Category: BizJet

Honda Aircraft Company Enhances Ownership Experience through Aircraft Management Services

Honda Aircraft Company recently introduced Aircraft Management Services (AMS), a customer-centric service solution designed to make HondaJet ownership effortless while offering owners greater control and predictability over maintenance demands.

The company says its HondaJet AMS program offers a streamlined approach to managing aircraft maintenance, overseen by Honda Aircraft Company Customer Service Division. Aircraft management specialists from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will guide, plan, and schedule maintenance activities, prioritizing safety, dependability, and value preservation. Enrolled owners will receive personalized maintenance management support tailored to their aircraft and operational needs. Meanwhile, maintenance tasks will continue to be performed by the extensive and highly capable HondaJet Authorized Service Center Network to ensure accessibility. Backed by Honda-trained technicians, genuine Honda quality parts, and expedited scheduling, the HondaJet AMS program aims to guarantee uninterrupted aircraft operations and optimized flight hours.

Key offerings of the AMS program include:

  • AOG Support – Dedicated 24/7 Maintenance Manager
  • Upgrades/Modification (Scheduling and Tracking)
  • Value Retention – Aircraft Detailing (Scheduling)
  • Scheduled Maintenance Tracking and Scheduling
  • Unscheduled Maintenance Support
  • Pilot Services Support (Relocation)
  • SB/AD Compliance
  • Consolidated Billing

“The AMS program elevates joy, confidence, and convenience for the HondaJet owners,” said Division Director of Customer Service at Honda Aircraft Company Luis Jimenez. “At Honda Aircraft Company, our top priority remains customer satisfaction, a value that starts with your HondaJet purchase and extends throughout the life of the aircraft. The AMS program further solidifies this commitment as the HondaJet fleet continues to grow.”

Exclusive to the HondaJet owners enrolled in the Flight Ready Service Plans, AMS will be available for enrollment after the 2023 National Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), beginning with U.S. based N-registered HondaJets.

As the HondaJet global fleet approaching 200,000 flight hours and grows to over 230 aircraft worldwide, Honda Aircraft Company says it remains committed to improving customer satisfaction. Recently, the company launched a new Flexible Phased Maintenance Program and expanded its service network to 21 locations worldwide.

StandardAero Maryville Celebrates 7,500th Rolls-Royce AE Family Shop Visit, Including 500th AE 1107C

StandardAero is celebrating delivery of the 7,500th Rolls-Royce AE family engine from the company’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Maryville, Tenn. The AE common core family includes the AE 2100 turboprop, AE 3007 turbofan and AE 1107 turboshaft, and StandardAero is an Rolls-Royce Authorized Maintenance Center (AMC) for all three powerplants.

Since inducting its first AE 3007 turbofan in 1997, the Maryville facility has to date processed over 6,500 engines. The AE 3007 powers the Embraer ERJ regional jet family (AE 3007A), the Cessna Citation X business jet (AE 3007C), the Northrop Grumman RQ/MQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system (UAS) (AE 3007H) and the Boeing MQ-25 Stingray UAS (AE 3007N).

StandardAero added the AE 1107 to its MRO portfolio under a 30-year long-term agreement signed with Rolls-Royce in 2018, since then the Maryville facility has processed over 500 engines. The AE 1107C powers the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey, while the AE 1107F variant has been selected to power the Bell V-280 Valor Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). StandardAero also supports the related MT7 marine gas turbine, which powers the Textron Systems LCAC 100-class Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC)

StandardAero received AMC approval for the AE 2100 in 1993, and has supported the engine from Maryville since 2021. StandardAero serves operators of the type across the world, including those flying the Lockheed Martin C-130J / LM-100J Hercules (AE 2100D3), Alenia C-27J Spartan (AE 2100D2), AE 2100A (Saab 2000) and ShinMaywa US-2 (AE 2100J).

