March 5, 2020 - No. 016 In This Issue Lufthansa Technik tests 5G on aircraft maintenance DC Aviation Group and Comlux Sign Cooperation Agreement Aviation Week Network's Inaugural MRO Australasia Happening in Brisbane, Australia, March 11-12 Wheels Up buys Gama Aviation's US flight business for $75m Stakeholders and Politicians Pressure FAA On Part 147 Rules World Fuel Services Completes its Acquisition of UVair Zeevo Group and AMS Aircraft Services Team Up to Assist Clients in Transitioning Commercial Aircraft Stevens Aerospace Awarded Mexican AFAC Approval for Macon, Ga. Facility Allegiant Announces Aircraft Base in Concord, North Carolina PIAGGIO UP FOR SALE SpaceX moving on to Starship SN2 prototype after SN1 bites the dust in test Lufthansa Technik tests 5G on aircraft maintenance Technical aircraft maintenance service provider Lufthansa Technik has set up two separate industrial grade 5G private wireless networks to test a couple of innovation projects at its Hamburg base. The company is thus the first outside Asia to operate a fully-fledged standalone 5G network based on the new standard (3GPP Release 16) in an industrial environment. This enables higher security and a completely free configuration, which allows the company's own 5G networks to be adapted exactly to the requirements of the respective evaluation projects, for example in the ratio of upload and download bandwidth. The two innovation projects on trial are in the field of VIP completion and engine overhaul respectively. Lufthansa Technik set up the two private 5G networks with different technology and network providers. "Continuous innovation is part of our corporate DNA, and this is what drives us to constantly try out new approaches," explained Soeren Stark, member of Lufthansa Technik's executive board, responsible for Technical Operations, Logistics and IT. "The first two application cases already impressively demonstrate the valuable contribution 5G technology can make to the aviation industry. It will also pave the way for numerous new innovations at Lufthansa Technik that will benefit our company, our employees and also our customers". Instead of extending publicly available mobile networks to the Lufthansa base, a completely independent infrastructure has been installed, with its own antennas and servers that can only be accessed by Lufthansa Technik. Therefore, "LH-Technik" appears as the network operator in the display of the mobile devices used. Virtual Table Inspection Currently, Lufthansa Technik's aviation customers travel to Hamburg to carry out components inspections when engines are overhauled, which means that they are entirely disassembled and inspected in utmost detail. With its proof-of-concept (PoC) project called "Virtual Table Inspection", Lufthansa Technik will trial inspections of individual engine parts collaboratively over a fast, high-definition video link. The company's aviation customers can remotely attend the inspection of engine parts and no longer have to travel to Hamburg for it. They will be guided directly through the engine shop by means of a mobile device. Via a video stream they can communicate in real time with the engine mechanics performing the work, inspect the dismantled parts in high-resolution on the screen and make the appropriate order decisions. For this purpose, Nokia has been tapped to set up the 5G private wireless network that will remove the need for customers to physically attend servicing by providing seamless video access to the engine overhaul shop floor. Nokia is its Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) solution, a plug-and-play digital automation platform that can easily scale from a small local deployment to multiple sites of large systems - all managed from the same web portal. Its flexibility will enable Lufthansa Technik to configure and adapt the network to precisely meet the project's needs. Remote, high-resolution screen inspection calls for high-bandwidth and low-latency capability to accommodate demanding upload and download speeds as well as adequate computing power to handle the processing requirements of live transmission. Kathrin Buvac, president of Nokia Enterprise, said: "This application captures the essential value of fast, secure 5G private wireless networking to help improve operational efficiency, productivity and service. It highlights the potential for new ways of working that benefit not only our customers, but also the markets they serve." Lufthansa Technik expressed positive feedback on the ease of deployment for the trial of the Virtual Table Inspection project. "In early phases, the private wireless network has shown to be technically first rate as well as being flexible to deploy and easy to tailor to our applications and work environment," said Dr. Claudius Noack, project lead, Lufthansa Industry Solutions said. Maik Voigt, project lead at Lufthansa Technik echoed the sentiment. "Not only does the Nokia solution help to transform how we work with our customers, but it's also a great fit for our industry's needs," he said. AR to visualise 3D design data The second PoC project uses augmented reality to virtually visualise the 3D design data of the planned cabin interior in empty aircraft fuselages on tablets and other devices. By means of live data transmission, the technicians on site always have the opportunity to check the current position of all planned components and, additionally, to coordinate any necessary changes with the developers through collaborative video functions. In addition, they can work with the component developers in the factories using collaborative video. This was not possible before launching the campus network, as the transfer of the extensive CAD data required high bandwidths, even inside the parked aircraft. Lufthansa Technik has chosen Vodafone Business to build a standalone private 5G campus network at the 8,500 square meters Lufthansa base at Hamburg Airport "From factories, to ports and even airplane hangars, private 5G networks are