Kopter is proud to announce the appointment of Swiss Helikopter Norway AS as its Nordic distributor, on the second day of Helitech.
Swiss Helikopter Norway AS will act as distributor of the SH09 helicopter in Scandinavia, Finland, Iceland and Greenland. In order to maintain available SH09 delivery slots for the region and considering the ramp-up of firm orders, Swiss Helikopter Norway AS confirmed its commitment and positive outlook for the region by securing a firm order for four (4) SH09 helicopters.
These four pre-ordered SH09 will be made available to the market, starting in 2021. Swiss Helikopter Norway AS will be supported technically by Helitrans AS, a Norwegian operator that was announced earlier this year at Heli-Expo in Las Vegas as launch customer for the SH09 after ordering 12 units and 6 options of the Swiss made single-turbine helicopter.

Mente Group aviation consulting firm has formed a strategic European alliance with ProAir Aviation, a large and respected aircraft management and operations organization with headquarters at Stuttgart Airport and reach throughout Germany and Eastern Europe. ProAir Aviation is under the umbrella of ProAir Charter Transport companies and services.
ProAir Aviation’s other main facilities are at Frankfurt Airport and Leipzig Halle Airport, with sales offices in Oxford, England; Kiev, Ukraine; Moscow, Russia; and Istanbul, Turkey. Under the partnership, Mente Group will assist ProAir’s clients in the acquisition and disposition of business jets, while ProAir will provide Mente’s international clients with aircraft management and operational support on the continent.
“This strategic alliance between a leading aviation consulting firm with expertise and offices across the United States and ProAir Aviation, Europe’s powerhouse aircraft management and operations company, will immediately benefit the clientele of both companies,” said Mente Group President and CEO Brian Proctor. “Mente’s global footprint now extends to Europe and beyond and ProAir’s aircraft sales and acquisitions activities will benefit greatly from the partnership.” Mente Europe will begin operations immediately.
ProAir’s large aviation business provides business charters, group charters, worldwide cargo and logistics, aircraft maintenance, air carrier operations, and aircraft management and sales. The company was established more than 20 years ago by Thomas Godau, Elmar Monreal and Kim Witschas and is managed by its owners.
Founder and Managing Director Elmar Monreal said, “ProAir Aviation’s new strategic partnership with Mente Group will benefit our many European clients and provide us with added depth and dimension in effectively and efficiently acquiring and selling aircraft for our clients. We will provide Mente’s clients with the very best aircraft management and sales operations while flying or based in Europe.” For more info on ProAir see www.proair.de/en/.

Reflecting the continued demand for Class A general aviation facilities in the heart of Florida, Sheltair Aviation is showcasing its support facilities at Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) as part of the company’s ongoing strategy to offer hangar and administrative space that maximize efficiencies while offering unprecedented amenities.
Todd Anderson, Sheltair Senior Vice President for Real Estate and Development, stated, “We have been enjoying considerable interest in our new hangar and administrative space at ORL. Built in two phases, there are two hangars totaling 22,600 square feet of space with 3,600 square feet of office space and a new four-story executive terminal that dramatically expands on amenities offered our visitors, including a new FBO executive terminal and a restaurant for passengers, crew and the general public featuring spectacular views.”
Anderson continued, “Our commitment is a $13.5 million statement regarding how Sheltair Aviation views the future of Orlando Executive Airport and the communities it serves, given its location some three miles from the business and financial center of Central Florida. “
Additionally, Orlando Executive is the preferred airport for many traveling to Orlando’s downtown businesses, sports, performing arts and entertainment venues, Winter Park, University of Central Florida and its research and business parks.
Anderson added, “The need has been obvious and we have responded with facilities that will serve far into the 21stCentury.”
Orlando has been ranked among the top ten in one annual survey while a KPMG report ranks it as second most competitive business location among large cities in the United States.
Sheltair’s Orlando facility remains a defining standard for performance among the nation’s FBOs, offering excellent customer service, superior ground support, first-class concierge services, complimentary interior cabin cleaning, catering, crew cars, passenger shuttle services, complimentary refreshments, wireless Internet, spacious conference room, a flight planning and weather room and pilots lounge.