“StandardAero is proud of its close relationship with Rolls-Royce on the AE family of engines, and honored to be the support provider of choice for operators around the globe,” commented Greg Krekeler, vice president and general manager of StandardAero’s Maryville facility. “The team here at Maryville understands that military, commercial and corporate operators worldwide rely on us to deliver responsive, reliable support and our team of 275 skilled professionals set the standard of excellence day in and day out.”

In addition to the AE family, StandardAero’s 154,000 sq. ft. Maryville facility also supports a wide range of auxiliary power units, including the Honeywell GTCP 36-100/150 and RE220, the Pratt & Whitney Canada APS 2300, and the Safran Power Units SPU300.

RedCabin Announces New Trinity Awards

RedCabin has announced a new awards program for industry professionals in aviation interiors – the RedCabin Trinity Awards. These awards celebrate the collaboration of the three key stakeholders in the aviation interiors industry: the inventor of a cabin related concept, the organization that deploys the concept — typically an airline, leasing company or airframe manufacturer — and RedCabin as the host of the awards scheme.  Uniquely the judging panel is exclusively made up of airlines and aircraft leasing companies — ensuing the awards reflect the real requirements of the industry.

Since its launch, RedCabin says it has been promoting collaboration that fosters innovation in the aviation interiors industry. RedCabin’s Aircraft Interiors Innovation Summits (ACIS) bring together key stakeholders to drive positive change in the aviation industry.

A wide range of categories celebrating innovation

The RedCabin Trinity Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the spectrum of the aircraft interiors industry. Awards will be judged against strict criteria including likelihood of the concept becoming reality, cost reduction, efficiency improvement and the concept’s ability to improve the passenger experience in an aircraft cabin.

Companies can enter the following categories:

  • Passenger experience concept: this covers all concepts for future products – including hardware and software experiences and digital services – that deliver innovations that improve passenger experience within the cabin
  • Cabin service concept: this covers concepts for future service models and products that are beneficial for airlines and – ideally – passengers.  
  • Cabin MRO concept: this celebrates the best innovation to further develop cabin related MRO products, services and processes.
  • Sustainability concept: this category celebrates the best concepts for sustainable products, processes and services within an aircraft cabin to drive a circular economy.
  • Collaboration excellence: this category rewards excellence in collaboration, across at least three different parties, all contributing to the success of a new product, service or industry standard.
  • Newcomer/start-up: this award is for organisations younger than two years’ old that have created a cabin concept that will have a major impact on aviation. The start-ups can submit a concept related to one of the first four categories.
  • Best of RedCabin: this honours the speaker, moderator or workshop leader at a RedCabin ACIS that reinforces the unique culture of RedCabin as voted for at the summit.
  • Influential/lifetime achievement: this award recognises the outstanding contribution of an individual to the industry over a sustained period of excellence – rewarding contribution, commitment and achievement.

Timeline for the RedCabin Trinity Awards

The awards are open for entries from 9 November 2023, with the entry period closing on 15 December 2023. A highly respected industry judging panel of airlines and air leasing companies will meet to review the awards before a shortlist is announced in March 2024. Finalists will be announced in April 2024. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at ACIS in Dallas, USA on 13 June 2024.  The Boeing Company is confirmed as the first headline sponsor of the awards.

“These awards pioneer the importance of collaboration in aviation interiors,” said founder and chief executive of RedCabin, Monica Wick. “RedCabin is dedicated to bringing the industry together in the firm belief that innovation is inspired by cooperation. We created these awards to  celebrate the concepts, products and services that will materially improve the in-cabin experience in the future – for airlines and, ultimately, traveling passengers.”

Awards to be a central part of US ACIS 2024, hosted by American Airlines

The awards will be an integral part of RedCabin’s ACIS in Dallas, Texas, hosted by American Airlines, 12 to 14 June 2024. The event will showcase passenger experience innovation from airframe manufacturers, airlines and industry leading suppliers from across the globe, as well as cover issues such as delivering a 21st Century cabin experience for the next generation of supersonic and evTOL aircraft. The full agenda will be revealed first at https://www.linkedin.com/company/redcabin/ and at https://twitter.com/RedCabin_Events. 

