Low-Fare & Regional Airlines Vol 34 No 6 December 2017/January 2018 www.laranews.net

CRJ Series Silver linings MRO – customer support Suite solutions

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Low-Fare & Regional Airlines Vol 34 No 6 December 2017/January 2018 www.laranews.net 14 CRJ Series Silver linings Maximize your MRO – customer support Suite solutions Crew’s Intelligence SkyWest All aboard the SkyWest express

COVER SKYWEST Tails that tell a tale – a line-up of SkyWest Inc.’s All aboard the SkyWest express airline partners Alaska, United, Delta and American. It may be the world’s largest regional airline, but it only gets four wire transfers a week – a fact that anchors the US carrier in its primary strategy, according to president Chip Childs. NEWS & FEATURES

4 COMMENT 31 ERA 2017 AIRPORT FOCUS 2017 has been an attritional year for some Greek gathering no tragedy 45 AARHUS AIRPORT low-fare and regional carriers, especially Where better to vote on some of the Aarhus has 1,200 years of Viking history, in Europe, but the growth plans of others commercial aviation sector’s biggest but the future is what’s driving the airport’s remain compelling. issues than in Athens, the recognised strategic development. cradle of Western democratic society? 6 NEWS 47 FIVE QUESTIONS TO… $114bn cash splash in Dubai; Riding the 35 MRO EUROPE … Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation digital wave; Cape of good hope for Italy's easyJet’s winter wonderland Nicolas Bonleux, managing director and Tecnam. With a busy winter maintenance chief sales officer at Liebherr-Aerospace & programme, a major AOC transition Transportation, outlines its latest activities. 19 CRJ SERIES process, and an ongoing fleet expansion Silver linings and upgrade, easyJet remains a low-fare 48 AERO-TECH TRENDS Bombardier has rightly been celebrating giant still hungry to get bigger. More innovative solutions in the spotlight, the CRJ’s silver jubilee, marking its entry from Airbus’s BLADE and Lufthansa into service with Lufthansa CityLine in 1992, 37 FUEL MANAGEMENT Technik’s CAIRE robot, to AFI KLM E&M’s an arrival essentially heralding the advent Catching up with fuel efficiency APU solution and EDM’s door trainer app. of the 50-seat regional jet. Fuel efficiency platforms offer reduced costs but some operators are slow on the 50 NEW APPOINTMENTS AND EVENTS DIARY 24 RAA CONVENTION 2017 uptake. Including flybe, Lufthansa Technik, Air The calm before the storm Industries Group, Aircraft Propeller Service, America’s regional airline leaders gathered 40 AVIONICS AND SYSTEMS GKN Aerospace, ERA, MTU Maintenance AID+ upgrade available now Activate your cockpit connectivity unscathed in the immediate aftermath A visionary upgrade for avionics Lease Services, AerCap and KLM UK of Hurricane Irma but with their sunny As aircraft are fitted for the new traffic Engineering. Plus upcoming aero events. on 10,000+ aircraft and enhance your flight performance dispositions threatened by storm clouds management environment, now may be a on the industry’s horizon. good time to upgrade avionics equipment GroundLink AID+ provides instant and secure access to a wider range of in-flight in other ways too. IN THE NEXT ISSUE information that the flight crew can leverage to improve navigation, plane 28 MAINTENANCE TRAINING l Airports Special performance, and fuel consumption. The AID+ upgrade is readily available on over AMT shortage challenges in the spotlight 42 MRO – CUSTOMER SUPPORT l Aircraft connectivity l 10,000 Airbus and Boeing aircraft already equipped with Teledyne’s GroundLink system. While much has been written about the Suite solutions Component overhaul/repairs pilot shortage, of equal concern to MROs Packaged maintenance support l Flight planning systems is the acute upcoming shortage of aviation programmes are evolving rapidly in l Seating technology maintenance technicians (AMTs). response to customer demands. l Regional focus – Asia-Pacific teledynecontrols.com laranews.net December 2017/January 2018 LARA 1.310.765.3600 4 COMMENT

Attritional aviation

As the year ends, it’s often publishing tradition to reflect upon events of the past 12 months – but in this industry, too much EDITORIAL happens in just eight weeks to tread that path. tel: +44 1252 545993 Editor: Mark Thomas Let me elucidate. Since the last issue of LARA, we’ve had some [email protected] major happenings. Bombardier’s big move mid-October saw it Editorial Assistant: Kimberley Levey essentially hand Airbus the keys to the Canadian manufacturer’s [email protected] C Series programme on a plate – better a smaller slice of a larger pie Asia-Pacific Correspondent: Emma Kelly [email protected] than all of a much smaller one was the thinking. tel: +61 8 9291 9089 Involving Airbus appears to be paying off, with Bombardier announcing an LoI shortly after Contributors: Bernie Baldwin, Kathryn B Creedy and with a European customer for 31 C Series aircraft with options for 30 more, followed by Henry Canaday another six weeks later at the Dubai Airshow for 24 more for EgyptAir. ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING The Dubai show also saw Airbus unveil its largest-ever single order, a US$50 billion deal tel: +44 1252 545993 from Indigo Partners for 430 A320neo aircraft for its budget carriers Wizz, Frontier, Volaris and Sales Manager: Toby Walton [email protected] JetSMART. The order was a major vote of confidence in the growth potential of these low-fare

Media Sales Executive: Robert James operators and their business models. [email protected] Boeing joined in with its own $27 billion order from flydubai for 225 B737 MAX aircraft – Marketing and Communications Manager: Ross McSweeny more evidence of the LCC model working well. [email protected] These are highly encouraging, but it can go the other way. Since our last issue we also saw PRODUCTION & DESIGN the sad end of two historic European airlines – Air Berlin and Monarch. The warning signs had tel: +44 1252 545993 been there for some time, but their collapse was still sobering. Production Editor: Marina Blackburn [email protected] Approaching its 50th anniversary, Monarch suddenly became the UK’s largest-ever airline failure. This is not a unique occurrence in this business – more than 250 airlines globally have Graphic Designer: Paul Firth [email protected] gone bust in the last decade. But Monarch’s overnight demise in early October was a shock. CIRCULATION Less than four weeks later, Air Berlin, having finally filed for insolvency in August, was Subscription Enquiries: landing its last ever flight. It was Europe’s 10th-largest airline overall and had been operating [email protected] tel: +44 1252 545993 fax: +44 1252 408674 for 39 years. But when main shareholder Etihad pulled the financial plug, it was history.

MANAGEMENT Their collapse, following Alitalia’s fall into insolvency in April, illustrates how ferociously [email protected] competitive the market is for short-haul carriers and regional players, especially in Europe, Managing Director: Mark Howells Director: Becky Howells which may now start necessarily moving towards more of a US regional model. Too much

LARA is published six times per year – in February/March, April/May, capacity with not enough passengers is never a good formula where the margins are so thin. June/July, August/September, October/November and December/ January – by HMG Aerospace Ltd. Distribution of LARA is carefully There have been plenty of positive announcements about huge aircraft and engine orders controlled for industry-related individuals. Non-qualifiers can subscribe annually for £100. (well over $114 billion at the Dubai Airshow alone) and the continued growth of low-fare Articles and information contained in this publication are the players like easyJet, Wizz, Frontier, Volaris, flydubai et al. copyright of HMG Aerospace Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. But it is vital to balance all that optimism against the operational challenges and cost Member of pressures that remain totally capable of killing off two fragile airlines with high cost bases almost overnight. What would happen if oil prices soared back to $120 per barrel for a year or

Strategic partner two? It could be carnage. It’s been a lively end to 2017, in what has evolved into a year of attrition for airlines. I suspect the coming year will also be incident-packed, and at LARA we will continue to outline © HMG Aerospace Ltd 2017 ISSN 1753-0598 the trends as they emerge. And on that note, we wish all our readers best wishes for the festive season and a prosperous 2018.

HMG Aerospace Ltd Mark Thomas – Editor 103 Mytchett Road, Mytchett, Surrey, GU16 6ES, United Kingdom Tel: +44 1252 545993 Fax: +44 1252 408674 www.hmgaerospace.com More at SSJ100RIGHTNOW.COM December 2017/January 2018 LARA @LARA_Editor

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The single-aisle order was split into 273 A320neos and 157 A321neos, with Hungary’s Wizz taking the largest share with 146 (72 A320neo, 74 A321neo), Frontier of the US second with 134 (100 A320neo, 34 A321neo), Volaris of Mexico taking 80 (46 A320neo, 34 A321neo) and Chile’s JetSMART a total of 70 (56 A320neo, 14 A321neo). The A320neo family has so far clocked up more than 5,200 orders from 95 customers since being launched in 2010. Wizz said deliveries would start in 2022, but that the bulk of the aircraft would be delivered in 2025–26, following on from the delivery of 110 A321neos ordered in 2015. Under the MoU, Wizz also has the right to substitute some A320neos with A321neos Dubai’s $114bn and vice versa, “depending on future requirements”. Wizz’s additional aircraft are valued at $17.2 billion at current list price, although it added that it will get discounts. cash splash Completion of the order does remain subject Airlines and leasing companies whipped up aircraft acquisition by Indigo Partners, which is to approval by Wizz Air shareholders. a sandstorm of single-aisle aircraft orders allocating them amongst its portfolio of Wizz The airline’s CEO, József Váradi, said he in the warm desert air of Dubai, endorsing Air, Frontier Airlines, JetSMART and Volaris, believed the A320neos are “game-changer the low-fare sector with a major vote of represented its biggest ever single order. Chief aircraft for Wizz Air, as we continue to grow at confidence. Mark Thomas reports. operating officer, customers, John Leahy, an industry-leading rate and expand our described it simply as “remarkable”. market reach across and beyond Europe.” s the last major commercial aviation The MoU essentially doubled Indigo’s existing The new commitment brings Wizz’s gathering of the year, the Dubai A320neo family order commitment, once the outstanding orders with Airbus to 282 aircraft, AAirshow was expected to contain a final purchase agreements are completed. The including eight A320ceo and 18 A321ceo few bumper deals. But the sheer bulk of US private equity fund had previously placed platforms, deliveries of which will continue to orders and letters of intent signed, largely orders for 427 A320 family aircraft. early 2019, and 110 A321neo aircraft, deliveries for narrowbodies, by airlines and lessors still of which will start in 2019 and continue raised plenty of eyebrows. GROWTH POTENTIAL through to 2024. It currently operates a fleet of It reflected a rising investment trend in The latest order was also a major vote of 87 A320 and A321 aircraft. single-aisle aircraft, essentially providing a confidence by the investment fund in the solid strong endorsement of the business models commerciality of its low-cost carrier portfolio. LOW-COST CONFIDENCE and acknowledged growth potential being Bill Franke, managing partner of the Phoenix, Mexico’s Volaris added that its deal was built by budget carriers globally. Arizona-based fund, said the commitment valued at $9.3 billion at list price, and was Airbus and Boeing, of course, duked it out “underscores our optimistic view of the growth Airbus’s largest order in the country, with for the biggest headlines at the event, and the potential of our family of low-cost airlines, as deliveries from 2022 to 2026. The airline European manufacturer looked to edge the well as our confidence in the A320neo family currently has a 70-strong fleet, with the contest on points. A combined deal for 430 as a platform for that growth”. committed 41 A320neo aircraft to be Airbus A320neos valued at US$49.5 billion from He added the company and its airlines delivered between now and 2021. four low-fare airlines under the umbrella of looked forward “to bringing comfort and low CEO Enrique Beltranena said the investment Indigo Partners was perhaps the winning blow. fares to more passengers around the world as “demonstrates the confidence in our ultra-low- Airbus Commercial Aircraft said the Wizz Air, Volaris, JetSMART and Frontier cost business model, operating in Mexico, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the continue to expand.” United States and Central America,” and that it

December 2017/January 2018 LARA LARA magazine 7 NEWS

Airbus and Boeing clocked up close to $100 billion in aircraft orders and memorandums of understanding in Dubai.

was also “a vote of confidence for Mexico and its promising future in the airline industry”. Frontier Airlines of the US said its portion of the order – valued at more than $15 billion – would help to triple the size of the budget with the operational flexibility and range to He also gave a clear thumbs-up to the entry carrier over the next decade. It grows the build a network of 95 destinations in 44 of Airbus onto the C Series programme via its airline’s order book to more than 200 aircraft, countries.” Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ new partnership with Bombardier, saying he with Frontier’s planes to start being delivered president and CEO, Kevin McAllister, described was “happy to see that the partnership from Airbus’s production facility in Mobile, flydubai as having a “proven business model announced with Airbus will bring added Alabama as of 2018. and ambitious growth plans.” The Boeing 737 support to the C Series programme” – a clear President and CEO Barry Biffle said the MAX has amassed more than 4,000 total orders reference to the added scope that Airbus’s latest 134 aircraft ordered would be delivered from 92 customers at present. customer support network is expected to bring between 2021 and 2026. He also revealed it Boeing had already confirmed a $2.2 to Bombardier’s C Series globally. had converted its remaining 18 A319neo orders billion deal at the show to sell an extra 20 “I think this deal will open a big market for to the A320neo aircraft. It currently has 67 B737 MAX 8s to Aviation Lease and Finance Bombardier in the Middle East because A320neos on order. Company (ALAFCO), and that EgyptAir had everyone knows Egypt is the door to the There was still time for a further 90 signed an order with Dublin-based AerCap to region,” he added. A320neo aircraft to be confirmed as a firm lease six 787-9 Dreamliners. It had previously Bombardier’s Fred Cromer added that its order before the end of the show by Dublin- kicked off the week in style with a $15.1 20-year outlook foresaw demand for 450 based CDB Aviation. It was made up partly billion commitment from Emirates for 40 aircraft in the 60–150-seat category in the from a previously undisclosed purchase B787-10 Dreamliners. region “and this LoI confirms the need for agreement signed in 2014 for 45 A320neos, The Middle East region alone represents a right-sized aircraft in the Middle East. We are and the firming up of an MoU unveiled at the $730 billion market over the next 20 years, confident that our small single-aisle C Series is Paris Air Show in June for another 30 A320neo according to Boeing, with 3,350 new aircraft ideally suited to serve the hot-temperature and 15 A321neo. needed. Twin-aisle aircraft are expected to environments of the region and will make up nearly half of the new units, and undoubtedly provide performance and FLYDUBAI’S $27BN MAX MOVE represent more than 70% of the value ($520 economics that will drive higher profitability.” Boeing fought back hard, of course, sealing a billion). More than half of the deliveries in the Engine maker Pratt & Whitney also $27 billion deal with low-fare operator flydubai region will be single-aisle aircraft, with confirmed the selection by EgyptAir of its for 225 B737 MAX aircraft, which the US operators forecast to need 1,770 units (valued PurePower Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines for manufacturer said was the largest-ever single- at $190 billion), driven almost entirely by the the CS300 aircraft, with deliveries expected to aisle jet order in terms of planes and total growth of regional low-cost carriers. begin in 2018. value by a Middle Eastern airline. The contract Bahrain flag carrier Gulf Air also confirmed entailed 175 firm orders and 50 purchase CS300 BOOST in Dubai it would purchase 58 LEAP-1A engines options, with more than 50 of the firm orders The two major manufacturers didn’t grab all from CFM International for 17 Airbus A321neo for 737 MAX 10 aircraft. the glory in Dubai, with Canada’s Bombardier and 12 A320neo aircraft in an order valued at According to flydubai, which has an all- Commercial Aircraft gaining a Letter of Intent US$1.9 billion at list price. It is buying an Boeing fleet, the balance of the initial order (LoI) from Cairo-based EgyptAir for up to 24 of additional seven spare engines to support its will be made up of MAX 8 and MAX 9s. The the manufacturer’s CS300 single-aisle aircraft fleet operations, with the order also including latest order surpasses flydubai’s own previous in a deal valued at up to US$2.2 billion. The LoI a long-term service agreement. record of 75 MAXs and 11 Next-Generation 737- is for 12 firm orders and purchase rights for 12 Just days earlier, CFM International and 800s, signed at the same show in 2013. It more, as the Egyptian flag carrier continues to China’s ICBC Financial Leasing Co., Ltd also placed its first order for 50 Next-Generation modernise its fleet. agreed a purchase of 80 LEAP-1B engines to 737-800s in 2008. So far it has taken delivery of Safwat Musallam, chairman and CEO of power 40 B737 MAX aircraft, in an order valued 63 737-800s and three 737 MAX 8s. EgyptAir Holding Company, said the CS300’s at nearly $1.1 billion at list price, with The low-fare carrier’s chairman, Sheikh range would allow it to best serve domestic deliveries starting in 2018. During the Paris Air Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said Boeing and regional destinations, including Show the Chinese company had already aircraft “have provided a foundation for the neighbouring Arab cities, the Middle East as placed a $1 billion order for 80 LEAP-1A success of our business model, providing us well as several European destinations. engines to power new A320neo aircraft. n

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Almost 60% of respondents said operational availability remains a significant challenge, and 77% believe augmented reality could help technical teams react to unplanned maintenance.