flexible, scalable and can be tailored to their requirements, helping them achieve what they need. We believe the businesses that invest in new technologies today will be at the forefront tomorrow," said Vinod Kumar, CEO, Vodafone Business. Up to four very large aircrafts can park in the connected Lufthansa base at the same time, requiring very high bandwidth to manage the demand. With a capacity of more than one gigabit per second and latency times of less than ten milliseconds, Vodafone Business said the private 5G Stand Alone Standard (5G SA) network is the perfect solution. And since the private network is completely independent from the public one, from the server and the core, to the antenna. The data also never leaves the Lufthansa base; it is processed directly on site using multi-access edge computing (MEC) that allows real-time data flow. 5G is a game changer Both projects have a very high demand for bandwidth for wireless data transmission, which could not be covered adequately by the previous 4G and Wi-Fi technologies. The public 4G upload rate was often no longer sufficient for high-resolution video streams, and the Wi-Fi standard, as an alternative, is not designed for a change of location between individual cells, which previously often led to connection terminations. 5G technology solves both problems at once, as it not only enables a significantly higher data transmission rate (in the final expansion stage up to 10 Gbit/s compared to a maximum of 1Gbit/s for 4G/LTE), but also allows mobile devices to switch smoothly between individual radio cells. One such network will cover one of the two engine shops in Hamburg, another a complete aircraft hangar with a surface area of about 8,500 square meters. In the latter case, it is particularly important that sufficient signal strength is always available inside the parked aircraft to ensure a secure connection. In order to ensure this at all times, 5G technology allows so-called beamforming, in which the antenna focuses its transmission field, which is otherwise spread across the entire hangar, on one or more mobile devices located in the hangar. With frequencies that are close to those of conventional Wi-Fi (3.7 - 3.8 GHz), the radiation level remains within the non-critical range at all times, even in the focused use of 5G technology, so that any risk to employees in the relevant areas is ruled out. The German Federal Network Agency has approved Lufthansa Technik's use of the company's own frequencies accordingly. If 5G proves successful with the users in the two PoC projects, the technology will be rolled out to other Lufthansa Technik divisions in the near future so that its advantages can also be used in daily aircraft maintenance operations. https://futureiot.tech/lufthansa-technik-tests-5g-on-aircraft-maintenance/ Back to Top DC Aviation Group and Comlux Sign Cooperation Agreement DC Aviation Group and Comlux are pleased to announce that they have signed a cooperation agreement. DC Aviation has been selected to perform the line maintenance and warranty work for Comlux customers based in Europe and CIS. The line and base maintenance services for aircraft of the Airbus ACJ Family, Global Express 5.000/6.000, and Challenger 604/605 will be carried out at DC Aviation's dedicated 5,700 square meter Stuttgart Airport (EDDS) hangar, which also contains a large and well equipped parts inventory, a certified battery and tire shop, and a maintenance logistics center. Juergen Sehne, vice president maintenance & CAMO of DC Aviation said, "Last year we have successfully carried out two A-checks for Comlux' customers. We are very happy that, with this agreement, we can continue and consolidate our excellent cooperation with Comlux." Arnaud Martin, chief operating officer of Comlux said, "We are extremely pleased with this agreement with DC Aviation, which allows us to serve our worldwide customer base even better. While Comlux has a strong expertise on VIP interior upgrades, and heavy maintenance in our facilities in Indianapolis, DC Aviation offers our European and CIS customers a closer-to-home solution for their line maintenance and warranty needs." DC Aviation has been offering line and base maintenance services for various types of aircraft since 1999 and is able to carry out exceptionally complex work with the highest level of reliability and competence. Due to 24/365 availability, combined with intelligent planning and smooth workflows, DC Aviation is able to meet challenging ground-times. https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/maintenance-providers/press-release/21127689/dc- aviation-alfuttaim-dc-aviation-group-and-comlux-sign-cooperation-agreement Back to Top Aviation Week Network's Inaugural MRO Australasia Happening in Brisbane, Australia, March 11-12 NEW YORK, March 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aviation Week Network's first MRO Australasia will be held March 11-12 at the Sofitel Brisbane Central in Brisbane, Australia. This event will analyze and investigate the MRO landscape in this fast developing region and provide a forum for airlines, MROs, suppliers, OEMs, regulators, lessors, and industry experts to converge to explore and define the aviation maintenance industry. "Australia is a rapidly growing aviation hub and the MRO industry is booming in the region," said Lydia Janow, Managing Director, Events, Aviation Week Network. "We are excited to bring our MRO conference to the region and to have the Queensland Government as our Host. Our events are recognized as the premier industry conferences and exhibitions and the response for MRO Australasia has been tremendous." Queensland Premier and Minister for Trade Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland's aviation and aerospace industries are a crucial part of the state economy. "With our highly skilled workforce and abundance of expertise, we have developed some of the world's most sophisticated technology, facilities, and research and training programs which attract