March 2, 2017 - No. 018 In This Issue Proposal would move aviation maintenance into college system AFI KLM E&M Sets Up China Joint Venture With Beijing General Aviation Co., Ltd Embraer aircraft deal: CBI quizzes middleman for receiving commission Wales to host the GE Maintenance and Repair facility for GE9X New 1View Platform Transforms Technical Publications for Textron Aviation Customers Closing Gaps In Technician Pipeline Key To Offsetting Mechanic Shortage Vector Aerospace to Showcase a Range of Customer-Focused MRO Solutions at HAI Heli-Expo Precision Aviation Group Expands/Invests in additional MRO Capabilities at Australia Facility Execujet Adds Sydney FBO Thai Air Law Boosts Safety Regs, Opens Door to Foreign Ownership Proposal would move aviation maintenance into college system A trio of Stratford lawmakers wants to shift the state's aviation maintenance technical schools into the regional community college system. The effort by state Reps. Laura Hoydick, Ben McGorty, both Republicans, and Democrat Joe Gresko is aimed at making post-high school students who are part of the program eligible for scholarships and grants. One of the state's two aviation schools is in Stratford. Budget cuts have forced tuition at the school to skyrocket from $6,600 to $26,000. More than once, the school has been on the chopping block before being rescued. "Aviation careers are essential to our region," said Hoydick, who along with her colleagues testified before the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. "The budget cuts and resulting tuition increases have caused a significant drop-off in enrollment at these aviation schools." Moving the school into the community college system, she added, would put the program where it belongs. "It's clear that the level of skill and instruction involved in these aviation schools has a more appropriate home in a college-level system," McGorty said. "This move will also provide students with the ability to avail themselves of greater financial support and resources otherwise not available to them." "They just need some assistance with financial aid.," Gresko said. Joseph Scarduzio, who heads the Stratford program, said it helps train students to become federally certified aircraft mechanics. Most who graduate stay in the state. Aviation maintenance is the last adult education program run by the technical high school system. "We have one foot in the (technical high schools) and one foot in the (community college) system," Scarduzio said. "It is time for the program to take the other foot forward." Others aren't so sure. The state's Board of Regents, which oversees community colleges, has serious concerns with the financial implications of the proposal. http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Lawmakers-want-Aviation-Technical-Schools-in- 10969067.php Back to Top AFI KLM E&M Sets Up China Joint Venture With Beijing General Aviation Co., Ltd Beijing, Paris, Amstelveen, 27 February 2017 - AFI KLM E&M and Beijing General Aviation Co Ltd (BGAC) today held an opening ceremony to celebrate the creation of AFI KLM E&M- BGAC Line Maintenance Co. Ltd, an aircraft maintenance joint venture who is benefiting from the new open policy of Chinese government to welcome and promote foreign initiatives to partner with Chinese companies. A specialist in implementing general aviation manufacturing and operation businesses, BGAC has teamed up with AFI KLM E&M to develop its MRO business arm. The joint venture set up by the two partners is scheduled to begin operations on April first. The new business' brand name is Beijing Line Maintenance International, and it will provide line maintenance services for aircraft in the AIR FRANCE KLM fleet at the Beijing airport, before extending its service offering to customer airlines operating in China. At a ceremony held at BAIC (Mother Company of BGAC) headquarters in Beijing on February 27, BGAC chief executive Ling Zhuanghuai said: "This agreement is an important milestone for our group, which aims to become a leading aircraft line maintenance player on the Chinese market. AFI KLM E&M is globally recognized for its MRO expertise and service quality and will be our best ally in achieving our objectives." This latest partnership is in line with the AFI KLM E&M's strategy of consolidating its global line maintenance network, working with local players. In October 2015, for example, the Group announced that it had signed an agreement with SHS Technics, a Dakar (Senegal) line maintenance company, under which it acquired an equity interest. Anne Brachet, Executive Vice President AIR FRANCE KLM Engineering & Maintenance, said: "We are delighted with this opportunity to strengthen our international line maintenance capabilities. In BGAC, AFI KLM E&M has found a Chinese partner with a strong local foothold and reputation, which is a guarantee of success for the future joint venture." Representing AFI KLM E&M at the ceremony, Ton Dortmans, EVP KLM E&M added: "AFI KLM E&M has a rich and trustful history with Chinese airline business. Today, we are proud and happy to expand further our Chinese network with this new Line