November 2013 - www.avitrader.com

Order bOnanza! Destination Dubai

Latest MRO Newsfrom around the world

People on the Movelatest appointments

Profile of Monarch Aircraft Engineering

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AviTrader MRO - November 2013

MITSUBISHI AIRCRAFT begins final as-sembly of first MRJ flight test aircraft

Final assembly of the first MRJ flight test aircraft under development by Mitsubishi Aircraft Cor-poration and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries got underway on October 15th, at the Komaki South Plant of MHI’s Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works located in Aichi Prefecture. The start of final as-sembly follows the October 13th transfer of the aircraft’s mid fuselage fabricated at the Tobishi-ma Plant also in Aichi Prefecture. Assembly of the aircraft will progressively advance as other sections of the fuselage, main wings and other structural components arrive, after which electri-cal wiring, hydraulic and other systems will be in-stalled, followed by other necessary equipment. In step with final assembly, plans call for the ver-tical tail and horizontal stabilizer – built at MHI’s Oye Plant in Nagoya – as well as the aircraft’s remarkably fuel-efficient cutting-edge engine – supplied by Pratt & Whitney – to be integrated to the airframe.

ATI and Boeing extend and expand long-term titanium products supply agreement

Allegheny Technologies Incorporated has ex-tended its long-term titanium products supply agreement with Boeing. The extension agree-ment covers value-added titanium mill products and provides opportunity for greater use of ATI’s next-generation and advanced titanium alloys in both long product and flat-rolled product forms.

Werner aero Services complete tear-down of A319 aircraft

Werner Aero Services has completed its tear-down of its recently purchased A319 aircraft. The components have been recertified and are be-ing made available through Werner Aero’s leas-ing and pooling programs. “We are extremely pleased to have such a large array of components available to support the family of our Airbus cus-tomers” said Mike Cazaz, CEO of Werner Aero Services. “Werner Aero Services has been pro-viding its customers with exceptional service for over 20 years, and the single-aisle aircraft is one of our main specialty products. We look forward to continue fostering meaningful and long-term relationships as a quality service provider to the community of Airbus operators.”

AJW Technique signs licensing agree-ment with Honeywell International

AJW Technique, and Honeywell Internation-al have signed an Authorized Service Center Agreement and a Purchase Parts Agreement structured around a 5 year term. This will al-low the new state-of-the-art AJW Group facility in Montreal, Canada to undertake the mainte-nance, repair and overhaul of specific products underpinned by direct access to Honeywell technical data and spare parts. AJW Technique is welcomed into the selective group of Author-ized Service Centers appointed by Honeywell In-ternational to support their aerospace products. AJW Technique’s quality focused operational processes will reinforce the AJW Group’s prima-ry goal to drive down Direct Maintenance Costs for the global airline consumer base. The use of high quality Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) piece parts in high quality repairs enables AJW to market an industry leading standard of product and service.

Eirtech Aviation to undertake cabin pres-surisation works for WestJet

Eirtech Aviation has won a major contract with WestJet, for the installation and maintenance of advanced warning cabin pressurisation systems for Canada’s second largest airline. The work scope will be carried out on WestJet’s Boeing 737 fleet. Ireland’s Eirtech Aviation was chosen for presenting a solution that was both time-saving and also cost-effective, enabling the fastest turn-around possible on installation and minimizing down-time for the fleet. It is an AMOC solution to a Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) Airworthi-ness Directive, which mandates a further level of warning and awareness for the crew by improv-ing visual and aural annunciation in the cock-pit, which will enable pilots to accurately and safely differentiate between take off configura-tion indicators and cabin altitude pressurization warnings. Eirtech Aviation’s design solution has already received all mandatory STC and AMOC approvals from the FAA, EASA and the Canadian Transport Authority.

acro Aircraft Seating to equip Braathens Regional Saab 340 and 2000 fleet in joint cooperation with Saab

UK-based passenger aircraft seat manufac-turer Acro Aircraft Seating has announced that Braathens Regional, the Swedish wet lease and charter company, will be the first operator to fly with its newly modified seats in Saab 340 and 2000 aircraft. Developed in cooperation with global defence and security company, Saab, Acro will supply 13 shipsets equating to approximate-ly 630 seats for Braathens’ Regional fleet. Acro adapted its seat design to accommodate the dimensions of the Saab 340/2000. Acro’s newly modified seats will enter service with Braathens Regional in Q2 2014. Acro anticipates that a num-ber of Saab operators will follow suit.