UNIVERSAL AVIONICS & HELI-ONE COMPLETE TRANSITION TO HOVER CERTIFICATION TESTING
Universal Avionics (UA) announces completion of certification testing with Authorized Dealer, Heli-One, for the company’s Flight Management System (FMS) Transition to Hover feature. Testing occurred in Stavanger, Norway with a law enforcement AS332L/L1 Super Puma helicopter modernization program. Certification is now imminent.
The new UA FMS feature allows a hands-free operation for the crew, allowing them to focus on other mission critical tactics. The pilot-friendly interface provides for an automatic approach based on a pilot Mark-on-Target activation. When activated, the FMS computes and provides coupled guidance downwind, performs an automatic course reversal, and communicates with the CDV-155 AFCS to trigger the descent and deceleration to achieve a hover 100 meters downwind of the target. At that point, the helicopter enters an automatic hover at the pilot-selected altitude.
“The Transition to Hover feature is an important addition to the FMS/Multi-Missions Management System (MMMS) for SAR capabilities,” said Grady Dees, UA Director of Technical Sales. “The UA UNS-1Fw MMMS provides the helicopter with multiple pre-programmed search patterns,” he added. “It’s a must-have feature for any AS332L/L1 crew engaged in overwater SAR operations. When, during a search, the crew spots survivors in the water, the automatic Transition to Hover allows for a stabilized and precise pattern to approach the survivors for rescue.”
“The Transition to Hover feature is a valuable tool for crews and can heavily benefit search and rescue missions,” said Tor Baustad, Heli-One Senior Manager, Design Engineering Heli-One. “This solution was developed by Universal Avionics as they continue to enhance their Flight Management Systems, adding great mission value for operators. We are pleased to collaborate with them and to work with our customers to bring these solutions to operational capability.”
For more information, visit UA booth G51 during the Helitech International Helicopter Expo & Conference.

Avfuel Corporation launched an updated blog at avfuelblog.com with a new, modern interface to more effectively connect with customers throughout the industry and facilitate knowledge-sharing best practices.
The AVCLUB—as subscribers are known—is open to all who wish to stay in touch with everything aviation, from Avfuel Network news, to tips and tricks for both FBOs and flight departments alike, and so much more.
“We have an extensive amount of experts on a multitude of subjects in-house at Avfuel headquarters,” said Marci Ammerman, Avfuel’s vice president of marketing. “We feel it’s our responsibility to share their knowledge in order to help facilitate best practices throughout the industry, and also have a little av-fun while doing it. After all, when our customers succeed, we succeed, and we’re able to start some fascinating conversations through a new outlet, as well as share our passion for aviation with a wide audience.”
AVCLUB members receive periodic updates on new blog postings, so they can stay up-to-date in this fast-paced industry. So far, the reception has been encouraging. Just five months from its creation, the blog has hit nearly 3,500 views, and it took just two months for AVCLUB’s enrollment to hit triple digits.
“It’s validating to find that people are not only interested in viewing the blog, but also find it to be a valuable resource as evidenced by the subscription rates we’ve been seeing,” said Ammerman.
Now through the end of the year, Avfuel is offering its AVTRIP members and Avfuel Network Rewards members 500 bonus points for subscribing to the blog.
Head to avfuelblog.com to browse through Avfuel’s posts on an array of topics. Just one more way Avfuel’s providing fuel … and so much more.

