September 24, 2020 - No. 072 In This Issue M'luru: Srinivas University acquires fleet of aircraft for Aviation Maintenance Engineering course Air Transport Services Group Selects GE Aviation for Digital Agreement Spirit AeroSystems Reinvigorates its Commitment to Aftermarket Presence in Asia Triumph Selected by Turkish Carrier for Wheel Services EASA, FAA Officials Talk Cybersecurity Policy Updates for Connected Aircraft Systems Dublin Aerospace to expand apprenticeship programme Pratt & Whitney: China's Ameco to board the GTF MRO network Port Authority Unveils Clean Construction Program During Climate Week, Setting Industry-leading Approach to Sustainable Construction and Design China Eastern to retrofit all its Boeing 737NGs with Thales transponders SpaceX is going to fire Tom Cruise into space M'luru: Srinivas University acquires fleet of aircraft for Aviation Maintenance Engineering course Mangaluru, Sep 24: The airline industry has gone through a huge growth phase after World War 2. With the growth in airlines, this field has grown in many ways of making travel and tourism progress in every aspect. This industry is growing as per observation and careers in this stream have grown by 17.6% in the past few years and there have been many opportunities for undergraduates and graduates in this field. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Indian domestic aviation market recorded the fastest full-year domestic growth rate for the fourth year in a row at 18.6%. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India had 13.9 crore domestic air travellers in 2018 up by 18.6% from 11.7 crore in 2017. To cater to the rising air traffic, the Government of India has been working to increase the number of airports. As of March 2019, India had 103 operational airports. The rising demand has pushed the requirement for airplanes as well. As of July 2018, there were nearly 620 aircrafts being operated by schedule airline operators in India. The number of airplanes is expected to grow to 1100 planes by 2027. Such robust growth has created increasing job opportunities in the aviation sector. Srinivas University College of Aviation is a constituent of Srinivas University. A Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management/ B. Tech opens the door to career possibilities both flight and non-flight related. The college encourages the study of airlines, airports and business related to the aerospace industry. This also includes supervising routine operations undertaken by the ground staff of an airport or an organisation in the aviation sector. The following courses are currently offered by the Srinivas University. Undergraduate Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Aviation management Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Aviation & Logistic management Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Aviation, Travel and Tourism Management BSc Aeronautical Science BSc Aircraft Maintenance Science BTech Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Post Graduate MBA in Aviation Management Certificate and Diploma Programs Pilot Training Certificate/Diploma in Cabin Crew Training Certificate/PG Diploma in Airport & Flight Operations Management Diploma in Aviation, Travel, Tourism & Hospitality PG Diploma in Aviation, Travel, Tourism & Hospitality With Doctoral and Post-Doctoral studies. MH Cockpit Aviation Academy is a private institute which was founded by highly experienced professionals in the aviation industry. It was established with an aim to offer short-term courses and undergraduate degree programme under aviation. These courses are offered in association with university partners in India. The institute also offers world-class pilot training courses in association with New Zealand Aviation Aotearoa (NZAA). MH Cockpit Aviation Academy has tied up with Srinivas University and offers courses that are well structured and maintain the world-class standard. Excellent infrastructure and experienced faculty members offer one of the best learning platforms to help students excel in the aviation industry. MH Cockpit Aviation Academy is the best institute in the nation for students who aspire to make a career in aviation. The courses offered at the institute help students develop a strong foundation to become successful professionals in the aviation sector. The aviation sector of India is flourishing with the Indian domestic aviation growth rate of 18.6%, according to the International Air Transport Association. The Demand of aviation professionals is also high with the expansion of airports and services. To meet the needs of the industry, the demand for skilled professionals is exceptionally high. Students with interest in this field can choose one of the courses offered by Srinivas University and MH Cockpit Aviation Academy to inculcate industry-driven skills and get placed in the aviation sector. The programmes offered are standardised and designed to meet the expectations of the industry. Srinivas