MRO and Production News

Acro Aircraft Seating Cabin impression Photo: Acro Aircraft Seating

MITSUBISHI AIRCRAFT begins final assembly of first MRJ flight test aircraft Photo: Mitsubishi

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AviTrader MRO - November 2013

Cover Story: Destination Dubai

Destination Dubai by Keith Mwanalushi

The Dubai Air Show provides a platform to promote trends and discuss issues that help develop the Mid-dle East aviation sector, and as Keith Mwanalushi discovered during the build-up to the event, this market remains increasingly important to the key players.

The sands of time continue to shift. The Middle East market has been growing significantly in re-cent years and with hundreds of new aircraft that are still on order, this area is projected to boom. “There is a lot of capital spent in building infra-structure and with emphasis on large airports to accommodate great amount of traffic between East and West,” monitors Mike Cazaz from Werner Aero Services.

Cazaz says Werner Aero, being an asset management company and aftermarket provider of engines and components, sees substantial opportunity for growth in the near and long term future. “We believe we provide vital services that will prove to be more and more in need as time goes on and the Middle East aviation industry matures. The Dubai Air Show provides us with a great opportu-nity to meet potential prospects and promote our services,” he states.

The Middle East and Africa are strategic market regions for US-based AAR Corp. The company was on hand to showcase its expanding capabili-ties and diverse portfolio of products and services across its aviation services and technology prod-ucts business segments. “We are also highlighting our industry-leading MRO and modifications ca-pabilities, for commercial airlines and government agencies as well as our airlift services, featuring

operations in the Middle East, Africa and Western Pacific areas,” says Rahul Shah, Senior Vice Presi-dent and Managing Director for AAR Middle East, Africa and India operations.

“We are also emphasising our cargo and bag-gage handling systems and products for airlines, and our advanced aero structures and interiors

design and manufacture capabilities for aircraft manufacturers.” Shah adds that showcasing AAR’s specialised mobility products for military and hu-manitarian operations are also a key area of focus for this region.

Ameco has been providing line maintenance, air-frame overhaul and modifications for the carriers in the Middle East for a considerable number of years. Besides line maintenance, Senior Direc-tor of Marketing and Sales, Mr Teng Bin says the Beijing-based company also emphasises its MRO services on airframe and engines.

Mr Teng says: “We want the customers to be fa-miliar with our comprehensive products from line maintenance, airframe and engine to compo-nents. During this year’s event, we will highlight our MRO services on airframe, engine, landing gear and also business jets completion.”

The region is also of significant importance to BAE Systems’ Commercial Aircraft Solution Business as Jim Whittington, BAE Systems Aftermarket Pro-gramme Lead stipulates. “This market consists of a mix of airlines and includes many premium airlines that place high emphasis and importance of work-ing with major OEM suppliers and the value that they offer in terms of turn-around time and quality.

“BAE Systems’ is showcasing its comprehensive portfolio of products and services at this year’s Dubai Air Show, with representatives available to

meet with customers to discuss our products and service solutions,” Whittington says.

As the region is expected to maintain its rapid growth over the coming years, there seems to be a growing interest in software solutions that addresses the M&E/MRO needs of airlines, heli operators, MROs and the business aviation seg-

ments.

Ranganathan Jagannathan ,VP, Head-Aviation at software solutions provider RAMCO says that with air traffic steeply rising and many flag-ship carriers setting their eyes on fuel efficient models from Boeing and Airbus, they are in critical need of a solution that offers 100% reli-ability and single click management of these new connect aircraft.

“One of the biggest airline’s in this region is cur-rently on-board with our reliability solution. Ramco’s LSAP management [Loadable Software Airplane Parts] solution is another key highlight for this region to enable airlines manage the new era of Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s. We are also cur-rently working on an Airbus version of the same for A380s,” Jagannathan indicates.

He further adds that in addition to the heli opera-tors present in this oil rich region, the emphasis will also be surrounding regional maintenance

The grey market is still of concern says Mike Berry from Execujet

“We are also highlighting our industry-leading MRO and modifications capabilities, for commercial airlines and government agencies as well as our airlift services, featuring operations in the Middle East, Africa and Western Pacific areas.” Rahul Shah, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for AAR Middle East,

Africa and India operations

Mike Cazaz from Werner Aero Services

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AviTrader MRO - November 2013

centres that have sprouted all around the region due to sudden spurts in aircraft orders and traffic.

