Category: Commercial

 Bii.aero,  an aircraft parts and services supplier for the commercial aviation sector, has acquired a “significant” portion of Aircraft Finance Germany’s (AFG) inventory of enhanced Boeing spares many of which are interchangeable between Boeing 747-8, 767 and 777 aircraft types.

The material, including high ticket rotable components, will be integrated into Bii’s stock before the end of May following full inspection and fresh tags. Francis Cradock, CEO, says the stock purchase will sit favorably with the organization’s globally located consignment packages. “We’re focused on providing customers with the right component support that helps to deliver their operational efficiency.  Many airlines are re-evaluating how best to manage their MRO requirements so we’ve been working with a number of partners to strategically locate consignment stock and supplement that with repair management expertise.  Airlines can then concentrate on rebuilding their route networks and outsource the on-going maintenance and repair of all spare parts to us. Alongside this we need to constantly enrich our stock with high quality modern parts for both Boeing and Airbus platforms so that we can also meet the ad hoc customer needs of those looking to buy or exchange parts.  The material from AFG fits our purchasing criteria perfectly.”

Christian Nuehlen , CEO at AFG commented, “This deal is indicative of Bii’s further commitment to AFG and supplements the flexible support programmes they already provide for us across rotable and consumable materials, as well as repair management services for our aircraft in check, coming off lease, or in transition.”

The joint venture xCelle, between AFI KLM E&M and Triumph, offers support solutions for new-generation aircraft nacelles, serving all airlines operating in the Americas. Unveiled in the autumn of 2021, the xCelle Americas company is now FAA- and EASA-certified, and fully operational for the repair and support of 787, 737 Max, A350 and A320neo nacelles.

The co-enterprise says it draws upon the combined strengths of its two parent companies: AFI KLM E&M’s engineering support capabilities and experience as an Airline-MRO, along with the expertise and facilities of Triumph, as well as OEM-licensed solutions.

“Nacelle shop visits are mainly due to incidents – hitting a bird during flight, minor collisions during stopovers, etc.,” said CEO Philippe Martin de Beauce from the xCelle Americas base in Hot Springs, Arkansas. “The challenge for airlines: Because they are complex and costly to transport, nacelles require localized parts and repair services, and this is exactly what we’re providing with xCelle Americas. Thanks to our rapid and efficient turnarounds, our customers can secure their operations and reduce their costs of ownership.”

An initial project involving a 787 nacelle is already underway at the co-enterprise’s workshop, providing assistance to a European airline following an incident that occurred during a stopover in Los Angeles.

Regardless of the type of issue encountered by its customers, xCelle Americas says it can provide a solution that is “simultaneously local and global.” The company forms a part of AFI KLM E&M’s global network, which notably features nacelle support capabilities in Europe and the Middle East. Triumph also has a presence in Asia.

“With its experience, expertise and position as a local MRO supplier within a global network, xCelle Americas is capable of providing support to all airlines flying in the Americas, and beyond.”

Pratt & Whitney, Airbus and Delta Air Lines completed the first revenue flight of the airline’s first Airbus A321neo aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines. The event was commemorated with a gate celebration at Logan International Airport in Boston, Mass., after which the plane departed for San Francisco International Airport. Delta announced the selection of Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to power its A321neo fleet in December 2017, with a total of 155 purchase commitments through 2027.

“Our GTF-powered A321neo fleet extends our long and successful partnership with Pratt & Whitney,” said Mahendra Nair, senior vice president, fleet and TechOps supply chain. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand for the summer travel season, and we look forward to offering our customers an elevated experience on board our new state-of-the-art aircraft.”

Pratt & Whitney powers more than 230 aircraft in Delta’s fleet today including Airbus A220 and A330 aircraft, as well as Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft. The airline’s GTF-powered A220 fleet is the largest in the world, with 55 aircraft. In 2019, Delta TechOps joined the Pratt & Whitney GTF MRO network, which supports GTF operators of Airbus A220 and A320neo family aircraft around the world.

“Today we celebrate another milestone with the Delta team as they enter service with their new GTF-powered A321neo aircraft,” said Rick Deurloo, chief commercial officer at Pratt & Whitney. “We thank Delta for their confidence in Pratt & Whitney and look forward to building upon our 90-year relationship.”