global leaders in civil and defence aviation," the Premier said. "It is an honour for Queensland to host the inaugural MRO Australasia event." The Australasian fleet represented 10% of the Asian-Pacific fleet in 2019, and 3% of the global fleet, generating $1.9 billion in MRO demand, according to Commercial Aviation Fleet and MRO Forecast by Aviation Week Network. The current Australasia fleet of more than 1,000 aircraft is scheduled to receive more than 200 firm orders over the next 10 years. More than 300 industry leaders will attend the two-day conference and sold-out showcase exhibition, which will be the leading destination for suppliers to meet key decision makers and for buyers to learn about, test and purchase new MRO solutions and services. This event will cover maintenance, repair and overhaul for all fixed wing aircraft, business, general and regional aviation and rotorcraft. The Queensland Government is serving as the Host Sponsor and Qantas Airlines is the Official Airline Partner. Sapphire Sponsors are: Airbus, AJW, Boeing, Fokker, HEICO, Heston MRO, Lufthansa-Technik, Med-Craft, Inc., Ottobock, and StandardAero. See here for a full list of sponsors. The event will feature Meet the Buyers, a signature speed networking session, providing a platform for suppliers to meet with airline buyers, face to face, in pre-arranged 10-minute meetings slots. MRO Australasia will also feature a tour of the Qantas Engineering Base Maintenance facilities. The conference speakers include: Jason Burzacott, Chairman of the Cairns Aviation Skills Centre, VP MRO Australia Hawker Pacific Ken Cannane, Executive Director, AMROBA Graeme Crawford, Group Executive Manager, Aviation, Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Paul Crawford, Head of Base Maintenance - Qantas Engineering Matt Dennington, General Manager, StandardAero Australia Mike Higgins CEO, Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA) Toby Koch, General Manager, Engineering, Alliance Airlines Mark Thompson, Technical Training Manager, Aviation Australia Andrew Warrender, Head of Property, Cairns Airport Astra Zyrlite, CEO, Heston, MRO MRO Australasia starts on Tuesday, March 10 with a welcome reception hosted by Heston MRO. The event is from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11 with a reception that evening hosted by Boeing. The conference on Thursday, March 12 starts at 9 a.m. to 12 noon and is followed by a networking luncheon. See here to register. ABOUT AVIATION WEEK NETWORK Aviation Week Network is the largest multimedia information and services provider for the global aviation, aerospace, and defense industries, serving 1.7 million professionals around the world. Industry professionals rely on Aviation Week Network to help them understand the market, make decisions, predict trends, and connect with people and business opportunities. Customers include the world's leading aerospace manufacturers and suppliers, airlines, airports, business aviation operators, militaries, governments and other organizations that serve this worldwide marketplace. Aviation Week Network's portfolio delivers award-winning journalism, data, intelligence and analytical resources, world-class tradeshows and conferences, and results-driven marketing services and advertising is helping our customers succeed. Aviation Week Network is part of Informa Markets, a division of Informa PLC. ABOUT INFORMA MARKETS Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/03/03/1993891/0/en/Aviation-Week- Network-s-Inaugural-MRO-Australasia-Happening-in-Brisbane-Australia-March-11-12.html Back to Top Wheels Up buys Gama Aviation's US flight business for $75m Wheels Up has bought the air operations division of Gama Aviation Signature. The transaction means that Wheels Up will now operate its own fleet of King Air turboprops. Corporate Jet Investor estimates that the total paid was between $70m and $75m based on UK stock market filings. Gama Aviation has operated King Air and Cessna Citation aircraft for Wheels Up since the launch of the membership company. "This is a cornerstone investment. Wheels Up is on its way to being a leader in on-demand private aviation worldwide," Kenny Dichter, founder of Wheels Up, told Corporate Jet Investor. Wheels Up - which was launched just over six years ago - now has a fleet of more than 300 aircraft and employs more than 1,000 pilots. The deal was widely predicted when Wheels Up acquired Travel Management Company, another holder of a Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate in 2019. It then acquired Delta Private Jets, another Part 135 operator, in early 2020. "We are still very committed to operating aircraft - and will continue to do this around the world - but there are times when it makes sense to start businesses and times when it makes sense to sell them," said Marwan Khalek, CEO of Gama Aviation, in a call with Corporate Jet Investor. "The US Air division is a great business with great people, and will continue to be one for Wheels Up, but this transaction is a win-win. It also simplifies our business for investors." Gama Aviation has a significant number of aircraft under management and Wheels Up hopes to grow this. "We are keen to grow aircraft management - Delta Private Jets is in the management business as well - it is a key part of our asset-light strategy to be the Airbnb of private aviation," says Dichter. Tom Connelly, president and CEO of Gama Aviation LLC, will join Wheels Up and is believed to have received some Wheels Up stock. Gama Aviation will continue to operate maintenance facilities in 18 locations across the US. But it has agreed not to apply for an FAA Part 135 charter operation certificate for at least five years. "This was a family deal. Gama Aviation has been a fantastic partner since we launched and we will continue to work with them in the future," says Dichter. Khalek adds: "We have enjoyed being part of the Wheels Up story, wish them well and will continue to support them." Gama Aviation LLC was 51% owned by