Safran Power Units announces the release of Safran PowerCare®, a new, dedicated business jet maintenance service offering for its auxiliary power unit (APU) family.
PowerCare, with Bombardier Global 7500 business jet as its first customer, is a range of efficient and cost-effective service and maintenance plans specifically designed to meet the requirements of business jet operators.
PowerCare provides predictable maintenance budget forecasting, ensures maximum availability of the operators’ aircraft, and increases aircraft resale value.
PowerCare provides peace of mind to operators by covering scheduled and unscheduled auxiliary power unit and component maintenance, including parts and labor. PowerCare also includes service bulletin, access to technical publications, and priority lease availability and discounts. Enhanced services are available with PowerCare Premium, including transportation, Foreign Object Damage (FOD) coverage, and an OEM Certification Package upon resale of the aircraft.
According to Laurent Le Foll, Safran Power Units Vice President Commercial & Customer Support, this innovative package of services “will provide Safran Power Units customers added value, as PowerCare is the most comprehensive bizjet auxiliary power unit coverage in this market. Through this full-service maintenance protection plan, the company confirms its determination to offer the highest level of support in this business”.

New analysis from Global Jet Capital, a global leader in financial solutions for business aircraft, has revealed the important role financing is playing in driving the growth in business aviation.
Since the beginning of 2016, Global Jet Capital estimates that there have been over 8,600 new and used business aircraft transacted around the globe, with the value of financing used to support those purchases totaling almost $23bn.  Notably, over 60% of that financing, some $14bn, has been towards acquisitions of new and used large/heavy aircraft.
This financing has helped increase the proportion of larger aircraft within the global fleet.  Since 2016 the total number of mid-sized aircraft around the world has fallen by 8%, or 415 planes.  However, these aircraft have been almost exactly replaced in number by larger models as the heavy/large jet segment has grown by 419 aircraft, a 6% increase.
As the average purchase value of new aircraft in this larger segment was over $48.2m between 2016-2018, compared to an average of $12.5m for the balance of the market, this focus on larger aircraft provides a significant boost to the overall industry.  Indeed, the overall value of deliveries of new large or heavy jets since 2016 totals $26.4bn, compared to a total figure of $14.3bn for the balance of the market.
Global Jet Capital estimates that operating leases to the value of over $5bn are held against new and used aircraft transacted since 2016.  The company has seen a significant increase in enquiries for operating leases, with clients attracted by advantages including flexibility and reduction in residual risk.  Global Jet Capital expects to see growth in operating leases of over the coming five years, helping drive further aircraft acquisition.
Of all global regions, only Africa has seen a drop in the size of its large aircraft fleet with a 2% decrease since 2016.  The Middle East has remained static over this period, while all other regions have seen growth, the most significant in Latin America and the Caribbean, North America and Asia Pacific (with 8%, 7% and 6% increases respectively).  North America has witnessed the largest increase in real terms, adding 317 aircraft to its large and heavy fleet, consolidating its position as the global leader for business jets.

Dave Labrozzi, chief operating officer at Global Jet Capital said: “The figures provide a clear focus of where we are seeing expansion in the sector, and the importance of financing in supporting industry growth.  The flexibility afforded by operating leases is especially beneficial in helping clients move on to higher value new model aircraft without having to remarket their existing aircraft.
“There are significant long-term advantages in increasing the number of larger business jets in the global fleet.  These obviously provide greater capacity per aircraft and therefore offer the benefits of business aviation to a wider population, something which can be particularly important for corporate owners.  In addition, the increasing importance in developing new international trade links is resulting in growing demand for aircraft able to undertake longer distances to destinations which may not currently be well served by commercial airlines.”