University currently has taken charge of a Cessna, helicopter and a Learjet. The chancellor, CA A Raghavendra Rao and the pro-chancellor Dr A Srinivas Rao along with a host of officials of the university were present to accept the aircraft after the traditional pooja. Srinivas University - Acquires first set of aeroplanes for the Aviation Maintenance Engineering course The Srinivas University, Mangaluru becomes the first and only state private university in South Karnataka to acquire various types of aircraft to teach the students of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. It may be recalled that the University has launched aviation studies programmes under its College of Aviation Studies. The Cessna Aircraft and a helicopter has been already delivered to the campus while another 10-seater Learjet aircraft will be inducted soon. Today the chancellor of the University CA A Raghavendra Rao along with the pro-chancellor, Dr A Srinivas Rao received the keys of the aircraft. CA A Raghavendra Rao announced that the University is committed to becoming a leading source of skilled manpower for the airlines industry which is bound to grow in the coming decades. He also said that a new flight simulator will also be installed in the campus to provide pilot licence training to the students who are interested in becoming pilots. The University is offering programmes in i. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (BSc/BTech) ii. Pilot training In order to give good exposure to the students, the University has tied up with MH cockpit and also has the services of leading aircraft engineers who have put in more than three decades of service and are empanelled by DGCA. https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=754571 Back to Top Air Transport Services Group Selects GE Aviation for Digital Agreement AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) selected GE Aviation for a comprehensive digital agreement including FlightPulse® and eFOQA. The program gives ATSG subsidiary airlines ABX Air, Air Transport International, and Omni Air International access to advanced analytics with enriched data sets that will ultimately drive greater understanding of flight trends. This program implementation includes the Boeing 777, 767, and 757 aircraft. "GE Aviation's FlightPulse and eFOQA are integral tools used by our airlines to enhance their already rigorous safety programs and further ensure that our training programs and operating policies are meeting the highest standards of operational excellence," commented Ed Koharik, chief operating officer with ATSG. FlightPulse is a mobile app that uses aircraft data and smart analytics to enable pilots to securely access their own flying metrics and trends. FlightPulse can be used to optimize efficiency, reduce operational risk, and improve pilot awareness through advanced flight data analytics. "FlightPulse will be used to put actionable and relevant pre- and post-flight information in pilots' hands allowing them to operate at the highest level of effectiveness," said Andrew Coleman, GM of the Digital Group for GE Aviation. "When FlightPulse and eFOQA are combined, quality and accurate data provide a major enabler to improving safety, efficiency and sustainability." FOQA (Flight Operations Quality Assurance), also commonly referred to as FDM (Flight Data Monitoring), is the process of analyzing and reviewing routinely recorded flight data. Airlines and operators that adopt FOQA are better able to identify and eliminate potential safety hazards in flight operations. eFOQA is GE Aviation's premier service for helping operators around the world understand and improve safety. GE's patented analytics software fuses meteorological information, navigation data, and terrain mapping to identify safety events and measurements on thousands of flights every day. Since its introduction in the airline industry more than 20 years ago, FOQA has been widely credited with reducing incident and accident rates at airlines where it has been adopted. In its 2017-2018 Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Enhancements, the NTSB encourages aircraft operators to improve safety oversight of their aircraft by routinely reviewing recorded flight data in a structured program such as eFOQA. About Air Transport Services Group, Inc. ATSG is a leading provider of aircraft leasing and air cargo transportation and related services to domestic and foreign air carriers and other companies that outsource their air cargo lift requirements. ATSG, through its leasing and airline subsidiaries, is the world's largest owner and operator of converted Boeing 767 freighter aircraft. Through its principal subsidiaries, including three airlines with separate and distinct U.S. FAA Part 121 Air Carrier certificates, ATSG provides aircraft leasing, air cargo lift, passenger ACMI and charter services, aircraft maintenance services and airport ground services. ATSG's subsidiaries include ABX Air, Inc.; Airborne Global