its founders; with Gama Aviation and Signature Aviation, part of BBA Aviation - two UK-listed companies - owning 24.5% each. The company traded as Gama Aviation Signature after the two UK companies merged their US flight businesses in 2017. Gama Aviation will receive $33m for its 24.5% share. It will also get $23m for accelerated branding fees and other trading-related considerations (the US flight business paid a royalty for using the Gama Aviation brand). It has already received $13m in cash from Wheels Up. The rest will be paid - with interest - in eight equal amounts every six-months for the next four years. Wheels Up will continue to use the Gama Aviation brand for two years. Gama Aviation LLC had a complicated structure because of US laws restricting foreign ownership of airlines to less than 50% - and then, only if shareholders are in countries with an Open Sky agreement with the US. The EU and the US agreed an Open Sky agreement in 2007. However, even though the US has said it is keen to sign a similar formal agreement with the UK, this is not yet in place. BBA Aviation needed to sell 51% of its shareholding in Landmark Aviation to US investors in order to comply with US airline-ownership rules so chose to form a joint venture with Gama. What it means for Wheels Up Wheels Up has transformed itself in the past 12 months by acquiring TMC, AVIANSIS (fleet management software), Delta Private Jets and, now, Gama Aviation. Launching with Gama Aviation as a partner made sense but as soon as it acquired a Part 135 certificate of its own, it just added complications. It is worth looking at the scale of Wheels Up after this deal. With more than 300 aircraft - plus access to a wider fleet - it is right up there with NetJets, VistaGlobal and Directional Aviation. An amazing achievement for a company that only launched in August 2013. Six years ago, Dichter told Corporate Jet Investor that he wanted Wheels Up to be one of the biggest brands in aviation. He has achieved this. What it means for Gama Aviation (GMAA.L) Gama Aviation has just sold 24% of one of its subsidiaries for $13m in cash with more to come. Yet the company has a total market capitalisation of $36.2m. The complicated ownership structure and brand licensing meant that Gama Aviation LLC (it called it US Air in its reports) was the most attractive air division by far (it had an earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) margin of 97% in the first half of 2019 compared with 0% for Europe). But there is a lot more to Gama Aviation - including its more-stable and profitable ground division and its government contracts (it is a mistake to see it as just a company for high-net-worth individuals). Its share price seems too low. What it means for Signature Aviation/BBA (BBA.L) This sale is not material to BBA - a company with a $2.37bn market capitalisation - but it makes sense. Signature makes its money serving business jet operators, so owning a competitor was never popular with its customers. https://corporatejetinvestor.com/articles/deal-analysis-wheels-up-buys-gama-aviations-us-flight- business-for-75m-985/ Back to Top Stakeholders and Politicians Pressure FAA On Part 147 Rules The FAA faced pressure from congress and industry stakeholders to get the ball rolling on modernizing outdated Part 147 curriculum during a hearing held by the U.S. House Subcommittee on Aviation. The hearing, which centered on efforts to boost aviation maintenance workforce, highlighted key areas for improvement such as curriculum, funding and targeting of a broader set of demographics. During questioning by members of the congressional subcommittee, representatives from the FAA and the U.S. Government and Accountability Office noted that stakeholders all agree modernization is overdue for aging curriculum, but Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) pointed out that ongoing delays in FAA's Part 147 rulemaking "vex us and the people we answer to." Rep. Woodall (R-Ga.) went further, questioning the FAA's continued role in mechanic certification due to its inability to keep curriculum regulations up to date with new technology compared to industry stakeholders speaking at the hearing, such as Gulfstream and Delta Air Lines. "[The delay] tells me that, maybe, Gulfstream has a better shot at identifying the right skillsets for its mechanics than you do. As much as you care, you can't possibly care more about Gulfstream safety than Gulfstream does," said Woodall. "What is the value add of 60 years of government stumbling down the pavement on promulgating new training standards? Industry has to be moving faster than government is." In response, Kate Lang, FAA's senior advisor for aviation workforce outreach, acknowledged the agency's need to approach curriculum development going forward with better agility and real-time adaptability. Lang noted that FAA's first order in this vein is issuing a rule on Part 147 regulations, which has been in the works since the original notice of proposed rulemaking published in 2015. She estimates that FAA will achieve this by October of this year, which is sooner than the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) expected. Under the proposed legislation, FAA would control the development of mechanic testing standards that would be evaluated continuously alongside technology changes in the industry. Part 147 schools would align curriculum with the mechanic standards, but the performance-based regulation would keep FAA out of actually determining what is being taught in classrooms. Maguire points back to Woodall's assertion about industry knowing better. "As he said, 'Delta's not going to hire an untrained mechanic to work on its airplanes.' Well, neither is the FAA going to let an untrained mechanic have a certificate. So they still have a role to play, but there's no reason why [FAA] should be dictating their curriculum requirements in such a nitty gritty fashion as it does now-and, quite frankly, in the proposed rule." The local New