is a tremendous motivation to push this project of providing maintenance for an entirely new generation of commercial engines in Europe to a successful start.” Said Derrick Siebert. Uwe Zachau added: “The launch of the company marks a key milestone for us. Over the coming two years, we’ll have to tackle an ambitious ramp-up plan for our joint shop. We are very confident that with our excellent team, made up of colleagues from both shareholders, we’ll successfully solve this challenge.”

RBR Maintenance, Inc. has acquired a Hawker 125-800A, s/n 258007, for a part out project. RBR obtained the Part 135 aircraft in November, 2017 and has taken delivery. All parts will be available for immediate sale.

Noteworthy parts and systems include TFE731-3BR engines with 320 hours since MPI/CZI and APU 30-92C, approximately 100 hours since last overhaul in 2016. All landing gear, flight controls, a full interior and a Honeywell avionics suite will also be made available. These Hawker parts will be sold primarily as removed except flight controls, which will come with current x-rays. In addition, all cockpit windows are serviceable and will come with a 30-day money back guarantee.

“We look forward to continuing to expand our Hawker parts inventory for our customers. This is the second Hawker we have acquired for parts and it fits well with our extensive capability and experience on the Hawker aircraft,” said James Noe, President, RBR Maintenance.

For parts inquiries, please contact Chris Lesniak at clesniak@rbrmx.net or by phone at 214-351-6604.

With more than 30 years of experience in the aviation industry, RBR Maintenance, Inc., is a Certified FAR-145 Repair Station, offering complete maintenance, inspection, avionics installation and repair, structural repair and modifications as well as parts services for Hawker, Citation, Challenger, Falcon and Gulfstream aircraft. Conveniently located at Dallas Love Field, RBR’s facility is equipped with the latest technology, equipment and the most highly trained technicians in the business. To learn more, or to schedule service, visit rbrmx.net or call 214-351-6604.

MTU Maintenance Canada has introduced V2500-A5 maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities and is fully certified by the Transport Canada Civil Aviation Authority. The introduction of the engine line that serves the world’s A320 fleet is the result of an agreement between Pratt & Whitney, IAE and MTU Aero Engines. It enables MTU Maintenance Canada to serve the IAE aftermarket network for the life of the V2500 program.  The first engine is already at the facility for overhaul.

“We are delighted that MTU Maintenance Canada is now part of the IAE maintenance network,” said Joe Sylvestro, vice president, Aftermarket Operations, Pratt & Whitney. “The V2500 engine’s success is a testament to the reliable performance and value it has delivered to its customers for almost three decades. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship with MTU Maintenance, building on our existing relationships with MTU facilities in Germany and China.”

MTU Maintenance currently provides MRO services to 35% of the world’s V2500 fleet in Hannover, Germany, and Zhuhai, China – making it the number one service provider worldwide. “By adding capabilities in Vancouver, we are expanding MTU Maintenance’s V2500 network into North America and strengthening its leading position globally,” said Helmut Neuper, President and CEO, MTU Maintenance Canada. “We look forward to serving customers with the highest quality they have come to expect from MTU Maintenance. The first engines have already been inducted and we are ready to ramp up in the near future.”

MTU Maintenance Canada is the North American member of the MTU Maintenance network of companies, the largest independent provider of commercial engine maintenance services worldwide. Based in Richmond, British Columbia, the company operates a shop in the immediate vicinity of Vancouver’s international airport where it repairs and overhauls engines and accessories and performs engine tests. Prior to the addition of the V2500 engine model, MTU’s Canadian affiliate holds all OEM licenses required for the repair and overhaul of GE CF6 series and CFMI CFM56-3 engines. Apart from accessory repairs in its own shop, the company also offers its customers so-called Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) management services which play an increasing role in MTU’s service offerings.

FlightSafety International has received CAR 147 approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of India for training provided through a cooperative agreement with Deccan Charters. Training will be offered at Deccan’s facility located at the Jakkur Airfield in Bangalore.

Training is scheduled to begin this month.  It will include a wide variety of courses for Pratt & Whitney Canada turboprop, turbofan and turboshaft engines, and auxiliary power units. Avionics and airframe courses for Cessna, King Air, and Sikorsky aircraft will be added in the future.

“Approval of FlightSafety’s maintenance training by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of India demonstrates our proven ability to deliver the highest quality courses that meet or exceed regulatory requirements,” said Daniel MacLellan, Senior Vice President, Operations. “We are pleased to work with Deccan to provide aircraft maintenance technicians based in India and the surrounding region with a broad range of training at their facility in Bangalore.”