Determining the effectiveness of any safety management system has been subjective at best, until now. Multiple audits result in differing opinions on the same operation. Quantifiably measuring safety performance is now a reality.
Baldwin has spent significant resources and time developing algorithms that produce a quantifiable “Safety Monitor”. Based on a balanced and effective safety management system, Safety Monitor looks at each of the four components and elements of a safety management system and provides quantifiable measurements of Safety Policy, Risk Management, Safety Assurance and Promotion. Each and every month is measured, tracked and documented to provide definitive information that an auditor, customer and most importantly, the operator can use to assess their performance.
Each SMS component (Policy, Risk Management, Assurance and Promotion) is measured and scored. Measurement data is collected throughout the system and linked to specific SMS components and elements. KPI/SPIs measure very specific safety data points; whereas, Safety Monitor looks at the entire SMS to determine how effective an organization is performing overall.
This feature will be an essential part of Baldwin’s Performance Monitoring Program (PMP) in order to maintain SMS conformity. Clients who subscribe to and meet the PMP ICAO/FAA based standard are issued Baldwin’s Statement of Conformity, established in 2008, where holders will know exactly where they stand month over month in order to quantifiably show their conformity to regulators and other parties.
Compared to many industry recognized standards and other options for validating an SMS that provide a snapshot, organizations will now be able to continuously assess and quantify their SMS. Validating conformity between audits is now simplified, economized and seamless.
The Safety Monitor is included in the PMP and available to other Baldwin clients optionally. Baldwin’s mission is to support continuous improvement of safety by providing the tools necessary to easily identify and manage risk.

SR Technics, a world leading MRO service provider, is pleased to announce that its Spanish subsidiary has signed a channel partner agreement for wheels and brakes with Honeywell International Inc. The new agreement, which is in effect until 2023, builds on over twenty years of collaboration between the two companies.
The channel partnership, which took effect on August 1, 2018, will allow SR Technics to offer competitive lead times and pricing on all Wheels & Brakes Honeywell products. SR Technics will also obtain full access to the Honeywell component maintenance manuals and other key IP documentation under the deal. By forming agreements with channel partners, Honeywell is enabled to ensure seamless quality services of their brand products. Therefore, becoming a channel partner to one of the top three wheels and brakes Original Equipment Manufacturers gives SR Technics a competitive edge, benefiting the MRO’s existing customer base and increasing its appeal for other carriers in the region.
“We are very excited about consolidating our relationship with Honeywell,” says SR Technics’ Chief Operating Officer, Jean-Marc Lenz. “Our partnerships with the industry’s most renowned OEMs not only further build the SR Technics brand but also put us in an advantageous position to continue growing our wheel and brake business.”

Chicago Jet Group (CJG) and Trimec Aviation have selected the Latitude DL150 Satellite Data Unit and the SkyNode S200-012 ATC Safety SATVOICE system for an STC installation on the Astra SPX.
The STC project is to install and certify both Latitude’s proven DL150 FANS 1/A+ Datalink SDU and S200-012 safety voice services Long Range Communications System (LRCS) as a combined communications package onto the Astra Jet (G-100).
Trimec Aviation was established 31 years ago and is as a world-class MRO center serving multiple aircraft types and a certified FAA repair station including support for paint, interiors, and major engine work. Trimec offers a complete in-house Avionics department with a variety of capabilities and continues to expand its service offerings to an elite group of aviation customers.
Trimec’s Avionics Manager, John Holland, said: “Our customers demand their upgrades meet both current and future requirements, this combined communications package accomplishes exactly that.”
Chicago Jet Group is the premier provider of PBCS and data link solutions, avionics upgrades, installation, and certification all meeting the required FANS 1/A+ Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDPC), Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Contract (ADS-C) and the European Link 2000+ Data Link Mandates.
Mike Mitera, president of CJG commented: “Latitude’s Data and Voice Safety Services avionics are robustly designed and afford operators top value in managing the investment cost to upgrade as we approach the 2020 Mandates.”
Latitude Technologies Corporation VP of Business Aviation Sales, Ray Larkin further commented “We are extremely pleased to be working with Chicago Jet Group and Trimec Aviation as a team on this combined systems installation. Both companies have vast experience and the expertise for certification of these system installations”

