August 9, 2018 - No. 063 In This Issue SR Technics To Expand In Malta.. Menzies Aviation buyout of Airline Services could face 'in-depth' investigation. Gama Aviation Preps UK Mx Facility, Hits U.S. Milestone Magnetic MRO mulling leaving Estonia. FAA Warns of Improper Work Conducted by AeroBearings PILOT GROUPS CRITICISE QANTASLINK OVERSEAS PILOTS DEAL AIR NEW ZEALAND LOOKS TO HIT 'PRINT' ON METAL AIRCRAFT PARTS. Million Air Begins Construction in Austin A look inside Norwich's aviation academy as it celebrates first birthday ICAO Provides Training Guidance for FANS Ops SpaceX Falcon 9 Lifts Off In Florida, Places Indonesian Satellite In Orbit. SR Technics To Expand In Malta Having signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in May 2017 to expand its aircraft maintenance facility in Malta, SR Technicsfurthered its plans on Monday (August 6) by penning a contract with national economic development agency Malta Enterprise and Malta Industrial Parks which oversees the management of government-owned properties. The new 322,000 square foot facility located at Malta International Airport will accommodate widebody and narrowbody aircraft and will hold greater workshop space which will enable increased capacity for heavy maintenance work, C-checks and any cabin modifications or retrofits to up to six narrowbody aircraft at a time. The investment will stand at a reported €35 million ($40.5 million). Construction is expected to begin this year with the first four bays scheduled to be completed by November 2019. Initial focus will be on Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737NG aircraft. As a means of maintaining demand during the construction period, SR Technics also confirmed it will establish a third bay from November this year located in a temporary hangar adjacent to the existing facility. As capacity across global facilities becomes tighter, hangar expansions are becoming ever-more common. Yet the scale of SR Technics' growth in Malta is significant in a country that has provided a consistent flow of aircraft maintenance work. Like fellow European MRO Lufthansa Technik's Malta operation, a major SR Technics customer in the country is U.K.-low cost carrier easyJet, which it completed its 200th aircraft for in April last year. The two parties are working under a five-year heavy maintenance contract signed in 2016 which was expanded the following year to include thrust reverser overhauls on its CFM56-powered A319s and A320s. Its current setup in the Mediterranean country, where it has held a presence since 2010, consists of 4,300 square feet of space at its existing facility which houses a two-bay narrowbody hangar where along with heavy maintenance, it also carries out cabin modification work. In the eight years since it started operating, SR Technics' Malta base has also since established a partnership with Aviation Cosmetics Malta for lease-end transitioning services on A320 family jets. Employee numbers are also expected to increase from the existing 260 staff to more than 600 with plans for 350 new hires. Roles include B1 and B2 level engineers, structure mechanics and technicians. https://www.mro-network.com/maintenance-repair-overhaul/sr-technics-expand-malta Back to Top Menzies Aviation buyout of Airline Services could face 'in-depth' investigation The UK competition watchdog says Menzies Aviation and Airline Services are close competitors and the acquisition could lead to less choice for airlines, potentially leading to higher prices and lower quality service. The Competition and Markets Authority has announced it could launch an "in-depth" probe into a deal that saw airline logistics specialist Menzies Aviation buy rival Airline Services. The competition watchdog said it will refer the acquisition for an investigation if Menzies does not address its concerns about the deal - saying it could lead to higher prices and lower quality service for airline customers - by next Tuesday (14 August). Menzies announced it had acquired Airline Services - an aircraft "de-icing specialist" - in April. In a statement, the CMA said: "Following its initial phase one investigation, the CMA has identified competition concerns regarding de-icing services at Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Heathrow airports, and ground handling services at London Gatwick and Manchester airports. "The merger of Menzies and Airline Services, which are close competitors at these airports, could lead to less choice for the airlines operating there, potentially leading to higher prices and lower quality service." Menzies Aviation and Airline Services have rival businesses The CMA claimed both companies offer aircraft interior cleaning and maintenance, as well as ground handling - which can include the handling of baggage, ramps, passengers and cargo. Airline Services provides de-icing and "presentation services" to 60 airlines across 12 airports in the UK. Menzies operates at 200 airports around the globe, refueling aircraft and offering executive lounges on top of the services also offered by Airline Services. A Menzies spokewoman said: "We note the decision of the CMA to refer the acquisition of Airline Services Limited. "While we are disappointed by the decision, we will continue to co-operate with the CMA and its processes. "Menzies Aviation's first priority every day is to deliver safe and secure operations to our airline customers at over 200 airports globally. "We are committed to growing our business and raising standards within our industry." Details of Menzies Aviation acquisition of Airline Services It is expected that the Menzies buy-up of the near 30-year-old Airline Services will lead to 900 employees moving over to Menzies. Menzies added that the acquisition would "strengthen" its