“This is a significant development for the aviation industry in India as it provides access to FlightSafety’s high quality courses and advanced technology training systems.” said Sanjay Saihgal CEO, Deccan Charters. “This is also in line with the recently announced Government initiative of skill development, to make aviation integral to infrastructure development and economic growth and reflects the potential growth of corporate and regional aviation in India and the surrounding countries.”

Deccan’s state-of-the-art facility is equipped with advanced technology training systems that include a FlightSafety Graphical Flight-deck Simulator for instructor led and self-paced learning. The training programs will offer in-depth classroom and hands-on instruction designed to develop, expand and refine proficiency. Technicians will benefit from highly effective training that supports their efforts to maintain aircraft to the highest standards.

Answering the marketplace demand for expanded travel options, Executive Flight Services announces its certification and capability to manage and fly FAR Part 135 aircraft with 10 seats or more, as well as the ability to operate flights to Europe, across the Pacific and throughout the world.
Executive Flight Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Executive AirShare, has recently completed its comprehensive certification process by the Federal Aviation Administration to operate jets with 10 seats or more over ocean routes. The thorough vetting by the FAA included a validation flight made by Executive Flight Services pilots in June on a Hawker 4000 aircraft from Bangor, Maine to Shannon, Ireland. The “10 or More” certification allows longer flights on larger EFS-flown aircraft, such as a 2016 Embraer Legacy 500, for charter or managed-aircraft customers.
“This process represents the fulfillment of our most-requested service,” says Harry Mitchel, chief operating officer of Executive Flight Services and Executive AirShare. “Many departments came together with preparation, focus, execution and teamwork to ensure that customers have the greatest range of travel options and services.”
While Executive Flight Services’ formal application process started in March, its operational procedures to meet FAA requirements began much longer ago as part of already implemented best practices. Quality-control checks, such as International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) Stage 2 certification, and maintenance accreditation as an Embraer Service Center, offer customers advantages over other aircraft management providers.
To achieve the “10 or More” designation for Part 135, which covers charter and commercial operators, Executive Flight Services pilots received training in international flight courses. They worked in conjunction with both the FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency, its counterpart across the Atlantic. The certification also opens up routes for customers to popular Pacific locations, such as the Hawaiian Islands.
The “10 or More” approval follows a recent expansion of Executive Flight Services’ managed fleet which now includes the technologically advanced Legacy 500 and two spacious Hawker 4000s. Upgraded and expanded hangar facilities at Executive Flight Services’ Fort Worth Meacham Airport location provide greater value to managed aircraft clients.
For more information about its services, please visit http://www.execflightservices.net

FlightSafety International announces a new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A Series Pilot Familiarization Course designed specifically for Agricultural Aircraft operators. Training is planned to begin in Brazil early next year. Additional locations will be added according to Customer needs.

“This new course will provide agricultural pilots who fly aircraft equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A series engines with the information and hands-on practical training needed to help operate and maintain the engines to the highest standards,” said Steve Gross, Senior Vice President, Commercial.

“In listening to our agricultural customers’ needs, we’ve recognized that in addition to providing high quality OEM maintenance training, it is equally important to optimize pilots’ understanding of engine operability and performance to enhance communication with the technicians maintaining the aircraft,” said Tim Swail, Vice President, Customer Programs, Pratt & Whitney Canada.

This one-day course provides pilots with information regarding normal and abnormal operation, operational procedures and recommendations to help ensure the engines perform at peak efficiency. It includes an in-depth overview of the engine’s major systems and its interface with the aircraft.

FlightSafety delivers advanced, technology-based maintenance training for Pratt & Whitney Canada products including turboprop, turbofan and turboshaft engines as well as for auxiliary power units. The training programs include in-depth classroom and hands-on instruction designed to develop, expand and refine proficiency.