York/Queens area was represented at the hearings. Steven Jackson, principal at Aviation High School and Dr. Sharon DeVivo, President of Vaughn College were there to offer comments. Mr. Jackson stated in his testimony that implementing changes to curriculum based on geographic needs could benefit AMT training and minimize financial strain. For example, Jackson points out that current curriculum could be beneficial for students in rural areas that need to perform maintenance on crop-duster type aircraft, but this training is obsolete for students in metropolitan areas that need to maintain modern, advanced aircraft. Each of the hearing's academic stakeholders agreed that one of the most important issues Congress should work on to address the workforce gap is increasing funding, both for the schools themselves and prospective students. Dr. Sharon DeVivo said in her testimony that the average debt load for a student pursuing aviation maintenance is about $17,500 and that this presents a barrier to entry, particularly for underrepresented populations. DeVivo emphasized the need for additional federal education funding for students and the work that Vaughn College does to partner with students and families on affordability and career outcomes. DeVivo and Jackson also insist that exposing younger students, such as those at elementary and middle school levels and for underserved populations such as minorities and women to aviation is another key factor in meeting future workforce needs. "Fewer and fewer students are exposed to mechanical work-they do not work on their bikes, or tinker with their cars with their families. Our goods are becoming more and more digital and when they break, they are more easily replaced and repaired," stated Jackson in his testimony. He adds that STEM coursework needs to provide more hands-on practical projects to expose students to the concept of learning and troubleshooting systems. Jackson also suggests that internship or apprenticeship opportunities should be expanded and incorporated into schools for students under the age of 18. Kate Lang echoed these sentiments, stating that the FAA is convinced that "we've got to catch kids early." She noted that the FAA is working with younger students through its STEM Aviation and Space Education program, including a pilot program with four schools in Dallas to create an aviation curriculum. Simultaneously, additional efforts took place in Albany, NY where six Vaughn students and representatives from the HEOP and student affairs departments participated in the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities' Student Aid Advocacy Day to advocate in person for continued funding of student aid programs like HEOP and TAP. Students were able to meet with legislators and staff to not only discuss the impact of student aid has on Vaughn but to educate them about the extensive programs the College offers them. https://metroairportnews.com/stakeholders-and-politicians-pressure-faa-on-part-147-rules/ Back to Top World Fuel Services Completes its Acquisition of UVair Mar. 4, 2020 - HOUSTON - World Fuel Services has completed its acquisition of the UVair fuel business from Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. In addition, World Fuel is now the exclusive contract fuel provider for Universal Weather and Aviation. UVair customers will realize a number of benefits as a result of this acquisition. They will become part of the World Fuel Network, gaining participation in World Fuel Rewards and the ability to purchase fuel at more contract locations at competitive rates. UVair customers will be able to add AVCARD by World Fuel, to their portfolio. AVCARD supports aviation retail purchases on everything it takes to operate a jet, including retail fuel, ground handling, flight training, maintenance, catering and more. When using World Fuel's cards, all invoices can be consolidated with line item detail across all network transactions. This merged data set provides unparalleled insight into aviation spending. FBOs gain access to more flight departments with the addition of new UVair customers. Using the World Fuel Network's marketing tools and World Fuel Rewards, FBOs can market their locations to the expanded audience. For example, they can use points to reward loyalty to flight departments or promote special events at their facilities. "UVair Fueling Card holders and FBOs will benefit from an expanded offering like new technology and access to AVCARD," said Michael Szczechowski, senior vice president, business aviation sales - global. "Our goal is to make our customers' lives easier. We build advanced tools, like myWorld and Schedaero, and provide more methods to purchase, which are all connected to the World Fuel Network." As part of integrating the brands, World Fuel will be issuing a new contract card design called the World Fuel | UVair Contract card, which incorporates both the World Fuel Services and UVair brands. This card will work like the World Fuel Contract card and cardholders will benefit from the same rewards and global acceptance. The new card, also known as the "New Black" card, will be provided to heavy UVair Fueling Card users as well as issued as a replacement for lost or expired UVair cards. "The UVair Card and UVair name are well-respected globally, and we value this heritage and broad acceptance," said Malcolm Hawkins, senior vice president, business aviation sales - North America. "UVair customers joining the World Fuel Network will enjoy a world of unparalleled benefits and capabilities. From competitive fuel prices to rewards points and the New Black card, flight departments will get increased value on every gallon purchased in our network. Our expanded solutions will help them manage their aviation operating costs and improve their operations." https://www.aviationpros.com/gse/fueling-equipment-accessories/fuel-distributors-suppliers- manufacturers/press-release/21128153/world-fuel-services-corporation-world-fuel-services- completes-its-acquisition-of-uvair Back to Top Zeevo Group and AMS Aircraft Services Team Up to Assist Clients in Transitioning Commercial Aircraft Zeevo Group LLC ("Zeevo"), a business, finance, and information technology consulting services firm, and the U.K.