RedCabin Summits are widely recognised in the industry as the showcase for new innovation.  From shaping the future of sustainable aviation, to new seat and cabin designs, to unveiling innovation in colour, materials and finish (CMF), global innovators in aviation interiors choose to launch new products and concepts to the industry at RedCabin Summits.

To see more information and enter the RedCabin Trinity Awards, click here: https://trinityaward.redcabin.de/

Streamlining Endurance Tests With Standalone Control Systems

The goal of product endurance testing is to subject manufactured products to real-world stress and ultimately to achieve service life certification. In these long-term applications, engineers require both data acquisition and control capabilities.

The Delphin ProfiMessage devices are ideal for multi-channel test applications, providing stand-alone operation managed by an on-board processor, and up to 16 GB of memory for data storage. These systems feature data acquisition and control functions, network connectivity, support for standard communications protocols such as Modbus, CAN, and Profibus, and the capability to expand to over 100 analog and digital I/O channels.

Data Security And Monitoring

Delphin devices can continuously stream data to a PC and also record to internal memory, providing users with redundant data recording. This is especially useful for ensuring that there are no data gaps in lengthy testing applications in the event of a communications interruption or computer restart/failure.

Test failures can be immediately reported via email or via digital outputs for a local alarm. An integrated scheduler within the Delphin DataService software enables periodic data archiving to a backup device. Users can use Delphin’s ProfiSignal Software to configure measurements, monitor live data, create automated tests sequences, and evaluate historical data.

Product Test Application Features:

  • Measurement, automation, and analysis functions in a single device
  • Multiple test stands can be operated independently of one another
  • Standalone operation independent of a PC
  • Data security through redundant storage and automated backup
  • Email/test message notification upon product test failures

Bluetail Introduces the Next Generation of its Time Saving Mach Conformity Module

Bluetail, the modern aircraft records platform for business aviation, has announced the release of its new and improved MACH Conformity Module.

The application, which allows operators to conform their aircraft for FAA Part 135 requirements in 50% less time, now delivers an array of performance enhancements created to further reduce time and cost. 

“When we introduced the Mach Conformity Module at last year’s NBAA-BACE, it was an instant hit among Part 135 charter operators because it allowed them to reduce the often multiple-week process of FAA conformity down to five days or less,” said Roy Gioconda, VP of Products and Solutions at Bluetail. “For most operators, MACH Conformity pays for itself on the very first use. And now, the process is even more intuitive, faster, and more capable than anything else on the market.” 

What does the new and improved MACH Conformity module include? 

Leveraging Bluetail’s industry-leading secure software platform and MACH 2 Search capability, the MACH Conformity Module introduces a range of repeatable and revenue-recapturing features, including: 

• Auto-built Smart Lists based on CSV or XLS file uploads, allowing operators to search for documents related to ADs, SBs, components, and inspections

• Create Smart Lists to quickly search all FAA Form 337 data, including STCs, ICAs and flight manual supplements

• FAA compliant conformity binder builder, needed for the applicable FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)

• Easily save and share the final conformity binder for future use and export documents into a standard format for FSDO review 

• Ability to build and track task lists, including assigning tasks to team members 

To learn more, visit https://bluetail.aero/conformity or stop by the Bluetail booth (C7122) at NBAA-BACE on Oct. 17-19. 

ILS, CORRIDOR and Quantum Control Power New Era of Aviation Part Sales With Integrated eCommerce Solution

Co-developed by ILS (Inventory Locator Service) and aerospace ERP software providers CORRIDOR and Quantum Control, SalesEdge Commerce provides the only native ERP and marketplace integrated eCommerce platform for the Aviation Aftermarket.