Jet Aviation’s maintenance facility at Moscow-Vnukovo has received certification from the Federal Air Transport Agency (RFAA) in Russia for Federal Aviation Rules 285 (FAP-285).
Introduced by the RFAA in 2015, FAP-285 certification confirms adherence to all Russian civil aviation laws. With this approval, Jet Aviation’s MRO facility in Moscow is authorized to provide line maintenance and AOG support to Bombardier Challenger 300 series, 600 series and Global 5000/6000 aircraft, as well as to Gulfstream G550/G650 aircraft.
“Our goal is to ensure we meet our customers’ maintenance requirements to the highest standards,” says Vitaly Aleksikov, general director at Jet Aviation Moscow Vnukovo. “This new approval demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the utmost safety and security for our customers.”
In response to increased traffic volume and demand for aircraft services in the region, Jet Aviation also expanded its Sales Team in EMEA and Asia with the appointment of Elena Isaeva earlier this year. Based in Moscow, Elena is responsible for clients and projects in Eastern Europe, Russia and the CIS.
Jet Aviation Moscow Vnukovo provides 24/7 technical maintenance services, including line maintenance, defect rectification and AOG services, to Bombardier, Gulfstream, Embraer, Falcon and Hawker aircraft operators at Vnukovo International Airport. As part of Jet Aviation’s global MRO network, the company particularly supports AOG requirements throughout the Russian region. Jet Aviation Moscow Vnukovo is a line maintenance, AOG and authorized warranty line service facility for Bombardier aircraft products, as well as an authorized line service facility for the full line of Gulfstream and Embraer jets. Located next to the Vnukovo 3 FBO, the facility currently holds maintenance approvals from EASA #145.0472, FAA #8VLY 606C, Aruba DCA, Cayman CAA and Bermuda DCA.
MORE INFO at jmgt@jetaviation.ch

FlightSafety International announced that the United States Federal Aviation Administration presented the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award to 10 FlightSafety Instructors during the month of November.

“We are proud that at least 70 FlightSafety Instructors have earned this prestigious recognition to date. Congratulations to all on behalf of our Teammates and Customers.” said Bruce Whitman, Chairman, President & CEO.

Jeff Terrell received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award on November 20th at the Wichita Cessna Learning Center. Homer Bentley, Larry Gilbert, George Greene, Roff Sasser and Ron Walters from the Savannah Learning Center were presented the award on November 21st. Edward Borowy, Leland “Lan” Johnson, Mark Mulder and Richard Wingfield were presented the award yesterday at the Dallas/Fort Worth North Center.

The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is the most important honor bestowed upon pilots by the FAA under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. It is earned by pilots who have exhibited professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for at least 50 years. To be eligible for the award, individuals must hold a U.S. Civil Aviation Authority or Federal Aviation Administration pilot certificate. They must have 50 or more years of civil and military flying experience.

“FlightSafety is fortunate to have more than 1,800 highly qualified and experienced Instructors,” added Bruce Whitman. “These exceptional men and women are FlightSafety’s most important assets. They deliver the highest quality training to commercial, government and military Customers at our Learning Centers and training facilities around the world. We are most appreciative of their many contributions.”

Jet Aviation has been awarded the 2017 Icons of Aviation (IOA) Asia Award for Best MRO (Singapore / Hong Kong). The annual Icons of Aviation Asia Awards are hosted by the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) to recognize aviation’s best in the region, while promoting corporate social responsibility in aviation.
The AsBAA Icons of Aviation (IOA) awards commend the best within the industry and acknowledge their vital support of the business aviation market in Asia. AsBAA hosted 330 VIPs, media and guests at its annual industry awards charity gala dinner in Hong Kong on November 10, 2017. The event further served as a fundraiser for Orbis, the Flying Eye Hospital — raising more than US$26,000 for the non-profit NGO committed to treating preventable blindness in developing countries.
“It’s a great honor to have the quality of our MRO network acknowledged by the industry,” said John Riggir, vice president and general manager at Jet Aviation Singapore. “I couldn’t be prouder of our teams of professionals who made this achievement possible through their unwavering commitment to safety and service excellence. We are all equally delighted to support the good and laudable work of Orbis, which uses aviation to deliver the instruments that facilitate the miracle of sight.”

Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced its new twin-engine, high-wing, large-utility turboprop – the Cessna SkyCourier 408. FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company and longtime Textron Aviation customer, has signed on as the launch customer for up to 100 aircraft, with an initial fleet order of 50 cargo aircraft and options for 50 more. Entry into service for the clean-sheet design Cessna SkyCourier is planned for 2020.
“With our depth of expertise and proven success in new product development, we were eager to work directly with a world-class company like FedEx Express to jointly develop the Cessna SkyCourier,” said Scott Ernest, president and CEO of Textron Aviation. “The aircraft will fulfill a gap in this market segment with its superior performance and low operating costs in combination with the cabin flexibility, payload capability and efficiency only a clean-sheet design can offer.”

About the Cessna SkyCourier
Built for high utilization operations, the Cessna SkyCourier 408 will be offered in cargo and passenger variants. The cargo variant will feature a large cargo door and a flat floor cabin that is sized to handle up to three LD3 shipping containers with an impressive 6,000 pounds of maximum payload capability. The aircraft will also afford a maximum cruise speed of up to 200 ktas and a 900 nautical-mile maximum range.
The efficient 19-passenger variant will include crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding, as well as large cabin windows for great natural light and views. Both configurations will offer single-point pressure refueling to enable faster turnarounds.
The Cessna Caravan platform has set the standard in the single-engine utility category for decades. The Cessna SkyCourier will build on that proven success in the large-utility category, offering even greater capability and mission flexibility.