-based AMS Aircraft Services ("AMS"), a global leader in commercial aircraft technical management, acquisition and remarketing, announced at the onset of ISTAT Americas a new strategic alliance aimed to deploy the companies' capabilities, tech tools, and know-how to deliver commercial aircraft technical services to clients in the Americas and beyond. Today's aviation operating environment across all of the world's key markets is rife with endemic headwinds, further exacerbated by ongoing developments such as: the coronavirus outbreak in Asia which is affecting the cashflows of airlines; the MAX grounding which is constricting aircraft availability; and the accelerating replacement cycle which is expected to trigger a high volume of aging aircraft retirements. Joey Johnsen, Zeevo Group Chief Executive Officer, contends that "these challenges necessitate greater diligence by all stakeholders in the aircraft financing, leasing ,and operating chain to understand their fleets and have the right processes and technical support procedures in place to expediently react to arising situations in asset management, as well as aircraft maintenance and transitions." Lessors, operators, and asset managers are now savvier in lease negotiations, and oftentimes their well-negotiated contract terms result in the "creation of intricate return conditions," adds Scott Kopacz, who heads Zeevo's aircraft technical practice. "Not acknowledging these conditions years before the scheduled return can have a significant operational impact." By compounding technical capabilities and technology, the alliance targets to deliver technical support services covering pre-delivery, mid-term, and redelivery inspections, either as stand-alone services or as part of turnkey delivery and redelivery support for financiers, lessors, and operators. Mike Skinner, Chief Executive Officer of AMS Aircraft Services, explains that the relationship "will further advance AMS' local presence in key markets and enhance the support through combining the companies' offerings to their aviation clients. The joint aim is to minimize clients' risks, delays, and overall costs." "Teaming up with Zeevo will enhance our aircraft management solutions, expand core competencies and provide an established presence in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa to serve our respective clients," elaborates Skinner. Referencing technology capabilities that will benefit mutual clients, Johnsen emphasizes that a "crucial part of transitioning commercial aircraft is an often-overlooked compiling of data, technical records, and requirements with procedures that allow organizations use to build knowledge and make informed decisions." "AMS has an excellent reputation, and we are thrilled to be forming this alliance to serve our mutual clients. This move is yet another example of our team's aggressive pursuit of a strategy to leverage dynamic market opportunities and strengthen Zeevo's evolving suite of services to better serve our growing network of clients and extending further into the aviation industry," concludes Johnsen. About AMS Aircraft Services Founded in 2001, AMS Aircraft Services ("AMS") has developed a reputation as a leader in the field of aviation consulting. Its principle business activities are providing technical management services to airlines, aircraft financiers, aircraft lessors and aircraft owners as well as the remarketing and acquisition of commercial transport and corporate/VIP aircraft. Its headquarters are in the United Kingdom but AMS provides services worldwide to an international client base. www.amsaircraft.com About Zeevo Group LLC Zeevo Group LLC ("Zeevo") provides business, finance and information technology consulting services and products to a broad range of clients representing such key industries as aircraft leasing, technology and consumer products. www.zeevogroup.com https://finance.yahoo.com/news/zeevo-group-ams-aircraft-services-160000801.html Back to Top Stevens Aerospace Awarded Mexican AFAC Approval for Macon, Ga. Facility Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems has been awarded full Mexican Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC) approval for the company's facility in Macon, Ga. (KMCN). This authorization allows Stevens to fully work and return to service Mexican-registered aircraft. The approval provides owner-operators of Mexican-registered aircraft from turbo props to large cabin business jets an additional high-quality option in the U.S. for maintenance, avionics modifications and interior refurbishments. Stevens' Macon team specializes in Gulfstream and Global aircraft, but has considerable expertise and authority on Challenger, Citation, Embraer, Hawker, King Air, Learjet and other airframes. According to regional sales manager Miguel Gallardo, Stevens already has several inspections scheduled for Mexican-registered business jets at the Macon facility. "Over the years, our business with Mexican owner-operators has been built on Stevens' unique blend of expertise, practicality and hospitality," said Gallardo. "We bring a realistic approach to each project, giving owners and maintenance supervisors smart options to maximize budgets without compromising safety and the quality of work." Stevens' Greenville, S.C. operation (KGYH) has been Mexican-certified for years and the company's Nashville facility (KBNA) is currently in-process and expecting authorization later this year. https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/maintenance-providers/mro/press- release/21127760/stevens-aerospace-awarded-mexican-afac-approval-for-macon-ga-facility Back to Top Allegiant Announces Aircraft Base in Concord, North Carolina CONCORD, N.C., March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) today