World Fuel Services showcased the redesign and renaming of their leading card and loyalty programs – World Fuel Contract card, AVCARD, and World Fuel Rewards – at NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Orlando. The unified look and names tie the cards into the World Fuel family and reflect a need for pilots and operators to easily understand the exceptional benefits the programs provide. The change clearly shows that the two cards and unified rewards program are connected to the World Fuel Network – the most extensive aviation network of its kind in the world. These new enhancements ensure pilots and crews can efficiently transact business and earn rewards no matter where they fly and what they purchase.
The World Fuel Contract card replaces the World Fuel Services Card and offers easy access to competitive fuel pricing at more than 3,000 locations worldwide. AVCARD by World Fuel is designed specifically for business aviation and makes it easy to pay for everything you need to operate a jet – retail fuel, ground handling, flight training, maintenance, catering, trip planning and more. The AVCARD merchant network spans more than 7,600 locations in over 190 countries
Connected to the two purchase cards, the World Fuel Rewards program, previously known as the FlyBuys™ Reward Program, becomes the new loyalty brand and allows customers to accrue points on aviation spend anywhere in the World Fuel Network.  The revamp will bring program simplification, faster accrual of points, and more significant opportunities for members to earn bonus rewards. The enhanced loyalty program will be rolled out in the first quarter of 2019.

 Malcolm Hawkins, SVP Sales at World Fuel Services said:  “Our business thrives on listening to our customers and creating the solutions they desire. They were seeking efficiency. They were frustrated by having a pocketful of cards and not knowing which to use for the appropriate situation. Not using the right cards led to unnecessarily paying higher prices. With that in mind, we simplified our program. World Fuel customers now have an easily recognizable solution set with card designs that are more self-evident, and an evolving rewards program that is a testament of our desire to be the best aviation partner in the industry.”

Shell Aviation confirms the expansion of its fuelling network to Penang International Airport, Malaysia. The announcement sees Shell Aviation grow its presence in Malaysia, with refuelling and other services now being provided at seven airports across the country.
Alongside its world class operational and refuelling services, Shell Aviation has also helped to enhance supply security at Penang by investing in the construction of a new fuel storage facility at the airport. This facility offers an independent supply chain from the existing supplier from refinery through to safe into-plane delivery, enabling customers to maintain seamless operations amidst strong traffic growth.
“Shell Aviation continues to focus its growth strategy on select locations. The significant potential of Penang makes it an ideal addition to our global network,” Richard Pereira, General Manager Asia Pacific & Middle East, Shell Aviation, said. “We look forward to leveraging our 120 years’ experience in the country and extensive expertise in fuel supply globally to support Penang in the next phase of its growth.”
The acting group chief executive officer of Malaysia Airports, Raja Azmi Raja Nazuddin said: “Penang’s strategic location makes it an important connecting hub. Local and overseas airlines have been adding more international routes, helping the airport exceed 7 million passengers in 2017. As an airport operator, supply security, operational excellence and as well as safety are central to our growth strategy, and Shell Aviation’s capabilities in these fields make it a preferred partner. We believe that the combination of local knowledge and global expertise that Shell Aviation brings is the right blend to help us further position Malaysia as a global hub.”
Shell Aviation customers at Penang will benefit from fuel supply security backed by Shell’s integrated supply chain; product quality assurance via Shell’s Fuel Quality Assurance System; professional account management providing a single focal point for fuel requirements across Shell’s global network; and access to local expertise by leveraging Shell’s aviation experience in Malaysia.