FedEx Express order
Textron Aviation has built a strong relationship with FedEx Express, which has utilized the Cessna Caravan platform in its feeder aircraft fleet for over 30 years.
“FedEx Express has had a great relationship with Textron Aviation over the years, and this new, advanced aircraft will play a key role in our feeder aircraft modernization strategy,” said David L. Cunningham, president and CEO of FedEx Express. “The Cessna SkyCourier 408 offers a number of significant features that will enhance our long-term feeder strategy.”

The 51 North Group is pleased to announce the addition of a Falcon 900 to the Executive Aviation Services fleet.  The aircraft will be based at London’s Biggin Hill Airport and available from charter from January 2018.

A popular jet for charter flights, its 4,000 nm range and 7.5 hours’ flying time makes it suitable for destinations including New York and Dubai.  The Falcon 900 is also certified for London City Airport operations.  Offering a spacious cabin, it provides comfortable accommodation for between 8 to 12 passengers, featuring double club seating, a dining & entertainment area, and generous storage capacity.

“Following our acquisition of Gloucestershire-based management and charter operator EAS last summer, we have been actively looking to add larger aircraft to complement our existing fleet, so are duly delighted to add this jet to our charter fleet,” 51 North Chairman Neil Cochrane said.
“51 North is well versed in operating large, privately-managed aircraft like our Gulfstream G550, but this will be EAS’ first long-range offering for charter. The addition helps us to further broaden our presence in the charter market and deliver the exemplary service Executive Aviation Services is renowned for.”

51 North, which is marking its 10th anniversary this year, is based at Farnborough Airport.  It acquired long established management and charter operator Executive Aviation Services in August 2016, marrying up two family-run and managed businesses and gaining a UK AOC.
The 51 North Group fleet includes a Gulfstream G550, Citation Bravos and an Airbus Helicopters’ EC155B.

For further information, contact Lorna Carroll at 51 North Group : +44 1252 526250

Universal Aviation, the worldwide ground support division of Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc., was voted by members of the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) as Asia’s best ground handling agent/FBO. The award was announced at AsBAA’s annual Icons of Aviation Awards Gala held November 10th in Hong Kong.

“We’re so proud to have been selected best ground handler/FBO in Asia by members of AsBAA,” said Sarah Kalmeta, Regional Director of Operations, Asia-Pacific, Universal® and a member of AsBAA’s Board of Governors. “Business aviation in Asia continues to grow at a rapid pace, and we remain fully committed to adding new locations and services where our customers need us to help reduce their operating risk and stress.”

In the last 24 months, Universal has continued to expand its presence throughout the Asia-Pacific Region adding new locations in Thailand, the Philippines, the Maldives, in addition to enhanced service offerings at Koh Samui and Hong Kong.

“This recognition helps validate that we’re on the right track in helping ensure the success of our clients’ critical missions throughout the region,” said Charlie Mularski, Senior Vice President, International, Universal and a past chair of AsBAA. In 2018, we look forward to continuing to expand our presence in Asia at the high-risk and stress locations our clients need us.”

Universal Aviation, the ground support division of Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc., has more than 40 locations in 20 countries, including 19 in the Asia-Pacific region.

Strategic collaboration between Luxaviation and Paragon Aviation creates global network 

Luxaviation Group, the world’s second largest private aviation group, announced a strategic collaboration with US Paragon Aviation GroupTM, the facilitator of The Paragon NetworkTM, creating a FBO network of 52 FBOs around the world of which 25 are in the USA.

The strategic collaboration includes Luxaviation Group FBO management company, ExecuJet, Paragon Aviation Group and BAA (owned by CMIG Aviation and part of the China Minsheng Investment Group), which provides high-level aircraft management services for business jet owners in the Greater China region.

The ExecuJet Fixed Based Operators (FBOs) will join the Paragon Network in the coming months, herewith doubling the size of the Paragon NetworkTM and providing a substantial international presence.

In addition, The Paragon NetworkTM will see its traffic increase significantly as they are now the preferred FBOs for both Luxaviation Group and BAA’s combined fleet of more than 300 business jets.

Patrick Hansen, CEO of Luxaviation Group said: “We are proud to have the opportunity to combine our expertise and create an even larger FBO network of more than 50 FBOs.” Ettore Poggi, Group FBO Director, adds: “We have a strong commitment to service excellence and Paragon Aviation Group enhances and extends our high-quality standards of services which we offer to our clients throughout our FBOs.”