Riding the digital wave The commercial aviation industry is always their rivals to look for competitive advantage, aviation professionals said augmented pushing to keep up with advancing encouraging progress.” reality (AR) could help technical teams to technologies, and it’s starting to lead the Meanwhile, the North American market is react to unplanned maintenance. A total of way when it comes to applying digital progressing at a slower pace than other 65% of aviation companies in North transformation. Kimberley Levey reports. regions, mainly because of the large size of America and 67% in EMEA said that remote the market and the sheer scale of the process support through technologies such as AR he sector has been found to be more of transformation. could eventually be as effective as advanced in leveraging digital The commercial aviation industry in APAC in-person engineers. However, they don’t Ttransformation than its peers in the oil is growing faster than other regions, stated anticipate these local engineering teams and gas, construction and contracting, the survey, which could explain why more being completely replaced within the next manufacturing and service industries, than half of the region’s respondents rated decade – a view supported by 53% of according to a new survey by IFS. The ‘Digital themselves as optimised or advanced when respondents in Asia-Pacific. Change Survey’ took in views from 750 assessing digital transformation maturity. Graham Grose, vice president and decision makers in 15 countries across the The industry is undoubtedly benefiting from industry director at IFS’ aviation and different industries. the new technologies being developed within defence business unit, said: “The Within commercial aviation, 44% of the region, without many of the legacy issues commercial aviation industry is at the respondents regarded themselves as that can slow the process down elsewhere. forefront of digital transformation, so it advanced in leveraging digital comes as no surprise that airlines are transformation, with IFS suggesting that the CHALLENGES looking at automation and other industry – as an early adopter of digital Almost 60% of survey respondents reported innovative technologies to address key technology – is “now reaping the benefits of operational availability as a significant pain points. digitisation”. This was well ahead of other challenge in commercial aviation, with 68% “Augmented reality is the perfect fit to industries that participated in the survey: of organisations in the Asia-Pacific region quickly address unscheduled maintenance construction and contracting followed at and 46% in North America reporting it as the events – many of which occur in difficult- 39%, manufacturing at 29%, services at 23% biggest challenge they face. to-reach locations with limited availability and oil and gas at 19%. Of significant concern is the fact that of skilled engineers on the ground. Rather Europe and the Middle East were unplanned maintenance and regulatory than flying out a team of engineers to highlighted as having had “a fairly compliance were each ranked by 47% of address this challenge, augmented reality progressive attitude” in adopting new respondents as having the biggest impact offers the possibility of one-to-many technologies, IFS added, and flagged up on operational availability, followed by knowledge transfer, helping return aircraft regionals and low-fare operators in Europe in contractual restrictions (43%). to operational status as quickly as possible particular: “In Europe specifically, regional As a potential solution to the challenge of and solving the impending maintenance carriers and low-cost carriers have driven improving operational availability, 77% of engineer shortage in the industry.”

laranews.net December 2017/January 2018 LARA 10 NEWS

SECURITY robotics, augmented reality and Internet of The survey found that respondents Security was pinpointed as the biggest Things (IoT). currently perceive North America as being barrier to digital change by 63% of IoT and big data analytics were ranked as slower to adopt digital technology, with respondents, with system issues a cause for the top areas of investment, each current utilisation rates of 58%, though IFS concern. The network issue faced by highlighted by 39% of respondents. One suggested this is typical for a market that Amadeus in September caused some delays third of aviation professionals (33%) also was the first to adopt earlier systems. This as airline and airport online check-in listed enterprise resource planning (ERP) as more gradual approach to adoption may be systems were affected and staff had to a key focus, with the remaining top five down to the entrenched technology and manually process passengers. areas for investment being artificial legacy systems which make it difficult to Events such as this carry the risk of intelligence (37%) and mobile computing change operational procedures. To combat damaging an airline’s reputation or come with and applications (31%). this, firms in the region – who are all well the cost of compensation suits and fines. The digital change is being driven by a aware of the problem – are working with Of perhaps even bigger concern is that number of goals, with the primary one being manufacturers and organisations to attempt cybersecurity was seen as having the to improve efficiency followed by gaining a to drive more transformation. greatest talent deficit in the industry by competitive advantage, although this IFS stated that “deploying technology must 48% of those surveyed, while 41% said they secondary goal has seen limited success so be done in tandem with an understanding of felt slightly or totally unprepared to deal far. While 76% of companies claim to be using how to transform the processes within the with this deficit – the highest level data-driven insights, and an average of 81% business, and market maturity can act as a compared to the other sectors. Firms are of respondents believe they have access to barrier to this transformation”. It noted that reportedly aware of the need to address the right data to make successful business large operators in the North American market, this issue, with the primary response so far decisions, only 32% said they were gaining a for example, could find that change is limited to ‘upskill’ talent. competitive advantage from the insights. to a focused activity within their fleets, while Airlines also expressed concerns of an Big data and analytics require expertise to smaller organisations can start operating in a ageing workforce and how to stop the best extract their potential. The survey more efficient way due to their smaller scale. knowledge of an older workforce from found that many organisations are Although it is of great importance to the being lost. “somewhere on an evolutionary path” to industry, the survey found a significant gap best using this data, according to IFS. It between desired and actual collaboration PROPELLING TRANSFORMATION suggested that to better find results, leaders within organisations, and said that Automation was ranked as the most can “engage with a goals-oriented strategy partnerships could help an airline to disruptive technology driver behind digital to pinpoint how and where to gather and manage processes more effectively “which transformation, followed by big data, use information effectively.” would save time and also ensure accuracy”. It cited Southwest Airlines as an example AR in unplanned maintenance events where clear strategy from the executive level had helped teams understand the vision for Remote support through 23% where the company wanted to be. technologies such as AR will never be as effective Total 65% The survey further found that companies as in-person engineers. 12% recognise the need to improve collaboration, with 59% of respondents 21% Remote support through seeing investment in ‘digital resources, North 67% technologies such as AR will America technologies and assets’ as a key response eventually be as effective 13% as in-person engineers but to the impact of digital disruption. will not replace local engineer 22% Despite the above challenges to digital teams within the next decade. EMEA 68% change and technological advances, the Remote support through 10% commercial aviation industry is clearly at technologies such as AR will the forefront of this wave of transformation. be as effective as in-person 29% IFS said the sector has “long embraced engineers and will render APAC 53% local engineer teams obsolete digitalisation and firms have found new 18% within the next decade. ways to adapt as digital transformation Source: ifs.world/dcs-ca continues to shape their business.” n

December 2017/January 2018 LARA LARA magazine enterprise MRO software solution designed for

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Initial deliveries of the P2012 Traveller are scheduled to get underway in January 2019.

airline, formed nearly 30 years ago, serves 39 cities in the US, Caribbean and Micronesia. Its decision to sign up for the first 20 P2012 Travellers followed “an extensive review of the configuration, direct and indirect cost analysis of the P2012 by key members of both the Cape Air and Tecnam leadership teams”, the companies stated jointly. The airline’s respected CEO and founder, Dan Wolf – himself a pilot – has been involved since the start, and he admitted that “what we asked of Tecnam was not easy, but they gave us a real solution for our future needs in a changing industry. We are now able to offer our passengers a modern and stylish twin- engine aircraft ideal for small community air service in the US and abroad. We look forward to having the aircraft in service.” He described Tecnam as having created a product that was “both innovative and Cape of good beautiful”. The Italian manufacturer’s CEO, Paolo Pascale, said the signing was “a historic day for Tecnam”, adding that the aircraft would hope for Tecnam enable operators to offer better and modern Cape Air has signed on the dotted line for Tecnam’s new small twin prop in a deal that will service along with reduced operating and see the first 20 of 100 in total start arriving early in 2019, writes Mark Thomas. maintenance costs.

he regional US airline has lined up the Australian requirements for rapid, PRODUCTION TEMPLATE Italian manufacturer’s P2012 Traveller in intermediate-range operations that have The P2012 Traveller, designed by Professor Tan agreement that covers the delivery regional passenger loadings. Luigi Pascale, first flew in July last year (as schedule for the 11-seater next-generation piston reported in LARA’s August/September 2016 engine twin starting in just over a year’s time. KEY PARTNER issue). Since then the first prototype has The nine-passenger aircraft is being It is Cape Air, however, that has been a key accumulated more than 250 flight hours. The launched with the focus firmly on the global partner in the Traveller’s development, along aircraft (serial number 002) is configured as a market need for a replacement twin prop in with engine supplier Lycoming and avionics ‘Conforming Production Aircraft’ and is the the FAR part 23/EASA CS-23 category. supplier Garmin. With EASA and FAA template for P2012 customer production While Massachusetts-based Cape Air is the certification on track for 2018, the initial aircraft aircraft, says the company. regional airline putting its money where its deliveries will get underway in January 2019. The Traveller will use Garmin’s G1000 NXi mouth is with this milestone signing, Tecnam The carrier’s current fleet workhorse is the avionics platform, introduced early in 2017, on its has been keen to stress that the imminent nine-passenger Cessna 402, of which it has 84 integrated flight deck. The platform can arrival of the P2012 Traveller onto the scene serving most of its route network incorporate available features such as wireless has been “much anticipated” by many airlines destinations. It also uses four fixed-gear cockpit connectivity, including wireless database for regional short-haul routes. Several other Britten-Norman Islanders for airports with updates, enhanced situational awareness, visual pre-orders have been received from shorter runways, mostly on its Caribbean approaches, map overlay and so on. international operators, it said, based in island routes. It also has a pair of 46-seater Garmin says the G1000 NXi system Argentina, Russia, Europe and Australia. With ATR 42-320s, the largest aircraft in its fleet, incorporates modern processing power that the latter in mind, for example, it believes the which it operates as United Express serving supports faster map rendering and smoother Traveller will be very effective in the service of the islands of Guam, Rota and Saipan. The panning throughout the displays, saving

December 2017/January 2018 LARA @news_LARA 13 NEWS

valuable time in the cockpit. G1000 NXi- 83 runs covering all test points were made in Tecnam says the wide-slot, electrically equipped aircraft are also rule-compliant with one week with successful results, said controlled, light aluminium-alloy flaps allow FAA and EASA ADS-B requirements. Tecnam. Pascale said the system would be low stall speeds, offering potential for very Engine power comes from two 375 HP able to handle icing conditions worldwide. steep approaches and short landings. Lycoming TEO-540-C1A piston units, which can The aircraft itself is a high-wing, The Italian manufacturer has already gone run for 2,000 hours before overhaul. The unpressurised, piston aircraft with an all-metal on record saying it believes there is a engines are direct-drive six-cylinder, structure that Tecnam says will accommodate minimum demand for at least 500 of its turbocharged and air-cooled, and have the up to 11 occupants, as well as being suitable aircraft over the next decade. But, with the power, durability and efficiency necessary, for quick cargo reconfiguration. The cantilever company also pointing out that in the United according to Pascale. wing is made using a traditional light alloy States alone there are more than 1,100 piston Just recently it also confirmed the selection construction, with a two-spar configuration aeroplanes currently operating as passenger of CAV Ice Protection’s airborne TKS Ice coupled with formed sheet metal ribs and a carrying platforms, those aircraft presently Protection System and support services for glass-fibre reinforced plastic leading edge. average 45 years in age. the aircraft. The UK-based specialist in anti- The integral fuel tanks are located in the With figures like those in mind, the arrival ice and de-ice capabilities tested the system wing box, behind the leading edge and of the P2012 Traveller onto the market in in an icing wind tunnel at the latest between the two spars, with a capacity of 400 2019 will introduce airlines to a serious certification levels for aircraft flying in known litres (106 US gallons) each. The aircraft’s new contender for their short-haul icing conditions. A total of 35 conditions and range is currently put at over 950 nm. regional networks. n

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laranews.net December 2017/January 2018 LARA 14 SKYWEST

All aboard the SkyWest express When the world’s largest regional airline implements a major fleet transition, regional. It’s bigger than many a network its choices can influence others to consider climbing on board the same train, airline in terms of fleet size (well over 400 writes Mark Thomas. aircraft), and combined with ExpressJet (which operates as American Eagle, Delta e fly about 50 to 60 Childs, speaking at the recent Regional Connection and United Express), the million passengers a Airline Association annual convention held company operates around 3,000 departures year – but we only get in West Palm Beach, Florida said: “A lot of daily for its four partners – United, Delta, four wire transfers every things happened long before I came to American and Alaska Airlines. “WFriday, and that is what anchors us in our SkyWest 17 years ago, but I can tell you that According to Childs, being CEO of two primary strategy,” according to SkyWest Inc. when Jerry Atkin and the others started a separate airlines leads to some “interesting president and CEO, Chip Childs. “If those small airline in St. George 45 years ago, they dynamics” for what must be done to ensure relationships aren’t good and evolutionary, did it with some things in mind that that all the demands of its partners are met and we don’t respond the way they want developed a culture that would sustain it and taken care of. “I can tell you that, first them to, then our business clearly suffers.” through many troubles and challenges. and foremost, the thing that we get most of For Childs, who has been with SkyWest for Today we are able to attract very good our philosophies and strategies anchored over 17 years, the entity’s two carriers, aviation professionals on both the pilot side into is taking care of our employees and our SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet, are both and the mechanic side, and a lot of people people the very best way that we possibly anchored to a philosophy that stretches ask how are we doing so well with that can. We have 20,000 aviation professionals back 45 years. That was when the Utah- attraction? There’s some technical reasons, that I will brag are the very very best in the headquartered airline came into being in but at the end of the day I think it boils industry – and I have the data to prove it. April 1972 when founder Ralph Atkin bought down to a 45-year culture that’s And even more importantly a lot of stories Dixie Airlines. Jerry Atkin joined as director extraordinarily solid.” to prove it too.” of finance two years later and became the That philosophy is implanted firmly into youngest president of a scheduled airline in 3,000 FLIGHTS DAILY the DNA of its employees, to make sure that the US at the age of 26. Ralph became Solid is the word for it. SkyWest Inc. may be the company takes care of its partners. “We chairman of the board for the next two the official corporate entity for two regional fly for Delta, United, American and Alaska, decades, a position that Jerry now holds. airlines – but it is the world’s largest and it’s probably one of the key parts of my

December 2017/January 2018 LARA LARA magazine 15 SKYWEST

SkyWest Inc. CEO, Chip Childs: “The company owes it to our employees and our people to make good, sound business decisions.”

our competitive advantage of having some fleet flexibility. Delta, who we initiated that work with, is very pleased with the progress. And you can do some neat things from a performance perspective, without going into detail. It’s something that I feel there’s likely to be more interest in from the marketplace.” The performance improvement in the slightly lighter 70-seater configuration is significant enough to be a consideration, he said, for where it can reach that the 76-seater can’t. “How you can fly this job to make sure that we have a very open, placed into service with Delta during 2018 airplane and where you can fly it, in transparent and direct relationship with all (mostly the latter half of the year), and five consideration, should be very strong and get four. We pride ourselves on making sure that more 76-seater E175s with Alaska, to be very good customer satisfaction rating, just we deliver whatever they want us to deliver.” delivered and placed into service with the with the configuration alone. Combine that airline by the end of this year and early 2018. with what our people can do, and what we FLEET TRANSITION can do within certain geographical areas, What it is delivering right now is a FLEET FLEXIBILITY and it could be a very good proposal,” substantial ongoing fleet transition, So why the special configuration E175? Childs added Childs. including (as of late October) adding 37 new stressed the need for flexibility in its fleet. Embraer E175s to its fleet, and removing 50 “First and foremost, the partner that we EXPRESSJET TURNAROUND smaller ERJ145s/135s and 22 Bombardier aligned that with, Delta – we work with the Of much interest has been how the company CRJ200s over the past year. manufacturers on a lot of these conceptual has gone about restoring the fortunes of For SkyWest Airlines, it has firmed up two aircraft because our fleets are getting older. ExpressJet, which with refreshing candour orders in recent months compiled of 30 new We needed to ‘re-up’ our fleet and we do he admits was “losing a profuse amount of E175 SC (Special Configuration) aircraft that have a very strong engine to put out with the money” when he took over the reins as will work for Delta and 15 new E175s to be E175. And it’s worked very well with Delta. president of SkyWest Inc. three and a half placed with Alaska. It also took delivery of “As we look at our existing fleet years ago. one E175 during Q3 2017 and was expecting replacement in SkyWest Airlines, there are In August the Atlanta-based airline three more before the end of 2017. In 2018 opportunities for us. We talk a lot in the confirmed a five-year extension to its E145 things really crank up in terms of deliveries, press about fleet flexibility and that’s flying contract with United, effective as of 1 with 42 new E175s and E175SC aircraft to be something that is probably one of our January 2018, while also initiating the early delivered mostly from mid-year onwards. A greatest advantages as an entity, where we winding down of its remaining dual-class total of 149 E175 aircraft are expected to be have to have the ability to move different flying agreement with Delta during Q3 2017. in its fleet by the end of that year. sizes of fleet among the four partners and At the end of September, it operated 57 The first order with Embraer was valued meet their individual scope requirement.” CRJ700s and 900s under its agreement with by the Brazilian manufacturer at US$1.1 The manufacturers came to SkyWest with Delta, with 27 of those leased aircraft (all billion, with the aircraft to be delivered and “good proposals”, Childs continued, which – CRJ900s owned by Delta) anticipated to be placed into service between March 2018 working with Delta – it saw an opportunity to returned to the airline over the course of the through to the end of the year. Of that initial take advantage of. “It’s essentially an E175 next few financial quarters. It is removing 30 25, 15 of the E175SCs will fly under an configured down to 70 seats, and it’s a great CRJ700s from Delta service between the agreement with Delta in a 70-seat tool to mitigate risk going forward because middle and end of 2018. The agreement configuration to meet the US scope clause not only does it perform really well with 70 with the major network carrier had been requirements. All can be retrofitted to 76 seats – and the customer satisfaction is very due to expire at the beginning of 2019. seats if desired. The agreement with Alaska high – but it also gives flexibility if they want The airline is pursuing placement of those was for 10 E175s in a 76-seat configuration. to switch it to a 76-seat configuration down 30 CRJ700s with other partners, with eight A month later it ordered 20 more – a the road… It’s a very flexible aircraft that scheduled to be placed under an expanded further 15 of the E175SC aircraft also to be enables us to continue with what we feel is agreement with American under the ❱❱❱

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decisions, temporarily, but really good for the long-term.” He added: “It’s difficult to lose a partner like Delta, who is a great partner. However United is extraordinarily excited about the opportunity we have to move forward on a long-term contract for them. “The big piece of all of this is that when you’re making these transitions you have to continue to deliver and prove evolution and flexibility. So we’re very excited about the open door we have to take this direction with ExpressJet. There’s a lot of work still to do with them to make sure that this agreement and extension that we have with them is going to work out the way United want it to. But we see that there’s a lot of good opportunity for stability, vision and potential opportunity for ExpressJet down the road.”