Maintenance JV with BGAC." http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12309413/afi-klm-em-sets-up-china-joint- venture-with-beijing-general-aviation-co-ltd Back to Top Embraer aircraft deal: CBI quizzes middleman for receiving commission After a first information report (FIR) was filed by the Central Bureau of Investigations in the 2008 Embraer aircraft purchase, the agency again quizzed NRI defence consultant Vipin Khanna for allegedly receiving commissions to the tune of $1.56 million in 2009. The FIR was filed by the CBI last year on September 18 against Khanna for receiving 'kickbacks' in the deal. He was recently questioned in relation to the case about the mode of payment used for the commission he received. While he denied all the charges earlier, saying that he did not receive any kickbacks and the so-called commission that he received. The CBI say that Khanna received 10 per cent of the total deal. The agency is confident that the money was routed to him via Austria and Switzerland. The FIR was filed against Khanna for receiving commissions and it also named another Singapore-based firm Interdev Pte Limited - listed as a software consultancy firm - as an unit through which the commissions were routed via one of Embraer's subsidiary. The initial FIR was filed in the case after the Brazilian press reported about the kickbacks paid for the purchase of three Embraer-145 aircraft by India. The Defence Ministry also played a key role in the investigation, handing key documents to the agency. The US Justice department, with whom CBI officials met this year, confirmed that Embraer had paid money in India, South Africa and other countries to get hold of defence contracts. Some of the documents the CBI got from the US department clearly shows the money trail, giving a significant push towards identifying the perpetrators involved. The justice department also acknowledged that paying money for fetching such defence deals was an offence under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (FCPA). This is one of the defence deals that happened during times of the UPA regime and the other prominent defence deal that was exposed was the Agusta Westland chopper scam. For the record, this is not the first time NRI defence consultant Khanna is being probed. Earlier in 2006, Khanna came under the CBI's scanner following the oil-for-food scandal, where his son was named as the key recipient of contracts. http://www.timesnow.tv/india/video/embraer-aircraft-deal-cbi-quizzes-middleman-for- receiving-commission/56901 Back to Top Wales to host the GE Maintenance and Repair facility for GE9X First Minister Carwyn Jones has announced that General Electric (GE) Aviation Wales will be the GE Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the world's largest and most fuel-efficient jet engine, GE9X, following a package of Welsh Government support. The announcement, which follows the First Minister's meeting with GE executives in Washington DC, is accompanied by £20m of GE investment, that includes £5m from the Welsh Government. The maintenance and repair of the GE9X will safeguard over 400 jobs at GE Aviation Wales. This news comes in addition to the site's 2016/2017 recruitment activity to support growth relative to its current engine programmes. The new facility will provide the technical lead and support to GE9X partners across the globe and place Wales at the cutting edge of the latest and greatest jet engine technology. The First Minister welcomed news that the Nantgarw facility will lead the company's global 'Entry into Service' readiness programme, describing the move as hugely significant in securing the future of the Nantgarw facility for the next generation and ensuring the site is at the forefront of important technology applications. He said: "I am delighted Welsh Government is supporting this very significant investment in one of our flagship operations. GE Aviation Wales is the largest aircraft engine maintenance facilities in the world and today's announcement ensures it will maintain its position as the global centre of excellence for wide bodied jet engines that will now also include GE's latest engine, the GE9X. "As an Anchor company, GE Aviation is of huge strategic importance to the Welsh economy with a world class reputation and extensive experience and capability. It's tremendously good news that this investment will strengthen its long-term sustainability, preserve the scale of the facility and ensure its on-going competitiveness. "The aviation MRO facility has been in Nantgarw for 77 years and only recently celebrated its 25th anniversary of GE ownership so it is great news that the 9X will ensure GE Aviation remains at the forefront of the engine repair and overhaul sector for many years to come." The First Minister added that when he was in the States last year he had discussions about GE Aviation Wales' selection as the global technical lead on the GE9X as well as potential new recruitment. GE Aviation Wales Managing Director La-Chun Lindsay said: "This is a great day for Wales and particularly for our communities across the Valleys. We've won this great accolade