Solutions, Inc.; Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services, Inc., including its subsidiary, Pemco World Air Services, Inc.; Air Transport International, Inc.; Cargo Aircraft Management, Inc.; LGSTX Services, Inc; and Omni Air International, LLC. For more information, please see www.atsginc.com. About GE Aviation GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines, avionics, digital solutions and electrical power systems for aircraft. GE is the world's Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.geaviation.com/digital https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200924005628/en/Air-Transport-Services-Group-Selects-GE-Aviation-for-Digital-Agreement Back to Top Spirit AeroSystems Reinvigorates its Commitment to Aftermarket Presence in Asia WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE: SPR) announced today an expansion of its aftermarket footprint in Asia through a multi-year partnership with Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corporation (EGAT) and a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) customer agreement with EVA Air for 777 GE90 nacelles. EGAT, an award-winning aircraft MRO facility based in Taiwan, is highly proficient in airframe component and composite repairs. The agreements position Spirit for growth and significantly reduce MRO costs for passenger and freight carriers in the region by keeping repairs local. Through these relationships, Spirit will provide maintenance services on the products it manufactures - with core capabilities on the 777 GE90/Trent800 nacelle and 737 CFM56-7B thrust reverser, and on flight control surfaces - as well as grow capabilities and capacity to support increasing demand in the region. The EGAT partnership also expands Spirit's capabilities to facilitate service for a broader range of fleets, helping to maintain them across all platforms and regions. With closer inventory on hand, including rotable assets, and Spirit's composite expertise and manufacturing experience, Spirit will provide comprehensive capability for complex and minor repairs to better support fleets locally. This will also help reduce lead time, MRO expenses and capital investments in parts inventory, while increasing aircraft uptime. Significant cost-savings are also possible as fewer repairs are outsourced to locations outside of the region. EGAT also enables Spirit access to deliver broader nacelle MRO services to include CF6 powered aircraft and A320s. "Asia represents extensive growth opportunities for Spirit. We're committed to making investments in the region that align with our growth strategy and help increase readiness for growing fleet demands," said Jim Lickteig, Senior Director of Aftermarket Services at Spirit AeroSystems. "Given our expertise in repairing advanced composites, we want to share our established knowledge with strategic partners and customers to establish regional expertise when these structures need repairs and modifications." In addition to Taiwan, Spirit also operates an MRO location in Kansas. Learn more about Spirit's Global On-Site Solutions. About Spirit AeroSystems Spirit AeroSystems designs and builds aerostructures for both commercial and defense customers. With headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit operates sites in the U.S., U.K., France and Malaysia. The company's core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components for the world's premier aircraft. Spirit AeroSystems focuses on affordable, innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions to support customers around the globe. More information is available at www.spiritaero.com. About EGAT Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corp. or EGAT is a multiple award-winning, mid-sized boutique aircraft Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility based in Taiwan, most recently ranked 2019 Top-10 Global Airframe MRO by Aviation Week. Part of the Evergreen Group, characterized by its iconic eco-friendly container shipping service and EVA air. A notable SKYTRAX 5-star service airline in the Star Alliance, EGAT delivers an extensive menu of airframe. Modification, engine, and component services to a host of airline partners from around the world. For more information, please visit www.egat.com.tw. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-aerosystems-reinvigorates-its-commitment-to-aftermarket-presence-in-asia-301137146.html Back to Top Triumph Selected by Turkish Carrier for Wheel Services BERWYN, Pa., Sept. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Triumph Group (NYSE:TGI) announced today that its Triumph Aviation Services-Asia Ltd. (TASA) business was awarded a contract by a Turkish airline to provide aircraft wheel maintenance and repair services for 25 aircraft in its Boeing fleet. TASA is a subsidiary of Triumph Systems & Support located in Chonburi, Thailand. Under the new agreement, TASA will offer a fixed price or 'Power-by-Event' program for the repairs and maintenance services it provides to the unnamed carrier. "We are proud that customers continue to value the full spectrum wheels and brakes service capabilities that our TASA company offers and rely on our expertise to provide this necessary maintenance service," said Jim Berberet, President of Triumph Product Support. "Our ability to provide competitive costs, fast turnaround time and full logistics services from our base in Thailand makes us an attractive choice for customers who serve or are based in Europe and the Middle East." In 2019, Triumph positioned a sales office in Dubai to address the growing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market in the Middle East and Africa regions. This strategic alignment has demonstrated results through the addition of major airlines and MROs to Triumph's customer portfolio. With the gradual reopening of the Middle East region and passenger occupancy increasing, carriers have been slowly adding flights back with projections of increased operations over the next year. Triumph Aviation Services-Asia Ltd. repairs and overhauls a wide range of complex aircraft structures and components such as engine nacelles, flight control surfaces and various aircraft accessories. Triumph Group, Inc., headquartered in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, designs, engineers, manufactures, repairs and overhauls a broad portfolio of aerospace and defense systems, components and structures. The company serves the global aviation industry, including original equipment manufacturers and the full spectrum of military and commercial aircraft operators. More information about Triumph can be found on the company's website at www.triumphgroup.com. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/triumph-selected-by-turkish-carrier-for-wheel-services-301136922.html Back to Top EASA, FAA Officials Talk Cybersecurity Policy Updates for Connected Aircraft Systems During the first day of the Global Connected Aircraft Summit's second "Cabin Chats" web series, cybersecurity experts from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) came together to discuss risk management and upcoming policy changes for stakeholders across the connected aircraft ecosystem. Peter Skaves, Advanced Avionics Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor (CSTA) at FAA, said the biggest threat from the standpoint of the FAA is access points via public networks. The FAA's assessment is that the cybersecurity risks for the e-enabled architecture and infrastructure of the aircraft cannot physically be hacked while flying. "Every part in the airplane, every software part, has a unique electronic identifier and the only time we can load up these software parts is on a maintenance action when the planes are parked at the gate," Skaves said. "Once the maintenance action is done, the hardware interlocks are not available for any additional software updates. There is no room for you to come over here and go rogue on these displays or anywhere in the airplane. There is no physical way you can do that." In recent years, professional hackers from firms such as IOACTIVE have demonstrated their ability to hack into a commercial airplane's satellite internet modem, although the only such hacking that has been demonstrated impacted passenger mobile devices connected to the in-flight Internet with no ability to affect safety critical avionics systems. During the web-based version of Black Hat 2020 last month, Oxford PhD candidate and cybersecurity researcher James Pavur, demonstrated how his team was able to use about $300 in home television equipment and specialized software to enable "satellite eavesdropping" on in-flight passenger Internet data. The FAA and EASA are continuing to expand industry guidance, education and regulations to prevent cybersecurity risks in the air and on the ground. Cyrille Rosay, a senior cybersecurity expert at EASA, explained how the agency has amended its cybersecurity requirements for commercial aircraft, helicopters, and jet engines. The amendments were originally proposed in 2019. EASA's "Decision 2020/006/R," published in July, issues amendments for product certification and continued airworthiness to already existing certification specifications (CS) and acceptable means of compliance (AMC). These regulations do not yet apply to unmanned aircraft. Decision 2020/006/R aims to protect aircraft against threats to on-board electronic networks and systems. The amendments in this decision affect everything from general requirements on systems and equipment function in AMC 23.2510 to APU Control Systems and information security protection in CS-APU 90. The new amendments are to become effective in January 2021, according to information presented by Rosay. Skaves said that the FAA plans to publish an advisory circular to recognize standards for Transport Category Airplanes. The advisory circular will be combined with RTCA industry-accepted standards. A slide in Skaves presentation noted, "The FAA