Category: Commercial

Honeywell and NXP Expand Partnership to Accelerate Next-generation Aviation Technology

Honeywell and NXP Semiconductors announced at CES 2025 an expanded partnership that will accelerate aviation product development and chart the path for autonomous flight. This builds on the companies’ existing relationship, which is focused on helping optimize how building management systems sense and securely control energy consumption.

The aviation collaboration will combine Honeywell’s deep aerospace expertise, the proven capabilities of Honeywell Anthem avionics and NXP’s high-performance computing architecture, enabling AI-driven aerospace technology that helps improve operational efficiency for planning and managing flights. The work will also support faster transitions to new chipsets and technologies.

The companies will team to advance large-area displays for next-generation cockpits with thinner, high-resolution screens designed to improve visual clarity and system efficiency. Additionally, they will explore how to simplify and streamline migrations to newer avionic technologies, as well as extend critical aviation technologies’ lifecycles, helping to deliver long-term value for aircraft manufacturers and operators.

“Our industrial domain expertise combined with NXP’s best-in-class technology is a powerful accelerator for industrial leaders on the path to autonomy,” said Vimal Kapur, chairman and CEO of Honeywell. “Working together, we are developing differentiated solutions and services that shape the future of automation, driving significant customer outcomes and fueling Honeywell’s growth.”

NXP’s domain-based architecture paves the path to autonomy, featuring high-compute capabilities, integrated cybersecurity and functional safety, including technology developed for the automotive industry. It will now be adapted for aviation applications on Honeywell Anthem, the industry’s first cloud-connected cockpit system. This is a continuation of co-creation between the two companies, which includes NXP applications processers embedded in Honeywell’s Building Management, Fire Safety and Security products. Looking ahead, the companies are expanding this work to include AI and machine learning in building controllers.

For the aerospace industry, Honeywell will leverage a variety of NXP processors, including the i.MX 8 applications processors currently leveraged in Honeywell’s Advanced Control for Buildings platform and S32N super-integration processors, providing a range of high-performance, intelligent solutions that can be adapted for the needs of various aircraft. With NXP’s processors, Honeywell Anthem will deliver faster data processing for real-time AI-driven insights, enhancing safety and optimizing performance both in the air and on the ground.

“Bringing avionics closer to autonomous flight requires a unique combination of high-performance processing and AI, advanced connectivity and security, and functional safety,” said Kurt Sievers, President and CEO, NXP Semiconductors. “NXP’s broad portfolio and systems solutions approach makes us a natural partner for Honeywell on the journey towards creating innovative, intelligent and autonomous avionics that can sense, think and act.”

One of the early adopters that will benefit from this collaboration is Vertical Aerospace, a leader in eVTOL aircraft that is currently testing its piloted VX4 prototype aircraft featuring Honeywell Anthem.

“By fulfilling the promise of advanced air mobility, electric aircraft like the VX4 represent a bold vision for the future,” said Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace. “Honeywell Anthem has already proven to be a highly capable platform, and we’re excited to explore how its capabilities can be further enhanced by NXP’s advanced computing to lessen pilot workloads while increasing situational awareness. Together, we see opportunities to make travel quicker, cleaner and safer, supporting our shared vision to transform how the world moves.”

StandardAero Receives CAAC Approval for Its LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B Engine MRO Services, Enabling it to Support Operators Across China

StandardAero, a leading independent pure-play provider of aerospace engine aftermarket services, is pleased to announce that its engine overhaul center in San Antonio, TX has secured maintenance organization approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for the CFM International LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B turbofan engines.  This approval enables StandardAero to support the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) needs of operators in China, where over 1,200 LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines are currently in operation powering Airbus A320neo family and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

StandardAero supports the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B as a CFM Premier MRO provider, as the only independent CBSA license holder in the Americas.  The 810,000 sq. ft. San Antonio facility offers a full range of LEAP quick time shop visit (QTSV) and performance restoration shop visit (PRSV) services, including engine testing.

“As a trusted provider of engine and APU MRO services to airlines and asset owners throughout China, StandardAero looks forward to meeting the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B needs of Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX operators across the nation,” said Janice Ho, airline sales director (ASD) for the Asia-Pacific region for StandardAero’s Engine Services – Airlines & Fleets division. “Our LEAP Customer Advisory Board (CAB) already incorporates Chinese representation, to ensure that we anticipate the needs of Chinese LEAP customers, and our local team of sales and service experts is now fully engaged with the 20-plus airlines operating the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B across China.”