50-SEATERS A major step along that road has been the American Eagle brand during the second it’s going to be very good for the ExpressJet large number of 50-seat jets that have been quarter of 2018, following their removal side to finally have a good long-term removed from its fleet so far. SkyWest has from service with Delta. It already operates vision… It’s been rough, you know.” worked over the past three years two CRJ200s and 12 CRJ700s for American. Childs described Delta as being “an restructuring ExpressJet’s fleet into a smaller, Another 23 CRJ200s are operated by outstanding partner, particularly in Atlanta,” more efficient machine. As of mid-2017 it ExpressJet for Delta, but those had already but that in terms of what they wanted and operated about 220 aircraft flying around previously been planned to be removed what ExpressJet could provide, “It’s best for 1,000 departures daily, including a mixture of from service by the end of 2017. us to evolve within that partner framework 149 CRJ200s, E135s and E145s, reduced from The extension with United runs from the way we are going to do it.” a fleet total of nearly 300 including 230 small January 2018 until the end of 2022, with Recalling the period after he took over as regional jets a year earlier. ExpressJet operating 119 E145s and five president, he described ExpressJet as Childs said the airline had “pulled out a E135s for the network carrier. having several “elements that were very large amount of 50-seaters, which the ExpressJet described the changes in a concerning to us. One was that it was losing partners fell out of love with.” But he added statement in August as a “contract a profuse amount of money, which is always that: “As much as we love new aircraft, and realignment” that would provide it with a a deep concern. Two was that it had pockets innovative new stuff, we still love 50-seat clearly defined strategy and vision, with of outstanding performance and pockets of aircraft. We still see a very good, strong Childs saying at the time the agreements flat performance – it had inconsistencies. niche for that, if a couple of things are met.” were “essential to finally getting ExpressJet Three was that it had great people there One of those things is, of course, the to long-term success and profitability”. wanting to do the right thing.” shortage of pilots. The other, said Childs, is Tough decisions had to be made. “I can Air Traffic Control (ATC) in the US. “We’re a EVOLUTIONARY tell you, from my 17 years of experience in little nervous about that. We’re in support of He elucidated on this at RAA: “A lot of the regional airline industry, that bad deals privatisation of ATC, but we are nervous things have happened within our partners are bad for everybody, especially about how it’s funded. And we do see that if over the last year. It’s been very employees.” According to Childs, the we do go to a NAV Canada model then the evolutionary on the ExpressJet side, and company “owes it to our employees and our small regional aircraft are going to get we’re very excited about the long-term people to make good, sound business ‘dinged’ pretty good. Generally, if it’s more dream that we have with United. We think decisions. A lot of those decisions are tough efficient and more reliable then we’re in

December 2017/January 2018 LARA @news_LARA 17 SKYWEST

favour of it. In our view we think the funding efficiencies within both its airlines is For the year to date, SkyWest reported mechanism should stay the same as it is starting to pay dividends. Its latest third- 1,544,162 block hours for the year up to today. Others may think that we need to quarter 2017 results showed a net income October, compared to 1,632,997 block hours evolve to a different model, which would be of $54 million, up from $41 million a year year-to-date October 2016, a 5.4% decrease. a concern for us for 50-seat aircraft and earlier, primarily due to the fleet revamp, Again, this was primarily driven by small communities.” while revenue was up to $832 million from approximately 129,000 additional block But barring these two concerns, he said, $800 million the year before. The revenue hours from the E175s and a fall of the airline “remains fans of flying into small rise, said the airline, reflected the net approximately 218,000 block hours from the communities on very small severe contract impact of adding 37 new E175 aircraft since other aircraft types. or pro rate or whatever. We think that, from Q3 2016, partially offset by its removal of 75 SkyWest’s size and scale continue to make a SkyWest perspective, that’s what put us “unprofitable or less profitable aircraft” it unique among the world’s regional airlines here 45 years ago. We’re still really good at it over the same period, including 50 E145s today, giving it an influence with the US and we think that on a go-forward basis and E135s, 22 CRJ200s and three CRJ700s networks and the aircraft manufacturers (and with the partners, if we can demonstrate and CRJ900s. sending ripples further afield) that others can that we can have reliability and also have The combined airlines’ traffic block hours only envy. But its detailed knowledge at the the aviation professionals to meet the (for October) also reflect this trend, with local level, drawing on that 45 years of demand, then we will fly the 50-seat aircraft 154,479 block hours reported for the month, experience dating back to its early days in as long as it’s economically feasible and compared to 159,241 block hours in October Utah, also make it the industry’s unofficial obviously safe. last year. The 3% fall is further evidence of flag bearer for the sector. “We have some pretty innovative the fleet transition plan kicking in to As it implements its ongoing fleet programmes that we use on both sides, improve the aircraft mix. The year-on-year transition and defines its future strategies, its ExpressJet and SkyWest, to make sure that net change was primarily driven by decisions continue to be influential across the 50-seaters that we have are reliable, and approximately 11,600 additional block the board, impacting not only the US – which I clearly think we can fly them for many hours from its new E175s and a decrease of still accounts for well over two thirds of the more years to come.” approximately 16,300 block hours from its global regional airline fleet – but the rest of other smaller aircraft types. the world’s regional airlines and OEMs too. n TURBOPROP TWIST In an interesting twist, he also hinted that the all-jet airline is not discounting turboprops from the future equation for 50-seaters serving those smaller communities. The company used turboprops up until 2015 (Embraer E120s), and Childs said the company remains “optimistic” that it could partner of choice in the future return to using them, adding that they would probably be more efficient to monetise your assets. on many routes as technology continues to progress. But the US has to get off the turboprop’s back, he said. “It’s not a problem, it’s just that we have this love affair with jets… America’s the only country in the world that thinks a jet is safer than a turboprop. “From that perspective I think we’ve got a long way to go before a turboprop would work here but at the same time we think the ajw-group.com 50-seat model is very good today.” For SkyWest Inc., its work so far on transitioning its fleet and further improving

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Silver linings Bombardier has been celebrating the CRJ’s silver jubilee, following its out there or preparing to enter the segment landmark entry into service with Lufthansa CityLine in 1992, and the to fight for the title – Brazil’s Embraer in particular has made major inroads in North programme still has plenty of gas in the tank. Mark Thomas reports. America. But the CRJ’s various family members continue to punch their weight in ombardier Commercial Aircraft has (some might call it a gamble) by its creators to the global sub-100-seat category, currently been rightly trumpeting the recent aim at carving out a niche for a small regional operating in more than 90 countries. These B25th anniversary of the delivery of the jet at a time when turboprops and piston are led mainly by the 70-seater CRJ700, first 50-seater CRJ100 regional jet to launch engine-powered aircraft ruled the roost. which was launched in 1997, along with the customer Lufthansa CityLine in Germany. Bombardier launched the CRJ (Canadair 90-seat CRJ900 launched three years later The little CRJ – and its larger siblings over Regional Jet) programme in 1987 after and the CRJ1000 100-seater unveiled in 2007. the years – have done more for regional acquiring Canadair from the Canadian Fred Cromer, president of Bombardier’s airlines than most. Arguably, many of those government the previous year. A market commercial aircraft division, said the success carriers would not have evolved (or even got survey of more than 100 airlines indicated of the programme can be directly traced back off the ground) if not for the advent of this encouraging – but not huge – interest. As a to the foresight of its leadership team at the remarkable and long-lived pioneer. And result, the initial target market for CRJ sales time: “The company had the courage and long-lived it is – at the last count there were when the first test flight took to the air on 10 confidence to ignore the sceptics and forge still well over 500 CRJ100s and CRJ200s in May 1991 from Montréal–Mirabel ahead despite the lack of major orders, and operation around the world today (rising to International Airport was put at a relatively ultimately see Bombardier become the 1,100 if you include business aircraft). modest 433 over a 10-year period. world’s third-largest manufacturer of Having spoken with several individuals commercial aircraft.” closely involved with the programme over UNDISPUTED CHAMP Marc Brideau, who has been closely its lifetime, it’s clear there is genuine It ended up, of course, selling well over twice connected to the CRJ programme affection for this aircraft – and a good as many as that, while the overall CRJ throughout (originally as a systems smattering of pride too. programme has so far sold more than 1,900 engineer back in the late 1980s), agreed. “It The CRJ’s journey so far has been a long units, making it the undisputed champion of was more a question of having a vision. It’s one, and not always smooth. Go back to the regional aircraft sales over its lifetime. a little bit like Bombardier’s DNA. The CRJ time of its creation – initially under the wing of The market is naturally a lot more was a vision – at the time they saw a Canadair – and it was clearly a bold step competitive now, with other rivals already market segment requiring this aircraft, ❱❱❱

Lufthansa CityLine, the original launch operator, unveiled a 25th anniversary-liveried version to celebrate the CRJ100’s jubilee.

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The Canadair Regional Jet in its original livery taking to the air for the first time in 1991, following its roll-out earlier that year.

to GE’s CF34-3B1 model, for better efficiency as well as more power for improved performance at challenging airports and reduced maintenance requirements. According to Jean-François Guay, manager CRJ programme at Bombardier Aerospace, the evolution of the platform continued along much the same lines. “With the CRJ700 we had a three-year lead on the competition. It’s all about with demand from markets that were not fleet during the past 25 years, and we will reading the market, with the initial need served directly. Our chairman at the time, continue to work very closely with our friends being for 50 seats, then as the market grew he was the guy who had the vision – and at Bombardier in the future.” there was the realisation of a need for a the charisma – to make it happen. He was Carsten Wirths, managing director 70-seater, and so on. It’s that vision thing behind the CRJ launch in 1989 and had the commercial at the airline, went further, again, and it has seen the CRJ programme concept in his mind since 1987 or even describing the flexibility, reliability and consistently evolve as a platform, with the earlier. You could say it’s the same reasons efficiency of the aircraft family as being CRJ100/200 as the first generation, the behind why we launched the C Series.” characteristics “central to our success as a CRJ700 as the second and the CRJ900 as the When it was launched in 1989, the CRJ100 modern airline. We are proud to have been third generation, which also saw the interior was very much based on the company’s first to realise these values, and we profit revamped as well as the CRJ1000 coming business aircraft, the Challenger 601, which from them to this day.” out in 2010 to bring the passenger capacity had already been quickly deemed suitable up to 100. That was mainly for Europe, for to become a four-abreast commercial jet NO GAMBLE customers like Binter and Air Nostrum.” (Canadair’s proposed but abandoned Was it something of a gamble then? Not The CRJ700 was a much more significant Challenger 610E). Essentially, recalled according to Brideau: “It was not as step further compared to the transition from Brideau, Bombardier took the engine from expensive as when you start a programme the CRJ100 to the 200, with a new wing, the Challenger 601, stretched the fuselage from scratch. We didn’t have to invest in empennage, fuselage and engines, as well by nearly six metres and redesigned the new engines, for example, so it was not a big as a manufacturing process that saw the structure almost completely to achieve the gamble at all, and was actually a relatively mid-fuselage designed and produced by suitable robustness. low investment level for an aircraft Bombardier’s facility in Belfast, Northern Lufthansa was strongly involved right development programme. We had very few Ireland while the rest continued to be from when the CRJ programme was design issues with this aircraft.” designed and made in Montreal. launched in 1989, he pointed out: “We’ve After its EIS and early performance reviews Not every concept got the go-ahead, had a long association with them, and of (the first aircraft flew 1,237 flights in the first however – plans for a CRJ500 50-seater course today the CRJ700s and 900s are in 100 days with 99% dispatch reliability and based on the CRJ700/900 were scrapped in use with them.” used 8% less fuel than originally forecast), 2001 due to market developments. the production rate of the CRJ100, its longer- The platform’s evolution continues, of LUFTHANSA CITYLINE range CRJ100 ER and LR variants, and then course, with the operational efficiency honed The first CRJ100 was delivered to Lufthansa the CRJ200 and CRJ440 escalated rapidly. An in crucial areas such as fuel burn (improved CityLine on 19 October 1992 and, along with aircraft was produced every two days by 6.5%), while the maintenance intervals the following deliveries, they served the between 1993 and 1998 as the manufacturer have been steadily expanded to the point airline’s hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, made hay while the sun shone, benefiting where in 2016 they were set at 800 hours for A Dusseldorf and Hamburg. from being first on the scene with a four-year Checks and 8,000 hours for C Checks. According to Jörg Eberhart, managing lead on the competition in a market segment director operations at the airline today: “Back it had self-created. INTERIOR UPGRADE in 1992, nobody would have dared to expect The CRJ200’s engines (it was otherwise Bombardier recently revealed its next the CRJ Series to become the success story virtually identical to the original model) scheduled cabin update with the planned we know today. For Lufthansa CityLine, the were upgraded in 1996 from the original launch of its Atmosphère interior during the CRJ has always been the backbone of our General Electric CF34-3A1 propulsion units second half of 2018, in response to customer

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demand. “We had a customer roadshow to In-flight connectivity is another major approximately 48°C). Guay said the help us understand what operators are factor for both passengers and MRO manufacturer has been working to increase looking for in the next generation of the considerations, and Brideau said the the CRJ’s operating temperature envelope by CRJs, and how the passengers’ expectations manufacturer is currently in talks with 5°C. “It will be the only regional jet able to are evolving at the same time,” said Guay. airlines to move ahead and install cabin dispatch in these hot temperatures,” he said, “The PAX that fly today are not the same as connectivity for passengers, and further “and that’s in response to market need and flew 10 years ago. The design philosophy is improve preventative maintenance to global warming. So the CRJ will be certified being driven by them.” enhance dispatch reliability. “We already by an extra five degrees before the next hot That has involved designing a much larger have systems that can deal with that, but it summer. We expect this to be achieved by entrance area for the CRJ, as well as new larger needs to be customised for each customer, May 2018.” It has also opened up new overhead bins, better sightlines, mood lighting so there are lots of discussions ongoing regional support offices internationally to get and a wider aisle. It will also be the first about that aspect,” he said. itself closer to more customers. regional aircraft to offer a PRM (passenger with Some readers may also recall earlier in reduced mobility) lavatory as an option, 2017 when a number of CRJs were unable to BRIGHT FUTURE something that it is keen to stress does not fly from Phoenix, USA due to a heatwave This is being done because Bombardier is mean purely for wheelchair passengers but which meant the outside ground confident of a continuing bright future for the also for those with injuries, pregnant temperature went above the aircraft’s official CRJ platform, with a market forecast in the travellers, or families with small children. operating envelope (a maximum of 70–100 seat sector for approximately ❱❱❱

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A CRJ100 in operation for Rusline. The Russian regional carrier has 20 CRJ100 and 200s in operation.