By enabling Aviation Parts suppliers with custom-branded storefronts and materials co-listed in the ILS
Marketplace and integrated with their ERP, parts suppliers can:

  • Provide best-in-class online parts purchasing experiences to their customers,
  • Improve their operational sales productivity, drive growth and reach more markets,
  • Protect their investments in workflows, company brand and IP (intellectual property) and extend the value of the ERP and Marketplace presence they already have.

Addressing comprehensive aviation industry requirements
Fueled by the consumerization of IT and accelerated by the pandemic, B2B aviation professionals increasingly want more efficient ways to buy parts. B2B aviation suppliers have struggled to meet this demand with other solutions and technologies significantly burdening internal resources requiring the deployment of expensive, and complex IT technologies not specifically designed for the Aviation aftermarket or participate in eCommerce markets that compromise their independence and prior investments.

Introducing SalesEdge Commerce
With SalesEdge Commerce, buyers and sellers now have more efficient means of parts procurement and sales. Buyers receive the B2B purchasing experience expected with aviation material, including the ability to securely buy online with terms set with the supplier, review critical material characteristics and certifications, plus track order status and delivery. Part sellers can increase revenues by opening new channels of business, save time and effort by automating their sales processes, and deliver a better experience for their customers by enabling online purchasing. Key capabilities and benefits of SalesEdge Commerce include:

  • Best-in-class purchase experiences – Buyers benefit from a streamlined, automated buying process enabling faster, 24/7 ordering capability with less effort and more visibility into orders and options including single page
    checkout, repeat ordering and custom pricing for corporate accounts.
  • Drive Growth and increase Sales and Marketing Productivity – Suppliers gain by increasing their market reach, improving sales productivity with workflow automation leveraging the existing modules in their ERP, and executing integrated campaigns across their branded storefront and ILS marketplace presence. Also, the solution includes all modern digital marketing tools like SEO and Content management, Landing Pages, and allows sellers to analyze Search history and User Behavior.
  • Designed for the aviation aftermarket – SalesEdge Commerce is purpose-built to handle all types of aviation part sales, from consumables to expendables and rotables, complete with part pedigree information. The solution is offered by Aerospace Marketplace ILS and trusted ERP providers CORRIDOR and Quantum Control, together serving nearly 10k global customers with extensive experience in aviation supply chain software.
  • Investment protection – By providing a native integration with their ILS Marketplace presence, Quantum Control or CORRIDOR ERP, sellers extend the value of their existing workflows and platforms used to run their business today.
  • Payment functionality – Buyer experience during the checkout process will replicate how they purchase with their supplier today and offer credit card options for new customers. The native ERP integration enables buyers to use their accounts and purchase within available credit limits, net terms, or execute a transaction directly with credit card.
  • Implementation and Centralized support – Configuration and deployment services are included as well as proactive monitoring and customer support is provided by a centralized Storefront, Marketplace & ERP support team.

  • “Customers in our eco-system are keen to advance their commercial reach and improve productivity, while offering superior customer buying experiences to their customers at any time, from any device, and from any location – including shop floors,” said Sean Lanagan, CEO at CAMP Systems. “Our vision was validated by our customers who all wanted to add eCommerce to their digital strategy yet wanted to ensure they could do so while protecting all the investments in processes, knowledge, people and systems made over time. With SalesEdge Commerce, we are excited to enable them with a complete natively integrated eCommerce capability with our Quantum Control or CORRIDOR ERP and ILS Marketplace platforms that allows them to seamlessly serve their customers using their own branded storefront leveraging the tools they use every day to manage their complex business processes. It also allows us to extend our SalesEdge product family providing more advanced sales automation and intelligence capabilities to our customers’ sales teams. Aviation parts suppliers want to focus on their core competencies and not on systems integration, and with SalesEdge Commerce can now benefit from an all-in-one solution designed to support their unique Aviation industry needs.”