position in the airport services market and expand its customer base. Announcing the deal, Menzies Aviation executive vice-president Andy Lord said: "This acquisition has sound strategic logic and is a significant addition to our UK service offering. "Adding Airline Services to our existing network gives us the opportunity to share facilities and expertise, which will enable us to become even more competitive. "I am also excited to be taking the Menzies brand and suite of services into four new airport locations. "The Menzies Aviation team are eager to bring excellence, from touchdown to takeoff, to our newly expanded customer base." https://www.compelo.com/menzies-aviation-airline-services-investigation/ Back to Top Gama Aviation Preps UK Mx Facility, Hits U.S. Milestone Gama Aviation has received EASA maintenance approval for its new Bournemouth, UK facility, as it consolidates from its existing Farnborough and Oxford locations. The facility is now approved for work on Beechcraft King Airs and Premiers; Bombardier Challenger 600 family, Challenger 850s, and Globals; Hawkers; Cessna Citation 560/Excel/XL/XLSs; and Embraer Legacy 600/650s. "With the EASA approval now in place, we shall seek to add FAA, Cayman, Bermudan, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man to the site's approval list," said Scott McVicar, Gama's managing director for Europe ground services. "With the transition approval coming slightly earlier than expected, the good retention of our current team, and significant interest from local engineers and support staff, I believe we are ahead of plan and can now start to book business into our new home." The UK-based company also noted that its U.S. maintenance business has completed its 50,000th work order last week, a minor line maintenance item on a Challenger 350, performed at its West Palm Beach, Florida service facility. The aircraft was released back into service on schedule. "I am delighted that we have reached this milestone," said Dennis Richey, president of Gama's U.S. ground business. "Our ability to provide a local touch at key destinations across the U.S., combined with the passion displayed by my team to support our clients' missions, translates directly to the financial performance of the operator through a decrease in aircraft downtime." The announcement comes as Gama has committed to a further $10 million investment into its coast-to-coast service U.S. network, which will add more line, base, and heavy maintenance capabilities during the second half of the year. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-08-07/gama-aviation-preps-uk-mx-facility-hits-us-milestone Back to Top Magnetic MRO mulling leaving Estonia Aircraft maintenance company Magnetic MRO is considering relocating its base from Estonia as restrictions on hiring foreign workforce and the tax environment are hindering the company's growth, CEO Risto Mäeots told weekly Eesti Ekspress. Mäeots said that the company was experiencing major problems bringing foreign top specialists, customers and investors to Estonia. "Our client was treated the same way as an illegal and was told 'Welcome to Estonia!'" Mäeots told the weekly. "I was so ashamed of the Republic of Estonia that I spent the night at the passenger terminal with the client's pilots." Mäeots said that Magnetic MRO is unable to function without bringing in specialists from abroad. He said that the company would like to use local specialists, but none are available as aircraft have never been painted or their engines serviced in Estonia before. "If things go on this way, it is only a matter of time until I make a proposal to relocate the headquarters of Magnetic MRO from Tallinn to somewhere where conditions are more amicable, such as London or Shanghai," he continued. "Somewhere where you can get a visa, where people are allowed to enter the country to work, where there are tax incentives, and so on." Magnetic MRO is a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified total technical care and asset management organisation offering integrated MRO services. The company's 2017 revenue grew 79% to €90.9 million, with profits increasing 60.4% to nearly €4 million. 21% was earned from basic maintenance services and 79% from other business operations, it can be seen from the company's annual report. The company invested €8.1 million in fixed assets last year, including the purchase of plane engines. It operated with a workforce of 330 people, with labour costs totalling €10.3 million. Thorough or base maintenance of the Boeing 737 and Airbus 320 aircraft types as well as the painting of planes are conducted in hangars located at Tallinn Airport. Separate services offered include the sale of aircraft maintenance knowhow and route maintenance service, i.e. maintenance between flights at a number of international airports. In January 2018, investment company BaltCap, the owner of Magnetic MRO, sold 100% of its holding in the company to China's Guangzhou Hangxin Aviation Technology, marking the largest Chinese investment in Estonia to date. https://news.err.ee/852344/magnetic-mro-mulling-leaving-estonia Back to Top FAA Warns of Improper Work Conducted by AeroBearings The FAA is recommending record checks for potential improper bearing work conducted by AeroBearings in Arlington, Texas. The agency recently issued a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) advising that an investigation of the Kornitzky Group, which does business as AeroBearings, revealed that the company conducted work without the necessary approved data. "As a result, AeroBearings LCC could not determine whether the bearings met the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) design specifications," the agency said, adding it revoked the AeroBearings