announced plans to establish a base of operations at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA). The Las Vegas-based company will invest $50 million to establish the new base in Concord, creating at least 66 high-wage jobs and housing two Airbus aircraft. The company, which focuses on linking travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class leisure destinations, plans to begin its base operations in Concord on October 7, 2020. Concord-Padgett Regional Airport will become the airline's 21st aircraft base. Located minutes from Charlotte, Concord is one of the nation's fastest-growing cities, with a robust business infrastructure and a diverse workforce. Home to some of North Carolina's top tourist destinations, including NASCAR's famed Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Mills, the city boasts a historic downtown district and a wide variety of entertainment and leisure activities for visitors and local residents. Concord is the largest city in Cabarrus County, with a population of more than 94,000. "Since Allegiant's first flight from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport in 2013, their growth has been truly remarkable," said Concord Mayor Bill Dusch. "We are very pleased that Allegiant has selected Concord for a new base of operations, which brings new jobs and travel opportunities for the citizens of Concord and the Charlotte region. We look forward to continue developing our partnership with Allegiant in the future." "We're excited about making Concord a permanent base, and further establishing Allegiant as a hometown airline for this high-performance city," said Keith Hansen, Allegiant's vice president of government affairs. "With a growing and diverse population seeking affordable vacation travel, and as a regional destination for race enthusiasts, arts fans and more, Concord is an ideal location for an Allegiant base. Having locally-based operations will mean opportunities for expanded hours, as well as more - and more frequent - flight offerings for residents and visitors alike." "This decision reaffirms that what began as a wonderful opportunity for a growing destination has grown into a committed relationship," said Concord-Padgett Regional Airport Aviation Director Dirk Vanderleest. "My staff and I are humbled by this opportunity and milestone for USA. We look forward to working hand in hand with Allegiant Air to ensure that both residents and visitors alike are recipients of excellent customer service and expanded vacation opportunities." "Allegiant took Cabarrus County's tourism industry to the next level with commercial air service and we're proud to offer our support as they continue to grow," said Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau President & CEO Donna Carpenter. "Visitor spending reached over $469 million in Cabarrus County in 2018. These enhancements will fuel that figure, generating tax revenues that will positively impact the local economy and quality of life in our community." Allegiant began operating at USA in 2013 and currently offers seven non-stop routes: one to the Mardi Gras City of New Orleans and six to premier Florida destinations, including Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando/Sanford, Palm Beach, Punta Gorda and St. Pete-Clearwater. Since establishing service, Allegiant has flown more than one million passengers through Concord, including 353,000 in 2019 alone. "Cabarrus County's investment in Allegiant emphasizes the power of collaboration," said Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners Chair Steve Morris. "Our support of projects related to the Concord-Padgett Regional Airport boosts the economic stability of all municipalities in our county and throughout the region." Both the Concord City Council and Cabarrus County Commissioners approved three-year economic development grants for the expansion. Based on a portion of the increased tax investment, the grant amount from the City of Concord would not exceed $48,649 and $75,001 from Cabarrus County. "The establishment of this base really reinforces Allegiant's commitment to our community," said Cabarrus Economic Development Existing Industry Director Page Castrodale. "It sends a message that Cabarrus County is the right place to do business." Allegiant, which employs more than 4,300 team members across the U.S., plans to immediately begin hiring pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and ground personnel to support the operations. The majority of the new positions are expected to offer salaries that are more than double the state's average wage. Interested applicants may apply online. Allegiant Travel Company Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is an integrated travel company with an airline at its heart, focused on connecting customers with premier leisure experiences - from vacations to hometown family entertainment. Since 1999, Allegiant Air has linked travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class vacation destinations with all-nonstop flights and industry-low average fares. Today, Allegiant serves more than 450 routes across the country, with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. Allegiant's Sunseeker Resorts subsidiary is currently under construction with its inaugural resort property, Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor in Southwest Florida - a unique waterside integrated resort like no other. And a growing group of Allegiant Nonstop family entertainment centers offer state-of-the art indoor games and attractions to thrill seekers of all ages. For more information, visit us at Allegiant.com. Media information, including photos, is available at http://gofly.us/iiFa303wrtF Concord-Padgett Regional Airport Concord-Padgett Regional Airport opened in 1994 and has grown to be one of the busiest airports in the Carolinas. The airport's strong general aviation focus has been enhanced by the availability of Allegiant Air's low-cost scheduled passenger service