StandardAero Springfield, Ill. Business Aviation MRO Shop Announces $10 Million in Facility Investments and Upgrades

StandardAero has announced a commitment to invest $10-12 million in leasehold improvements at the company’s Springfield, Illinois business aviation MRO facility. The investments, in partnership with Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, will be completed in three phases over a two-and-a-half-year period.

The investments and upgrades will be applied to major building improvements and modernization including hangar door overhaul, interior door replacement, resurfacing of hangar floors, exterior paint, interior paint, HVAC replacements, flat roof replacements, paint facility equipment upgrades, parking area and road resurfacing to name a few. 

“We have already started the repair and overhaul process for our hangar doors and we’re proceeding with the other phased improvements,” said Dave Pearman, vice president & general anager of StandardAero Springfield.  “We are grateful to the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport for their support and once all of the upgrades are completed, we’ll essentially have a ‘like new’ operation.” 

Earlier this year, Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport implemented a project install of a 2.88 Mw solar project that consists of 6 solar arrays with over 6,500 panels on 7.5 acres of the airport property.  Now in full operation, the arrays generate nearly 4,000,000 kWh annually and is one of the largest solar arrays in the state of Illinois on an airport. StandardAero currently receives 100% of its electrical power from the solar arrays, making it one of the “greenest” facilities in the industry. 

“We are grateful for StandardAero’s continued commitment to the Springfield community,” stated Mark Hanna, Executive Director of the Springfield Airport Authority. He continued, “We are very excited to share this opportunity with StandardAero to pursue these facilities improvements, which will of course enhance their operation upon completion, but will also provide prospects for future growth.” 

StandardAero Springfield supports primarily airframe maintenance for business aviation aircraft including scheduled maintenance, avionics installations, full interior refurbishments, and full aircraft paint. 

“The modernization of our facility represents our commitment to our customers to deliver excellent customer service and the best quality aircraft service in the industry,” Pearman concluded.

Bluetail Announces Comprehensive Integration with JSSI’S Traxxall Platform

Bluetail announced a new collaboration between their aircraft management solution and JSSI’s maintenance tracking software, Traxxall. A bridge between the two platforms, this integration empowers maintenance personnel to harness, uncover, and fully utilize the full breadth of their aircraft data and digital records from a single source. 

“At Bluetail, our customers drive the evolution of our product,” said Sam Celaya, Bluetail’s Vice President of Sales & Business Development. “JSSI and Bluetail have both been consistent innovators in the Business Aviation market. With this integration, our joint customers can benefit from increased efficiency and direct access to their aircraft records anytime, from anywhere in the world.” 

This new collaboration will enable both technology platforms to seamlessly communicate with each other, preventing redundant effort and empowering customers to easily search any record using Bluetail. 

“The integration with Bluetail enhances the user experience for our mutual customers, who can now manage their historical data directly from Traxxall,” said Mark Steinbeck, Chief Commercial Officer at JSSI Maintenance Software. “This makes their lives easier and their operation more efficient.” 

The integration is now available to all Traxxall customers via their management tracking software.

Trimec Aviation Wraps Up First Falcon 2000/EX Upgrade with Universal Avionics InSight and Accepting Reservations for Upgrade

Trimec Aviation, a certified FAA Part 145 Repair Station (#18TR248C) and Universal Avionics (UA) are completing the first Falcon 2000/EX aircraft Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) with UA’s InSight Flight Display System. The newly installed system replaces the Pro Line 4 and includes SBAS-Flight Management Systems, Universal’s Connectivity Ecosystem, and UniLink Communications Management system which supports RNP 0.3 instrument approaches and CPDLC, digital clearances, FANS 1A+, and ATN B1. 

“We are proud of our Fort Worth technical team for making this possible and look forward to welcoming other Falcon 2000/EX operators looking for a solution for their aging and obsolete avionics,” said Mike Rabadi, Trimec Aviation president, and CEO. “This upgrade will not only increase the value of their asset but improve operating efficiency, enhance pilot safety, and increase the aircraft’s available payload.”