operators in North America that operate just under 1,200 units daily. We know that over the next 20 years around 3,000 units will need replacing, and in the US we are very well positioned. From a reliability and maintenance perspective, the A and C Checks increasing to their current levels from 600 and 6,000 hours respectively means more uptime and 14% less maintenance days. That equates to approximately $300,000 per aircraft over a 12-year horizon – that’s what it means to an operator. The structural life has also 3,000 regional jets over the next 20 years. According to DeBrusk, the aircraft, crew, been increased from 60,000 fly cycles to “The 2017 CRJ is not a CRJ200, let’s be clear maintenance and insurance (ACMI) market 80,000 fly cycles.” about that. It’s an aircraft to catch the next in Europe is very concentrated, with new He went on to outline a North American 3,000 opportunities. It’s a 2x2 cabin, there’s dynamics constantly emerging. “The top 10 market capable of finding room for both the no middle seat, and we believe the PAX players have changed substantially since CRJ900 and the manufacturer’s C Series experience is better on a regional jet than it is 2008, several times. We see it continually type. With 3,000 retirements over the next on a Boeing 737 or Airbus 320,” said Brideau. evolving and growing in Europe. ACMI has 20 years in the region, he said, that means Ryan DeBrusk, vice president sales for grown by 54% over the past three years, and 150 aircraft per year. “If we get a 50% market Bombardier Commercial Aircraft in Europe, we’re very proud that the CRJ is the share we would be more than happy with Russia and CIS, gave his own take on the preferred jet for regional ACMI operations in that. We will win our fair share with the CRJ programme during the recent European Europe, with 59% of all ACMI flights being CRJ900, and likewise with the CS100.” Regions Airline Association (ERA) assembly operated by CRJ aircraft.” Although the majority of Bombardier’s in Athens, Greece. This year has seen Bombardier take on two focus is naturally on the larger end of the From a European perspective, he said, the new wet lease operators in Europe, Spain- CRJ scale these days, the earlier, smaller region remains forecast to be one of the based carrier Binter and Air Croatia, both versions are by no means ready to fly off into largest markets after North America and leasing CRJ1000s from Spain’s Air Nostrum. the sunset just yet, despite the production China for deliveries of large regional aircraft Valencia-headquartered Air Nostrum now has line closing more than 10 years ago. between 60–100 seats over the next two a 36-strong fleet of CRJ aircraft, including 19 There’s clearly plenty of viable life left in decades. This represents an estimated CRJ1000s (representing the largest number the hundreds of 50-seaters still plying their US$240 billion of revenue up for grabs. of CRJ1000 orders in the world). trade around the world. SkyWest still has “The European market continues to focus more than 190 in its active fleet in North almost exclusively on thinner, shorter inter- GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING America, and new converts continue to regional routes of less than 2,000 nm with On the other side of the Atlantic, of course, recognise the aircraft’s qualities when average seats in the 60–150 range, and we nearly 60% of the regional jet fleet currently commercialising new routes to this day. see prospects for 1,200 of those here. fly in North America. Bombardier’s vice Nepal’s Shree Airlines, for example, joined “It’s a close second to China and the president for regional aircraft, Kevin Smith, the family this August when it launched a greater China area as a market. We see reminded listeners at a briefing during the new regional jet service using two CRJ200s great potential in the European region for recent Regional Airlines Association (RAA) and also a CRJ700. Anil Manandhar, Shree’s regional aircraft and small single-aisle annual conference in Florida that the first corporate manager, said its aircraft choice aircraft here for the next 20 years. That’s a US-based CRJ100 was introduced via launch would be “a key asset in helping Shree total of approximately 2,200 aircraft customer Comair in 1993, flying with a Delta Airlines expands its operations to the deliveries, and we expect to capture our Airlines connection code. It would go on to regional markets in the future”. fair share of that. Around 1,400 of these will operate the largest fleet of CRJ100/200s in A silver jubilee is always a shining be replacement aircraft, making it one of the world. achievement, and for the CRJ – though its the largest replacement markets in the Smith continued: “This is an asset that place on the regional jet throne is now a seat world below 150 seats.” just keeps on giving back. We have 27 CRJ it must share – its reign is far from over. n

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The calm only alternative for those communities losing service was to basically get in their cars and drive to the nearest airport. The regional airline industry is currently in before the 622 different airports in the US supplying 415 market places today, he pointed out. “95% of airports depend on regional airlines to connect them to the grid. 64% of these storm airports would be unserved without regional airlines and 42% would be dramatically North America’s regional airline leaders gathered unscathed in the immediate impacted without our services.” aftermath of Hurricane Irma, but with their sunny disposition threatened by The fall in passengers is combined, of storm clouds gathering on the industry’s horizon. Mark Thomas reports. course, with the ongoing – and still worsening – commercial airline pilot he Regional Airline Association network partners or the low-cost carriers shortage. Over 50,000 are needed, with (RAA)’s annual convention is always a out there.” around 20,000 currently flying for regional Tgreat source of information about As to what is driving this retrenchment, airlines, said Bedford, describing the growth and innovation, but according to Bedford was keen to stress it was certainly estimated cost of US$200,000 to qualify as a the association’s chairman of the board, not down to a lack of demand or a lack of pilot as “a very real barrier to entry for Bryan Bedford, the sector is going through capability, with regional airlines “standing young people… It’s becoming financially stormy times. ready”. impossible for all but the wealthiest Held in West Palm Beach, Florida just two However, in terms of human capital, the students to become pilots”. weeks after the hurricane passed by, the numbers are worrying, he continued. Despite He warned that the consequences of not 42nd convention was the 27th attended by the regional airline sector flying fewer, larger- doing enough to solve these problems are Bedford, also president and CEO of Republic capacity aircraft over greater distances, “We that, “We’re going to see a continued Airlines. Bedford said the event is “always a are seeing a drop of about 10 million downward trend for regional airlines, like great story about growth, innovation and passengers over the last seven years. This is over the last seven years. Less airline activity new things. What regional airlines do today certainly something we need to talk about. in total.” is extremely relevant to bringing access to How do we keep our industry relevant?” RAA president, Faye Malarkey Black, the nation’s transportation system to small The impact is being seen directly, in terms stressed to the convention the need to communities and large”. of schedule reductions over recent years. achieve a “broader assortment of aviation But he then went on to give a stark Since 2013–2016, he said, 52 US airports voices coming together to talk in unison on warning, saying that “what we see today is have lost half of their service. “That’s half – critical issues”. an industry that is basically shrinking from in a frothy growth economy.” A total of 29 Plenty of detail on what has and is being its peak in 2010”, and that there is “a very have lost more, at least 75% of their service, done came out at the event from the various negative downward trend to this particular while 18 have lost their services altogether. regional airlines present. Commenting on segment of the industry, and that’s in stark “We should not be seeing this much activity the pilot issue, Rick Leach, president and contrast to what’s going on with our shrinking in the US,” he said, adding that the CEO at Trans States Holdings, said his

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company’s airlines (Trans States Airlines, now has an aircraft maintenance team of GoJet and Compass) were feeling the bigger more than 1,300 and a ‘core value system’ – challenge of the pilot shortage issue, but the so-called ‘PSA Way’. that it was being creative. He added: “I’m exceptionally proud of “We are seeing some momentum what we’ve accomplished over the last three turnover in the recent months and recruiting years. It’s quite remarkable. A lot of folks has ticked up but not to the degree we want. probably have some idea what it’s like to We are impacted at Trans States. We triple a business, but I definitely do. I’ve actually have eight airplanes on the ground come to learn that the principle thing when that we pay for every day. Those airplanes growing your business is the people.” have an impact on our P&L and we look PSA’s CRJ fleet of approximately 120 forward to in the not-too-distant future aircraft today is scheduled to increase to 150 being able to start to get some of that by the end of 2019, and possibly more. “We capacity back into the air. It is a very keen have what it takes to play a principle role in focus for us as you can imagine.” the long-term regional fleet needs for American, and I’ve very pleased to see the PSA AIRLINES state of our development along that way,” Dion Flannery, President of PSA Airlines – a said Flannery. wholly owned subsidiary of the American The RAA’s chairman of the board, Bryan Bedford, Responding to a question on why Airlines Group – said the company had been highlighted the impact of falling passenger levels and American decided to grow PSA so successfully recruiting pilots “despite the schedule reductions on US airports, with 52 having lost aggressively, he said: “It wasn’t until the constrained environment” after initially half their service from 2013 to 2016. merger of American and US Airways that being “off the pace” in 2016. With around American had both the capital, the interest 120 Bombardier CRJ aircraft so far in its one- programmatically and get ahead of it, and the desire to grow the folio regionally. So make fleet, all its aircraft are available for investing in premier programmes and it was finally a matter of being in the right revenue service and flying today, he said, educational development and support. So place at the right time. Having done what admitting: “That marks a change from that folks get into the vocation and stay in they did for the better part of a decade, where we found ourselves about 10 months the vocation.” running a reliable enterprise, it was rewarded ago, and that’s great.” Looking back at the airline’s recent with an aircraft order of 30 CRJ900s, which But he added the shortage is still “very progress itself, he pointed out PSA’s actually came through the American side of much a problem. We’re not increasing the dramatic growth over the past decade. “As the merger with US Airways.” size of the pie. The rate of increase of pilots we go into 2018, this has happened pretty The airline was also then shortly after the who work for us is not sufficient as we look quickly for a small airline that hadn’t grown beneficiary of American exercising an option forward against the backdrop of retirement in 10 years, and hadn’t been capitalised over for 24 more CRJ900s and then, as well, at 65 years. There are simply not enough that same decade. And it experienced two started the introduction of CRJ700s into its pilots in the regional business today or periods, really, in 2008 and 2009/10, of fleet. This will all eventually equate into the entering the workforce to satisfy demand. severe threat to its own existence. So we 150-strong fleet it is scheduled to have by While we have found some near-term supply, inherited a capable and talented workforce the end of 2019. it’s not sustainable in its current structure.” – but one that was probably not as well On the maintenance front, the airline is prepared as we would like to triple its size PIEDMONT planning to add another (sixth) within the time frame that we have done.” Another wholly owned American Airlines maintenance base in the near future. But Its actions since then have seen it move Group subsidiary is Piedmont Airlines, which here Flannery flagged up another forward to the point, said Flannery, where it of course first existed as Henson Aviation burgeoning issue: “All that infrastructure now has “the ability to have much more and part of the Allegheny Commuter system, supports the flying. Many talk about the situational awareness and control around the first regional system in North America. pilot shortage issue, but I’m here to tell you available components and maintenance of The Piedmont name disappeared for a that there’s a mechanic shortage looming as our aircraft, both from an efficiency while during the 1980s but was resurrected well. We think its systemic to the industry perspective and a reliability perspective”. in the 1990s by then-owner USAir as a US and we need to be thinking about it With a team of more than 3,200 personnel, it Airways Express carrier, eventually ❱❱❱

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The American connection has been a are working to cross pilots over from our large factor, he added, in Piedmont being turboprops to jet operations, so we have a able to hire young pilots, because of the pretty full schoolhouse,” he commented. clear line of long-term career progression “Over the past year we’ve been competing from the regional airline eventually to the with everyone else, with signing bonuses widebody segment. “We try to involve as and retention bonuses, and we anticipate many American Airlines procedures as being pretty aggressive on that. We also possible, and to make it as easy as possible offer rapid advancement. Pilots come to to facilitate that move,” Hogg said. CommutAir, and they know they won’t have to wait very long to move from the right seat COMMUTAIR to the left seat.” Another of the US regionals that has undergone a dramatic fleet transition is STARTING OVER AGAIN Cleveland-based CommutAir, which has had Sullivan also raised the pilot issue again United as a minority shareholder for a couple when asked what would be the biggest of years now. John Sullivan, CEO and owner, issues with starting a new airline today. said it had been “fortunate to have United “If one were to start an airline in this join us and give us a pretty large project”. environment, the biggest challenge would be TAMPERE According to Dion Flannery, president, PSA Airlines: “Many talk about the pilot shortage issue, but I’m That project was to gain certification for the pilot supply, and you would be wading – DESTINATION here to tell you that there’s a mechanic shortage the Embraer E145 jet and then proceed to into significant challenges and problems. I looming as well.” switch its fleet, which had been all-turboprop think it’s not going to get better quickly. We until that time with Q200s and Q300s, over to haven’t reached, in my opinion, the apex of becoming part of American Airlines and the the E145s over a seven-year period. the aged 65 ‘retirement bulge’. The most INLAND American Eagle brand in 2013–14. “We are two years into the project now and recent view takes it up to 2020, so the Lyle Hogg, Piedmont’s president and CEO, have almost completed the elimination of problem gets worse up until then,” he said. recalled all of this at the RAA convention the turboprops – the last one is in the “When I started, the largest problems were FINLAND from personal memory (an impressive feat), schedule for January 2018. Following that we more about the fleet size. Back then there before focusing on the airline’s equally will continue the uptake of Embraers over the was not a suitable aircraft being made for use impressive and present transition from a next year, and the ultimate fleet size is in the US that had more than 20 seats. So Tampere turboprop operator to an all-jet operator. targeted to be 60 aircraft. All are being leased people were using older equipment. Then in Helsinki

This is being done remarkably in less than from United Airlines. the 1980s solutions appeared, several Stockholm two years, start to finish. “The end result is a single aircraft type, manufacturers all at once made aircraft in Airport Tampere Region Riga “Traditionally we have always been a which is much more effective and efficient, the 30-seat range available, so that was a – the gateway between turboprop operator, but we are retiring that with higher dispatch reliability. Jets are much good period for us as we had choices. 1 h fleet. In February 2016 we flew our first more effective that way,” said Sullivan. He “I think that may reoccur in the future Europe and Finland Embraer E145 jet, and we take delivery of also hinted that it is aiming to potentially because a lot of the airlines have grown, but Bremen our 30th E145 aircraft next week [early move to “slightly larger jets” in due course. as aircraft size and average stage length 2 h October], which is a pretty rapid transition “As far as how long we can operate these grow, there’s a lot of market share being left • 2nd International airport in Finland in just 18 months, going from zero to 30 E145s, United is the head lessee, so when behind. Usually when that happens there’s • Over 300 connecting flights Budapest aircraft,” said Hogg. those leases expire there will either be a some backfilling that goes on. And some The airline’s fleet of Dash 8-100s were renewal or there will be a new aircraft, in manufacturer or manufacturers come up via Helsinki, Stockholm and Riga due to be retired by the end of November approximately 2020,” he added. with a new aircraft to address the market 3 h 2017, leaving it with 11 Dash 8-300s, which His take on the pilot shortage was that, share that’s been vacated. I think that’s • Popular airBaltic route to Riga will be retired during 2018. “We are forecast like Piedmont’s Hogg, a clear (and fairly going to happen again.” opened in 2017 by the end of 2018 to have somewhere rapid) route to a network carrier helps, with And the biggest issue, in his opinion? “Back between 56 and 60 small 50-seater jets,” a career path programme with United then it was a fleet issue – how could you get added Hogg, with Piedmont primarily to Airlines working well so far. “No one is an aircraft that was suitable for your mission, then be a Philadelphia-based carrier getting as many pilots as they’d like, and we and get it financed? Now it’s ‘how do you get serving American Airlines. have a pretty big appetite. Fortunately, we pilots’?” n www.airrport.fi December 2017/January 2018 LARA LARA magazine TampereAirport TAMPERE – DESTINATION INLAND FINLAND

Tampere

Helsinki Airport Tampere Region Stockholm Riga – the gateway between 1 h Europe and Finland Bremen 2 h • 2nd International airport in Finland

• Over 300 connecting flights Budapest via Helsinki, Stockholm and Riga • Popular airBaltic route to Riga 3 h opened in 2017

www.airrport.fi TampereAirport 28 MAINTENANCE TRAINING

outpacing the retirement rate. In 2013 this was about 700 graduates.” A survey of Part 145 repair stations indicated that only 20% reported it was not difficult to find technicians. About 40% said it was very difficult, with about the same percentage reporting they are getting fewer than five applicants for each opening. More ominous is that 66% said fewer than half the applicants were qualified for the job. A further problem affecting US companies is that a US rulemaking that would enable Part 147 schools to update curriculums to meet the industry’s changing needs has been stalled for years. This sheds light on why new hires may be unprepared for new- AMT shortage technology aircraft. SLOW PACE OF CHANGE “FAA Part 147 curriculum standards are slow to change,” said AAR’s Kleiman. “Today’s challenges in A&P students are still being taught on aircraft and materials using decades-old technologies. One of the ways we’ve bridged the real-world knowledge gap is by working the spotlight with Francis Tuttle Career Tech, which is located near our Oklahoma City MRO. While much has been written about the pilot shortage, of equal concern to Together we designed a sheet metal MROs is the acute upcoming shortage of aviation maintenance technicians technician apprenticeship and training programme tooled to industry standards (AMTs), reports Kathryn B Creedy. that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Through this oeing recently forecast a need for other MROs. This has included setting up experiential approach to learning, we’re 600,000 AMTs over the next 20 years. partnerships with local community colleges able to introduce new and relevant industry BAccording to Embry-Riddle and developing apprenticeship technologies and customer specifications, Aeronautical University’s (ERAU’s) aviation programmes. One thing is clear: “The while accelerating the pace of hiring.” maintenance science chair, Chuck Horning, lacklustre focus on vocational education The importance of keeping current with retirements are outpacing replacements. and fewer aircraft technicians coming from technologies was emphasised by AFI KLM Horning, also an executive with the the military have put the onus on building a E&M’s director business development and Aviation Technician Education Council talent pipeline on the employer,” according sales, Ian Bartholemew. “MROs must be a (ATEC), further cited a 2012 workforce study to Dany Kleiman, AAR’s group vice president step ahead of the game, be ready to adapt concluding the entire aerospace industry is – repair and engineering. to changes and have a well-structured only replacing about half the positions lost Horning’s assessment is compounded by training plan in place to allow [technicians] to retirement. There is good news, however the fact that aviation is losing recent to be able to deal with future aircraft,” he – applications for AMTs are apparently rising graduates to other industries. “About 25% said. “This means having to plan five to 10 at ERAU and elsewhere. of graduates are bleeding away to the oil years ahead to ensure we are not caught out AFI KLM E&M identified the looming and power industries and even to by the change in aircraft. We plan to develop shortage a decade ago and began actively Disneyland,” said Horning. “More are simulation tools and explore other new promoting aircraft careers, as did many completing their education but are not learning and teaching techniques, ensuring

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According to Dany Kleiman, AAR’s group vice president – repair and engineering: “We face a misperception, especially from parents, who don’t understand that this is a high-tech profession.” we are fully prepared for the next generation of aircraft, and that technicians have the technology to support them.”

