Category: Commercial

Muirhead Avionics/AMETEK MRO Supports New Initiative with The Royal Mint to Extract Gold from e-Waste

Muirhead Avionics/AMETEK MRO is the first specialist avionics MRO business to trade with The Royal Mint’s new factory that has been set up to extract precious metals from circuit boards. On average, Muirhead Avionics near London, generates around 100kg of e-waste per month and this now goes to The Royal Mint in Llantrisant, South Wales, for processing.

David Bentley, divisional vice president at Muirhead Avionics, says the Company has a strong focus
on sustainable practices and when it moved into its new facility some 18 months ago, an energy neutral system to minimize the organization’s carbon footprint was established from the outset. “Finding an innovative, viable and practical way to recycle our waste circuit boards has always been high on our list of priorities. So, we are delighted to partner with The Royal Mint, Britain’s oldest company with a history spanning more than 1,100 years, and the original maker of UK coin,” he says.

Globally, a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste was produced in 2022, up 82% from 2010 and this is
set to rise another 32% to 82 million tonnes in 2030. “If we can play our part and help preserve rare
and precious metals for future generations but reducing dependence on traditional mining and encouraging more sustainable practices, then in our small way we are demonstrating to the aviation
industry that there are innovative solutions out there if you look for them,” enthuses Bentley. The Royal Mint’s 3,700 square meter facility uses world-first patented chemistry from Canadian clean tech company Excir. This extracts gold from printed circuit boards (PCBs) found in everyday items, such as TVs, laptops and mobile phones, in minutes. Excir’s chemistry works at room temperature, creating a more energy efficient and cost-effective method of gold recovery.

The boards go through several processes to be reverse engineered, and the different materials are separated into groups. The gold-rich components are then sent to the chemical processing line, where gold is extracted from the circuit boards within minutes via a liquid process called leaching. The
leached gold is then removed from the liquid solution via precipitation and filtration. These processes
produce a gold powder, which is further refined and melted in a furnace at approximately 1100
degrees Celsius, to create an ingot with a purity of 999.9.

The Royal Mint’s facility has the capacity to process up to 4,000 tonnes of circuit boards per year,
recovering gold and other precious metals such as copper, silver and palladium.

“The amount of gold, platinum and silver within avionics equipment has increased with technology
advances due to the superior conductive and corrosion resistant properties,” continues Bentley. “The
process with The Royal Mint was easy to set up and manage. We let them know what we have by
sending photographs and weights, and they collect the batch of circuit boards and attached accessories such as connectors and heat sinks from all of our scrap units and replaced components.”

Bentley goes on to say that this innovative activity complements the Muirhead Avionics’ sustainability program at the new facility near Heathrow Airport. It forms part of a continuously evolving range of initiatives which includes solar panels, green living walls, electric vehicle chargers, smart lighting and electronic insulating blinds on the windows.

Aireon Introduces Product Family to Identify and Mitigate the Impact of Jamming and Spoofing in Aviation

Aireon is introducing AireonVECTOR, a suite of tools and resources designed to help aviation stakeholders stay apprised in real-time of changes in the GPS signal reliability.

AireonVECTOR (Validation & Enhanced Calculation of Tactical Operational Routing) leverages Aireon’s global, real-time, space-based automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data and the precision of its advanced Iridium satellite backbone, to pinpoint the location of the aircraft independent of the onboard GPS.  Using our proprietary algorithm, VECTOR provides a validated, independent source of aircraft position data for enhanced operational and safety awareness.

The Aireon algorithm uses a ground-breaking analytical technique to calculate a “reference position” based on Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) and independent kinematic modeling. Under normal conditions, this reference position aligns with the ADS-B transmitted position. However, in cases of single interference and spoofing, Aireon can detect real-time divergence between the reference and reported positions, providing an immediate indicator of degraded GPS integrity.

With that methodology, Aireon has developed a suite of capabilities that allow a range of aviation stakeholders – ANSPs, airlines, airports, safety organizations, defense and national intelligence agencies, and others — to access the data in the way and timing that suits the customers’ operational needs. From a real-time alerting framework to dashboard tools to monitor trends in a region to streaming data to fill in gaps in routes, AireonVECTOR has a solution to fit.

