Finnair has selected Airbus’s Flight Hour Services (FHS) to support its entire A320 Family fleet (35 aircraft), thus becoming the first European FHS customer for an A320 fleet.
Following recent contracts in Asia Pacific and the Middle East region, this first FHS agreement from Europe demonstrates the growing trust placed in Airbus’ maintenance by the hour services by airlines around the world, both for widebody and single aisle fleets.
Finnair will benefit from integrated material services including on-site-stock at their main base in Helsinki, access to Airbus’ mutualised spares pools and components engineering and repair services around the world. The FHS contract covers ‘nose to tail’ material services including for engine components.
Airbus will guarantee spare parts availability, generating value through increased fleet availability and operating maintenance costs savings.
The global Airbus fleet covered by FHS has increased by more than 25% over the past two years confirming the relevancy of flexible, power-by-hour solutions for airlines to secure efficient operations and contain costs.
Finnair is a long-standing Airbus customer. The airline is operating Airbus A320 Family aircraft on its network in Europe and Airbus A330 and A350 on long-haul flights.
ENGLEWOOD, Colorado – August 26, 2021 – United Rotorcraft, an Air Methods Corporation division, has awarded Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), a contract for five S-70 Black Hawk helicopters. The bulk order will enable United Rotorcraft, as the only company authorized by Sikorsky to modify Black Hawk aircraft to the FIREHAWK configuration, to quickly deliver these new production aircraft for aerial firefighting in support of public agencies battling increasingly destructive wildland fires.
Sikorsky will produce the five S-70 Black Hawk aircraft at Lockheed Martin’s PZL Mielec manufacturing line in Poland. Deliveries to United Rotorcraft’s 55,000+ square foot completions facility in Colorado are expected between early 2022 and mid-2023. The first aircraft received will be configured as a FIREHAWK helicopter for the State of Colorado, which announced its contract with United Rotorcraft on Aug. 16.
To modify a Black Hawk helicopter to the Firehawk configuration, United Rotorcraft installs and integrates a 1,000-gallon (3,785-liter) external water tank system to the aircraft’s belly. Fingertip controls allow pilots to drop the precise amount of water with high accuracy and refill the tank via a retractable snorkel in 60 seconds or less while hovering 10 feet over a water source. United Rotorcraft works hand in hand with public agencies to further customize the aircraft, as needed, from communications and navigation systems, to cabin interiors, transforming the FIREHAWK into a true multi-mission aircraft, with the ability to transport up to 12 firefighters, provide medical care on board, or perform search and rescue operations.
Thirteen S-70 FIREHAWK helicopters currently fighting fires across California are operated by CALFIRE, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and San Diego Fire Rescue Department. Five more contracted aircraft are on the way.
WICHITA, Kan. (Aug. 18, 2021) – Textron Aviation and Honeywell Aerospace are developing an exclusive program for Hawker 4000 and Cessna Citation Sovereign aircraft equipped with the Honeywell PRIMUS EPIC integrated cockpit to allow pilots to communicate more easily with air traffic controllers and utilize the most current Data Link services offered in North America and Europe. The aircraft upgrade is expected to be available in mid-2022.
Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker customers receive factory direct support, maintenance and modifications by Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, through a global network of service and part centers, mobile service units and 24/7 1CALL AOG support.
Future Air Navigation System (FANS) Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) and Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN) Protected Mode CPDLC (PM-CPDLC) replace the traditional voice communications used by pilots and controllers with data/text messaging for many standard operating procedures, allowing pilots to communicate with air traffic control with the touch of a button. This increases pilot heads-up time, frees up VHF voice communication bandwidth for more critical communications, and significantly reduces voice readback errors. CPDLC is similar to SMS text messaging used on your personal cell phone but uses prescribed text messages that enable pilots and air traffic controllers (ATC) to quickly and accurately request and authorize clearances and flight plan changes.
The FANS 1/A+ and Protected Mode CPDLC program features:
Ease of operation by quickly and accurately loading complex instructions into the aircraft flight management system with the push of a button
Support for future FAA Next Gen Data Com capabilities
Trajectory-based operations
Improved re-routing of aircraft around severe weather events and traffic congestion
Prioritized departure clearances that can save several minutes of wait time before takeoff
Aircraft operating in continental Europe will also be able to use PM-CPDLC to obtain equivalent benefits of ATC prioritization, delay avoidance, and optimal flight durations.