UNSUNG HEROES “We face a misperception, especially from parents, who don’t understand that this is a high-tech profession,” said Kleiman. “But ensuring the operational safety of aircraft is one of the most important jobs they could “Aircraft maintenance may be viewed as Similarly, KLM UK Engineering is growing have. The most in-demand skills include manual labour, but advanced technologies its own pool of AMTs, partnering with metallic structures, composites, avionics used in next-generation aircraft will require colleges to deliver EASA-based programmes and troubleshooting. It offers career AMTs to engage in more advanced STEM and choosing from graduating students that stability, longevity and a good living.” curricula and study to remain relevant. I have completed apprenticeships, degree However, this may be mostly a US think we’ll see more of a focus on and aircraft type qualifications. The training problem. “Being a mechanic, a technician or continuous learning and critical thinking, so college – the International Aviation Academy an engineer at Lufthansa Technik is one of mechanics better understand the industry – is co-located with its KLM UK Engineers the most respected jobs you can have,” said and are more mindful of the needs of MRO in Norwich, England. This purpose- Barbara Koerner, head of vocational training passengers and what success looks like to built facility houses state-of-the-art and young talent programmes. “Lufthansa the airlines.” classrooms, workshops and a Boeing 737 in Technik is always ranked very high in lists of a hangar environment, enabling students to most liked jobs or companies.” SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES practice both their hand and theoretical AFI KLM E&M also highlights the AAR has been mitigating the AMT shortage skills under the same roof. importance and skill needed for the job by working with colleges and technical Kleiman explained that new-generation when recruiting but emphasises how it training schools near its five North American aircraft need a different mix of technology, affords travel, development opportunities MROs. It created programmes for middle both structures and avionics. Training and a good salary. and high schools in Chicago, Miami and programmes are being restructured and KLM UK also wants to increase the small Oklahoma City to expose students and their realigned to support those requirements, number of women engineers. It is also teachers to careers in aviation. and generally require more in-class and lobbying governments on the AMT issue “Partnering with schools is ideal,” said on-the-job training. The same holds true for in addition to recruiting from other Horning. “About 94% of those surveyed the next-gen regional jets and the C Series, industries and the military. The KLM indicated that training existing employees and AAR is typical in both investing in and Academy attends school and college careers was the most successful strategy, while streamlining its technology and human events as well as holding an annual open 72% indicated that partnering with schools resources to support new platforms. day for prospective students to see inside to hire new employees was the next Bartholomew agreed. “With the increased maintenance hangars and talk to current most successful.” use of composite material, maintenance engineers and students. Kleiman agrees, adding that the company practices have had to be modified AAR’s Kleiman, however, noted the career built paths to employment so that trainees accordingly, especially the area of damage is not just for engineers. “It’s important that could “earn while they learn” at its facilities repair,” he said. “We know the next- we change the perception of teachers, in Indianapolis, Oklahoma City and Illinois. generation aircraft will mean a new way of parents and our young people about “The location of AAR’s new wide-body MRO working. The most important aspect is for hands-on skilled jobs that require industry in Rockford, Illinois, was dependent on us to be ready for the change and to make certification or a credential but not nearby Rock Valley College which agreed to sure we have highly trained engineers who necessarily a four-year college degree,” he enhance its A&P training programme and are adaptable and ready to learn new skills said. “We need teachers, especially, to speak ultimately built a 40,000 ft2 training centre at and use new technology. Students are now positively about careers that don’t require Rockford airport. AAR agreed to grant an being introduced to these next-gen aircraft. college. These are middle-income careers, interview to anyone who matriculates The knowledge base will increase especially and they’re in demand, providing job and through the programme, and has already as these aircraft, such as the B787, are income security. hired 25 Rock Valley College students.” starting to have their first C checks.” ❱❱❱

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the role of IT, electronic knowledge and qualifications anywhere, any time. In capabilities in analysing and interpreting addition, it developed courses allowing data will definitely increase.” students to train within the aircraft operation LT recently opened a new training centre facilities carrying out practical skills. for XEOS, its engine overhaul joint venture Developments in virtual reality training with GE in Poland. XEOS is co-operating with will also allow study to be faster and more Wrocław Agglomeration Development flexible, while development of assessment Agency, Wrocław University of Technology tools will allow better tracking of students’ and Lower Silesia Aviation Cluster set up by progress. In type training for CRJ and Boeing Legnica Special Economic Zone. aircraft, it has already introduced several Similarly, Monarch Aircraft Engineering virtual training solutions such as line- Ltd (MAEL) has its own apprentice oriented scenarios with desktop simulation, programme with 600 applicants. MAEL virtual reality glasses and as proof of recently gained approval to add the Airbus concept, the HoloLens. DIGITALISATION A320neo aircraft and, as a Boeing Global “The next development for AFI KLM E&M is Lufthansa Technik (LT), which has its own Fleet Care provider, also began working on the future direction of structures training,” apprenticeship and qualification programme, its first of over 20 Virgin Atlantic B787s, said Bartholomew. “There will not only be a sees the biggest change in the content and giving more opportunity for apprentices to need for repair training, but to train damage daily work coming from digitalisation. gain experience. Apprentices rotate assessment to prevent larger (expensive) “The most important change is the through its Component Maintenance damage and/or AOG situations, and to increase of data available,” Koerner said. “A Centre workshop to gain knowledge of support quick handling of repair processes.” platform like Lufthansa Technik’s AVIATAR composite repair, helping them keep up With more than half a million AMTs makes it possible to find the right data at with new developments. required over the next two decades, the the right place at the right time. Paperless Training itself has become more futuristic, commercial aviation sector must continue maintenance ensures no data is lost when as evidenced by AFI KLM E&M, which to move fast in order to ensure it has a looking at aircraft history. We don’t have a designed a virtual learning web-based tool, sufficient next-generation talent pool for its clear picture yet of the future, but we expect allowing students to study EASA next-gen aircraft. n Rule changes required The AMT shortage in the US is “The proposed in Part 147 rule change that would be required is a change in the compounded by the growing use of new has been a long time in coming,” Horning ops specs instead of going through a technologies – composites and 3D told LARA. “The original Aviation lengthy rule change process. printing – that are not taught in Part 147 Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) “The proposed rule also redistributes schools such as Embry-Riddle met between 2007 and 2008 to make the the minimum hours required for schools Aeronautical University (ERAU), according rule change recommendations. Probably to offer as recommended by ARAC and to its chair of aviation maintenance the biggest positive change was the reflects the greatest advances in aircraft science, Chuck Horning. removal of the FAA-required topics. The technologies, which are avionics, Horning is also an executive of the proposed rule moves the specific topics electrical systems and other general Aviation Technician Education Council into operation specifications issued to a topics that were otherwise not covered (ATEC). ATEC currently represents school, making it much easier to update as such as human factors. The minimum approximately 60% of the Part 147 technology changes, without literally 1,900 hours total remains the same. schools and has been heavily involved requiring an act of Congress.” However, the proposed power-plant the Part 147 rulemaking process. The The plan is to have an industry committee hours will go down while airframe and proposed revised rule came out as a that will then review those topics on a general hours will go up. The downside? NPRM near the end of 2015 but remains periodic basis and make recommendations All schools will be required to revise their in limbo. to the FAA for inclusion in curriculum. All curricula,” he added. ❱❱❱

December 2017/January 2018 LARA LARA magazine 31 ERA 2017

Greek gathering

continental network carriers and the low-cost carriers. We are regional aviation and we are seen as vital for connectivity, for good safety, no tragedy for economic, social and cultural benefits of European regions,” he said. Where better to vote on some of the commercial aviation sector’s biggest Kreiken also flagged up the success of the issues than in Athens, the recognised cradle of Western democratic society? ERA’s intensive efforts in lobbying Europe to Mark Thomas reports. provide more support for the sector and regional air connectivity overall, with the or the hundreds of delegates attending Equally of interest is that three other issues decision by the European Investment Bank the European Regions Airline tied for second place with 15% of the vote (EIB) in July to make a billion euros available FAssociation’s (ERA’s) general assembly in each – industry consolidation, competition to help finance regional airline fleet the Greek capital, including a record number of and Brexit. renewals. Two ERA member airlines – KLM airline representatives, it was a chance to give Despite delegates’ concerns on these Cityhopper and Air Nostrum – have already their views on a wide range of topics. issues, however, the mood in Athens was a had financing approved in principle for up Three votes during one conference session positive one. This was clearly illustrated by to €546 million. were particularly enlightening – and the first another question posed to the packed That amount comprises loans of €296 topic posed a big question: ‘What is the audience, which asked ‘Do you think the million for Air Nostrum as part of a fleet biggest industry issue facing European short-haul, low-cost bubble will burst?’ The renewal programme for the purchase of new aviation in the next decade?’ answer was a resounding ‘no’ by 71% of the Bombardier CRJ1000s, and €250 million for The answer was perhaps a surprise, with the delegates. That positive thinking was KLM Cityhopper for the acquisition of new, largest issue (27% of the vote) identified as reinforced by another question, which asked more fuel efficient and environmentally being air traffic control congestion/capacity. if they thought the industry would ‘continue friendly Embraer 175 and 190s as it phases This could well have been influenced by a to prosper or will there be a downturn in the out its ageing Fokker 70s. round of strikes in France that saw hundreds next 18 months?’ The answer was an even Kreiken pointed out to the audience that of flights cancelled and many thousands of more decisive 79% who felt things would with only two carriers so far having airline passengers affected just a week or so continue to stay prosperous. successfully applied, there was still before the ERA general assembly began, essentially “half a billion Euros out there for meaning it was very fresh in attendees’ minds. EUROPE’S THIRD PILLAR all of you here, for organisations, for lessors easyJet, as just one example, normally has For outgoing ERA president Boet Kreiken of or for just any aircraft. Half a billion out around 60% of its flights crossing French KLM Cityhopper, stepping aside after four there for the next three years.” He went on airspace, meaning many had to be diverted, years in the role, regional aviation has never to outline what he saw as the growing role journey times extended, rising fuel costs and been more important. “After nearly 40 years of regionals as being “more and more seen so on. Another, Ryanair, cancelled 222 flights, of the ERA we are finally seen as the third not just as regionals but as network affecting 40,000 passengers. aviation pillar of Europe, next to the extenders of established carriers”.

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Conference panellists (left to right): Jóhanna á Bergi, Atlantic Airways; Joanna Kolatsis, Hill Dickinson; Maria Della Posta, Pratt & Whitney Canada; Niki Karagkoule Karageorgou, Sky Express.

However, he also acknowledged the pressures and losses the industry is currently facing or has recently suffered, illustrated by the downfalls of historic European carriers AlItalia, Air Berlin and Monarch. “The latter, after 50 years – gone. We have not seen this The general assembly is also a time when “grew in every aspect: fleet, number of yet in the regional aviation context. However, those deserving of recognition receive their routes, transported passengers, opening a we are not seeing new regionals popping up, moment in the spotlight, and none was more new operational base, becoming a full which is a concern.” deserving than TAP express, which won the member of IATA, all contributing to Blue Air prestigious Airline of the Year Gold award. being the largest Romanian airline”. OIL PRICES Mikael Wångdahl, vice president, external Kreiken flagged up other uncertainties that GOLD FOR TAP EXPRESS production at SAS, commented that “over remain, including one that the industry can TAP Portugal’s regional carrier, formerly the last few years, wet lease has become a do little about – the oil price. called Portugália, received the award – very important part of our strategy to ensure Pointing out that in 2016 the price had decided by an independent judging panel – growth and to be able to fly our customers fallen into the US$30 per barrel range, there which praised it for completing a total fleet to more destinations. We only work with is now a returning risk of oil rising higher. renewal over the course of 12 months. It experienced carriers in Europe and this is “Lately it touched $60 per barrel for Brent also managed a 3,800-hour retraining also an important element for us and for our crude and it continues to rise. Remember, programme for its pilots, engineers and customers. We look forward to further don’t forget in 2012 oil was $110 per barrel, cabin crew, as well as undergoing the total developing business with more ERA airline so it can happen – and productivity can kill name rebrand at the same time. members, the experts in regional flying.” you.” Maybe it will soon be time again, he Luiz Plácido Lapa, managing director of TAP Another award winner was London City mused, for the industry to go back to express, described 2016 as “crucial in Airport, which was named Airport of the Year, 90-seater turboprops for a 30–40% Portugália’s history and the new TAP express in the year it is celebrating its 30th anniversary. improvement in fuel efficiency per barrel. brand was the beginning of a new cycle. In A final concern for regional aviation, he addition to the rebranding project, the WIDERØE’S E190-E2 UPDATE noted, was the plight of smaller airports phase-in of nine Embraer 190s simultaneously Other news coming out during the Athens that face “many economic challenges. It’s a with the phase-out of another two fleets (six gathering included an update by Brazil’s major concern for us for the future. Fokker 100s and eight Embraer 145s), Embraer on the planned delivery of the first However, engineers solve problems. We see involving almost 3,800 training hours, resulted E190-E2 regional jet for launch customer the virtual tower solution that will be used in a huge effort from the entire company.” Widerøe in late April 2018. The manufacturer, by London City Airport, and we see the same In something of a stellar night for TAP which has 30 operators in Europe flying – more or less – happening in Sweden.” express, Lapa was also the well-deserved approximately 300 E-Jets, confirmed the There are very unlikely to be any more recipient of the ERA Award for Personal entry-into-service (EIS) date of April, with towers being built at regional airports in Excellence, in recognition of his long and Widerøe adding that it would begin revenue Europe, he said. “It will be a complete waste successful career in regional aviation and for service almost immediately afterwards. of money if you are building one now.” his commitment to ERA’s work. Lapa has The airline signed with Embraer for up to Also speaking was industry commentator worked in the business for nearly 40 years, 15 E2 jets which would be worth up to $873 John Strickland, who, amongst many first at TAP and then helping to launch million at list price if all options are things, highlighted the seemingly Portugália Airlines, where he became exercised, with three being firm orders for inexorable rise of the larger low-fare managing director. The ERA described him the E190-E2, and purchase rights for 12 carriers, and how they “still tend to as being “hugely respected by everyone who more. The E190-E2s are being configured in dominate the sky”. The “massive fleet works with him and regarded as an a single-class layout with 114 seats. growth” of LCCs was illustrated by one slide ambassador for the business”. Stein Nilsen, CEO of Widerøe, said at a he showed, outlining the growth of Ryanair, The ERA also awarded the Airline of the briefing in Athens it had been working easyJet and Wizz Air. “We can see that in Year Silver award to Blue Air of Romania, closely with Embraer teams “in order to 2016 they had little more than 600 aircraft while Scandinavian operator SAS received guarantee a very smooth entry into service. that year – by 2021 that number will be over the Bronze award. Gheorghe Racaru, Blue We are eager for the coming months, when 1,000 aircraft.” Air’s CEO, said that last year the airline we will intensify the familiarisation with the

December 2017/January 2018 LARA @news_LARA 33 ERA 2017

The ERA Airline of the Year award winners were (left to right): Mikael Wångdahl, vice president, external production at SAS (Silver Award); Luiz Plácido Lapa, managing director, TAP express (Gold Award); Gheorghe Racaru, CEO, Blue Air (Silver Award).