In addition to establishing MRO capability for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B at its San Antonio facility, StandardAero is also industrializing new engine component repairs for the LEAP family through its Component Repair Services (CRS) network of locations, and its Repair Development Center of Excellence.  To date, StandardAero’s CRS team has industrialized more than 260 component repairs for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B.

StandardAero says it is also continuing to grow its team of LEAP technicians through its in-house Aviation Mechanic Training Program, located at its San Antonio site’s Training Academy.

CAMO Process Enhanced with Innovative Software from Air Worthy

The critical job of monitoring aircraft airworthiness has been strengthened with the launch of innovative computer software, created by Italian-based Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO), Air Worthy.

Following 18 months of programming, development and testing, AWAS (Air Worthy Aircraft Software) has gone live with Air Worthy customer, Challenge Air Cargo.

Whilst there are existing CAMO applications in the market, Air Worthy decided to build its own software, with the support of a software specialist in Milan. Unique to the aviation sector, AWAS can be customized to specific operational needs, as well as delivering an improved level of flexibility and usability across the CAMO process.

Hosted in the cloud with no server requirement, AWAS provides a more secure, intuitive user interface, which enables workflow and project progress to be monitored in real time by Air Worthy’s CAMO team. A new portal also facilitates customer access, so that all stakeholders can view an aircraft’s live documentation and compliance status.

The CAMO designation, also referred to as Part-M, is a mandatory part of EASA’s Implementing Rules EU 1321/2014 — Continuing Airworthiness, which ensures that all aircraft operating within the jurisdiction of a National Aviation Authority (NAA) are maintained to the highest level of safety and compliant with the necessary aviation safety regulations.

In its role as a CAMO, Air Worthy manages responsibility for all continuing airworthiness activities, such as forecasting and compliance of the maintenance program, Airworthiness Directive compliance, Service Bulletin evaluation and implementation, test flights, defect rectification and the safekeeping of accurate aircraft records.

The role of a CAMO is therefore highly complex. It requires many disciplines, all focused on aircraft safety, including: liaison with relevant authorities on behalf of an aircraft owner/lessor; finding solutions to technical issues; STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) modification, updating of aircraft technical manuals; performing physical inspections and safeguarding records. Typically, a CAMO representative from Air Worthy is permanently based on-site during an aircraft’s heavy maintenance check, in order to oversee the process and ensure the AMP (Aircraft Maintenance Program) schedule is kept on track.

“By providing comprehensive airworthiness consultancy, Air Worthy offers a total solution for aircraft owners and operators,” said Lucia Soffientini, Air Worthy’s co-founder and continuing airworthiness manager, “The launch of AWAS is an evolution of Air Worthy’s mission to uphold aircraft safety and deliver asset value throughout the service life of an aircraft and it will bring many benefits to the CAMO process. In addition, the market for P2F conversions is growing, so our new software will help us to manage this critical process more seamlessly.”

Alpha Wingman Officially Launches Workforce Management Platform and Mobile App

Alpha Wingman announced that beta testing has ended for their new workforce management platform, named Alpha Workforce. Once AOG technicians download the new app, they are instantly linked to the dispatch center via a moving map displaying technician status (working, available, off-duty, etc.). Alpha Wingman says Alpha Workforce is a technology platform that connects aircraft operators with a broad range of essential services. The company says it is founded on the principles of innovation and efficiency and that Alpha Wingman offers solutions that include AOG, scheduled aircraft maintenance, parts, and FBO services among others. The company says with a network of certified providers, the platform ensures that users receive “world-class service tailored to their unique, individual needs while eliminating the need for third parties and brokers.”

“Bombardier’s mobile AOG team was our test bed for the past 12 months as we refined the product, gathered crucial feedback, and ultimately planned the rollout,” Andy Nixon, president of Alpha Wingman stated. “As a sustainably-grown company, we continue to believe in listening to our customers needs, which is how the Alpha Workforce platform came about. We were mystified to learn the industry-leading service providers with mobile technicians lacked an efficient way to see and receive updates from their team. With the Workforce platform and the data we can generate, service providers will have the ability to increase margins through improving efficiencies with their technicians and dispatchers.”

Vertical Aerospace Chooses Monolith as “AI for Engineering” Partner

Artificial intelligence (AI) software provider, Monolith, has started work with Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero emission aviation. Monolith will help the Bristol, UK-based company optimize its eVTOL testing and simulation programs to improve performance and accelerate time to market.  