plans to publish an advisory circular as one means but not the only means to recognize these [Aircraft Systems Information Security/Protection] ASISP industry standards for Transport Category Airplanes." Juan Anton, cybersecurity in aviation & emerging risks section manager at EASA, discussed how the agency is also working on managing cybersecurity risks by organizations. Anton explained how EASA regulatory framework is focused on preventing accidents, where managing cybersecurity risks focuses on safety risks that result from intentional acts. "Our rules have always been focused on safety...We put safety layers to stop something from happening, but we assume that it happens just by chance when all things align. We never thought about somebody trying to exploit those vulnerabilities or flaws," Anton said. Anton said the solution would be an Information Security Management System (ISMS) and reporting of information security incidents that may impact aviation safety. The ISMS would identify areas that would be vulnerable to cyber risks, identify cyber risks resulting from its interfaces with other organizations, perform information security risk assessments, and ensure personnel has the skills to perform their tasks. EASA is currently working on an ISMS and predicts it will be adopted by the European Commission in 2022. https://www.aviationtoday.com/2020/09/23/easa-faa-officials-talk-cybersecurity-policy-updates-connected-aircraft-systems/ Back to Top Dublin Aerospace to expand apprenticeship programme Aviation maintenance company, Dublin Aerospace, is bucking the negative trends engulfing the sector at the moment, by announcing that it intends to increase the number of apprentices it takes on this year. The Dublin Airport based firm is to hire an additional 29 apprentices as part of its 2020 programme, a 20% increase on the previous intake. The apprenticeships will begin training in November, in a move that will bring to 350 the numbers employed by the firm. They will be in a range of areas including aircraft engineering, mechanical automation and maintenance fitting. "There's no doubt about it, the past seven months have been extremely difficult for almost every industry, with aviation being one of the hardest hit -Dublin Aerospace has not been spared," said Conor McCarthy, chairman and CEO of Dublin Aerospace. "However, our team have worked tirelessly throughout and demonstrated amazing flexibility and commitment." "We remain focused on our long term competitiveness and growth - recruiting and developing the best aircraft engineering apprentices is a core part of this strategy". The apprentice programme is four years in duration and supported by Solas. Apprentices get paid during it. Dublin Aerospace recently announced a $15m expansion programme with the company buying and developing a new Landing Gear facility in Ashbourne, Co. Meath. It will open early next year and employ around 150 people. https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2020/0923/1166996-dublin-aerospace-to-expand-apprenticeship-programme/ Back to Top Pratt & Whitney: China's Ameco to board the GTF MRO network Definitely, the GTF MRO network is expanding fast. Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Corporation (Ameco), a joint venture formed by Air China (75%) and Lufthansa Technik (25%), will be the tenth player in the world to be able to provide engine maintenance services on Pratt & Whitney's high-bypass geared turbofan engine. Ameco's engine shop in Beijing will work on the PW1100G-JM (A320neo family), the implementation of this new capability being announced for the end of the year. "We, along with our colleagues at International Aero Engines, LLC, are focused on adding world-class capacity to continue to service our GTF customers as the engine fleet continues to grow and we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis," said Dave Emmerling, vice president, Commercial Aftermarket at Pratt & Whitney. "With Ameco, we welcome an experienced and capable provider that is willing to invest and grow with the network. Ameco's facility will become the first GTF MRO network shop in China, marking a significant milestone as we continue to support our growing fleet and customers in the region." Ameco will be the fourth MRO in Asia to be able to provide maintenance and repairs to GTF engines, alongside Pratt & Whitney's Eagle Services Asia in Singapore, as well as IHI and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Aero Engines (MHIAEL) in Japan. Pratt & Whitney points out that China alone is already lining up a fleet of 140 Airbus A320neo family aircraft equipped with GTFs at 11 airlines. Air China has been the operator of the PW1100G-JM itself since November 2017, with a fleet of 36 aircraft in service today: 25 A320neos and 9 A321neos. Pratt & Whitney GTF global network was enriched by the arrival of Delta TechOps in the first half of the year, the maintenance division of the American airline having just completed a comprehensive