aircraft at present, half of which will be in North America. Over the next 20 years that market will grow to 5,010. Within the European regional market, Kumagai believes there are over 1,200 markets that aircraft, with immersion training for the than 60 orders during 2017 so far. The can support its MRJ. “Demand exists to technical teams, ground handling, flight 90-seater version is to be launched by India’s support our aircraft. There is robust demand operations and cabin attendants.” SpiceJet, which placed the company’s largest for 70–90 seaters in Europe.” That will include one of the E2 prototypes order for 25 earlier this year. flying to Norway in February as part of the He also pointed out that, in addition to NEW NOT ALWAYS BEST familiarisation process, he added, admitting the success with the manufacturer’s C Series Demonstrating that new aircraft types are that overall “it’s a very big project for a very aircraft in Europe with launch operators not the only option out there, of course, small airline like Widerøe, but we are very airBaltic and Swiss, it was also preparing to Jota Aviation also confirmed at the event confident with Embraer’s organisation. We’re deliver the first of 10 CS300s to Korea Air “in that it is eyeing up the acquisition of a very happy – and a little bit nervous!” the next few weeks”. The airline is the second BAe Avro RJ100. John Slattery, president and CEO of company’s first operator in Asia, said The aircraft charter’s first RJ100 (G-JOTS) Embraer Commercial Aviation, said the first DeBrusk, adding that Bombardier was also was contracted by Flybe franchisee Stobart half of 2018 had always been its target, “and expecting to achieve Chinese certification by Air and France’s HOP! after entering service now we are making good on this the end of the year. earlier this year. Jota’s management were commitment. This was only possible thanks Another milestone achieved was by busy at the general assembly highlighting its to the excellence of our engineering process PowerJet, which confirmed at ERA it had availability from November onwards for due to our unique experience in certifying 12 manufactured its 300th SaM146 engine ACMI and charter work. new aircraft in the last 17 years. From the powering Sukhoi SuperJet 100 regional jets. “We have been successful recruiting a full beginning, the E2 programme has been, and It is now underway with talks on deliveries complement of RJ pilots and are actually remains on time, on budget and better than for 2019 and 2020, according to Marc Sorel, looking to recruit more next quarter,” said the initial specification. We’ll deliver to the chairman and CEO. CEO Andy Green. “This aircraft has proved a market a mature and robust aircraft.” Seven years after the first engine’s great niche for us. It is proven, popular with Embraer’s Martyn Holmes, vice president delivery, PowerJet has developed and both regional and legacy airlines, and hard for the Middle East, Russia, Central Asia and extended its capacities to keep up with to match for wide cabin comfort.” leasing, also added at the briefing that the engine deliveries in line with the G-JOTS, which arrived in May, flew for six E195-E2 is on course for EIS in 2019. requirements of SCAC. It is expected to months first for Stobart Air out of London deliver about 70 engines this year and a Southend Airport, supplementing scheduled EUROPE’S SHORT-HAUL FOCUS similar number in 2018. services to Cologne, Lyon, Reus, Budapest, Another briefing saw Bombardier Within PowerJet, UEC Saturn develops the Venice and Perpignan. It then moved to Commercial Aircraft’s vice president sales fan module, the low-pressure compressor Toulouse and Lyon, flying domestic services for Europe, Russia and the CIS, Ryan and turbine and is responsible for final including Nantes, Bordeaux and Nice, as DeBrusk, discuss the European market’s engine assembly and ground tests in its well as Prague and Rome for the French continued focus on shorter air routes. facility in Rybinsk, Russia. Safran Aircraft regional carrier. “Most inter-regional routes are within 2,000 Engines develops the high-pressure core, the The ex-Brussels Airlines aircraft (serial nautical miles, with average seats on accessory gearbox, and the control system. number E3355) was bought by Jota from European routes still figuring in the 60–150 The company is also responsible for Falko Aviation, and is its third BAE regional range. Smaller aircraft like the CRJ, the Q400 propulsion system integration and flight jet and first Avro RJ100. Configured with 97 and the C Series facilitate new routes, and we tests. PowerJet is a 50–50 joint venture seats, the aircraft joined Jota’s existing fleet are seeing that continuously every year, with between the two companies, formed in 2004. of an Avro RJ85 and its original BAe 146-200. our customers and our competitors opening Looking forward to achieving some Jota also confirmed it had obtained UK new routes for smaller aircraft,” he said. milestones of its own is Mitsubishi Aircraft Part 145 line maintenance approval from the DeBrusk went on to highlight the Corporation (MAC), with Yoshihisa Kumagai, UK CAA for regional jets at its expanded continued evolution of the company’s Q400 president, MAC Europe, saying it believes Southend Airport facilities, underlining its turboprop, for which it had received more there is a market for 3,246 regional jet commitment to the Avro/146 family. n

laranews.net December 2017/January 2018 LARA Day one: Tuesday 23 January Day two: Wednesday 24 January

11:00 Welcome address 10:45 Opening address 11:15–12.00 Session 1 – Connectivity 11:00–11.45 Session 5 – IFE retro tting 12:45–13.15 IFEC market intelligence 12:00–12.45 Session 6 – Electrical infrastructure 13:30–14.15 Session 2 – Mood lighting 13:30–14.15 Session 7 – Passenger accessibility 14:30–15.15 Session 3 – Ancillary revenues 14:20 Inight awards ceremony 15:30–16.15 Session 4 – Content provision

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www.inflightworkshop.com @inflightmag #InflightME 35 MRO EUROPE

Day one: Tuesday 23 January Day two: Wednesday 24 January

11:00 Welcome address 10:45 Opening address 11:15–12.00 Session 1 – Connectivity 11:00–11.45 Session 5 – IFE retro tting easyJet’s winter 12:45–13.15 IFEC market intelligence 12:00–12.45 Session 6 – Electrical infrastructure coming soon, followed by another 24 next 13:30–14.15 Session 2 – Mood lighting 13:30–14.15 Session 7 – Passenger accessibility year,” said Smith. “So we’ve got rapid 14:30–15.15 Session 3 – Ancillary revenues 14:20 Inight awards ceremony growth with the A320neo and then, just to 15:30–16.15 Session 4 – Content provision wonderland bring a little excitement, we’re bringing the With a busy winter maintenance programme, a major AOC transition process, A321neo into service next year, with two and an ongoing fleet expansion and upgrade, easyJet remains a low-fare coming in July, two in August, two in September and then a little break before a giant still hungry to get bigger. Mark Thomas and Kimberley Levey report. bunch more come the year after. We’re well ith carriers in the European The short-haul operator’s focus right now into that project now.” regional and low-fare sector is on what it needs to get done this winter, By 2022 the airline should have a fleet of up W currently operating in one of the according to its head of engineering, Gary to 370 aircraft in operation. Of those, just over most competitive and cut-throat markets Smith. Not only is it busy carrying out the a quarter will be from the A320neo family, Join us at the premier IFEC event for the Middle East. experienced for years – and with three having transition of some of its aircraft to its recently with Smith adding that in five years’ time already fallen by the wayside in 2017 – it was granted Austrian air operator’s certificate easyJet would still “have a lot of senior Enquire about exhibition and sponsorship opportunities. little surprise to see airline presentations at (AOC), but the carrier has nearly 300 aircraft, aircraft”. Regarding its older A319s, Smith MRO Europe packed out with attendees made up of Airbus A319s, A320s and a commented that so far “we haven’t wanting to know what their plans are. growing number of A320neos. The latter are redelivered that many, but we’re (starting) to Possibly the most well-attended session largely coming in to replace up to 30 A319s redeliver quite significant numbers this year.” in London featured easyJet discussing its that are planned to be phased out of service. Sponsors: An offi cial event of: fleet plans, maintenance, repair and It has 100 A320neos and 30 A321neos on FLEET FLEXIBILITY overhaul (MRO) strategies and activities in order with the European manufacturer, after Fleet flexibility is a key factor, he stressed, the aftermarket – all ‘bread-and-butter’ receiving its first A320neo this summer. “We with the carrier having invested in a strategy food for thought for the hundreds of took our first A320neo in June, we’re now of doing sale and lease-back on its older delegates listening. operating two and we have two more A319s so it has an exit strategy for them. ❱❱❱ www.inflightworkshop.com @inflightmag #InflightME laranews.net December 2017/January 2018 LARA 36 MRO EUROPE

engineering perspective we are driving those EU261 claims to happen then yes, it affects our thinking.” Reinvesting money that would otherwise likely be spent paying out compensation in preventative measures is, therefore, more like a sound business case, he said. “Simplistically, if we’re paying £5 million in compensation but we can invest £1 million and stop paying £5 million of compensation then there’s a strong business case to do that.” According to Smith, “We’ve got a pretty AOCs) has been well-documented, but at the Predictive maintenance solutions such as good track record since 2013, where we time of the MRO Europe event it had only Airbus’s recently launched Skywise product, haven’t redelivered an aircraft late. We’ve moved one aircraft to operate under it at that therefore, are increasingly being used by the redelivered something like 25 aircraft – all point. However, according to Smith, it airline due to the EU261 situation. Smith on time. So, from a lessor perspective, we’ve planned to transfer 78 more this winter in an highlighted how easyJet has been using a got quite an attractive product in that it’s a extensive base maintenance programme Beechcraft King Air aircraft based out of ‘one careful owner’ kind of thing. When we “and then another 40 or so next winter. So Luton Airport in the UK for aircraft on ground redeliver the aircraft, they know the we’ve gone from a situation with Brexit where (AOG) response teams and parts to be flown standard they’re going to get, and it’s a good we’d feel like we didn’t know how it was around Europe minimising technical standard with good records as well.” going to impact us – and to a certain extent disruptions: “I think we did seven recovery His colleague, Swaran Sidhu, the carrier’s we still don’t know – but essentially we’ve missions last week, for example,” he said. head of fleet technical management, taken events into our own hands in terms of It has also concentrated on using pointed out that just five years ago easyJet mitigating the concerns we have over the Skywise – an open aviation data platform – used to hand back aircraft “around about process. The process has gone well so far.” and other solutions to ensure it has the eight-year mark, and at the 10-year sufficient spares throughout its network, point”, but that today it is using aircraft up EU261 A ‘MAINTENANCE ISSUE’ “to try and optimise what material we have to 14 years old to cope with continued Flight compensation regulation EU261 isn’t and where.” This is aided, he added, growth while waiting on its new aircraft something that would normally be through a range of statistical modelling deliveries. “So we’ve got a mix of an ageing associated as a maintenance issue – but and technical event investigations. fleet… and we’ve got a hybrid of a according to Smith, it’s directly connected. maintenance programme that we operate.” Although something of a “blunt instrument”, SEAT RECONFIGURATION Initiatives it has implemented to help the regulation’s knock-on effect ripples into easyJet is also reconfiguring a number of its improve the maintenance programme the maintenance segment. aircraft to have increased seating capacity, include the airline putting an ‘e-sign’ system “When we delay passengers we have to with its A320s being retrofitted from 180 into place at all its MRO notice stations that pay compensation, we have to cover welfare seats to 186. A total of 49 aircraft were has cut the amount of paper documentation and a number of other things as well. So, converted in a new Spaceflex configuration used by an impressive 80% so far. The idea is there’s obviously the direct costs we pick up last winter (2016–17), with another 56 or so to go totally paperless once the system has from the customer which are very significant, to go, which will be finished by the spring of been further refined but recognised benefits, but there’s also the knock-on effect – we have 2019. The reconfiguration is based around a according to Sidhu, include the system to have people to manage that, have call rearrangement of the lavatory and galley at ensuring engineers follow processes step by centres, claim processes, and we have to the aircraft’s rear, adding space for the six step, “because they can’t move to the next have legal back up. So, if you sum up the extra seats, and is the first time the airline task without certifying a task as complete, so impact of it on easyJet, it’s quite significant. has done work like this directly. it builds in good human-factor safety.” “If you take the fact that probably in the “We’re not doing them this winter, part of Approximately 6% of the airline’s costs are region of half those EU261 claims have got a the reason being because we’re doing the associated with maintenance tasks. technical issue behind them, the main AOC transfers at the moment,” said Smith, easyJet’s move to apply and gain an things that affect our operations is the adding that it also had close to 40 aircraft Austrian AOC (it already has UK and Swiss technical form of the aircraft. So, if from an (all A319s) due to leave the fleet. n

December 2017/January 2018 LARA @news_LARA 37 FUEL MANAGEMENT

offers a claimed fuel efficiency boost of 15% through its CFM International engines compared to previous generation aircraft, according to the manufacturer. Illustrating the dramatic improvements that can be achieved over a sustained period of time, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) reported in its 2016 environmental report that “aircraft produced today are about 80% more fuel efficient per passenger Catching up kilometre than in the 1960s”. FUEL EFFICIENCY PROGRAMMES Improving aircraft design is clearly a vital aspect, but having too narrow a perspective potentially misses the opportunity to with fuel improve fuel efficiency through the adoption of software and programmes. Between 2006 and 2016, IATA’s fuel efficiency teams conducted 124 fuel assessments, assisting airlines to implement efficiency efficiency programmes. It identified that the average airline has the potential to save 4% With fuel prices ever-turbulent, LARA’s Kimberley Levey looks at how fuel of its total fuel budget, and that airlines that efficiency platforms offer potential reduced costs – and why some airlines have not started an efficiency programme seem slow to utilise the technology. have the opportunity to trim 5% or more of their fuel cost. viation fuel costs have decreased in anxious to keep costs down with the oil To encourage efficiency, IATA has recent years, yet they still represent a price so inherently unpredictable. developed IATA Ops KPI, an application A major chunk of an airline’s budget. In its mid-2017 economic performance designed to monitor an airline’s operations, Keeping costs low is of course vital for low- report on the airline sector, IATA forecast fuel efficiency and carbon emissions, fare and regional carriers, where these that airlines’ total fuel bill will reach $129 allowing operators to identify areas for expenses can make the difference between billion, representing 18.8% of average improvement. For example, it can compare success or failure of a commercial operation. operating costs, slightly lower than the 2016 target landing fuel loads against actual Over the last 17 years, increases in jet level of $133 billion. landing fuel loads to identify any remaining fuel prices have resulted in “huge” losses The report also forecast that, in terms of gaps and potential for improvement. for the commercial aviation industry, capacity use, fuel efficiency would improve Klaus-Peter Warnke, CEO of fuel according to the International Air Transport 1.1% in 2017 due to growing deliveries of management solutions provider FuelPlus, Association’s (IATA’s) whitepaper, new-generation aircraft and with fuel prices argued that to date a lot of effort has gone ‘Evolution of Fuel Management’. A spike in beginning a slow upward trend. The report into innovating aircraft design. However, he 2008, for example, saw fuel cost stated that it will require “intense effort” to feels the industry has been “a little slow to representing more than a third (36%) of improve fuel efficiency within the industry, realise” the advantages of operational total airline operating expenses. through the increasing use of new aircraft, automation such as fuel management, While prices have plunged in recent years developing better operations and working on perhaps due to difficulties in the market. from well above US$100 per barrel in mid- removing airspace and airport inefficiencies. 2014 to as low as $30 per barrel a couple of Efforts to improve efficiency have been 300,000 EXTRA SEATS years ago before settling around the $40– largely focused on the performance of new- Airlines are now beginning to have greater $50 mark over the past year, the technology aircraft; for example, the Airbus opportunities to invest in process and IT commercial aviation industry is still A321neo (first delivered in April this year) improvements, Warnke said, and – ❱❱❱

laranews.net December 2017/January 2018 LARA 38 FUEL MANAGEMENT

Canadian carrier WestJet says it has seen “tremendous improvements” in cost accounting, payment processing, fuel supply management, and fuel tender analysis since starting use of the FuelPlus platform in 2010.

the fuel bill” amounting to an estimated 8% of the current bill. They added that together with a more sustainable operation, the Dutch airline continuously invests in its network and connectivity, saying that “both aspects are key to survive in this highly seeking savings beyond the aircraft – leaders TIGHT MARGINS competitive market.” are looking to lower fuel consumption while Software giant Honeywell also offers The spokesman added that becoming streamlining the process itself. solutions including its Connected Aircraft more fuel efficient is important as: “Next to The company say its FuelPlus system can fuel management services to help in this the cost savings of fuel and a more efficient help airlines save 2–3% of fuel expenses. area. Its GoDirect Fuel Efficiency software operation, we take into account the Warnke added: “To think of it another way, a provides fuel-saving recommendations to increasing costs for carbon emissions and medium-sized airline would need to sell an help airlines cut costs. the expectations of customers.” extra 300,000 seats in order to achieve this Compliant with recent changes to the level of cash injection.” Paris Agreement on reducing greenhouse FUTURE COST He suggested that improving efficiency gases, the software can be integrated with As airlines work towards reducing fuel was particularly important, with labour existing airline systems and is capable of usage to achieve more savings, the focus is costs increasing, and for low-fare and analysing data from more than 100 reports. also moving inexorably towards lowering regional airlines “where pricing is a real By monitoring current fuel usage and emissions and chasing the title of differentiator, extra efficiencies can make a identifying opportunities for savings, the ‘environmentally friendly’ to keep up with real difference to their bottom line.” company claims it significantly reduces an increasingly carbon-conscious Canadian low-fare carrier WestJet began overall operational costs and the carbon passenger market. IATA suggested this using the FuelPlus platform in 2010. Tim footprint for airline operators. emphasis first began to shift in 2014 when Day, WestJet’s fuel manager, said: “The “One of the biggest pressures facing fuel prices dropped. automation and analytic capabilities within airlines today is improving operational Airlines are today committed to reducing the FuelPlus application have enabled us to efficiency while meeting very tight margins,” the impact of flying on the environment, gain a higher degree of financial control on a said David Shilliday, vice president, airlines and with projects targeting airline emissions significantly large fuel expense – over Can$1 – Europe, Middle East, Africa and India for such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction billion per year.” He added: “We have seen Honeywell Aerospace. Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) tremendous improvements in the areas of Earlier this year KLM selected Honeywell’s it could pay later to take steps to improve cost accounting, payment processing, fuel Connected Aircraft fuel management efficiency now. CORSIA will require aircraft supply management, and fuel tender services across its fleet of 115 commercial operators in member states meeting certain analysis – all achieved with fewer resources. aircraft and four Martinair cargo aircraft in criteria to compensate for their growth in