Flightdocs, Inc., the leading provider of cloud-based aircraft maintenance tracking, compliance, inventory, and flight operations management services, has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Asset Insight to pair the Flightdocs Enterprise™ solution with eValues™, a powerful web-based system that allows users to obtain aircraft value and marketability in real-time. With current market value, estimated residual value, comparisons to similar assets, and the ability to predict future maintenance expense at clients’ fingertips daily, flight operations will be at-the-ready to make important decisions.
“By integrating Asset Insight’s eValues™ technology into the Flightdocs Enterprise™ engine, owners/operators have access to a financially-based, decision-making solution,” explains Flightdocs CEO Rick Heine of the new partnership. “By utilizing actual maintenance data, owners are able to assess the value of their aircraft or fleet, in real-time, helping them make informed business decisions that impact asset value and operational success.”
Flightdocs customers can demo the value of their asset using eValues™ at Flightdocs Booth #3735 during the NBAA-BACE (South Exhibit Hall A). This web-based system fuses decades of market evaluation expertise with high-powered computational analytics, including every production year for modern business class aircraft makes and models. Data is relayed through easy-to-read graphs and tables, after simply entering a Serial Number.
“Asset Insight is known for increasing transparency and understanding when it comes to the complexity of aircraft valuation,” says President and CEO Anthony Kioussis. “By combining up-to-date value information with real-time maintenance status information, Flightdocs will provide clients with the highest level of value accuracy for their aircraft.”

Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), announced that Royal Dutch Touring Club ANWB has selected Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW206B3 engine to power the three new Airbus H135P3s, the club is acquiring to renew its fleet of emergency medical services (EMS) helicopters.
“The twin-engine Airbus H135 helicopter and the PW206 engine have demonstrated to be a highly effective combination for EMS operators around the world,” said Nicolas Chabée, vice president, Sales and Marketing, responsible for helicopter engines at Pratt & Whitney. “We have developed an excellent relationship with ANWB and look forward to collaborating on the introduction of the H135P3 into their helicopter fleet.”
ANWB, founded in 1883, is the owner of ANWB Medical Air Assistance and is contracted by multiple trauma centers as the sole EMS helicopter operator in the Netherlands.
“We made our selection of the Pratt & Whitney Canada engine following an extensive review of the PW206B3’s maintenance costs and its reliability performance,” said Timon Kruisman Technical Manager of ANWB MAA. “We were additionally convinced by Pratt & Whitney’s proven customer service capabilities and the quality of the employees who will be working with us. The people in the Netherlands rely on the services we provide, and we are confident that with this engine selection we are best positioned to continue to provide EMS services to them.”
More than 5,400 PW200 family engines have been produced since the engines entered into service in 1994 on the MD Helicopters MD-900 Explorer. Some 4,200 engines are still in service. The engine is relatively simple in design with only three major rotating parts, which results in a quieter cabin environment.
Pratt & Whitney will be at Helitech 2018, stand C20. Interested operators are invited to drop by the booth to speak with a marketing or customer service representative.

Web Manuals, the global leader in digital documentation for the aviation industry, is announcing the launch of its New York office, as the company continues its worldwide growth.
The new office, headed up by Web Manuals’ CEO and founder, Martin Lidgard, will be the first East Coast location for the company, which already has international hub centers in San Diego, Melbourne and its headquarters in Malmo, Sweden.
Lidgard says: “As our US customer base increases month-on-month, a New York office was the next logical step for the company. This decision allows us to be even closer to our US customers, which have more than doubled since last year’s NBAA, and demonstrates another tremendous milestone for Web Manuals this year.
“In 2018, not only have we rolled out Hurricane, the seventh version of our software, but we have also launched our customer portal and online store, making Web Manuals more accessible and user-friendly than ever before. We’ve had a huge amount of positive feedback from our customers, new and existing, who have made the seamless transition to our revolutionary digitization and regulatory compliance software.”
With a growing client base now reaching more than 170 customers worldwide, a 70% increase since NBAA 2017, the company is rapidly expanding to offer regional hubs worldwide, in addition to its around-the-clock online support offering, available to all customers.
A Singapore office is due to open in 2019, serving Asian airlines, training centers, business aviation charter operators, cargo and helicopter fleets.
Visit Web Manuals on Booth 225 at NBAA, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando Executive Airport on October 16-18