maintenance visit of a PW1100G-JM engine at its Technical Operations Center in Atlanta in late August. https://www.journal-aviation.com/en/news/45214-pratt-whitney-chinese-ameco-to-board-the-gtf-mro-global-network Back to Top Port Authority Unveils Clean Construction Program During Climate Week, Setting Industry-leading Approach to Sustainable Construction and Design On Sept. 22, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced the implementation of a Clean Construction Program, one of the most ambitious programs of its kind among U.S. transportation agencies, that will reduce carbon emissions throughout the design and construction processes. This important measure ensures that a minimum of 75% of concrete, asphalt, and steel construction waste is diverted from landfills and incorporates LEED and Envision-equivalent standards for environmentally-friendly infrastructure design, advancing the Port Authority's commitment to reducing emissions and leading the transportation sector towards a low-carbon and more sustainable future. As the Port Authority delivers on both large-scale infrastructure projects like airport redevelopments and performs critical routine maintenance at bridges and tunnels, the Clean Construction Program, building on the agency's guidelines for sustainable design for buildings and infrastructure, will reduce "embodied carbon" (the carbon emissions generated from the manufacturing and transportation of construction materials and on-site construction activity), promote the circular economy (reusing materials to increase their lifespans), and reduce air pollution from construction across all facilities through six specific initiatives: Incorporation of LEED and Envision-equivalent standards during infrastructure design Specification for low carbon concrete: reduces the required cement content in certain concrete mixes by 25%, significantly reducing its carbon intensity and allowing for lower-carbon alternatives Pilot projects to develop low carbon concrete and materials Requirement for Environmental Product Declaration: enables systematic collection of environmental data directly from construction contractors to help inform more environmentally focused material selection Waste matching for concrete, asphalt and soil: creates a platform for waste matching across Port Authority construction sites to reduce waste sent to landfills and the truck trips required to bring materials to and from construction sites Requirement for low emissions vehicles on-site: specifies that large diesel construction equipment must be Tier 4 or newer to ensure the cleanest models available are used for agency projects The requirements outlined in the Clean Construction Program will apply to all new projects, and many are already being embedded into ongoing work, including the LaGuardia Airport and Newark Airport Terminal One redevelopments. At LaGuardia Airport, nearly 22,000 tons of concrete was recycled from the demolition of the original Terminal B parking structure and approximately 2,475 tons of this recycled concrete were reused on the adjacent job site. Truck travel during demolition of the old airport has been reduced by 250,000 miles due to the creation of a concrete recycling facility on site. As part of the ongoing construction for the Terminal One Redevelopment Program at Newark Liberty International Airport, over 30,820 tons of asphalt, 101,511 tons of concrete, and 61,597 tons of soil have already been recycled for the construction of the new Terminal One, Bridge N60 Frontage Road Bridge and Pedestrian Bridge, connecting pedestrians to the new terminal's departures level. "As one of the key economic drivers in the region, we continue to make smart investments to reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices across the region," said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole. "We are leading the way toward a more sustainable future because now more than ever we must all be committed to protecting our environment." "We are committed to building our facilities to meet world-class, 21st century environmental standards in alignment with the aggressive goals laid out in the Paris Climate Agreement," said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. "As the first transportation agency to sign on to the climate accords, our Clean Construction Program will set new standards in the region and the world for sustainable building practices through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve energy and improve air quality in our host communities." "We're dedicated to building best-in-class infrastructure that will stand the test of time as climate conditions change," said Jim Starace, chief engineer. "The Clean Construction Program is an important step forward towards fulfilling the agency's ambitious commitments to resilience and sustainability." "The Clean Construction program will advance supply chain decarbonization, create demand for lower-carbon materials, and significantly reduce waste and air