Turkey’s location is interesting as a bridge be-tween the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Accord-ing to Altuğ Muftuoglu, Manager, Strategy Man-agement, this unique location helps to position Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI) as an im-portant contributor to the aerospace sector in the Middle East.

“The Middle East is an important area for Turkey, historically and geographically,” notes Muftuoglu. “TAI is well aware of Dubai Air Show’s importance for the region’s countries and potential opportuni-ties. We are exhibiting at the show, presenting our capabilities with a particular emphasise on indig-enous products - ANKA, T-129 and HÜRKUŞ.”

The theme of this year’s Dubai Air Show is “Green” referring to environmentally friendly initiatives. A conference and dedicated area at the show takes a closer look at carbon trading, bio-fuels, emissions and technology. Airlines, airports, authorities and industry were able to present their latest ideas, plans and new findings at the conference and to the aviation industry and press. So what ‘green’ credentials are some of the exhibitors engaged?

FL Technics and its sister companies for example are actively implementing and developing green initiatives in both internal and external opera-tions, according to Paulius Kavaliauskas, Head of Business Development at FL Technics.

“With regard to aircraft maintenance, for instance, our engine washing services, delivered at all of

our 36 line stations, are carried out by using en-vironmentally friendly materials.” Furthermore, Mr Kavaliauskas says they [FL Technics] are always advocating the introduction of new technologies and digitalisation of aircraft documentation that would have a direct positive ecological effect.

Worldwide, AAR has taken on several sustainabil-ity initiatives within their facilities. Rahul Shah in-dicates that these include smart-energy opportu-nities such as replacing older, less efficient lighting with new energy-efficient lighting and installing motion detectors. “At our corporate headquarters and Chicago warehouse location alone, this led to a 50 per cent reduction in energy consumption and we’ve replicated the approach at other AAR manufacturing, and warehouse locations,” Shah

points out.

TAI has taken steps in reducing carbon footprint in the manufacturing processes. “We have also taken other environmental measures to assist the global activities in this area. Coming to the products, we are focused on lighter materials in our designs to reduce the fuel consumption and carbon footprint as well as to increase the endurance. We are fol-lowing alternative fuel initiatives in order to utilise them in our products,” affirms Altuğ Muftuoglu.

Mr Muftuoglu adds that regarding the renewable energy, “we have started R&D programmes with our partners in Turkey to develop wind turbines. Hopefully the first prototype will be in use shortly.”

Despite the impressive growth figures, the Middle East and the wider North African markets come with challenges. TAI is enthusiastic about increas-ing collaboration with the Middle East and North African countries. “Of course, potentials come with challenges,” admits Muftuoglu. “We believe these challenges could be best addressed with increased communication with our partners and such challenges will create better product offer-ings for both sides.

“We hope that the Dubai Air Show will create op-portunities to further our partnership in the aero-space and defence fields with our friends in the region,” says Muftuoglu.

Mr Kavaliauskas from FL Technics brings to light the most recent political developments in the region, particularly in North Africa, which have influenced all aviation players. “We are closely monitoring the development of the situation in separate countries as well as in the region as whole,” he says.

Cover Story: Destination Dubai

All roads led to Dubai. Photo: Airbus

ExecuJet established a base in Dubai in 1999. Photo: Execujet

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AviTrader MRO - November 2013

Cover Story: Destination Dubai

Despite certain risks, Kavaliauskas is adamant that the region is rapidly growing and has a lot of potential as concerns the MRO segment. “Con-sidering the rest of the African region - with ex-tensive experience in such regions as Central Asia and the CIS, FL Technics has accumulated unique experience in supporting local emerging avia-tion markets through their development towards meeting global industry standards. Thus, we are always ready to expand our presence should the particular market conditions allows us to.”

Mike Cazaz from Werner Aero has a similar view saying the biggest challenge is the cur-rent political instability in the region, especially North Africa. “The obvious concern to us is the financial one,” Cazaz states. “We recently made an investment in establishing a new sales and marketing office in Tunisia. We identified North Africa as an excellent opportunity for future growth and are looking to increase our invest-ment further in the near future.”

With great growth potential comes great risk potential as Cazaz is fully aware. “We see growth and development in the infrastructures in these areas which eventually allow more people to access air transportation. A better po-litical environment will be the key to addressing some of the challenges, companies like Werner Aero are facing,” he stresses.