certificate in March. AeroBearings was not available for comment at press time. AeroBearings' certificate covered aeronautical anti-friction bearings used in turbine engines, auxiliary power units (APU), rotorcraft drive systems, and accessory applications. The FAA has the company's capability list online, which includes Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 and Honeywell TPE331 turboprop engines. In the SAFO, the agency advises that aircraft owners, operators, suppliers, air agencies, distributors, and maintenance technicians inspect records and inventory for any bearings approved for return to service by AeroBearings. "Any bearing found to be overhauled, repaired, or inspected by AeroBearings LLC that is not installed should be quarantined until the suspect bearing undergoes a recertification inspection to determine airworthiness prior to installation," the agency said. Bearings already installed should be inspected "at the next piece parts exposure" and owners/operators are advised to closely monitor those bearings, the FAA further said. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-08-08/faa-warns-improper-work-conducted-aerobearings Back to Top PILOT GROUPS CRITICISE QANTASLINK OVERSEAS PILOTS DEAL Pilot groups have criticised the federal government's labour agreement with Qantas that will allow the airline to bring in overseas pilots and instructors to support its training needs. Qantas has secured approval to recruit up to 76 overseas pilots and instructors for its regional wing QantasLink to help with pilot training, with those employed able to stay in Australia for up to four years. Under existing skilled worker visa rules, overseas aircraft maintenance engineers and pilots were only eligible to work in Australia for up to two years. The airline said the two-year contracts had proven uncompetitive in what it described as a global market for these sought-after skills. Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) president Captain Murray Butt said he rejected the assertion there were not enough local candidates capable of meeting Qantas's needs. "Qantas should not have been granted a special deal to hire foreign pilots before properly testing the labour market," Captain Butt said in a statement on Wednesday. "If there is a real pilot shortage of Australian applicants, and AIPA has serious doubts, it has come about because the aviation employers have sat on their hands and done nothing to address the impending supply side problem. "Collectively, they have made aviation a relatively unattractive career." Qantas said the move to bring in overseas pilots and instructors was to support QantasLink's efforts to get its recruits through their training program and begin flying. It said eligible senior pilots and instructors would have to reach the same capability standards and pass the same simulator assessments as existing pilots. They would also be employed on the same terms and conditions as its existing pilots and simulator instructors. "Our focus has always been to recruit Australian-based pilots and that hasn't changed," a Qantas spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday. "This agreement allows us to temporarily bring in a limited number of simulator instructors and experienced pilots from overseas to support one of the biggest training programs we have done in our history." AIPA is the union that represents Qantas pilots. Another pilots union, the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP), has also opposed the Qantas labour agreement. "There is not a pilot shortage in Australia, rather a bottleneck in the pilot training pipeline," AFAP president Captain David Booth said in a statement. "This decision is a slap in the face to hundreds of qualified young Australian pilots who are ready, willing and able to take up pilot positions in the Qantas Group. "It is very disappointing that the government has seen fit to reward Qantas for their poor planning with this band-aid solution." The AFAP has called for "round-table meetings with all the stakeholders to find a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the current problems being experienced by general aviation and regional airlines". An expert industry panel review of the aviation training sector in this country has found Australia was experiencing a severe shortage of aviation personnel, with the situation getting worse. "The current shortage of qualified pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers is a global problem and a major issue for Australia's aviation system. Urgent action is required if the country is to avoid major disruptions," the report published on July 27 stated. The report was written by a panel of experts chaired by The Australian Aviation Associations Forum and comprising representatives from Aircraft Structural Contractors, Aviation Australia, Basair Aviation College, QantasLink, the Regional Aviation Association of Australia, the Regional Express Flight Training Academy and Virgin Australia. http://australianaviation.com.au/2018/08/pilot-groups-criticise-qantaslink-overseas-pilots-deal/ Back to Top AIR NEW ZEALAND LOOKS TO HIT 'PRINT' ON METAL AIRCRAFT PARTS Air New Zealand is looking at how it may be able to save time and money by using 3D printed metal parts in its aircraft and tools. It has joined forces with New Zealand company Zenith Tecnica, which specializes in the design and manufacture of 3D titanium and other metal parts using a technology called electron beam melting. The technology is designed by GE Additive company ARCAM EBM and uses a powerful electron beam to melt metal powder in a vacuum. A part is then built up layer-by-layer, a process also known as additive manufacturing, using computer-aided design. There has been increasing