Flight and ground tests for eVTOL are complex, expensive and time-consuming, typically requiring engineers to spend hundreds of hours validating simulations across tens of thousands of parameters and operating conditions. Vertical Aerospace will use Monolith to accelerate development of its VX4 eVTOL aircraft by using AI for new design insights and more efficient test plans in less time. The first project focuses on testing and simulation of the VX4’s supporting pylon structures for ground tests of the propeller and electric motor structural and performance requirements. Monolith’s advanced Next Test Recommender (NTR) AI-driven algorithm will provide Vertical Aerospace engineers with a ranked selection of the most impactful tests to run, increasing design space coverage in unknown areas with a more efficient and trustworthy test plan.  

“Urban air mobility has the potential to revolutionize how we travel, and one of the most promising contributors to this transformation is Vertical’s VX4. With Monolith, Vertical will model complex systems faster and accelerate test campaigns, enabling the company to learn more about design performance while reducing development and testing time,” said Dr. Richard Ahlfeld, CEO and founder of Monolith.

David King, chief engineer, Vertical Aerospace, added: “Transforming how the world moves requires constant innovation. Collaborating with Monolith allows us to harness cutting-edge AI technology to streamline our testing processes, enabling us to focus on the most impactful areas and accelerate the VX4’s journey to market. By integrating Monolith’s tools, we can enhance our engineering precision, reduce timelines, and continue setting the benchmark for the eVTOL industry.” Monolith has a proven track record in aerospace engineering​ following recent projects with Airbus and BAE Systems on aircraft and drones. The London-based company is already democratizing AI for engineering with its bespoke SaaS platform that uses no-code, machine-learning software, giving domain experts the power to leverage existing, valuable testing datasets for their product development. The platform analyses and learns from this information, using it to generate accurate, reliable predictions that enable engineering teams to reduce costly, time- intensive prototype testing programs.  Integrating highly effective innovations such as the ‘Next Test Recommender’ tool and the industry’s first AI-powered ‘Anomaly Detector’ functionality, Monolith provides engineers with intelligent solutions to develop higher-quality products in half the time.

Veryon Acquires RCMBT to Bolster Aviation Maintenance Analytics Portfolio and Enhance Parts Forecasting Capabilities

Veryon. a provider of information services and software solutions for the aviation industry, recently announced its acquisition of RCMBT, an Ontario, Canada-based insights provider of parts reliability analytics for OEMs, regional airlines, and cargo operators. For over 20 years, RCMBT has delivered advanced decision-support technologies for the aerospace industry to optimize fleet reliability and performance. This strategic acquisition enhances Veryon’s portfolio by integrating advanced parts forecasting and cost analysis tools, enabling operators to further minimize unscheduled maintenance and improve aircraft availability.

“We’re giving our customers greater visibility into insights and analytics, empowering them to run their operations more effectively with incredibly advanced technology,” said Norman Happ, chief executive officer of Veryon. “Adding RCMBT to Veryon’s existing portfolio of industry — leading solutions is a key building block on our aviation innovation journey.”

RCMBT’s advanced parts forecasting and cost analysis tools in combination with the Veryon Diagnostics platform will provide direct visibility into part replacement cost and repeat defect monitoring. Aircraft operators can proactively resolve recurring issues and optimize maintenance schedules with even greater accuracy through machine-enabled pattern analysis and algorithm-driven failure predictions.

“By combining the strengths of both teams, we’ll be able to provide even more value to our customers by minimizing aircraft downtime due to parts shortages and enhancing overall fleet performance,” added Happ.

Veryon says operators report remarkable results with RCMBT’s data capabilities. Envoy Air reduced unscheduled downtime by 14% using RCMBT’s platform, while Bombardier cut costs by 40% and achieved 95% proactive accuracy, the company says. 

“We believe this acquisition will revolutionize how our customers manage their fleets,”said Gord Haynes, chief executive officer of RCMBT. “Joining forces with Veryon gives us the opportunity to scale our already exceptional analytics capabilities establishing a new benchmark for reliability in the aviation industry.”

Beyond enhancing product offerings, the acquisition will also help Veryon strengthen relationships with OEMs and align with its broader vision of leading the aviation industry into a new era of predictive, AI-driven solutions.

Veryon and RCMBT customers can continue to expect uninterrupted 24/7/365 support and ongoing product enhancements. The acquisition will allow both companies to offer a more comprehensive selection of solutions while maintaining both providers’ trusted reputations and brand attributes.

Since 1973, Veryon has been at the forefront of aviation maintenance technology by growing through key acquisitions such as CaseBank, Flightdocs, and Rusada. Today, the company says it serves more than 7,600 customers in 175 countries, supporting more than 75,000 users and covering over 25% of the world’s commercial fleet.