Mike Delk, President and CEO of Paragon Aviation GroupTM added: “The agreement with Luxaviation Group, including BAA and ExecuJet will increase the traffic in our FBOs. We are looking forward to bringing the expertise of two elite FBO networks together to enhance the customer experience as they travel around the world.”

President of CMIG Aviation Mr. Zhu Yimin said: “Joining forces with the Paragon NetworkTM will undoubtedly help Luxaviation Group play a highly important role in the further growth and development of its activities in the US business aviation market.”

DUNCAN AVIATION’S PROVO FACILITY ADDS AOG ROAD TRIP SUPPORT
Duncan Aviation is pleased to announce that Jake Keel, Lead Mechanic for the Provo, Utah, Challenger team, will now take his considerable knowledge, experience and tools on the road for customers who need assistance where their aircraft is located. Specifically, this seasoned airframe mechanic will travel to wherever Duncan Aviation’s customers are AOG and in need of help.

“I’m excited to hit the ground running with my new position, assisting Duncan Aviation customers any way I can at any time,” says Keel.

With eight years of experience as the lead mechanic on the Challenger team, Keel has been attending to Duncan Aviation customers whose aircraft are grounded on a part-time basis, as his schedule permitted. Now, his time dedicated to providing AOG airframe assistance, and he is available 24/7 to assist AOG customers.

“We get a lot of calls from customers on weekends, so we’ve developed this dedicated position for Jake so he can help customers in the evenings and on weekends,” says Provo Scheduler and PM Assistant, Jason Kinnan.

Keel will cover most of the western United States. He’s already attended to aircraft throughout the Pacific northwest including Idaho, Washington, Montana and Oregon, and he’s traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, Las Vegas, Nevada, and throughout California.

“Our Provo location is excited to be able to offer a dedicated AOG service to meet the needs of our customers in the western states,” says Manager of Airframe Services Chad Doehring. “Jake’s experience and dedication to AOG events will give a solid foundation to the growth of our Provo AOG response team.”

Duncan Aviation intends to add another airframe mechanic and an avionics tech to the team by the end of 2018. In the meantime, if you’re AOG and want to reach Keel directly, call his cell phone: +1 385.535.2045. Otherwise, download the Duncan Aviation AOG Service App (www.duncanaviation.aero/resources/apps/aog) from iTunes or Google Play to your smartphone, and assistance will be at your fingertips to help you with your AOG emergency.

SmartSky has conducted multiple demonstration flights for current and prospective customers. The most recent were last month at the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas. A dozen demo flight were held over three days for current and prospective clients. During the flight, the media was encouraged to do multiple things online simultaneously. And they did. They conducted real-time video calls with colleagues across the country. They seamlessly streamed movies (no buffering), and used their phones to do everything from check their calendars to search the web. They easily accessed corporate clouds, and successfully sent and received data on multiple VPN sessions.
“Basically, we said, put us to the test,” says SmartSky Networks Vice President, Product Management Eric Brooks, who was on the flight. “They experienced what we’ve been saying from Day One: SmartSky delivers on the promise of office-like internet access in the sky.”
Following the flight, the media participated in a debrief at the Satcom Direct hangar, then toured Avidyne. SmartSky partners with Avidyne for the manufacture, certification and support of its air-to-ground wireless connectivity products. SmartSky and Avidyne have worked closely to develop specialized products for business aircraft, including airborne radios and antennas. Avidyne secures Parts Manufacturing Authorization (PMA) for new hardware, provides ground- and flight-test services, and develops the initial Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for installation. Avidyne has a 23-year history of advancing avionics products through the certification process.
“Our team of strategic partners truly is the best of the best,” says SmartSky Networks Vice President, Business Aviation Alan Goodnight. “Avidyne is a perfect example of that excellence and drive to transform inflight communication in both cabin and cockpit. It’s led to where we are today. We’re redefining what it means for multiple passengers to be able to stream, chat and text in real-time onboard a business jet.”
After the tour, the group returned to the Satcom Direct (SD) hangar for an interview with SD Senior Commercial Director Derek Donahue and Director of Sales-Strategic Partnerships Jim Huntoon. SD has achieved many firsts since its founding in 1997, including its patented Global One Number (GON) simplified calling to an aircraft in flight. Today, with SmartSky 4G LTE it enables smartphones and computers to work with the same reliability and speed in the air as on the ground. SD serves as SmartSky’s exclusive customer service and support provider. SD offers many value-added services and products, including the industry’s premier airborne router. Years in the making, SmartSky 4G LTE will go live nationwide in mid-2018 for business aviation operators.