Intelligence: Briefs

Airlines Pick Timco

Greensboro, N.C.-based Timco Aviation Services has received separate contracts from Air Canada and United Airlines. Under the pact with Air Canada, Timco will supply on-call line maintenance for the carrier’s location in Newark, N.J. Overnight servicing of aircraft will also be available. Timco will provide daily operational coverage and overnight line maintenance for United’s facility at San Jose Intl Airport (SJC).

Oracle Supports Mexicana

Grupo Mexicana is using Oracle’s Complex MRO software (cMRO) for the operations of subsidiary Mexicana Airlines. The e-business software provides real-time information about aircraft products and parts, as well as service histories. It also integrates materials management and maintenance systems. In addition to using cMRO, the airline has implemented Oracle’s E-Business suite, release 12 and Siebel, a customer loyalty management system.

Superjet Intl Part 145

Two European regulatory agencies — EASA and Italy’s Aeronautical Civil Authority (ENAC) — have issued a Part 145 certificate to Superjet Intl. Superjet is now authorized to conduct maintenance, completions and custom interior design projects at its complex in Venice, Italy. Superjet will offer line maintenance services on Airbus A320s until the Sukhoi Superjet 100 begins operations. CEO Alessandro Franzoni says the company is working toward Part 147, with certification projected in late 2009.

Thomas Group PI Max

Irving, Texas-based Thomas Group has launched its PI Max assessment tool to help businesses implement lean initiatives as opposed to cutting jobs. Mark Ozenick, practice leader for Thomas Group’s aerospace and defense sector, says that now "it is in the middle of crisis that barriers can be eliminated more easily. When the alternative is adapt or go onto the shop floor and hand out pink slips, managers will come around to new ways of thinking." PI Max features 25 elements to identify key organizational improvements.

Snecma Leans Villaroche

After implementing a number of lean manufacturing initiatives, Snecma’s facility in Villaroche, France has restarted operations. The program, which began in 2007, included re-engineering the CFM56 production test shop to center it around a moving line, in which engines go through five stations at a rate based on demand, according to Snecma. The effort was aimed at improving efficiency while adding to the "visual environment."

RR Supports Trent 700EPs

Rolls-Royce has signed a contract to supply engines and long-term support for Saudi Arabian Airlines fleet of Airbus A330s on order. Valued at up to $900 million, the agreement calls for engines for eight A330s with an option for four additional aircraft. Rolls-Royce’s TotalCare program will cover the Trent 700EP engines, including maintenance, repairs, engine management, technical and line support. The aircraft are scheduled to enter service in 2010.

Czech Chooses ATR

French regional jet maker ATR has signed a seven-year global maintenance agreement (GMA) with Czech Airlines. The deal calls for ATR to repair line replaceable units (LRUs) on a fleet of 12 ATR 42/72s. Worth more than $14 million, the contract includes management of the entire supply chain process. Czech Airlines is the launch customer for a new ATR service known as Door-2-Door.

TAECO Converts 747

Taikoo Aircraft Engineering Co. (TAECO) has re-delivered a Boeing 747-400 in freighter configuration to Air China Cargo. The aircraft, modified from an Air China 747-400 Combi, is the first of three scheduled for conversion — work is currently under way on the second 747-400. Xiao Ping, vice president of Air China Cargo, says the improvements will provide increased efficiency and greater fleet commonality with its newer 747-400 freighters.

TRAX Manages Air Nelson

Air New Zealand subsidiary Air Nelson has chosen TRAX software to manage maintenance and engineering for its fleet of aircraft. Air Nelson will implement e3, the most recent version of the M&E program. The agreement follows a recent contract with Eagle Airways, also an Air NZ subsidiary.

Messier Gear Overhauls

South American carrier LAN Airlines has chosen Messier Services to provide landing gear overhauls for its fleet of 68 Airbus A320 series jets. The Safran Group company will also conduct exchange and overhaul services for LAN’s fleet of A340s. Messier’s facility in Querétaro, Mexico, will work on the A320s through 2017, and A340 overhaul will take place at the company’s location in Mosheim, France in 2010.

SB Work from Goodrich

Goodrich Corp. has received approval from Boeing to carry out service bulletin inspections for 737NGs at its facility in Foley, Ala. SC1079 involves checking the engine thrust reverser inner walls and insulation blankets for the CFM-56-7s that power the 737NGs, as well as for heat damage and related issues.

FAA Certifies Active Aero

Active Aero has obtained FAA Part 145 certification for its facility at Willow Run Airport (YIP) in Detroit, Mich. The facility can perform airframe, engine and limited avionics maintenance under the approval. Repairs and maintenance will be available on more than 200 turbine and piston-powered aircraft. Active also runs a fixed-base operation at YIP.