Air New Zealand Technical Operations has selected the PinPoint Tool Control System from HABCO to facilitate a wholesale maintenance and operational changeover to RFID technology to manage aircraft tools, improve efficiency and deliver greater safety across the operation.
“Tool control has long been recognized as a vital element in aviation safety. The PinPoint Tool Control System from HABCO minimizes the potential for foreign object damage while allowing us to realize substantial operational benefits. This new technology provides the potential to make a step change in the way we operate, and to improve our efficiency and safety margins,” stated Tech Ops GM of Aircraft Maintenance, Viv de Beus.
Pinpoint Tool Control System from HABCO is a comprehensive tool control product offering that has been designed and developed by aviation professionals for use by airline operators, maintenance depots and aerospace manufacturers to allow for the ultimate 100 percent solution in tracking predictability and accountability of tools, ground support and other devices. The PinPoint tool control system is offered in four fully-customizable configurations for use in aircraft line maintenance, MRO and depot-level maintenance and throughout a multitude of aerospace manufacturing applications. Air New Zealand plans to initially purchase 30 units in the AeroMASTER product configuration.
“Air New Zealand has used bar-coded electronic tool tracking technology for several years. This broad experience was used to develop real-world tests for the extensive testing and evaluation of new generation tool control technologies. While some solutions proved less than desirable, the PinPoint Tool Control System was the clear choice,” stated Auckland Performance improvement manager Murray Courtier.
Pinpoint Tool Control System brings together in close collaboration the talents and capabilities of three aerospace companies to deliver on a product that decreases FOD, increases efficiency and lowers cost. The PinPoint Group – a business unit of Sikorsky Aircraft – developed the product concept in close collaboration with IDZ Technologies, with IDZ providing the technology and HABCO Industries leading the design, manufacturing and integration implementation efforts through the company’s asset management business value stream.
“We’re pleased that Air New Zealand has chosen Pinpoint Tool Control System from HABCO for their maintenance requirements on the B787-9 Dreamliner as it enters into service later this year. It validates the extensive thinking and hard work that has gone into development of the PinPoint Tool Control System over the past two years. It’s a product that is truly right for the aerospace industry,” stated Simon Gharibian, MD of the PinPoint Group.
Pinpoint Tool Control System is the first in a series of products that HABCO Industries is planning to develop and manufacture to help aviation companies – operators and manufacturers alike manage their assets more efficiently and cost effectively. “We see Air New Zealand as being at the forefront of using products like PinPoint Tool Control System to manage their assets throughout their enterprise. HABCO plans to be a leader in the development of cutting edge asset management solutions that are aviation and aerospace relevant,” remarked Brian Montanari, president and CEO, HABCO Industries.