to seven destinations. Over 40 City of Concord Aviation Department coworkers operate Concord-Padgett Regional and provide aircraft fueling, hangaring, tie-down, parking, and customer services. Other aeronautical services such as aircraft rental, aircraft maintenance, and flight instruction are offered through private operators leasing space on-site. CPRA also has an on-site, staffed fire station operated by the Concord Fire Department and a control tower operated by contracted staff. The annual budget for the airport currently exceeds $12 million. https://www.themountaineer.com/news/state/allegiant-announces-aircraft-base-in-concord-north- carolina/article_c4485ea2-cb68-5c84-881d-2cb769ea64ef.html Back to Top PIAGGIO UP FOR SALE ANOTHER EFFORT TO SAVE THE AVANTI The company, which comprises Piaggio Aero Industries and its subsidiary Piaggio Aviation, is currently operating under Italy's "extraordinary administration" rules. These are designed to protect the assets of large insolvent companies. Prospective buyers will be screened by Extraordinary Commissioner Vincenzo Nicastro, and the sale of the company will be subject to authorization by Italy's minister of Economic Development. Piaggio manufactures the 400-knot, 1,500-nautical-mile, P.180 Avanti series of turboprop twins, including the most recent version-the Avanti Evo. In December 2017 Piaggio went into receivership in order to effect a financial restructuring and honor its commitments. At that time, Piaggio received $342 million in cash from Mubadala Investment Co., a global investment company, to draw down debt as part of a five-year plan to bolster Piaggio's balance sheet. Despite this and other measures, Avanti sales have continued to dwindle. "Just over a year since the extraordinary administration started, we have succeeded in creating a respectable order intake, which makes the company attractive for a buyer," said Nicastro. "We shall rigorously evaluate each of the offers that will reach us with the aim of selling the company in its entirety and finding a buyer who can offer a solid, long-lasting recovery and development plan." In addition to building and selling the Avanti, Piaggio Aerospace is also involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of aviation engines. The company says it has $490 million worth of orders in hand, with another equal amount pending. Nicastro said that those interested in buying should submit their plans and proposals by April 3. The sale of the company is expected to be completed by the end of the year. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2020/march/03/piaggio-up-for-sale Back to Top SpaceX moving on to Starship SN2 prototype after SN1 bites the dust in test Elon Musk seems to be taking SpaceX's recent Starship setback in stride. On Friday night (Feb. 28), the second full-size prototype of SpaceX's Mars-colonizing Starship vehicle, a variant known as the SN1, was destroyed during a pressurization test. SpaceX had been aiming to launch the SN1 on a test mission relatively soon. In late December 2019, Musk said via Twitter that the prototype's first flight, which would stay firmly within Earth's atmosphere, was "hopefully 2 to 3 months away." Musk didn't immediately tweet about Friday night's incident. But the billionaire entrepreneur posted a few items early Monday morning (March 2) that suggest he's not dwelling on the SN1's demise. "So ... how was your night?" read one tweet, which accompanied a video of the prototype's death. This was followed by "It's fine, we'll just buff it out," and then another tweet that said, "Where's Flextape when you need it!?" And in yet another Monday-morning tweet, Musk said that SpaceX has shifted its focus to the next prototype iteration, the SN2, which is already under construction. "We're stripping SN2 to bare minimum to test the thrust puck to dome weld under pressure, first with water, then at cryo. Hopefully ready to test in a few days," Musk wrote. It shouldn't be surprising that Musk isn't more broken up about the SN1; he has stressed, after all, that SpaceX will go through many prototype iterations on its way to an operational Starship. In a tweet on Dec. 27, 2019, for example, Musk explained that "each SN will have at least minor improvements, at least through SN20 or so of Starship V1.0." And the SN line itself represents a redesign spurred at least in part by a November 2019 pressure- test incident involving SpaceX's first full-size Starship prototype, the Mark 1. The Starship spacecraft is half of SpaceX's planned Mars-colonizing transportation system, which also includes a huge rocket known as Super Heavy. Both vehicles are designed to be completely and rapidly reusable. Super Heavy will launch the 100-passenger Starship to orbit, then come back down to Earth for a vertical landing. The 165-foot-tall (50 meters) Starship, meanwhile, will head from Earth orbit to the moon, Mars and other distant destinations. And the spaceship will return to Earth's neighborhood when its journeys afar are done; Starship is powerful enough to launch itself off the surface of the moon and Mars, both of whose gravitational pulls are much weaker than that of Earth, Musk has said. Musk envisions a fleet of 1,000 Starships departing for Mars once every 26 months, when Earth and the Red Planet align favorably for interplanetary missions. Such flights will eventually help establish a million-person city on Mars, if all goes according to SpaceX's plan. It's unclear when that ambitious goal may be achieved. But SpaceX plans to get Starship and Super Heavy up and running soon. Company representatives have said that Starship could start launching communications satellites to Earth orbit by 2021. And SpaceX has one crewed Starship mission on the docket already: Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa booked the vehicle for an around-the-moon flight that's scheduled to launch in 2023. https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-sn1-prototype-test-failure-sn2-next.html Curt Lewis