“GPS interference has become a significant concern for the aviation industry, driven by the rise of geopolitical tensions worldwide. Identifying GPS interference hotspots can provide valuable insights for aircraft operators, ANSPs, and other aviation stakeholders. AireonVECTOR offers a great deal of actionable information across the value chain to really drive safety and mitigate navigation challenges,” said Don Thoma, Aireon CEO.

As the only global provider of space-based ADS-B data, Aireon is the only company that can provide the accuracy, reliability, and consistency needed to derive these valuable operational data points.

AireonVECTOR products include:

  • AireonVECTOR Flight: A position track of an aircraft that is generated independent of a GPS signal. AireonVECTOR Flight generates a “truth position” of the aircraft that has its basis in the timing of satellite receipt of ADS-B transmissions to produce a location that is independent of GPS-reported position.
  • AireonSTREAM powered by VECTOR: Aireon VECTOR enhances AireonSTREAM by providing superior flight tracks even in the presence of high interference by combining ADS-B messages received directly via Aireon’s satellite network with AireonVECTOR’s calculated aircraft positions.
  • AireonVECTOR Monitor: Leveraging a COTS visualization tool, AireonVECTOR Monitor provides detailed, real-time airspace data for ANSPs, allowing the users to perform detailed analytics into the sources and impacts of signal interference.

“Our customers consistently tell us they need trusted, actionable intelligence on GPS spoofing and interference. With AireonVECTOR, we’ve transformed the industry’s most accurate and reliable surveillance data into a breakthrough capability — one that delivers operational insight no one else can match with the quality and assurance our customers expect,” said Chris Devlin, Aireon Vice President of Product Management and Strategy.

In the coming months, Aireon will introduce more VECTOR products to the aviation market, including a real-time alerting capability and a map visualization layer for the detailed display of GPS Interference globally via API integration.

Earlier this year, Aireon released a GPS Interference metric to its Safety Dashboard product. The Safety Dashboard GPS Interference metric analyzes the trends of Position Integrity Categories, Individual Position Checks of possible spoofing, and heat maps of both values.

Bonus Tech Services, Inc. Officializes FAA Approval Part 145

Bonus Tech, Inc. (BT), leader in the U. S. on the global engine tear-down market, with the industrial assets of Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M), proudly announces a significant milestone with the approval of the Part 145 certification. This achievement comes alongside the strategic expansion of their services through the establishment of the sister company, Bonus Tech Services, Inc. (BTS), located in Miami. BT specializes in Engine Teardown services with extensive capabilities across a wide range of engine series, including CFM56, GE90, CF34, CF6, V2500, PW2000, PW4000, Trent 700/800/900, and RB211.

FAA Part 145 Certification: Elevating Standards

The Part 145 certification is a pivotal achievement that underscores BT’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of service quality and operational excellence. This certification allows BTS to offer comprehensive 145 Services that significantly enhance engine asset optimization, providing customers with unparalleled support in maintaining and managing their aviation assets.

CIRB Authorizes Representation Vote for Air Canada AMEs and Skilled Trade Groups

The Canada Industrial Relations Board authorized a representation vote for approximately 2,250 maintenance employees at Air Canada.

As part of its order, the board approved the fragmentation of the existing Technical, Maintenance, and Operational Support (TMOS) Bargaining Unit. While noting their general preference for broad-based units, the Board stated it “rarely grants such fragmentations,” but found that “fragmenting the existing bargaining unit is appropriate in the specific circumstances of this case.”

After approving the fragmentation of the TMOS Unit, the Board found that the following bargaining unit would be appropriate for collective bargaining:

All Air Canada Technical Services Business Unit employees, excluding employees in the Airport & Cargo Operations Business Unit and the Logistics & Supply Business Unit and all management positions.

“For decades, aircraft maintenance engineers and skilled trade groups have been overlooked, their wages and priorities overshadowed by larger workgroups within broad bargaining units,” said AMFA National President Bret Oestreich. “AMFA stands apart. We are the only craft/trade-specific union solely focused on promoting, elevating and unifying aircraft maintenance technicians, engineers, and related skilled trade groups across North America.”

Board representation votes are conducted on an expedited basis. AMFA anticipates that the vote at Air Canada will take place within the next several weeks. “We extend our sincere thanks all the organizers at Air Canada whose dedication and tireless efforts made this historic moment possible,” the group said.