Textron Aviation’s collaboration with Honeywell on this project enables a cost-effective solution for customers for modernizing the Data Link capabilities of these important aircraft and reduces the certification and installation time. As the original equipment manufacturer of the aircraft, Textron Aviation can offer the OEM-certified upgrade to the PRIMUS EPIC avionics suite that maintains the system integrity as originally certified. Installation can be completed at any domestic or international Textron Aviation service center.
Cathay Pacific Airways and HK Express have signed contracts for Airbus’s Flight Hour Services (FHS) to provide support for their A320 Family fleets. These extend the service relationship with Cathay Pacific and welcome HK Express as a new FHS customer.
The multi-year, maintenance-by-the-hour contracts cover integrated component services, including on-site stock, pool access, and repair services. The airlines will also benefit from Airbus’s engineering expertise and FHS local representatives in Hong Kong.
Airbus has finalised 11 FHS contracts with operators worldwide over the last six months. The latest contract agreements demonstrate the continued interest in Airbus’s integrated maintenance service, proving more relevant than ever in post-crisis times when airlines need to carefully monitor their costs and contain investments.
Getafe, 15 April 2021 – The Egyptian Air Force, the largest C295 fleet operator worldwide, has recently signed a five-year services contract with Airbus for the performance-based support of its fleet, composed of a total of 24 aircraft.
The Egyptian Air Force joins now the community of C295 operators that benefit from the provision of integrated and performance based services which ensure that all elements of support are in place where and when required, in order to optimize fleet availability and mission readiness.
The contract includes the provision of material services, on-site technical support as well as on-wing maintenance.
Since the delivery of the first aircraft in 2011, Airbus has been providing support through a wide service portfolio with the highest quality standards including both technical and personnel resources. In signing this contract, Egypt goes further by reaffirming and extending their trust in Airbus by implementing the first integrated support contract.
OLATHE, Kan./Feb. 10, 2020/Business Wire – Garmin® International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced a long-term agreement to provide the state-of-the-art Garmin G3000® integrated flight deck to Joby Aviation for their revolutionary all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which is expected to commence commercial operations in 2024. Garmin has decades of experience deploying certified avionics solutions to new markets and this is continued with the touchscreen G3000 integrated flight deck for eVTOL aircraft in the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market. The G3000 integrated flight deck has amassed extensive field service history, and with this derivation of the system into the eVTOL segment, it leverages that proven experience while offering advanced integration functionality in a compact design with unparalleled capabilities.
The modular Garmin G3000 integrated flight deck boasts light weight and vibrant high-resolution flight displays that support navigation, communication and flight sensor solutions and integrates seamlessly with Joby’s aircraft systems. Specifically tailored to meet the needs of eVTOL aircraft, the G3000 system that will be featured in Joby’s eVTOL aircraft delivers enhanced capabilities to optimize their air mobility service through tight integration with the vehicle mission computer and tailoring of flight guidance display indications. Further, the G3000 will be architected to provide the ability to efficiently facilitate future system upgrades as the Advanced Aerial Mobility (AAM) industry continues to evolve.
Joby Aviation is a California headquartered company developing an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. After more than a decade of engineering and development, Joby intends to operate the aircraft as a fast, quiet and affordable air mobility service as early as 2024. The piloted, zero-emissions aircraft, will be capable of transporting four passengers up to 150 miles on a single charge, with a top cruising speed of 200 mph. It is designed to help reduce urban congestion and accelerate the shift to sustainable modes of transit. Designed for daily life, the aircraft lands vertically and provides flexibility and versatility to serve nearly any community.
The U.S. Air Force on Wednesday awarded Boeing [NYSE: BA] a $2.1 billion contract for 15 KC-46A tankers, expanding its fleet of aircraft that will not only set the standard for aerial refueling but will also help enable the integrated digital battlespace. Like a cellular tower in the sky, the KC-46 connects air forces to data needed to maintain the decision advantage and win on the 21st century battlefield.
“The KC-46’s adaptability is going to be a game-changer for the U.S. Air Force,” said Jamie Burgess, Boeing KC-46 tanker vice president and program manager. “We know our defense customers will need to transform how they fight and win in the modern era. That’s why Boeing is focused on making sure the KC-46 grows and changes with them.”
The KC-46 is a widebody, multirole tanker designed for state-of-the-art air refueling, cargo and medical transport. Boeing is now on contract for 94 KC-46A tankers.