John Holland, Trimec Aviation general manager, said, “It’s exciting to reach the final stage of this important STC for Falcon 2000/EX operators. The CDUs and FMS for the Pro Line 4 are irreplaceable and are no longer supported so this is a timely solution that Trimec is ready to provide.”

“We are thrilled to deliver a modern, sustainable solution for the Falcon 2000/EX in partnership with Trimec Aviation,” added Dror Yahav, Universal Avionics CEO. “The InSight Display System has achieved certification on a variety of business jets, upgrading them to the latest available operational capabilities and significantly extending the aircraft’s longevity for years to come.”

Trimec Aviation was recognized as an Outstanding Dealer of the Year for 2022 by Universal Avionics and continues to build on its foundation as an innovative avionics solution provider with this new STC.   

Lufthansa Technik and Pilatus Unveil Strategic Cooperation

Lufthansa Technik and Pilatus Aircraft are unveiling their strategic cooperation regarding a cabin management system for the Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet. For this purpose, the Original Equipment & Special Aircraft Services segment of Lufthansa Technik has adapted its renowned »nice« (networked integrated cabin equipment) specifically for the popular jet aircraft type of the Swiss manufacturer.

In the PC-24, the system is called “integrated Cabin Management System 4.0″ (iCMS 4.0) and features a 10” touch screen controller with 3D moving map, USB ports, media storage server and four high fidelity cabin speakers with optional sub-woofer, HDMI input, and mood lighting. In the past, such systems have only been installed in mid-size and large business jets – mainly due to the number of their components, weight, performance, and associated costs. For its new partner Pilatus, Lufthansa Technik is therefore introducing an Ethernet-based »nice« in which the entire system is housed as a 
line-replaceable unit in a compact enclosure.

The resulting iCMS 4.0, which builds on Lufthansa Technik’s enormous experience in providing line-fit systems to heavy business jet platforms, features four Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The interface to the passengers is provided by the touch-sensitive surface already known from existing »nice« systems, which allows, for example, navigating through the various entertainment options. This 
allows passengers to seamlessly manage comfort functions as well as audio and video content, either via the built-in 10″ touch screen or from their personal electronic devices (PEDs). In addition, the new system provides a fully digital platform that allows the crew to personalize the PC-24’s cabin for the passengers in advance of each flight.

“Pilatus is proud to introduce the iCMS 4.0 inflight entertainment system in collaboration with Lufthansa Technik,” said Ignaz Gretener, vice president of Pilatus’ Business Aviation unit. “Our modified system, more compact and efficient than ever before, features a fully customized interface tailored to Pilatus’ discerning customers. This innovation not only enhances the onboard experience but also reflects
our commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation technology.”

“We are honored to be part of this remarkable aircraft and to offer Pilatus service enhancements that will elevate the PC-24 passenger experience to an even higher level,” said Andrew Muirhead, vice 
president OEM and engineering services and head of the original equipment & special aircraft services segment at Lufthansa Technik. “We are proud of our technical achievements in integrating so much 
functionality into such a compact unit – once again a demonstration of the innovative power of our team. Together with our valued new partner Pilatus, we are now making the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet even more versatile.”

A first PC-24 equipped with the new iCMS 4.0 will be presented in the static display (AD_32) at the National Business Aviation Association Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). In addition, experts will be available at the Pilatus (N1808) and Lufthansa Technik (C12613) booths to provide more information.

Technical data and functionality of the »nice«-based iCMS 4.0:
– Wi-Fi 802.11N/AC/AX capable of simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
– Bluetooth transceiver for audio sink or source
– Multicast streaming
– 6-channel digital amplifier, which can include optional subwoofer
– Controls via Ethernet, ARINC 429, RS485/422/232, discrete and 
relays
– 1 terabyte of storage space for personal AVOD (audio/video on 
demand)
– »niceview« mobile moving map
– »nice« wireless app control