Jim Whittington from BAE Systems sees some challenges associated with the phase out of older aircraft and introduction of new aircraft types. Newer, more complex aircraft will require more advanced MRO capability, with both airframe and component OEMs taking a significant role in this area. He says BAE Systems’ believes that “work-ing with our customers and forming long term relationships is key to addressing some of these challenges in the market.”

Ranganathan Jagannathan from RAMCO makes an interesting point from a software point of view. “There are several institutionalised players in the market who still have their doubts on cloud based solutions questioning its security,” he observes.

“These are key hurdles that are unnecessarily slowing down green initiatives that several others have embraced in the recent past. When global technology authorities such as NASA and Intel have started using cloud for their sensitive data, these inhibitions of using cloud or going paperless is only a hurdle in the minds of the operators and MROs in the market,” Jagannathan warns.

From a business aviation perspective concerns still loom over the grey market - where owners of privately-registered jets illegally operate them on revenue service. “This remains a challenge for charter operators in the Middle East because this

practice threatens the safety standards we want to see as an industry,” says Mike Berry, Managing Director at ExecuJet Middle East.

Berry explains that another challenge lies in gen-eral aviation pilot licensing in some Middle East-ern countries. “It can take at least one month to licence a pilot, with no freelance cover accepted, which makes it challenging for us and other local companies to find suitable employees.”

For example, Berry says the recruitment of a pi-lot can take a total of five months when you take into account advertising, notice periods, the visa process, exams and licensing. “In other regions, such as Europe or the US, general aviation op-erators can employ EASA or FAA pilots and have them flying within days,” Berry notes.

ExecuJet established a base in Dubai in 1999 and was one of the first independent companies to offer business aviation services in the Middle East. In October 2012, the company expanded its FBO at Dubai International Airport by taking over the largest dedicated business aviation terminal in the Middle East.

Demand for MRO capability in the region. Photo: Execujet

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AviTrader MRO - November 2013

The torrential downpour on day five put a swift end to a show which saw a record breaking order book in excess of U$200 billion by the end of the fourth day. The packed event drew 1,065 exhibitors from 60 countries and took place for the first time at the Dubai World Central aerotropolis.

As anticipated Boeing used the event to launch its new 777X derivative of which it claims will be the world’s largest and most-efficient twin-engine jet-liner. Boeing Chairman, President and Chief Execu-tive Officer Jim McNerney launched the 777X with 259 orders and commitments from Emirates (150), Qatar Airways (50), Etihad Airways (25) and a pre-viously announced order from Lufthansa (34). The combined value of the agreements is more than $95 billion at list prices, placing the 777X as the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history by val-ue. The aircraft is set to enter service in mid-2020.

“We are proud to partner with each of these es-teemed airlines to launch the 777X – the largest and most-efficient twin-engine jetliner in the world,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “Its ground-breaking engine tech-nologies and all-new composite wing will deliver unsurpassed value and growth potential to our cus-tomers.”

Boeing announced during the show several key partnerships that reaffirm its strong commitment to support the UAE aerospace industry. Boeing will establish with Tawazun Precision Industries a pro-duction aerospace surface treatment facility in the

UAE. The project is scheduled to be commissioned in 2016 in Tawazun Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi.

Boeing also announced a new strategic agreement to increase the development of Mubadala as a Tier 1 supplier to Boeing. Through this agreement, Mubadala has the opportunity to supply as much as $2.5 billion in advanced composites and machined metals to Boeing commercial programmes, includ-ing the 787 and 777X. Both companies will work to-gether to develop pre-preg and carbon fibre manu-

facturing capabilities in Abu Dhabi.

Other significant partnerships announced at the show include the selection of Bombardier’s Chal-lenger 605 business jet as the platform for its Mari-time Surveillance Aircraft program, which offers the global market a capable, low-risk maritime surveil-lance system based on Boeing’s proven P-8A mis-sion system technology.

Boeing and Rostec further enhanced their partner-ship with an agreement to expand their joint ven-ture by establishing a second Ural Boeing manufac-turing production facility in Russia’s Titanium Valley.

In addition to the record-breaking orders from Middle East customers Etihad Airways, Emirates Airline and Qatar Airways that are at the centre of the launch of Boeing’s new 777X, Etihad ordered 30 787-10s, including the 1,000th Dreamliner order and becoming the world’s largest customer for the 787 family with a total of 71. The 787 has reached the 1,000th order milestone faster than any other twin-aisle airplane in aviation history.