Ontic Gears Appoints New CFO

Ontic, a licensor and manufacturer of complex engineered parts for the global aerospace and defense industries, has appointed Gareth Parkin as global chief financial officer (CFO)

Parkin will assume full responsibility as CFO on February 14, 2025, following a detailed transition period with the current CFO, Toby Woolrych, and will be based at Ontic’s Creedmoor facility in North Carolina.

An experienced CFO, Parkin joins Ontic from Messer America, a leading provider of industrial and medical gases, where he was part of the leadership team who successfully took the company through a sale process involving GIC in 2023.

Prior to this, he spent 19 years in various Financial and Commercial roles within The Linde Group. Most notably here he led the divestiture of multiple assets across the Americas to meet anti-trust requirements, the largest asset package becoming the newly formed Messer Americas which was acquired by CVC in 2019.

Toby Woolrych will be leaving Ontic after three years at the end of March, having successfully supported the renewed partnership with Ontic’s owners CVC last year, during which ownership transferred from CVC’s Fund VII to Fund VIII. He is looking forward to using his experience and expertise in a range of new avenues going forward.

Gareth Hall, Ontic’s CEO, said, “I would like to thank Toby for his significant contribution to Ontic. He has provided strategic leadership during a period of significant growth for the business where Ontic expanded its global footprint, signed a record volume and value of licenses, and extended its offering to an ever-larger number of customers and platforms.

“We’re delighted to welcome Gareth, who will oversee increased investment in enhanced customer support teams, dedicated repair capabilities, ongoing supply chain improvements, sustainment engineering resource, sector-leading data analytics capabilities, and the investment into our dedicated MRO network. “These initiatives will reinforce Ontic’s unique abilities in the transition of complex part manufacture from licensors into Ontic’s facilities while maintaining or enhancing part availability to customers.”

Flight Data Systems Announces HHMPI License Agreement for L3Harris SRVIVR25 Cockpit Voice and Flight Recorder Data Extraction

Flight Data Systems announces a licensing partnership with L3Harris Commercial Aviation Division for the SRVIVR25 Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorders. This agreement grants Flight Data Systems the necessary license to download data from the SRVIVR25 cockpit voice recorder (CVR), flight data recorder (FDR) and combination cockpit voice flight data recorder (CVFDR) using the Flight Data Systems’ Handheld Multipurpose Tool (HHMPI™). Notably, Flight Data Systems is the first third-party entity to be granted a license for extracting data from SRVIVR25. This license agreement underscores Flight Data Systems’ commitment to innovation, as the HHMPI undergoes continuous functionality upgrades to meet the evolving demands of the aviation industry, enabling aircraft technicians to save time and reduce costs.
The SRVIVR25 is recognized as the leading 25-hour cockpit voice recorder in the industry and is line-fit on all new Airbus platforms. Additionally, many airlines are retrofitting their current fleets with this advanced recorder to achieve uniformity across their operations and significantly enhance their voice recording capabilities.
“Partnering with Flight Data Systems to facilitate third-party access to the SRVIVR25 recorders marks a major advancement for our customers,” stated Ron Nye, Director of Aftermarket Services at L3Harris Commercial Aviation. “This agreement addresses the industry’s need for improved data accessibility, empowering maintenance teams to optimize their workflows and enhance operational efficiency.”
The HHMPI is engineered to enhance maintenance efficiency by reducing service time, training requirements, and costs associated with downloading audio from CVRs and data from FDRs. Supporting multiple manufacturer recorders through OEM-specific cables, accessories, and software, the HHMPI ensures compliance with OEM requirements for successful data retrieval while offering cost savings to customers.
“The industry has long sought third-party extraction for the SRVIVR25 recorders, and we are pleased to announce that we’ve reached an agreement with L3Harris to fulfill this need,” said Shane LaPlante, vice president of sales and marketing at Flight Data Systems. “We already have partnerships in place for legacy L3 recorders and with various manufacturers. This new agreement not only expands the capabilities of our HHMPI Ground Support Tool but also leads to significant operational efficiencies and cost savings for our customers worldwide.”
Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, airlines, and operators servicing SRVIVR25 recorders can now leverage the power of Flight Data Systems’ HHMPI Ground Support Tool. Many of these facilities are required to perform regulatory compliance checks on multiple OEM recorders and are already utilizing the HHMPI. Once acquired, the HHMPI can facilitate hundreds, even thousands, of downloads for specific recorders, making it an asset for any maintenance operation.
Supporting over 100 airframes from top OEMs, the HHMPI is compact, durable, and recognized as the leading ground support tool for flight recorder data extraction. Designed specifically for aftermarket technicians, it efficiently organizes aircraft fleet information for targeted tail number downloads and offers practical data transfer methods. The HHMPI is economically accessible through purchase, rental agreements, or consignment options.
This partnership underscores Flight Data Systems’ commitment to pioneering advancements in aviation technology, equipping their clients with essential tools that promote safety and efficiency within their operations.