Air Canada is the flag carrier and the largest airline in Canada, by size and passengers carried. Air Canada is headquartered in the borough of Saint-Laurent in the city of Montreal. The airline, founded in 1937, provides scheduled and charter air transport for passengers and cargo to 222 destinations worldwide. It operates major hubs at Montréal–Trudeau, Toronto–Pearson, and Vancouver. Air Canada is a founding member of the Star Alliance.

Magnetic Engines and Group Engine Management Sign CFM56 Engine Repair Agreement

Magnetic Engines, a sub-brand of Magnetic Group, has announced its recently signed cooperation with Group Engine Management GmbH (GEM), a subsidiary of Deutsche Lufthansa AG that provides engine management services to Lufthansa Group airlines.

From May, Magnetic Engines will provide cost- and time-saving repairs on CFM56-5B engines for GEM-managed engines in the Tallinn-based workshop. This is part of a strategically important partnership that builds on Magnetic Engine’s varied portfolio of existing customers from across Europe, Africa, and Asia and expands on the previous work completed for Lufthansa Group Airlines in base and line maintenance, as well as engine shop repairs.

“The new agreement provides flexibility and reliability for our customer via a single agreement to cover all CFM56 engines regardless of the individual Lufthansa Group operator. GEM’s approach to fleet engine management is truly innovative, and we are excited to play a part in this,” shares Victoria Goodenough, Head of Business Development at Magnetic Engines.

Rolls-Royce and Turkish Technic to Establish Eero Engine Maintenance Facility

Rolls-Royce and Turkish Technic, the leading maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider, will establish a state-of-the-art independent center at Istanbul Airport. As the newest member of the Rolls-Royce MRO network, the center will reinforce Turkish Technic’s standing at the forefront of the maintenance industry, while complementing Rolls-Royce’s existing MRO footprint and address growing long-term demand for new civil large engines.

The new facility, targeted to be operational by the end of 2027, will enable Turkish Technic to deliver comprehensive maintenance services for Trent XWB-97, Trent XWB-84, and Trent 7000 engines which power the Airbus A350 and Airbus A330neo aircraft respectively. This will greatly enhance and expand Turkish Technic’s engine maintenance and overhaul operations. With a planned capacity of ~200 shop visits per year, the facility is expected to be one of the largest in the region, further solidifying Turkish Technic’s position as a premier provider of engine maintenance services. The facility will  provide services to third party Rolls-Royce TotalCare customers, as well as the Turkish Airlines fleet.

“We’re significantly increasing our global MRO capacity by 2030, and today’s announcement marks an important milestone on that journey, as we add Turkish Technic to our global network of capable, flexible and resilient MRO providers to support our TotalCare customers around the world,” saidRob Watson, president, civil aerospace, Rolls-Royce. “It reinforces our strong partnership with Turkish Airlines – whose fleet of Airbus A350s will be supported by this facility — and shows confidence in Turkish Technic’s ability to realize their ambition to become a world-class provider of civil large aero engine MRO. In April 2024, we reaffirmed our commitment to Türkiye, announcing our intention to explore the implementation of a number of industrial initiatives. Today’s agreement is a demonstration of that commitment. We are delighted to welcome Turkish Technic into our expanding network of Trent engine maintenance centers.”

Ahmet Bolat, chairman of the board, Turkish Technic, said, “We are thrilled to partner with one of the world’s leading engine manufacturers. Rolls-Royce’s expertise will be instrumental in enhancing our engine maintenance operations. With our new facility expansion, we will be equipped to perform comprehensive maintenance services across a wide range of Trent engine models, allowing us to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Solidifying our position in the MRO industry, this partnership significantly expands our maintenance capabilities and empowers us to continue delivering world-class service to our customers worldwide.”

In late 2023, Turkish Airlines placed an historic order for Airbus A350 aircraft, making the airline the world’s largest operator of the Trent XWB engine. It included an order for 120 Trent XWB-84 engines and 40 Trent XWB-97 engines, excluding options and spares.

Union Workers at Pratt & Whitney Strike

On Monday May 5th, more than 3,000 machinists at jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney went on strike in Connecticut. This strike, which marked their first work stoppage since 2001, stemmed from a breakdown in contract negotiations over wages, retirement benefits and job security. The machinists, represented by IAM Locals 700 and 1746, voted to reject the company’s proposed contract and began picketing at Pratt & Whitney’s plants in East Hartford and Middletown, which manufacture engines for both commercial and military aircraft.