because we worked together as one 'Team GE Aviation Wales' on solving our site's biggest problems and challenges. The key objectives now are for the site to sustain its cost competitiveness and to continue improving on customer delivery for both engine overhaul and component repair. I want all our customers to hear this great news and be delighted if their GE9X engines are coming to GE Aviation Wales for servicing. "Over many years we've enjoyed a great relationship with the Welsh Government and their grant offer was also a key differentiator in ensuring Wales as the MRO shop and technical lead for the GE9X. We have a great history of support from our partners in the Welsh Government and at every stage of this process we have worked in lock step to secure the GE9X. "More than 85% of our employees from the surrounding area and are thus firmly rooted in our local community. I'm so pleased that securing the GE9X means that future generations will have the chance to fulfil their dreams of working at GE Aviation Wales and will have the same fantastic opportunities that have existed throughout the site's proud history." GE Aviation Wales has been selected based on its wealth of technical expertise and its track record of continuous improvement. By focusing on increased utilisation and productivity despite its 77 year old infrastructure, GE Aviation Wales is now cost competitive with several brand-new overhaul sites. The upshot of continued focus on increased utilisation and delivery is a projected increase in volume to the site enabling new recruitment. http://www.deeside.com/wales-host-ge-maintenance-repair-facility-ge9x/ Back to Top New 1View Platform Transforms Technical Publications for Textron Aviation Customers WICHITA, Kan. (Jan. 27, 2017) - Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced the launch of its innovative technical publications platform - 1View - where Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker customers can access all maintenance manuals, flight documents and service information for their aircraft. "Developed with input from our customers, 1View provides a simple, easy-to-use platform to access all technical manuals and flight documents," said Kriya Shortt, senior vice president, Customer Service. "We have already introduced the platform to several customers and their feedback has been extremely positive. We continue to explore solutions to make support more accessible to our customers, and 1View is the latest example of that mission." Designed with accessibility and ease-of-use in mind, the all-in-one system combines the best functionality of the well-known Cesview and Interactive Maintenance Libraries (IML). The 1View platform includes advanced features such as single sign-on, the ability to add annotations, E-commerce integration to generate part order lists, enhanced search features, history tracking and bookmarking. About Textron Aviation Service Textron Aviation, through its Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands, is renowned for its unrivaled global service network dedicated to complete life-cycle support. Textron Aviation's support organization includes a global footprint of company-owned service centers staffed with expert service engineers offering maintenance, inspections, parts, repairs, avionic upgrades, equipment installations, refurbishments and other specialized services. In addition to its company-owned footprint, Textron Aviation's jet and turboprop customers have access to a global network of nearly 200 authorized service facilities. Textron Aviation also offers a mobile support program featuring more than 60 mobile service units, six dedicated support aircraft and on-site service technicians and support. About Textron Aviation Inc. Textron Aviation Inc. is the leading general aviation authority and home to the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands, which account for more than half of all general aviation aircraft flying. For more than 90 years, the Textron Aviation brands have represented unrivaled innovation, performance and leadership in the industry, offering an unmatched value proposition rooted in the total ownership experience. Leveraging unparalleled speed-to-market, Textron Aviation provides the most versatile and comprehensive business and general aviation product portfolio in the world through five principal lines of business: business jets, general aviation and special mission turboprop aircraft, high performance piston aircraft, military trainer and defense aircraft and a complete global customer service organization. Textron Aviation has delivered more than 250,000 aircraft in over 143 countries. Its broad range of products include such best-selling aircraft as Citation business jets, King Air and Caravan turboprops and T-6 military trainer aircraft, all of which are backed by the industry's most capable global service network. For more information, visit txtav.com. About Textron Inc. Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Textron Off Road, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information visit: www.textron.com. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12309756/new-1view-platform-transforms- technical-publications-for-textron-aviation-customers Back to Top Closing Gaps In Technician Pipeline Key To Offsetting Mechanic Shortage In brief: * About 25% of aviation technical school graduates do not enter the aviation industry. * Figure, from ATEC survey, suggests 750 mechanics lost in 2015 from about 50 top schools. * Closing the gap will help industry meet growing demand for mechanics. Ensuring that aviation has enough qualified technicians to meet projected demand means attracting more workers to the industry, but a recent survey underscores that the initial focus should be on keeping the existing pipeline flowing. The survey, conducted by the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC), found that 25% of all graduates from FAA-certified aviation maintenance technician schools (AMTS) do not end up pursuing aviation careers. The results, which echo findings from a similar survey two years ago, suggest that as many as 750 graduates in 2015 from the 47 AMTS that participated in the survey were lost to other industries. The figure is a drop in the bucket for an industry that will need 120,000 additional technicians in North America by 2036 just to support projected airline needs. But it points to a worrying trend. "The loss of qualified technicians to competing industries is a significant concern for airlines, business aviation operators, and aviation maintenance providers," said Ryan Goertzen, President of ATEC and Chief Aviation and Academic Officer of Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. Some of the competition is obvious, such as working in oil-production facilities or other machine-heavy industrial environments. Lesser-known threats include high-end amusement parks, which rely on technicians to keep rides operating and queues of paying patrons flowing. ATEC, which represents AMTS-there are about 170 in the U.S.-and their employers, is spearheading several grassroots efforts to link aspiring technicians with aviation companies. The association is drafting guidance to support career-pipeline initiatives such as dual-enrollment programs with high schools, and plans to hold an employer expo at its upcoming annual conference. The association is also working with the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) on the more fundamental challenge of defining the extent of the growing technician shortage. As the entire industry comes to grips with future staffing challenges-even the International Civil Aviation Organization has a dedicated workforce development task force-each segment faces its own internal battles as the worker shortage drives more intense competition. An executive from StandardAero, the independent, U.S.-based engine overhaul specialist, acknowledges that when OEM-owned facilities see demand spikes, the first places they look for skilled help are his shop floors. "We're not going to be able to compete with big guys like that on hourly rates," the executive said. The result? An intense focus on the quality and speed of internal training programs that help minimize the ramifications of inevitable worker churn. "We have to get used to getting them trained up quickly, and well," the executive added. Independent airframe MRO providers face similar challenges, with airline shops being the primary draw for their top technical workers. AMTS may help here, especially if industry-backed suggestions on how best to revamp FAA-mandated curriculum succeed. The ATEC survey found that half of the respondents provide specialized training outside their core programs, with avionics (24% of the schools), composites (15%) and welding (15%) leading the way. https://airlineaftermarket.com/closing-gaps-in-technician-pipeline-key-to-offsetting- mechanic-shortage/ Back to Top Vector Aerospace to Showcase a Range of Customer-Focused MRO Solutions at HAI Heli-Expo Richmond, BC - Vector Aerospace, a global independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, will be highlighting its broad range of customer- focused support solutions at the HAI Heli-Expo 2017 helicopter trade show & exposition being held in Dallas, TX next week (March 7-9). A major highlight of Vector's booth (# 1612) will be its Airbus Helicopters AS350 fuselage display, showcasing the company's nose-to-tail MRO capabilities on the AS350/EC130 family. The updated display being exhibited in Dallas incorporates the latest version of Vector's crash-resistant fuel tank (CRFT), being developed in partnership with Robertson Fuel Systems, as well as a D-level repair fixture. The AS350 fuselage display also features a sample of Vector's composite repair capabilities. Vector's AS350 fuselage display will also be used to introduce the 'SAFECRAFT' portfolio of retrofittable safety technologies being offered by the company for the AS350/EC130 family in partnership with Astronautics Corporation, L3, Outerlink Global Solutions, Robertson, Safe Flight and Thales. This portfolio of safety technologies includes electronic flight instruments, a new-generation autopilot, a collective cueing system, a powerline detection system, an icing conditions