Delta TechOps will be a maintenance, repair and overhaul provider of Asiana Airlines’ CF6-80C2 engines over the next five years, bringing the engines powering the South Korean carrier’s Boeing 747 and 767 aircraft under its extensive global portfolio.

Delta TechOps people will expertly carry out scheduled engine overhaul shop visits during the five-year period. Additionally, Delta TechOps will support any unscheduled or AOG engine work.

“We are so pleased to have a new agreement with a prominent CF6 MRO, Delta TechOps,” said Hoon Bae, General Manager of Aircraft & Supplies Purchasing, Asiana Airlines. “With this new business, we are confident that Asiana Airlines and Delta TechOps will build up our long-term partnership into the future.”

“We are looking forward to getting started on this significant new work with Asiana that is all possible thanks to the well-established track record of safety, excellence and quality by Delta TechOps people,” said Don Mitacek – S.V.P. – Delta Technical Operations and President – Delta TechOps Services Group. “We look forward to expanding our portfolio of more than 150 MRO customers around the world with Asiana in the years ahead.”

As the maintenance division of Delta Air Lines, Delta TechOps has over 35 years of experience operating and maintaining CF6-80C2 engines. The work will be conducted by Delta TechOps Aviation Maintenance Technicians primarily at its Atlanta Technical Operations Center.

FEAM AERO announced the addition of James Kimball as their new vice president of technical operations, based out of their Miami headquarters. Kimball brings 35 years of aviation experience leading multi-site aircraft maintenance and materials operations for organizations including Spirit Airlines and JetBlue Airways.

“In his newly appointed position, Mr. Kimball will apply his years of technical experience and leadership to identify and implement operational improvements across our business as FEAM continues striving to be the best-in-class MRO in the industry,” said Wayne Sisson, former VP of Tech Ops and FEAM’s current COO.

In the midst of an active, global recruitment campaign, FEAM says it is acquiring talent to fill more than 300 positions throughout the country. With the announcement of their second 150,000 square foot base maintenance facility at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and international acquisitions of Northern Aerotech and BOSA, FEAM continues to grow at an exponential rate both stateside and abroad.

“I’m thrilled to have been selected to join the growing FEAM family and to be a part of the exciting growth of this forward thinking company,” Kimball said. “I also look forward to sharing my experiences as a lifetime aviation maintenance professional to support the team, and to continue the standards of excellence that have become synonymous with the FEAM brand.”

Schaeffler was awarded a contract lasting 12 years by engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce. Schaeffler says this cooperation presents a “win-win” for both companies. Rolls-Royce is securing the rolling bearing supply chain until 2035 with Schaeffler’s products and manufacturing technologies, whereas Schaeffler is making an important step in its growth initiative by supporting Rolls-Royce with their products, R&D and manufacturing.

Schaeffler will continue to offer the latest production technology and support engine development with optimized manufacturing processes through its “High Performance Bearing Manufacture” program. The focus of the cooperation is on rolling bearing systems for aircraft engines in the growth areas of business aviation and widebody aircraft.

Schaeffler will be responsible for 100% of Rolls-Royce’s supply volume in Europe. The majority of the product portfolio will be manufactured at Schaeffler Aerospace Germany in Schweinfurt, the company reports. Moreover, Schaeffler will support new development programs with its capabilities from simulation and design to manufacture and rig-testing, supporting the joint Rolls-Royce/Schaeffler technology roadmap.

“We are very proud that a company as large and important as Rolls-Royce has committed itself to us with such a long-running contract. Our two companies have achieved so much together. This is not only down to our expertise and quality demands, but also our common understanding of how business developments must take place in the future,” said Dr. Stefan Spindler, CEO Industrial at Schaeffler.

“With our solutions we can contribute to the target of Zero Emissions in the aviation industry,” added Armin Necker, managing director at Schaeffler Aerospace Germany.

Building on the 12-year contract, intensified MRO activities (maintenance, repair and overhaul) are planned which will cover the supply of refurbished bearings.