pollution by addressing carbon emissions at every step of the construction life cycle. With this program, we greatly expand the reach of Port Authority climate action," said Christine Weydig, director of the agency's Office of Environmental and Energy Programs. "We're proud to be a leader in the clean building space and drive environmental and economic benefits for the region for decades to come." The Clean Construction program is a key element of the Port Authority's sustainability agenda, which includes aggressive greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets outlined in the agency's first-in-sector commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement. The Port Authority has committed to reducing emissions 35% by 2025, and 80% by 2050, and in order to achieve these goals, the Port Authority is targeting seven specific areas of sustainability and environmental action across the agency: clean electric vehicles; energy efficiency; solar and renewable energy programs; building "green" facilities; clean ship practices for ocean-going vessels; offshore wind; and partnering to combat climate change. https://www.aviationpros.com/airports/press-release/21155474/the-port-authority-of-new-york-new-jersey-port-authority-unveils-clean-construction-program-during-climate-week-setting-industryleading-approach-to-sustainable-construction-and-design Back to Top China Eastern to retrofit all its Boeing 737NGs with Thales transponders Only four months after SF Airlines, China Eastern Airlines chose Thales and ACSS (Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems), its joint venture with L3Harris Technologies, to equip its entire Boeing 737NGs fleet (203 aircraft) with NXT-800 DO-260B transponders. These transponders are obviously ADS-B Out compatible to comply with the requirements of the Chinese Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) by the end of 2022. As part of the agreement, the current transponders on board will be replaced with Thales/ACSS NXT-800 transponders utilizing the Boeing Service Bulletin available for certified inter-mix retrofit. The airline will benefit from extensive cost savings through this inter-mix retrofit. The Shanghai-based airlines has already fitted nearly 150 of its A320s with Thales avionics. In 2015, China Eastern Airlines also became the first Chinese airline to comply with the DO-260B standard by installing Thales's T³CAS / ACSS solution on several of its A320s. In 2018, China Eastern and Thales signed a Strategic Maintenance Cooperation Agreement, marking the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership. https://www.journal-aviation.com/en/news/45213-china-eastern-to-retrofit-all-its-boeing-737ngs-with-thales-transponders Back to Top SpaceX is going to fire Tom Cruise into space If you dislike actor Tom Cruise, I've got some great news for you. If you love actor Tom Cruise, I also have some great news for you. Believe it or not, it's the same news: SpaceX has agreed to shoot Mr. Cruise into space! Hooray for everyone! If you're a Cruise hater, you'll be happy that he won't be on planet Earth for a while, but if you happen to be a fan, you'll be happy to hear that he's going into space with director Doug Liman and (likely) a co-star so that they can scope out and perhaps even film some scenes for a new movie. That's pretty awesome. The entire thing is being considered a "tourist mission" for SpaceX. The company has been bullish on the idea of generating revenue from flying private (and very wealthy) people into space for whatever reasons they desire, but in this case, it's for the purposes of filmmaking. The two (likely three) passengers will be carried to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. At the helm of the ship will be Michael López-Alegría, a true veteran of spaceflight and the man that holds a pair of records for spacewalks. He knows a thing or two about space, and would seem to be the perfect guide for the actor, director, and whoever else comes along for the ride. As Space Shuttle Almanac revealed on Twitter, the flight is expected to take place in October 2021, which is over a year away. That means a few things, but the most important to note is that there's a long time for those plans to change. This wouldn't exactly be the first time that a SpaceX "tourist" flight was announced and then never took place, but the fact that the mission will include work on a movie would seem to give it a bit more weight. We'll have to wait and see. Whether the mission is just one of many for the film or if it's simply an educational excursion for the actor and director to ensure realism for an upcoming flick is unclear. Whatever the case, thanks to the lengthy timelines of Hollywood productions, we likely won't be seeing the fruits of their labor for some time. In any case, it's definitely cool that SpaceX is open to "tourist" missions, but as we've yet to see one get off the ground. https://bgr.com/2020/09/23/tom-cruise-spacex-iss-mission/ Curt Lewis