Since using FuelPlus, WestJet has grown its order to reduce carbon emissions and cut CO2 emissions. The scheme will begin with a operations by more than 50%.” fuel costs. Its subsidiary, KLM Cityhopper, pilot phase in 2021 followed by another Warnke continued, suggesting that fuel signed up for GoDirect Fuel Efficiency over voluntary phase from 2024 before kicking in management is “not just about savings today, three years ago. from 2027 to all states apart from those it’s how these cost efficiencies can translate Captain Hans Tettero, KLM’s director exempted based on aviation-related or into future growth for the company.” tactical analysis flight operations, said at socio-economic criteria. “Airlines know there is a digital the time: “Fuel consumption accounts for Innovative new aircraft are important for transformation coming and they are not between 20 to 40% of an airline’s operating creating a sustainable operation. However, really ready for it,” he said, arguing that, in costs, and Honeywell’s technology lets us the increased implementation of fuel order to keep up, airlines will need to cater analyse data at every phase of the flight to management platforms and efficiency for a younger and more fluid workforce, with discover opportunities for reduced fuel software could provide a more regular applications that are more intuitive to use. consumption and overall improvement in system to monitor costs and reduce fuel He also said the rise of big data and operational efficiency.” consumption – which builds into savings and analytics will mean airlines need to “better A KLM spokesman said that operational could eventually lead to the development of identify distributions and trends and be able and fleet-related measures to reduce fuel more profitable routes and networks for low- to react faster and smarter.” usage “immediately contribute in reducing fare and regional carriers. n

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(4041) Aviation Festival Asia 2018 205x273mm Ad 1.2.indd 1 21/11/17 13:12 40 AVIONICS AND SYSTEMS

Rockwell Collins’ latest MultiScan ThreatTrack Weather Radar improves safety, it says, but also reduces lightning strikes by 60%, cutting time and expense for maintenance. A visionary upgrade

lowest minima relative to non-precision instrument approaches, when Instrument for avionics Landing Systems are unavailable at airports or runway ends frequently used by an airline. Many aircraft will be rolling into shops to be fitted for the new traffic Low-fare A320 or B737 operators can management environment, have connectivity solutions installed and a host upgrade to Honeywell’s RDR-4000 3D of other things. This may not be a bad time to upgrade avionics equipment in weather radar. It provides an automatic other ways too, as Henry Canaday explains. radar that scans from wingtip to wingtip, from 0 to 60,000 feet and up to 320 nautical or instance, enhanced vision systems Honeywell’s Primus Epic integrated miles in front of a plane, thus providing (EVS) can see in real time through dark cockpit system for Embraer E-Jets provides pilots with real-time information about Fand fog; synthetic vision (SVS) can the SmartView SVS, showing a vivid and weather, turbulence and storms with show permanent terrain in any conditions; accurate picture of what pilots would see possible hail or lightning. and combined vision systems (CVS) offer the out of windscreens if flying conditions were Much clearer and broader pictures of best of both EVS and SVS. ideal. “The system combines information weather have several benefits. Airlines can Required navigation performance (RNP) from Honeywell’s Enhanced Ground reroute sooner for bad weather, saving time and localiser performance with vertical Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) and money on fuel. They can avoid guidance (LPV) equipment improve where database with data from on-board sensors turbulence-related incidents that cost an and how aircraft can fly, and new weather to render a 3D image on the primary flight average of $150,000 apiece. And RDR-4000 is radars help avoid turbulence promptly and display that’s as clear as a sunny day a durable, maintenance-stingy component. economically. The latest avionics gear aims outside,” Herdegen explained. Herdegen estimates it lowers operation for safer, more efficient flying and lifting costs by more than 35% by increased some work off harried pilots’ shoulders. NEXT GENERATION reliability, reduces maintenance costs by Honeywell Aerospace offers many The company’s Next Generation Flight 30% and decreases weight by 30%, saving avionics upgrades to help regional and low- Management System can give ERJ-170, -175, up to $10,000 per year, per plane. fare carriers improve efficiency and safety, -190 and -195 operators access to RNP and Further, Honeywell’s new EGPWS software according to Marc Herdegen, marketing LPV capabilities. LPV gives aircraft a stable includes SmartRunway and SmartLanding director for electronic solutions. and precise instrument approach, with the systems, which both help flight crews avoid

December 2017/January 2018 LARA @news_LARA 41 AVIONICS AND SYSTEMS

runway incursions and excursions. Herdegen One Standard 3 option is a head-down To ensure pilot commonality, E2 symbols cites an International Air Transport SVS on both primary flight displays. “It uses and pilot interfaces are similar to those on Association (IATA) estimate that 65% of GPS to provide crews with a 3D image of the E1. Only three-day transitional training aviation accidents occur during approach terrain, obstacles, runways, large cities and for E1-rated pilots in a cockpit procedures and landing, with unstable approaches and major bodies of water, improving trainer will be necessary, not a full-light long landings being major errors. situational awareness regardless of light or simulator session. SmartLanding promotes stabilised weather, a first in commercial air Honeywell’s Primus EPIC 2 Integrated approaches, decreasing risk of long or hard transport,” Boquillon explained. Avionics System on E2s is an evolution of landings, tail strikes and runway excursions. ATR is now testing Elbit’s ClearVision, a Primus Epics on E-Jets. The EPIC 2’s Both SmartRunway and SmartLanding offer head-mounted pilot visor with EVS, SVS and SmartView SVS, combined with an visual messaging, giving pilots timely CVS to enhance situational awareness and interactive navigation system, will simplify information in quieter cockpits. allow take-offs and landings in low visibility instrument flying regardless of time of day with reduced approach minima. Its previous or weather. The primary flight display will AIRLINE ECONOMICS Standard 2 suite already included LPV for improve awareness of flight path, terrain Joe Gallo, director of air transport marketing -600s. It enables continued operations and navigational environment, all at Rockwell Collins, stresses that his firm without Category 1 Instrument Landing reducing workload. aligns upgrades with airline economics. If an System approaches. The E2’s next-generation flight operator requires LPV to land at small Boquillon says every avionics upgrade management system is a new design airports, Rockwell provides an analysis of includes improvements in flight incorporating features and new pages based completion rates and economic benefits to management systems. Vertical Navigation on E1 experience. It includes automated seal the business case. and auto pilot were introduced in Standard take-off/go-around, required time to arrival Moving from an older weather radar to 2 to better manage descents. The next for cruise phase and other capabilities. Rockwell’s latest MultiScan ThreatTrack upgrade, Standard 4 (due for certification in E1 jets had HUDs, as will E2s, to improve Weather Radar improves safety. But MultiScan 2020), should add a Vertical Display to show situational awareness during take-offs and also reduces lightning strikes by 60%, reducing pilots vertical profiles of flight plans, landings, increase approach stability and time and expense for maintenance. improving on theoretical descent profiles. reduce hard landings. Embraer is The OEM offers an especially broad The Standard 3 suite offers an option for considering adding EVS to the dual HUDs to portfolio of improved vision systems. These RNP-AR 0.3/0.3, RNP with Authorisation reduce minimums during landings. include head-up displays (HUDs) for both Required. With a Thales Inertial Reference E2s will also have graphical flight left and right-side seats. To HUDs Rockwell System, this allows safe operations in planning on the interactive navigation can add EVS, SVS or CVS. corridors 0.6 nautical miles in half-width, display. This will reduce work and improve Other Rockwell upgrades are for displays, such as mountains or congested traffic. awareness with graphical and textual flight management systems, datalink Standard 2 offered 0.3 nm for approach but displays of flight plans, letting pilots see communication, Satellite-based only 1 nm for missed approach and modified flight plans before executing them Augmentation System (SBAS) with or departure. Standard 3 also includes speed and showing pictures of, for example, without LPV, and replacements for obsolete protections: alerts and guidance when high holding patterns. Chart and map functions navigation aids, communication and other or low speed limits are reached. will enable pilots to view terminal areas on equipment. Rockwell has certified upgrades the multi-function display. on a wide range of aircraft, including all E-AVIONICS Souza expects Honeywell’s SmartRunway Bombardier, Boeing and Airbus models and Embraer’s marketing vice president, Rodrigo and SmartLanding to reduce E2 incidents on Embraer E170s and E190s. Silva e Souza, is looking forward to the approach, landing, taxi and take-off. And manufacturer’s new E2 family of E-Jets, due RDR-4000 weather radar on E2s includes ACTIVE OEMS to enter service next year. predictive wind-shear alerting and better Aircraft OEMs are also active. ATR’s new Avionics on the E2s will reduce operating turbulence detection and alerting. The RDR- Standard 3 avionics suite for 42-600s and costs, improve pilots’ situational 4000 will also reduce pilot workload. 72-600s improves situational awareness and awareness and reduce crew workload. For regional and low-fare airlines, the approach capabilities with a user-friendly Cockpits, with four larger displays and latest generation of avionics are bringing interface and tools to optimise operations, improved processing, will handle all previous visions of safer, more efficient said head of avionics, Thierry Boquillon. current and future requirements. flying into clearer view. n

laranews.net December 2017/January 2018 LARA 42 MRO – CUSTOMER SUPPORT

explained: “This includes the degree of risk transfer for basic engine overhaul (for example for unscheduled removal coverage), to whether or not the customer wants GE to find them a lease engine, or whether the customer wants responsibility for foreign object damage on the flight line or even transportation of engines to overhaul sites.” AAR takes a similar approach. “Unlike some competitors, AAR does not sell ‘out of the box’ programmes. We customise our component support solutions to each customer’s requirements,” said Colin Craig, Suite senior vice president AAR Integrated Supply Chain Solutions – Commercial. “We have our own in-house component repair workshops in New York and Amsterdam, with solutions capabilities across a broad range of aircraft types and systems, as well as a long-term Packaged maintenance support programmes are rapidly evolving to provide component repair partnership with Air New increased aircraft reliability for airlines, reports Bernie Baldwin. Zealand, which is supplemented by rigorously selected external repair vendors, eace of mind; forecastable prepared to support our customers all including OEMs and third-party facilities.” expenditure; smoothing the cash flow around the globe – from technical training, In the past year, AAR signed its first Power- Pcurve. These are just some of the spare parts and tooling provisioning to by-the-Hour-type (PBH) agreements to outcomes an airline aims for when signing up maintenance programme optimisation and support next-generation aircraft such as the for a maintenance package from aircraft or base checks. Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX families, engine OEMs or specialist MRO providers. “We’ve recently been working on and added ATRs to its portfolio of types The creation of such packages covers a integrated solutions to support commercial supported under PBH. “Just recently, we range of philosophies and solutions. Some aviation customers in the same way we’ve launched our new customer portal – AARive – offer the major maintenance elements, such successfully done for business jets a self-service platform for our PBH as structures and systems, but then act as customers, while providing innovative component support customers that fully integrators and outsource more specialised maintenance and material integrated empowers users to manage their programme repairs; others have the in-house capability services called EEC (Embraer Executive anywhere and anytime,” Craig notes. “The to offer the specialised areas too. Care) to support current E-Jets and the portal allows improved asset availability and Air France Industries/KLM Engineering & coming E2 family,” Bordais continues. reduced turnaround times [TATs].” Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) works under the “These modular solutions ensure required latter approach. As marketing director, aircraft performance, cash flow AIRBUS APPROACH Jacques-Olivier Guichard, notes: “AFI KLM predictability and a single point of contact At Airbus itself, the OEM’s head of business E&M’s scope covers all service levels thanks for airframe maintenance, engines shop development and projects, customer to a mix of deep in-house capabilities and a visits, landing gear overhauls, material services, Bruno James, outlines the service broad geographical network. This gives us services, eSolutions and technical services.” package elements introduced recently the capability to provide fully integrated and under the ‘Services by Airbus’ brand. customised solutions.” CUSTOMER CUSTOMISED “The biggest innovation that we brought Johann Bordais is president and CEO of GE’s approach, meanwhile, to maintenance to the market is through our new platform the recently formed Embraer Services & is to customise the content of each contract of digital solutions called Skywise,” he Support. He reports that with this to each customer’s unique needs. Bill Dwyer, remarks. “With the significant increase of integration, the company is “ready and fully director of marketing for GE Engine Services, data capture and the use of data analytics

December 2017/January 2018 LARA LARA magazine 43 MRO – CUSTOMER SUPPORT

AFI KLM E&M’s predictive maintenance tool, Prognos, gathers and analyses data generated by fleets to predict possible failures and optimise scheduled maintenance. we are now able to provide much more advanced predictive maintenance solutions. “We also announced during the Paris Air Show the launch of the Airbus MRO Alliance, whereby we combine the product engineering knowledge of Airbus and the industrial excellence of selected MRO partners to provide solutions to the airline customers for C-checks, minimising the downtime and maximising the added value on the aircraft,” he adds. composite repairs,” says Guichard. DNA of companies that Airbus has acquired INTEGRATED APPROACH GE Aviation’s Dwyer points out that the over the past few years – such as Satair and The recent additions at AFI KLM E&M, company’s services portfolio underwent a Navtech (now integrated into Navblue) – is including the new Singapore Joint rebranding in 2016 to differentiate more delivering to the market integrated added- Component Repair Shop, demonstrate the explicitly its approach from that of other value solutions,” he emphasises. integrated approach mentioned by Guichard. OEMs, to simplify the product suite, and to “This local entity will help curb costs and emphasise the company’s interest in the PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE shorten TAT for client airlines,” he says. entire engine life cycle. A differentiator for Guichard at AFI KLM E&M is Also, the company’s Airfoils Advanced According to Dwyer, a competitive MRO its new predictive maintenance tool, Prognos, Solutions will repair high-pressure approach differentiates GE. “We wanted the developed by the Group’s ‘MRO Lab’. compressor blades and variable stator vanes, industry to better understand these “Its applications are based on the focusing on the CFM56 engines powering the differences compared with several other OEMs gathering and analysis of technical data Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families plus with a one-size-fits-all approach,” he states. generated by aircraft fleets to improve engines for several wide-body aircraft. “The On simplification of the product suite, maintenance operations by predicting new facility will span nearly 15,000 square Dwyer remarks, “While the hallmark of our possible failures and optimising scheduled metres (162,000 ft2) and incorporate state-of- services brand has been our flexible, maintenance,” he explains. “Increased the-art equipment while implementing high- customised solutions to an airline’s unique aircraft connectivity and the development tech metallurgical processes. Airfoils needs, a concern was that customisation to of Big Data technologies mean that real- Advanced Solutions will also be active in an extreme could be viewed as complexity.” time processing and exploiting of data repair development,” Guichard comments. Meanwhile the focus across an engine’s full generated by aircraft and engine systems “AFI KLM E&M Components China has life cycle means customers have competitive are now possible.” invested in modern tooling and equipment, choices at every stage, right down to parts To set itself apart, Embraer has innovated as demonstrated by their ATEC Series-6 and brokered back to the market after teardown. “when it got services and support portfolios new Level 3 capability test benches to check Differentiating AAR, believes Craig, is the development in parallel with the aircraft and analyse the latest in control and “ability to provide nose-to-tail MRO services development cycle,” according to Bordais. avionics systems,” he notes. like we recently announced in a contract for “This in turn ensures customer requirements In aerostructures solutions, with centres CommutAir’s new ERJ 145 fleet. AAR’s are properly inoculated into the projects, in Paris, Amsterdam and Dubai (equipped breadth of services provides comprehensive such as provisions for smooth services and with autoclaves) continuing to expand, AFI cost-per-flight-hour and cost-per-landing support portfolios. KLM E&M says it can now provide anything support via our component repair shop in “One example is our health monitoring from minor repairs to full overhauls New York; wheel, tyre and brake shop in platform, AHEAD-PRO Premium, which including any required airworthiness Miami; and component management and includes failure prognosis and decision- directive/service bulletin (AD/SB) access to pool parts,” he declares. making capabilities. Besides changing the implementation. Structures covered include Alongside in-house developments, customer experience, it also aims to improve thrust reversers, a range of cowls, radomes Airbus’s James believes the company’s the aircraft maintainability and dispatch and flight control surfaces. “Our capabilities ability to select and integrate other reliability performance,” Bordais adds. range from pure metal aerostructures work, companies is a key differentiator. Just one of an increasing wave of packaged to metal bonded honeycomb sandwich “Combining our intimate engineering solutions that are giving airlines increasing solutions and right up to advanced knowledge of the aircraft with the services peace of mind. n

laranews.net December 2017/January 2018 LARA Limited placements available. Booking deadline: 9 January 2018.