The strike could potentially disrupt Pratt & Whitney’s operations, especially concerning the production of engines for both commercial airliners (like the GTF engine for Airbus) and military aircraft (like the F-35’s F135 engine).

“Pratt and Whitney is a powerhouse in military and commercial aerospace products because our membership makes it so,” David Sullivan, the union’s eastern territory vice president, said in a statement. ”This offer does not address the membership concerns, and the membership made their decision — we will continue to fight for a fair contract.”

The company is a subsidiary of Arlington, Virginia-based RTX Corp. RTX said its latest wage and retirement proposal was “competitive,” and said its workforce is among the most highly compensated in the region and industry.

“Our message to union leaders throughout this thoughtful process has been simple: higher pay, better retirement savings, more days off and more flexibility,” the company said in a statement. “We have no immediate plans to resume negotiations at this time and we have contingency plans in place to maintain operations and to meet our customer commitments.”

Contract negotiations between Pratt & Whitney and IAM Locals 700 and 1746 concluded with the company presenting its last, best and final offer (LBF) Friday evening. Eligible employees are encouraged to vote at the contract ratification meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 4, at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, Connecticut.

The company’s offer included: The offer strengthens total compensation with 18.6% in wage increases, bonuses and retirement benefits over the next three years, ensuring our union workforce remains among the best paid in the region and Aerospace & Defense industry.

Wage increases:

  • General wage increases of 4% immediately, 3.5% in 2026 and 3% in 2027
  • An immediate $0.57 per hour increase in base wage to reflect the current Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) and improved future COLA formula
  • Progression increases of $0.20/hour every 16 weeks for employees below maximum rate ($2 per hour over the life of the contract)

Lump sum payment:

  • $5,000 bonus payable upon contract ratification

Pension Increase

  • 20% increase ($19) to the pension multiplier to $113 per month per year of service before eligible employees transition from the Pension Plan to the Savings Plan (company automatic contributions of $103 per week in January 2028)
  • Pension benefits earned through 2027 are yours when you retire

Savings:

  • Enhanced 401(k) benefits begin in 2028, including 100% match on contributions up to $115/week and increased company automatic contributions (of $103 per week in January 2028)

Work Commitments and Investment:

  • Hundreds of millions of dollars invested in automation, tooling and technology at our East Hartford and Middletown facilities to support GTF and F135 engine work
  • Continued focus on training, safety and modernizing our factories to secure jobs and boost performance

Health and Wellness Benefits:

  • Maintain current healthcare plan with company HSA contributions 
  • Increased Life, AD&D and Disability benefits

Worklife Balance:

Additional opportunities for 4×10 and 3×12 shifts

Improved vacation schedule in 2026

Sunnen to Showcase Advanced Manufacturing Solutions at EASTEC 2025 (Booth #2115)

Sunnen Products Company, specializing in high-precision bore finishing, will exhibit its manufacturing solutions at EASTEC 2025, the event for manufacturing technology on the East Coast. The event takes place in West Springfield, Massachusetts, and attendees are invited to visit Sunnen at booth #2115 to experience firsthand the company’s latest innovations in honing technology and precision measurement.

Sunnen will showcase four key products at EASTEC 2025, each designed to enhance productivity and precision in manufacturing operations. The SV-3015 represents the latest in vertical honing technology, offering unparalleled flexibility and performance for a wide range of applications. This versatile machine is capable of handling both small and large parts with equal precision, making it an ideal solution for manufacturers across various industries.

Also on display will be the SH-4000 Horizontal Honing Machine, which redefines honing with its advanced features and digital repeatability. The SH-4000 boasts a touchscreen HMI and PLC controls, eliminating the need for manual levers and switches. Its servo-controlled ball screw stroker ensures precise positioning and consistent performance, while the wider stroker carriage accommodates a variety of fixturing options.

For precision measurement, Sunnen will present the PGE-6000 Electronic Bore Gaging System. This sophisticated instrument combines accuracy and versatility, offering a menu-driven operator interface and compatibility with SPC software for fast and easy data collection. The PGE-6000 is equally at home on the shop floor or in a controlled laboratory environment, providing reliable and repeatable measurements for a wide range of bore sizes.