The Blackhawk Group Expands Maintenance Capabilities with Acquisition of Glendale Aero Services’ Maintenance Division

The Blackhawk Group (TBG), a premier provider of sales, services, and upgrades for the light turbine aircraft market, today announced its acquisition of the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) business of Glendale Aero Services (GAS). This acquisition, the company’s fifth, strengthens The Blackhawk Group’s Performance Center network and underscores its commitment to exceptional service and innovation in aircraft modernization. The GAS MRO business joins an existing network of Blackhawk and AVEX Performance Centers located across the US and will be rebranded under The Blackhawk Group umbrella as a Blackhawk Performance Center (BPC) to further align with the TBG enterprise mission. The Blackhawk Group is a portfolio company of New State Capital Partners. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Located in Glendale, Arizona at the Glendale Municipal Airport (KGEU), BPC-Glendale specializes in servicing Cirrus SR series and Vision Jet aircraft, as well as Cessna aircraft. The Part 145 certified repair station, an authorized Cirrus and Textron service center, boasts impressive capabilities, including Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) services and state-of-the-art avionics installations as a Garmin dealer. The GAS director of maintenance, John Fisher, will remain at the helm of BPC-Glendale, to maintain the high quality of service that his customers have come to expect.

“Partnering with The Blackhawk Group is a significant achievement for our business,” said Fisher. “Our dedication to high quality service and customer-centric operations makes this a natural fit and a mutually beneficial partnership. I’m excited about BPC-Glendale’s future and continuing to service the Cirrus and Cessna communities and beyond for years to come.”

“Gallery in the Sky” – Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings Showcases Great Aircraft Paint Schemes in New 2025 Calendar

Featuring a distinctive combination of the most elaborate and classic aircraft paint schemes produced in North America this past year, the annual Aerospace Coatings calendar from The Sherwin-Williams Company recognizes the exceptional creative craftsmanship of aircraft painters and designers across the country.

Its new 2025 calendar is no exception.

Highlighting 12 unique paint schemes that grace the sky, all paint designs featured in the new calendar utilize Sherwin-Williams aerospace coatings in their maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) facilities.

“We were again amazed with the quality and variety of the calendar submissions we received, from kit planes to military aircraft to large business jets,” said Julie Voisin, Sherwin-Williams Segment Manager, Aerospace, OE Interior and Commercial Refinish. “It is truly amazing the design quality and what the painters are able to accomplish. We are looking forward to the aviation industry enjoying these flying works of art throughout the coming year.”

“No doubt this year’s calendar demonstrates one of the most inspiring collections of aircraft paint schemes, and we are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings calendar contest.”

The 2025 Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings calendar cover features, for the first time, three aircraft in flight –all airborne Northrup F-5 fighter jets from Tactical Air Support, Inc., Reno, Nev. These aircraft were painted by CC’s Custom Aircraft Painting, Inc., in Ogden, Utah and their amazing paint schemes were designed by Scheme Designers in Cresskill, NJ. This cover image showcases just several of the dozen visually amazing paint schemes showcased in the annual collection. Other calendar-selected aircraft painted include the following companies and aircraft types:

• FlyExclusive – Hawker 800XP
• Regent Aircraft Services – DeHavilland DHC-6 300 Series
• North Idaho Aircraft Refinishing – Cessna 182 King Katmai
• C&L Aviation – Hawker 900XP
• Ballard Aviation – Beechcraft King Air B200
• Midwest Aircraft Refinishing – Cirrus SR22
• CC’s Custom Painting – Northrup F-5
• Corrigan Aircraft – Daher TBM 850
• FlyExclusive – Beechcraft 350
• Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems – Socata TBM 700
• Hawk Aircraft Painting – Van’s Aircraft RV-14
• First Class Aerospace – Mooney M20K

The wall calendar showcases Sherwin-Williams aerospace topcoats featured in designs that vary from single-stage systems such as AcryGlo, JetGlo, and JetGlo Express and even the new 850 and 855 Series SKYscapes basecoat-clearcoat systems.

“The designs chosen for 2025 represent all sizes and types of aircraft, provided by paint shops from all over the country,” added Voisin. “In addition to several of our previously featured MRO customers, we are pleased to note there are a number of new shops selected as well.”

The 2025 Aerospace Coatings calendar is available in early January 2025. If you would like to receive this new edition, contact your local/regional Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings representative or distributor.