Coming up in the next issue, LARA will explore new infrastructure and route developments for airports serving low-fare and regional airlines.

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LARA Airport Special.indd 1 24/11/2017 16:18 45 AARHUS AIRPORT

service from April 2018. The route currently carries around 200,000 passengers per year. Aarhus chairman, Torben Boldsen, says the co-operation agreement means it is eyeing traffic growth of more than 50%. “A year and a half ago, we asked businesses in East Jutland what they wanted with regard to the airport’s traffic. The Jutland joy answers all pointed to direct flights to Oslo and Stockholm as well as a more frequent service to Copenhagen. The common denominator for all three requests is SAS, for Aarhus which is the only airline that flies to all three destinations.” Aarhus – a Viking stronghold first founded 1,200 years ago – has plenty of Boldsen is not putting all the airport’s eggs history, but for the region’s airport it is the future that is driving its in one basket either – it also has a new route strategic development. just put into place with European low-fare giant Ryanair. Direct flights will now connect arhus Airport in East Jutland, The cash investment will enable up to Aarhus with Gdansk in Poland, another Denmark has clear ambitions to link 3,000 new departures, more than 300,000 destination high on the local business A itself more closely with popular cities new tickets for sale and around 200,000 community’s wish list. around Europe, and is working in close new passengers at the airport – all targeted The route has a clear focus on tourism, co-operation with airline SAS to achieve to take place within a year of the with the airport stating that while “perhaps better regional connectivity. agreement’s launch. not the most obvious route choice, there are In its latest step towards this goal, it has Lars Sandahl Sørensen, SAS’s executive in fact a number of compelling reasons for entered into a partnership with SAS that the vice president, sees big potential in the East creating the new connection between the airport’s leaders believe will see new Jutland region. The increase in the number two cities. The demand is clear for both passenger numbers rise by around 200,000 of daily services to Copenhagen will create business and for the local population in and boost its traffic by more than 50% as a better opportunities for regional businesses Eastern Jutland”. direct result of the link-up. to access the airline’s global network. He According to Boldsen, Aarhus is “first and Impressively, the airport’s move is a added that the airline is creating direct foremost a commercial airport that serves customer-focused response. It asked local departures from Aarhus to holiday the business community, and we are businesses in East Jutland (in eastern destinations and would continue to develop therefore in constant dialogue with our local Denmark) what they wanted to see happen, more: “This is a big venture for SAS together businesses regarding their requirements vis- and the answer was a resounding call for with Aarhus Airport and it will create many a-vis new routes. Unfortunately, we cannot direct flights to cities such as Oslo in Norway new jobs in and around Aarhus.” satisfy all their needs, however this route is a and Stockholm in Sweden, as well as more direct consequence of a specific request for a frequent daily services to the well- 200,000 PASSENGERS direct route between Aarhus and Poland. A established hub destination of the country’s The five new routes by SAS mean there are number of large companies in Eastern capital, Copenhagen, in western Denmark. now seven destinations being offered by the Jutland have subsidiaries, divisions and SAS is the linking factor for these requests, airline, while the existing ones such as the activity in Poland and for them the route will as it flies to all three capitals. As a result, link between Aarhus and Malaga are being be hugely beneficial”. Aarhus is now working with the airline in a enhanced to become all-year-round routes. There are an estimated 16,000 Polish partnership that will see the latter invest The busiest route, of course, remains the inhabitants living in the Greater Aarhus area. hundreds of millions of Danish Krone in the daily domestic service between the airport Boldsen also pointed out that Ryanair’s airport itself. New direct routes are being and the capital city to the west, where the pricing policy generally creates significant launched to Oslo and Stockholm, as well as number of departures has been ramped up volumes of traffic in both directions when it Munich in Germany, Mallorca in Spain and to 10 per day in each direction. SAS says it opens new routes, “which also will promote Split in Croatia. will operate three or four aircraft in the and increase tourism for Aarhus”. n

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I 47 FIVE QUESTIONS TO…

… Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation

Nicolas Bonleux, managing director and chief sales officer at Liebherr- Aerospace & Transportation SAS, outlines the company’s latest activities, investments and what might be coming next.

What systems and services does the aircraft assembly line in Mirabel, to increase its production hours by 10% Liebherr-Aerospace supply that are approximately 35 km away. In addition, it in 2017. of most relevance to regional airlines increases our footprint in the greater and low-fare carriers for single-aisle Montreal area, which is a major worldwide Liebherr-Aerospace recently sealed an and regional aircraft? And how and aerospace centre of excellence. agreement to carry out overhaul activities where is it expanding its worldwide at its Lindenberg facility for Flybe’s main coverage in relation to demand for its The company has invested €6.5 million and nose landing gear systems on its E-Jet services going forward? in extending its facility at Campsas near family of regional aircraft – systems We supply integrated air management Toulouse, France for air management developed and manufactured by Liebherr- systems, integrated flight control and systems. Tell us more about the site, Aerospace Lindenberg. How important are actuation systems and landing gear and what the extension has enabled the agreements like this going to be for the systems, as well as electronics such as company to install in terms of state-of- company going forward in today’s very customer services (life cycle support) that the-art machinery – 3D printing, for competitive market? entail maintenance, repair and overhaul as example – and how this has benefited Agreements like this are very important for well as training. its production capacity. us and also for our customers, as we as an We are expanding by organic and This investment (extending the site by OEM know our products and technology continuous growth, always near to our 3,300 square metres and installing best. In addition, customer service is a customers. The Asia-Pacific region is production equipment) enabled us to fully priority area of development of our certainly an area that captures a large part deploy the ‘industry 4.0’ concept across revenues, and we are proud that operators of our attention in this regard. While our our centre of excellence for air such as Flybe award us with their trust. worldwide network is well established, we management systems with initiatives such are permanently reviewing our worldwide as paperless fabrication, the internet of What technologies or innovations does footprint to make sure we adapt it to the things, new man/machine interfaces, and Liebherr-Aerospace see as being of most development of the market. new modes of organisation. significance in the next few years? What This went together with the installation is the company developing itself that Liebherr-Aerospace has a new facility of 3D printing machines, the latest could be of most relevance? in Canada that it recently opened. generation 5-axis machining centres, and There are several fields of technology What is the facility for, and what robotised manufacturing lines. This innovation that will be of high relevance for opportunities does it open up for investment (totalling €3 million on the new the next generation of aircraft that we are the company in the region? production equipment) will enable us to dedicating significant investment to. Our 1,400-square metre (15,000 ft2) facility in accommodate the ramp-ups of our aircraft They are mostly related to the way our Laval, Quebec will contribute to reinforcing manufacturer customers, while further air management, flight control and landing our relationship with Bombardier for all enhancing our quality performance and gear systems can better enable more their future aircraft programmes. The site industrialising highly promising new electrical aircraft types, higher efficiency accommodates the final assembly and technologies – among them those that can electronics and materials, as well as the testing of the landing gear for the contribute to the aviation sector reducing health management of our on-board

Bombardier C Series aircraft, enabling us to its CO2 footprint. systems and to enhanced passenger and manage just-in-time deliveries directly to The investment will enable the company crew comfort. n

laranews.net December 2017/January 2018 LARA 48 AERO-TECH TRENDS

‘BLADE’ runner airborne ATP adds library connectivity capabilities ATP has unveiled new Advanced Library Connectivity capabilities as an addition to its Aircraft Centricity Service. The capabilities were showcased at the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) as part of its ongoing customer validation programme, leading to the launch of the service this year. Airbus’ A340 laminar-flow ‘BLADE’ test demonstrator aircraft (A340-300 MSN001) made its The company says the new services successful maiden flight as part of the European Union-sponsored Clean Sky research project. offer dashboarding capabilities that make The ‘Breakthrough Laminar Aircraft Demonstrator in Europe’ (BLADE) project is assessing the accessing mission critical maintenance feasibility of introducing laminar wing technology to commercial aviation. The project aims to and regulatory information within the ATP improve aviation’s ecological footprint, with a 50% reduction in wing friction and up to 5% Aviation Hub Cloud Application easier and lower CO2 emissions, according to Airbus. This marks the beginning of the BLADE flight-test faster. This is achieved by instantly campaign to explore the wing’s characteristics in flight. curating and organising content for a The A340-300 ‘Flight Lab’ aircraft was extensively modified over a 16-month period. The jet is user’s specific aircraft profiles. fitted with two representative transonic laminar outer wings (the starboard flow wing panel Users can see recently viewed designed by GKN Aerospace, the port wing segment designed by Saab), while a specialist flight- publications for access to the latest test instrumentation (FTI) station is installed inside the cabin. Hundreds of points on the wings information and can view the measure the waviness of the surface to help engineers determine its influence on the laminarity maintenance status of their fleet to learn – the first time Airbus has used this testing method on an aircraft. A key goal of the project is to quickly whether a scheduled task is measure the tolerances and imperfections which can be present and still sustain laminarity, so overdue or upcoming. every type of imperfection will be simulated in a controlled manner. Aeroblaze gets LT to industrialise CAIRE robot Nadcap nod Lufthansa Technik AG (LT) has filed two Aeroblaze Laboratory has received patent applications for its newly developed Nadcap accreditation for Non-Metallic scarf joining robot, with preparations Material Testing (NMMT) after successfully underway to put the new system into passing an audit for flammability testing. commercial operation. Nadcap is an industry-managed Developed during the Composite programme that establishes stringent Adaptable Inspection and Repair (CAIRE) industry consensus standards. It allows research project, the robot demonstrator companies to replace their routine successfully passed all its tests, according to auditing of suppliers with a single LT. Trials on both individual components approved process through Nadcap, and the entire aircraft proved that reproducible repairs of damage and adhesive-based providing more frequent audits for primes repairs on critical structures made of fibre-reinforced composites are possible, while also and fewer audits for suppliers. increasing bonding strength. The robot can also be used for mobile repairs. Aeroblaze says this is a step towards its The patent applications relate to a positioning mechanism and a procedure for increasing goal of receiving an Airbus Lab milling accuracy. The positioning mechanism allows a single employee to precisely position Qualification. The company hopes to the robot anywhere (even upside down) on the aircraft without assistance. The company begin the process for qualification later says targeted use of the robot could result in cost and time savings, and further improve this year. quality via the procedure. The technology is scheduled for industrialisation by autumn 2018.

December 2017/January 2018 LARA @news_LARA 49 AERO-TECH TRENDS

AFI KLM E&M Blast of fresh air EDM unveils Door launches from AJW Technique Trainers design app APU solution

AJW Technique has added to its component EDM has launched an app for designing cabin maintenance capabilities with a new fully crew door trainers in what it says is a first for automated test stand. the airline industry. The stand is designed to adapt to various The app enables users to produce their current and new-generation mask types own 3D Door Trainer drawings for most across all commercial and business aircraft, Airbus and Boeing aircraft types. The free and simulates flight critical emergency app, named ‘Simulator Configurator’, allows oxygen flows so that common failure modes cabin crew training professionals to choose such as leaks and regulator malfunctions the type of door, then follow steps such as can be rectified. selecting slide training equipment, over-wing The test stand is part of an ongoing exit types, communications systems and seat investment programme by AJW to meet configuration in order to then produce a evolving customer initiatives. drawing and specification of the Door Trainer.

AFI KLM E&M has added to its range of predictive maintenance solutions with the launch of Prognos for APU. Lido/SkyData nav system launched The solution was designed, built and Lufthansa Systems is expanding its marketed by EPCOR, the group subsidiary portfolio of navigation solutions with specialising in MRO services for Auxiliary Lido/SkyData. Power Units (APUs). Like its predecessors, The product consists of ARINC 424 data Prognos for APU uses Big Data technologies and includes navigation information such to monitor performance, identifying weak as airports, taxiways and runways, spots and predicting potential faults. The airspaces and flight procedures, with the companies claim that the real-time data updated every 28 days. The performance monitoring and analysis European Aviation Safety Agency has solution will ultimately help to rationalise certified the data production standards maintenance work and avoid shop visits and for Lido/SkyData with a Type 1 Letter of excess costs for client airlines. Acceptance. EPCOR will resultingly be able to schedule The product contains all ARINC 424 data in an open format, which Lufthansa says can maintenance work around an airline’s be used for a variety of applications, including software solutions for creating simulation operational requirements to prevent environments within in-flight simulators or navigation solutions for drones. The data can possible breakdowns. The companies say it also be used with flight planning systems from any manufacturer. The company says the will also help them to better advise and open format ensures data compatibility, enabling the data to be tailored to the customer’s support clients’ engineering teams during IT system and applications. the contract period.

laranews.net December 2017/January 2018 LARA 50 PEOPLE AND APPOINTMENTS

Flybe has appointed Roy GKN has named Hans Kinnear, currently CEO of Air Büthker as CEO of GKN Seychelles, as its new chief Aerospace. He will take up commercial officer as of the role on 1 January 2018. Aviation January 2018. He will report Büthker is currently CEO of calendar 2018 directly to the CEO and be a member of its GKN Aerospace’s Fokker business. He joined executive committee. He will have overall GKN when it acquired Fokker in 2015, having JANUARY responsibility for heading up the regional worked in roles in Fokker and its former 23–24 airline’s commercial activities. Kinnear has owners Arle and Stork since 1997. He will MRO Middle East, Dubai, UAE* over 30 years of industry experience, having take over from Kevin Cummings, who will mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com previously held various senior management become CEO of GKN plc. 23–24 roles with carriers including bmi, Gulf Air Inflight Middle East, Dubai, UAE* and Etihad. Chief revenue officer, Vincent Montserrat Barriga has been appointed as www.inflightworkshop.com Hodder, has moved to take up the position the European Regions Airline Association 23–25 of chief strategy officer at the airline. (ERA) director general. Barriga previously Global Airfinance Conference, Dublin, Ireland worked for ERA member airline Binter as www.euromoneyseminars.com Martin Lutz has become director, international development and CEO of Lufthansa Technik industry affairs, and has substantial FEBRUARY Vostok Services. The experience in the aviation industry, 6–11 engineer and international particularly the regional sector. Singapore Airshow, Singapore production manager has www.singaporeairshow.com moved from being demand manager at Alistair Dibisceglia has 20–22 Lufthansa Technik AG in Munich to Moscow taken on the role of vice CONNECT, Tbilisi, Georgia* to take on the role. Lutz replaces Andreas president and head of global connect-aviation.com van de Kuil, who served as CEO since 2015. leasing at MTU 27–28 Maintenance Lease Aviation Festival Asia, Singapore* Luciano (Lou) Melluzzo has been Services BV in Amsterdam, where he will be www.terrapinn.com appointed president of Air Industries responsible for commercial and technical Group. He has over 30 years of aerospace activities. He joins from Aircraft Recycling MARCH machining experience and was chief International Limited where he was senior 20–22 operating officer and chief of business vice president and head of technical. Passenger Terminal EXPO, Stockholm, Sweden* development at EDAC Technologies where, www.passengerterminal-expo.com in addition to other duties, he was Air France KLM appointed Benedicte Duval responsible for integrating acquired as general manager for the UK and Ireland, APRIL companies into EDAC. Peter Rettaliata, who succeeding Warner Rootliep who is to 10–12 took on the role of president and CEO in become manager director for KLM MRO Americas, Orlando, USA* March on Daniel Godin’s departure, will Cityhopper. Duval will be responsible for mroamericas.aviationweek.com remain acting CEO. overall passenger activity, including ground 10–12 services. She will be joining from Paris where WTCE, Hamburg, Germany* Aircraft Propeller Service she held the position of VP for sales policies www.worldtravelcateringexpo.com named Stephen Aragon as for Air France KLM. Ivo Steffens has also 17–18 vice president of operations. been appointed as commercial director for Aviation Africa, Cairo, Egypt* He will be responsible for UK and Ireland. www.aviationafrica.aero the company’s global 18–19 manufacturing operations, supply chain Abdul Khaliq Saeed is the ERA Regional Airline Conference, management, training, quality and new CEO of Etihad Airways Vienna, Austria continuous improvement strategy. Aragon Engineering, joining from www.eraa.org brings experience overseeing the Turbine Services and 22–24 implementation of lean manufacturing Solutions where he was Routes Europe, Bilbao, Spain* strategies and lean business systems for chief executive since 2014. Saeed brings www.routesonline.com large manufacturers. Prior to joining APS, over 35 years of experience in the he served as operations site leader international maintenance, repair and *LARA is a proud media partner of these events. with Pentair. overhaul industry.

December 2017/January 2018 LARA LARA magazine www.commsoft.aero MRO IT System

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