interest throughout the aviation industry in 3D printing technology because of the dual advantages of cost savings and the ability to more quickly produce complicated parts. The process reduces wastage and the need to hold big inventories, allowing parts to be made according to demand and made available where they're needed. Printed parts are already used in aircraft cabins as well as in areas such as auxiliary power units and engines. US manufacturer Boeing earlier this week announced its HorizonX venture fund had invested in Digital Alloys, a US-based company developing high-speed, multi-metal additive manufacturing systems that produce 3D-printed parts. Boeing said it already had more than 60,000 3D-printed parts flying on space, commercial and defense products. Air New Zealand's foray into 3D printing began in 2016 and it now produces items such as improved parts for inflight entertainment screens. The latest investment is part of a strategy that includes work with universities and partners such as aircraft maintenance company ST Engineering Aerospace to produce advanced parts. "While we are in the initial stages of working with these companies on 3D printing, so far, we have printed prototype metal framing for our Business Premier cabin, to quickly test new concepts and ideas and we have also made novelty wine aerators,'' Air New Zealand chief operations officer Bruce Parton said. "While the aerators, made to look like replica aircraft engines, are a bit of fun we're really excited by the possibility they represent as 3D printing is both cost and space effective. "Aircraft interiors are made up of tens of thousands of parts, and the ability to 3D print on demand lightweight parts we only require a small number of, rather than rely on traditional manufacturing methods is of huge benefit to our business, without compromising safety, strength or durability." Zenith Tecnica managing director Martyn Newby said the Air New Zealand partnership was a good project to demonstrate the strength, versatility and utility of titanium 3D printed parts for aircraft applications. The company already makes parts for a range of applications, including marine, industrial, medical and sporting uses. It also produces parts for satellites and is hoping the Air New Zealand partnership will help it open a new market in the aviation industry. "We are in a very good position to support the local adoption of 3D printing for aviation applications and welcome Air New Zealand's enthusiasm to embrace this emerging technology and help take it to the mainstream," he said. https://www.airlineratings.com/news/air-new-zealand-looks-hit-print-metal-aircraft-parts/ Back to Top Million Air Begins Construction in Austin Million Air has begun construction on a new $40 million-plus FBO complex at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas. When completed next summer, it will be the third FBO on the field and include a 14,500-sq-ft terminal, with an aircraft arrival canopy, a spacious passenger lounge, pilot lounge, flight planning room, and conference rooms. The 20-acre site will offer more than seven acres of ramp space to accommodate any size aircraft, with seven customizable hangars ranging from 15,600 sq ft to 19,950 sq ft, each capable of sheltering aircraft up to a Gulfstream G650, with independent parking and entry, and a private club for tenants. "Our belief in Austin and its growth into a top national and international business and entertainment destination drives our investment in market-changing ventures," said company CEO Roger Woolsey. "Beyond a cutting-edge facility, world-class service is of paramount importance in our vision for Million Air Austin." For the Houston-based company, the Texas capital location will represent the 31st FBO in its network and its fourth in the state. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-08-08/million-air-begins-construction-austin Back to Top A look inside Norwich's aviation academy as it celebrates first birthday There are probably few training facilities which have caught the eye of so many as Norwich's aviation centre. For the industry, the International Aviation Academy is a national first, a hub to train the future workforce. For politicians, including the prime minister, its innovation has prompted a clutch of visits. It has strong links with the RAF, police and air cadets, and Carol Vorderman, Royal Air Force Cadets ambassador, even opened it last year. And for the county's schools - well, it's good fun. A look around a Boeing 737 and flight simulators makes for a memorable school trip. On Thursday, the academy will mark its first birthday, after a year which has seen its roll grow to 120 full-time students (its capacity is 450) and new plans for a second site at RAF Marham. Its goal is to train the next generation of aviation staff - focusing on six key areas: Piloting, air traffic control, airport operations, cabin crew, operations and crewing and engineering and maintenance. Simon Witts, chief executive and founder of the Aviation Skills Partnership, which runs it, said there was a growing skills gap. "The aviation industry is growing at its fastest rate since World War Two, and it is turning out more aircraft than it has ever turned out before," he said. "But it's not turning out the people that are required, so actually we need a sustainable supply of skilled people for the industry." Students can study at the academy full-time from 16, and it works closely with schools, home educated students, the University of East Anglia, which accredits its degrees, and colleges including City College Norwich, University Technical College Norfolk and Easton and Otley. With 20 training rooms, three flight simulators and, of course, its Boeing 737-300, each of its six areas