detector, flight data monitoring and ADS-B solutions, along with the CRFT. In addition to its AS350 fuselage display, Vector's booth at Heli-Expo 2017 will also include cutaways of a Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel turboshaft and an AS350 drivetrain, highlighting Vector's MRO capabilities on a range of the industry's most popular powerplants and dynamic components. Vector will be releasing details of a range of recent developments and new capabilities during Heli-Expo, with several important contract signings planned for the event. Vector will also be detailing progress with its new state-of-the art facility in Langley, BC, Canada, which is just months away from completion. This 85,000 sq. ft. facility will consolidate Vector's existing Langley-based airframe and avionics shops under one roof, streamlining workflow and improving efficiency. Vector will also be holding several customer events on its booth during the show, including prize draws for Apple iPhones and a customer appreciation event. To learn more about Vector Aerospace's extensive helicopter support capabilities, please visit us at booth # 1612 during the show. We look forward to seeing you in Dallas! About Vector Aerospace Vector Aerospace is a global provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. Through facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, South Africa, Kenya and Singapore, Vector Aerospace provides services to commercial and military customers for gas turbine engines, components and helicopter airframes. Vector's customer-focused team includes over 2,200 motivated employees. Vector Aerospace holds approvals from some of the world's leading turbine engine, airframe and avionics OEMs. Powerplants supported include a wide range of turboshafts, turboprops and turbofans from General Electric, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Rolls-Royce and Safran. Vector Aerospace also provides support for a wide range of airframes from Airbus Helicopters, Bell, Boeing, Leonardo Helicopters and Sikorsky, its capabilities including major inspections and dynamic component overhaul, and offers full- service avionics capability, including aircraft rewiring, mission equipment installation and glass cockpit upgrades. More information can be found on the company's website at www.vectoraerospace.com http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12310280/vector-aerospace-to-showcase-a- range-of-customer-focused-mro-solutions-at-hai-heli-expo Back to Top Precision Aviation Group Expands/Invests in additional MRO Capabilities at Australia Facility ATLANTA, March 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Precision Aviation Group, Inc. (PAG), a leading provider of products and value-added services to the worldwide aerospace and defense industry has completed the third expansion in four years at the Brisbane, Australia based EASA, CASA & FAA Approved Repair Station. The expansion will accommodate the growth of the company's wheel and brake, starter generator and accessory Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services, doubling the size of their facility from 10,000-square-feet to 20,000-square feet. "The expansion includes installation of a larger paint booth, NDT area, product specific work cells, upgrading of the inspection and test rooms within the existing repair station and expansion of the spare parts inventory warehouse," said Chris Slade, Director of Operations of PAG-AU. "This expansion will allow us to accommodate future growth and better serve our customers, which supports PAG's strategic global plan," Slade added. "Our facility in Brisbane, Australia is strategically important, both in support of the Australian and New Zealand markets in addition to the wider Asian market," said David Mast, President & CEO of PAG. "This investment is in response to an increase in demand for local MRO Services, by creating greater capacity within the repair station, we have combined expansion and efficiency at the facility, both of which will benefit our customers," adds Mast. About Precision Aviation Group (PAG) Precision Aviation Group (PAG) is a leading provider of products and value-added services to the worldwide aerospace and defense industry. With 10 locations and more than 250,000-square-feet of sales and service facilities in the United States, Canada, Australia and Brazil, PAG uses its distinct business units and customer-focused business model to serve aviation customers through two business functions - Aviation Supply Chain and its trademarked Inventory Supported Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (ISMRO®) services. PAG provides MRO and Supply Chain Solutions for Fixed and Rotary-wing aircraft through: Precision Heliparts - PHP (www.heliparts.com); Precision Aviation Services - PAS (www.precisionaviationservices.com); Precision Accessories & Instruments - PAI (www.precisionaccessories.com); Precision Heliparts Canada - PHP-C (www.heliparts.ca); Precision Accessories & Instruments Canada - PAI-C (www.precisionaccessories.ca); PHP- Instruments & Accessories - PHP-IA (http://www.heliparts.la); Precision Heliparts - Brazil (www.precisionaviationgroup.com/php-br) Precision Aero Technology -PAT (www.precisionaerotechnology.com), Precision Heliparts - Australia - PHP-AU ((http://www.precisionheliparts.com.au), Precision Accessories & Instruments - Australia (PAI-AU) (http://www.precisionaccessories.com.au/) and Precision Aviation Controls - PAC (http://www.precisionaviationgroup.com/pac/). PAG subsidiaries have MRO capabilities on over 35,000 products, including accessories, avionics, engine components, hydraulics, instruments, NDT, starter/generators, and wheels/brakes (http://www.precisionaviationgroup.com). http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/precision-aviation-group-expandsinvests-in- additional-mro-capabilities-at-australia-facility-300415477.html Back to Top Execujet Adds Sydney FBO International aviation support provider Execujet has increased its footprint in the Asia- Pacific region with its acquisition of the former Universal Weather and Aviation FBO at Sydney, Australia's Kingsford-Smith Airport. The recently renovated facility, located eight miles (12 km) from the city center, offers a passenger lounge, private meeting rooms and Customs and Immigration facilities among other services and amenities. "We are excited to unveil the Sydney FBO, which allows us to welcome more clients to the area and opens up another great opportunity for business aviation in Australia," said Darren McGoldrick, Execujet's vice president for Asia-Pacific, noting that the addition will enhance his company's existing maintenance, flight operations and administration infrastructure in Sydney. "We have wanted to incorporate an FBO into the facility for some time to meet demand and bring Execujet's acclaimed customer service and quality to another major global destination." The facility, which will employ 20 staff, including ramp coordinators and customer service agents, will be the 25th FBO in the company's network. In the region, Execujet also has facilities in Wellington, Perth and Melbourne, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in operation this year. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2017-02-28/execujet-adds- sydney-fbo Back to Top Thai Air Law Boosts Safety Regs, Opens Door to Foreign Ownership A new law covering the regulation of the aviation sector in Thailand is set to go into effect around August or September. The law, which was approved by the Thai cabinet on Febuary 21 and is now being considered by the country's parliament, is intended to strengthen safety regulation while also allowing foreign investment in Thai aviation companies. The legislation will replace the outdated 1954 Civil Aviation Act and, significantly, it will give greater impetus to the implementation of international safety standards by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). "It's going to help us speed up the implementation of ICAO standards," CAAT director general Dr. Chula Sukmanop told AIN on Monday, explaining that the agency would have the power to directly issue ICAO-based regulations rather than having to submit each one for parliamentary approval. One of the key provisions of the new law is to establish a committee of delegates from several government departments to consider applications for air operators certificates (AOCs), rather than leaving this entirely at the discretion of the Thai transport minister. A shortage of skilled personnel has resulted in a temporary moratorium on issuing new AOCs. The new aviation law also will remove the requirement for all Thai air transport operators and service companies to be at least 51 percent owned by Thai nationals. Among other issues, this may prove to be significant in attracting foreign investment in areas such as maintenance, repair and overhaul providers. "We can entertain majority ownership by foreigners, Kobsak Pootrakool, a vice minister in the Thai prime minister's office told AIN. "There will be no specification in terms of the percentage [a foreign investor] can own or how the share structure works." Meanwhile, on Monday, CAAT announced that Bangkok Airways has completed re- certification to ICAOstandards through a joint program conducted with support from the UK Civil Aviation Authority's CAAInternational (CAAi) directorate. "Bangkok Airways is the first out of nine airlines that are expected to be granted AOCs as they are in the initial group," said Sukmanop. "The remaining eight are still in the process, because each airline's inspection period depends on the complexity of the organization, the size of aircraft fleet and the company's [operational complexity]." For several years, Thailand has struggled to meet ICAO standards. In 2015 it was flagged with a Significant Safety Concern (SSC) label by the UN-backed body for shortcomings over its approach to maintaining safety standards. Later this year, ICAO is set to re-audit CAAT to evaluate whether it meets the eight "critical elements" covered by the SSC. CAAi has provided assistance to CAAT in its efforts to prepare for this re-audit. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2017-02-27/thai-air-law-boosts- safety-regs-opens-door-foreign-ownership Curt Lewis