Alongside these cutting-edge products, there will be a focus on Sunnen supplied air gaging technology. This includes the optional in-process air gaging system for SV machines, designed to enhance precision and efficiency. Additionally, the new benchtop PGA gage will be highlighted. These innovations underscore Sunnen’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art solutions for precision machining and quality control.

Visitors to Sunnen’s booth #2115 will have the opportunity to speak with the company’s experts and learn how these advanced solutions can transform their manufacturing processes, elevating productivity and precision to new heights. Sunnen is dedicated to driving innovation in the manufacturing sector and supporting the growth of industries.

A New Pathway to FAA A&P Certification

The Prescott Foundation’s Workforce Development Program, an innovative initiative offering a hands-on, alternative pathway for individuals seeking FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification. This program is designed to open doors for those who may not be able to pursue traditional schooling, providing a paid internship and real-world experience in aircraft restoration and maintenance.

The Prescott Foundation’s Workforce Development Program introduces participants to the aviation industry through immersive, practical training. By working directly with historic warbirds and modern aircraft, interns gain vital skills that are essential not only for preserving aviation history but also for ensuring the safety of millions of air travelers every day. The program is uniquely structured to welcome individuals with little or no prior work experience, equipping them with the tools and confidence to pursue rewarding careers in aviation maintenance.

A defining feature of the program is its supportive, team-based environment, enriched by a strong veteran presence. Veterans serve as mentors and role models, helping participants develop both technical expertise and a passion for aviation. This collaborative atmosphere fosters personal growth, new career paths, and a deep appreciation for the legacy of military aviation.

Key Program Features:
• Alternative, hands-on pathway to FAA A&P certification
• Paid internship with direct experience in aircraft restoration and maintenance
• Supportive environment with strong veteran mentorship
• Opportunities for individuals without prior work experience
• Contribution to the preservation of aviation history and safety

VSE Corporation Acquires Turbine Weld Industries

VSE Corporation, a provider of aviation aftermarket distribution and repair services, announced it has acquired Turbine Weld Industries, a specialized MRO service provider focused on complex engine components for business and general aviation (BG&A) platforms.

Founded in 1986, Turbine Weld is a premier provider of high-value engine component repairs, specializing in hot section components for Pratt & Whitney Canada engines—including the PW100, PT6, and JT15D series with approximately 25,000 engines in service. Operating from its MRO center of excellence in Venice, Florida with a team of approximately 60, Turbine Weld has repaired more than 80,000 components and is recognized for its exceptional service and technical excellence.

VSE says the acquisition will help with the following:

  • Expanded Technical and Proprietary Capabilities: Turbine Weld enhances VSE’s position in the B&GA engine aftermarket by delivering specialized MRO services across high-demand platforms. Through collaboration with OEMs, Turbine Weld has developed numerous proprietary repair specifications and serves as the sole-source provider for many flight-critical repairs on two of the most widely used engine platforms in the B&GA market.
  • OEM Alignment: The acquisition strengthens VSE’s collaboration with OEM partners by broadening technical service capabilities and expanding the repair portfolio.
  • Growth and Investment: VSE plans to invest in Turbine Weld’s operational capacity to address increasing demand and accelerate growth opportunities.

“This acquisition marks another important step in the strategic expansion of our aviation services business,” said John Cuomo, president and CEO of VSE Corporation. “Turbine Weld brings industry-leading expertise in complex engine component repair, further positioning VSE as a comprehensive solutions provider to our OEM and aftermarket partners. We are thrilled to welcome the Turbine Weld team and look forward to growing together.”

“Turbine Weld’s proven track record, technical depth, and dedication to quality make them an outstanding addition to VSE Aviation,” said Ben Thomas, chief operating officer of VSE Corporation. “Expansion of Turbine Weld’s highly technical repair capabilities is critical to supporting the tens of thousands of PT6 and PW100 operators in the global fleet. This partnership allows us to significantly increase Turbine Weld’s capacity, broaden our capabilities, and deliver even greater value to our customers.”

“We’re excited to join forces with VSE Aviation,” said Dave Bush, president of Turbine Weld Industries. “Their reputation, customer focus, strong culture, and commitment to technical excellence make this a natural fit for our employees and strengthens our overall service level to our customers.”