“Our KC-46 fleet is growing, and we’re ready to extend the reach of next-generation air refueling to more of our Airmen,” said Col. Jason Lindsey, U.S. Air Force KC-46 System program manager.
Boeing delivered the first KC-46A to the U.S. Air Force in January 2019. Since then, the company has delivered 42 tankers to McConnell Air Force base in Kansas, Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma, Pease Air National Guard base in New Jersey and Seymour Johnson Air Force base in North Carolina. The next-generation KC-46 is bringing new capabilities and operational flexibility to the U.S. Air Force and international customers.
Boeing is assembling KC-46A aircraft at its Everett, Washington, facility, where it also continues production of the KC-46 tanker for Japan.
The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Mali has placed a firm order for an additional Airbus C295 airlifter in the transport configuration. This second aircraft, to be delivered in 2021, will supplement the first C295 already in operation since December 2016 which has already accumulated 1,770 flight hours and transported more than 38,000 passengers and 900 tonnes of cargo in less than four years of operations.
This new order also includes an integrated logistics support package with spare parts for the two aircraft and training for flight crews and mechanics.
This acquisition is in response to the urgent need of the authorities of the Republic of Mali to have permanent air transport capacity within a very short timeframe, providing a vital link supporting operations and actions for the development of isolated areas in the northern regions of the country. Bernhard Brenner, Head of Marketing and Sales at Airbus Defence and Space, said: “This repeat order demonstrates the excellent capabilities and performance of our aircraft. The C295 is becoming the 21stcentury standard tactical airlifter in Africa with 37 aircraft ordered in the region, from Algeria, Egypt and Ghana to Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Mali.”
– New courses include helicopter specific eLearning courses for G1000H NXi
Garmin® International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd., is pleased to announce two new eLearning training courses for the G1000® NXi, as well as two separate eLearning courses for the G1000H NXi integrated flight deck for helicopters. These training courses are available in a virtual eLearning format allowing pilots to learn at their own pace, with the G1000 NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course providing a foundational understanding of the system, while the G1000 NXi Essentials eLearning Course is focused on systems installed in high-performance piston and turbine engine aircraft. The two comprehensive eLearning courses for the G1000H NXi integrated flight deck titled G1000H NXi Fundamentals, and G1000H NXi Advanced-IFR, use scenario-based training to highlight helicopter-specific operations and are tailored for pilots new to the G1000H NXi system, in addition to those with experience wanting a deeper understanding of the system.
Core training topics All four training courses build on a common core of training topics. These topics are common to all G1000 NXi and G1000H NXi systems but are tailored to the audience for each course. The topics include:
Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multifunction Display (MFD) function
Audio Panel Features
Automatic Flight Control System
Hazard Avoidance Features
Safety Features
Abnormal Operations
Managing Databases
Operational Flight Scenario
Learn best-practices for G1000 NXi operational use
For those that are new to Garmin avionics, transitioning to advanced avionics, or perhaps want to refresh their understanding of the system, the G1000 NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course provides comprehensive training on the system designed for piston engine equipped aircraft. This course describes features of the system in detail and use a scenario to demonstrate how particular features function in different phases of flight in order to see this advanced system in action. In order to practice what you learned during this course, the Garmin G1000 NXi PC Trainer software is available for purchase online.