dip into various parts of the academy, and on the ground experience is just a stone's throw away at Norwich Airport. But it hopes to expand its appeal - there's a public café and what they believe is East Anglia's largest events space, as well as open days for families to explore. Mr Witts said they wanted it to be a "centre for all", and something Norwich, and wider Norfolk, could take pride in. The organisation has already announced plans to open academies at RAF Syerston, new Newark, and RAF Cosford, in Shropshire. Strong aviation links Mr Witts said the city's strong aviation history made it a perfect spot to open their first academy. He cited Boulton and Paul as an example, which created one of the first steel-framed aircraft in the world, later displayed at the 1919 Paris Airshow. The company started out as an ironmonger's, which was founded by 1797 and, by the early 1900s, had become a successful manufacturing firm. During the First World War it produced prefabricated buildings, creating barrack huts and hangars, with contracts for a naval hospital and even a prisoner of war camp in Jersey. And in 1915, it began to build aircraft, producing nine different types of aeroplane at their large Riverside and Rose Lane works. John North, hailed as a pioneer at Boulton and Paul and in wider aviation, felt the time of the wooden aircraft was over, and produced steel frames instead. An airfield was laid out on the old Cavalry Drill Grounds on Mousehold, from where the plans could take off. http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/education/norwich-international-aviation-academy-first-birtday-1-5642441 Back to Top ICAO Provides Training Guidance for FANS Ops The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has released a North Atlantic Operations Bulletin to help operators with new navigation requirements and advancements. Developed by the North Atlantic Systems Planning Group (NAT SPG), the ops bulletin provides background information and guidance material that could be included in pilot and dispatch training programs and operations manuals of North Atlantic Track (NAT) operations. The information covers FANS-1/A, which is used in the NAT region for controller-pilot datalink communications (CPDLC) and for position reporting through Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract (ADS-C). NAT SPG developed the procedures to facilitate a uniform application of standards and recommended practices involving operations, communications, and air traffic services. The ops bulletin guides operators on procedures, documentation and training programs. FANS-1/A requirements are being incrementally rolled out in the NAT, covering FL350 to FL390 beginning at the end of last year and expanding to FL290 and above throughout the ICAO NAT region beginning Jan. 30, 2020. Flight crews need to be equipped for and ensure a FANS (CPDLC/ADS-C) connection before entering the affected NAT oceanic airspace. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-08-08/icao-provides-training-guidance-fans-ops Back to Top SpaceX Falcon 9 Lifts Off In Florida, Places Indonesian Satellite In Orbit A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lit up the sky around Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida early Tuesday with a successful launch, placing an Indonesian telecommunications satellite into orbit and demonstrating the reusability of the company's upgraded booster. You can see the launch here starting at 21:45 in the video. The launch marked the first time that the Falcon 9's new "Block 5" booster had been recycled following the improved rocket's maiden launch on May 11. SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk has advertised the Falcon 9 Block 5 as "the most reliable rocket ever built." Merah Putih Mission The rocket's upgrades are aimed at shortening the turnaround time for recovery and reuse. "For instance, its grid fins, which are used for steering the rocket back from space, are made out of titanium, so they won't catch fire on the way back to Earth. The engines also have a new heat shielding to protect them from the high temperatures during the plunge through the atmosphere. And the structure that holds the engines to the rocket's bottom is bolted down now, not welded, to make it easier to take apart and inspect," according to The Verge. Reusability has been a key goal of SpaceX, with Musk insisting that it has the potential to reduce the cost of reaching space by a factor of a hundred. In 2016, for the first time SpaceX successfully landed one of its spent Falcon 9 boosters on a barge in the Atlantic Ocean and the following year reused the same vehicle for a second launch. Tuesday's launch of the 229-foot-tall Falcon 9 occurred at 1:18 a.m. ET when the nine Merlin engines of the first stage, producing 1.7 million pounds of thrust, ignited and the rocket gently rose from Cape Canaveral's Complex 40 pad. Spaceflight Now writes: "The first stage pulsed cold gas nitrogen thrusters to ready for its descent, while the Falcon 9's second stage - powered by a single Merlin engine - ignited for the first of two burns to send the Merah Putih satellite into an egg-shaped geostationary transfer orbit. With the aid of grid fins, rocket thrust and four landing legs, the first stage touched down on SpaceX's landing barge around eight minutes into the mission." In February, SpaceX successfully launched its new Falcon Heavy, the largest and most powerful rocket since NASA's Saturn V, which took astronauts to the moon and was last flown in 1973. Musk says the Falcon Heavy is designed to carry humans and could be used for missions to the moon and Mars. https://www.npr.org/2018/08/07/636234435/spacex-falcon-9-lifts-off-in-florida-places-indonesian-satellite-in-orbit Curt Lewis