Boeing and flydubai announced another historic agreement for up to 100 737 MAX 8s and 11 Next-Generation 737-800s, the largest ever Boeing single-aisle airplane purchase in the Middle East. Already a market success, the 737 MAX has accumulated more than 1,600 orders to date.

Cover Story: Order bonanza!

Order bonanza! A torrential downpour brought this year’s Dubai Airshow to a dramatic end but did not deter the mood as this year’s show racked in record order numbers and some significant milestones.

Boeing Launched the 777X with record-breaking orders and commitments. Photo: Boeing

777X launch signing with Emirates Airlines. Photo: Boeing

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AviTrader MRO - November 2013

Boeing orders and commitments (excluding options and purchase rights) announced at the Dubai Air-show reached 342 aircraft, valued at $101.5 billion.

Airbus too scored big at the event winning a total of 160 orders and commitments worth U$44 billion. By value, Emirates placed the single largest order for 50 additional A380s, worth US$20 billion, commending its efficiency and passenger appeal and confirming the A380 flagship status within their fleet.

By numbers, Etihad Airways placed the single largest firm order for Airbus with 87 aircraft (40 A350-900, 10 A350-1000, 26 A321neo, 10 A320neo and one A330-200F) worth US$19 billion at list prices. John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers commented: “With its central position geographi-cally, its strong economic growth and population-centres just a flight away, Middle Eastern carriers stand to reap the benefits of traffic growth. The order intake at the airshow, by value our biggest ever Dubai, is a clear evidence that the Middle East region is investing in the most modern and efficient aircraft to capture this growth,” he added.

The A380 order book got a much needed boost when Emirates placed an order for 50 more A380s to expand its route coverage and for aircraft re-placement, bringing the total number of A380s ordered by this Dubai-based carrier to 140.

“The A380 is a hugely popular airplane, and peo-ple go out of their way to fly it,” explained Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline. “I continue to be impressed how the A380 attracts attention, whether at the world’s airports or during events such as the Dubai Airshow – people can’t wait to get aboard the aircraft.”

Engine makers were also among the big winners.

It was a record air show for GE Aviation which included 450 new GE9X engines for the Boeing 777X. GE Aviation and CFM International received commitments for engines and services valued at U$40 billion.

“Year after year, GE has made enormous invest-ments in new technologies that are driving our sales success,” said David Joyce, president and CEO of GE Aviation while in Dubai. “From ceramic matrix composites unique to the propulsion in-dustry to the highest pressure ratios in our com-pressors, GE is developing a portfolio of reliable technologies that create new levels of operating efficiencies that our airline customers need.”

Rolls-Royce meanwhile secured orders for 100 ad-ditional Trent XWBs which will power 50 A350s or-dered by Etihad. The engine maker also picked up an order from the same airline for two Trent 700s that will power an A330-200.

Some MRO companies also signed deals at the event. Alpha Star Aviation Services signed an agreement with AFI KLM E&M covering compo-nent support services of its A320 family aircraft and an A340 aircraft.

Salem A. Al Muzaini, CEO of Alpha Star Aviation Services, said: “We are delighted to sign with such a highly-regarded MRO as AFI KLM E&M. The deci-sion was especially easy given that over the past three years we have appreciated the performance of AFI KLM E&M, which also drew up a tailor-made offer for us.”

On the occasion of this year’s show, Lufthansa Technik announced the first station for its engine cleaning system, “Cyclean” engine wash, in Dubai, to open at the start of 2014. The engine cleaning system, already used by more than 30 airline cus-tomers worldwide, will now be available for the first time directly at Dubai International Airport.

The engine cleaning frees the engines, in particular the fan and compressor blades, from dirt such as sand, mud, dust and pollen. Once cleaned, the en-gines are more thermally efficient in operation and use up to one per cent less kerosene for the same level of performance.

Overall, this year’s edition of the Dubai Airshow seems to have been a roaring success despite being closed off on the last day of the event due to bad weather. CEO of F&E Aerospace, (organisers of the event) Sharief Fahmy, said: “The downpour did lit-tle to quash the high spirits of exhibitors and visitors to what has already been dubbed the benchmark event for global aviation. We decided to close the hall for the safety of all, especially after taking advice from Dubai Civil Defence, who will always put the safety of people first.”

Cover Story: Order bonanza!

All smiles at Emirates after an aircraft shopping bonanza. Photo: Airbus

Qatar Airways firm order for five new A330-200Fs. Photo: Airbus