G1000 NXi for high-performance piston and turbine aircraft
For those operating high-performance piston or turbine-engine equipped aircraft, the G1000 NXi Essentials course presents best-practices for the G1000 NXi integrated flight deck by providing detailed training for pilots wanting to get the most out of the system. In addition to describing features in detail and showing how they can be used effectively in flight, scenario-based training demonstrates typical high-performance piston and turbine-engine aircraft operations, providing an opportunity to see the G1000 NXi system in full effect. For your specific or similar aircraft, the Garmin G1000 NXi PC Trainer software is available for purchase online, and provides the opportunity to take what you learned throughout the course and apply it. In addition to the core training topics, the G1000 NXi Essentials eLearning Course includes additional instruction on:
Vertical Navigation
Automatic Flight Control System
Advanced Features
User Waypoints
Managing Databases
Multiple Operational Flight Scenarios with different performance profiles
Build helicopter-specific system knowledge
The G1000H NXi Fundamentals course is designed for VFR helicopter pilots who are new to Garmin avionics, transitioning to advanced avionics, or perhaps want a refresher on the G1000H NXi. This allows the pilot to be comfortable with the avionics and maximize learning during valuable flight time. Learn how to take full advantage of the capabilities of the G1000H NXi system while gaining experience with operational use best practices. This virtual course allows pilots to learn at their own pace, details system features and provides a VFR flight scenario to show how these features are used in various phases of flight. Those that sign up for this course receive an additional scripted scenario for more practice through the Bell 407GXi G1000H NXi PC Trainer software, available for purchase online. The core training topics in the G1000H NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course have been tailored to helicopter-specific features and functionality, including differences for:
PFD and MFD function
Audio Panel Features
Hazard Avoidance Features
Operational Flight Scenario
Scenario-Based Exercise
Enhance IFR helicopter skills with G1000H NXi
The G1000H Advanced-IFR course provides a detailed look at the G1000H NXi system and illustrates best practices for operational use of the flight deck, with a focus on Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The course uses phase of flight scenarios to demonstrate typical IFR helicopter operation, and depicts common practices to maximize the benefits of system features and capabilities. For helicopter pilots who fly search-and-rescue missions, emphasis on user waypoints are included in the course scenarios. Pilots can further practice what they learned throughout the course with one of the additional scripted scenarios provided for use with the purchase of the Bell 407GXi G1000H NXi PC Trainer software. Some helicopter-tailored training topics covered in the Advanced IFR eLearning Course include:
PFD and MFD function
Automatic Flight Control System
Hazard Avoidance Features
Advanced Features
User waypoints
Operational Flight Scenarios
Proceed through the course at a pace that works best
Available immediately after purchase using a computer or tablet device with internet access, pilots can navigate through the virtual course at their own pace. Assessments throughout the course validate knowledge obtained of critical items while documenting the learning process. With the ability to pause lessons as needed to return to the lesson later, this is a convenient option for any pilot. Also, pilots can retake specific lessons or even the entire course during the subscription period.
The G1000 NXi Fundamentals eLearning course is available now for $94.95 USD, and the G1000 NXi Essentials eLearning Course is now available for $145.95 USD. Also available is the G1000H NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course for $74.95 USD, as well as the G1000H NXi Advanced IFR eLearning Course is available for $94.95 USD. For aviation training needs, including purchasing one of these eLearning courses, please visit www.fly.garmin.com/training.
– Expanded FlightSense On-Site Support agreement for Collins Aerospace’s Integrated Drive Generator (IDG) includes new part numbers for Airbus A320neo operators
Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of Raytheon Technologies Corp. (NYSE: RTX), and Fokker Services, a GKN Aerospace company, today announced the expansion of an existing 10-year FlightSense On-Site Support agreement for Collins Aerospace’s Integrated Drive Generators (IDG’s). The expanded contract will add new IDG part numbers for the Airbus A320neo, while Collins Aerospace will continue to manage Fokker Services’ onsite inventory of IDG components, providing competitive rates for OEM-quality parts and improved shop efficiency. Fokker Services, in turn, will now be able to repair Collins Aerospace IDGs for the A320neo at its Amsterdam Airport Schiphol facilities.
The IDG provides primary electric power for the aircraft electrical system by converting variable engine input speed to a constant output speed, thus enabling the generator portion of the IDG to produce alternating current at a constant frequency.
“Collins Aerospace is pleased to continue building on its longstanding relationship with Fokker Services,” said Ryan Hudson, vice president, Aftermarket, Power & Controls for Collins Aerospace. “This agreement will help Fokker Services streamline supply chain operations, increase repair reliability and lower operational cost to better serve its customers with quality repairs of Collins Aerospace components.”
“As a leading aerospace service provider, we are proud to work with Collins Aerospace to provide MRO support for these components to operators,” said Ben Scharrenberg, director, Procurement for Fokker Services. “We bring added value based on many years of experience in supporting component MRO, our high quality standards including FAA, EASA and CAAC approvals, and our service expertise. We look forward to supporting our customers and to further expanding our relationship as Collins Aerospace’s channel partner.”
As part of the contract, Fokker Services will support airlines, MROs and Integrators with flexible, reliable and competitive OEM solutions for Collins Aerospace IDGs. The support includes:
– OEM parts & warranty
– Dedicated 24/7 customer service representative
– Quick Turn-Around-Time and performance guarantee
– Reliability monitoring services to ensure top quality
– Exchange inventory available to support the next removal
