July 16, 2018 - No. 056 In This Issue GE Rides Record Backlog into Farnborough 2018 Top marks: Volga-Dnepr in education alliance to boost Russian aviation Embraer pushes E2 jet's low maintenance, fuel costs amid Airbus rivalry Mitsubishi Progresses on MRJ Testing Jury Is Still Out On New Midmarket Airplane: Aviation Week/Merrill Lynch Global Airline Survey SA Express preps to resume operations following AMO reinstatement Rolls-Royce UltraFan Design Frozen West Star Aviation Ramps Up For Fourth Full-Service Facility at Perryville Regional Airport (KPCD) IFS' James Elliott highlights the value of outsourcing maintenance Etihad Aviation Training Signals Broader Ambitions Metrojet Engineering Clark Completes Global 5000 60-Month Inspection Elon Musk Hints Updates on SpaceX's BFR Are Coming Soon GE Rides Record Backlog into Farnborough 2018 Carrying an industrial backlog of engines and services contracts worth $200 billion, GE Aviation enters the Farnborough Airshow intent on building on its already broad commitments in commercial aviation while expanding its footprint in the military sector. This week at the show, GE and its partner companies expect to add to their backlog of orders and commitments covering more than 15,000 commercial engines, including the GE9X for the Boeing 777X and CFM Leap for the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 Max. Meanwhile, rising U.S. defense science and technology budgets have prompted GE Aviation in the past two years to transfer more than 750 engineers to a growing portfolio of military development programs, including fighter and turboshaft engines. One of two engine choices for the Airbus A320neo, the Leap-1A entered service in 2016, while the Leap-1B exclusively powers the Boeing 737 Max, which entered service last year. In the most aggressive engine production ramp-up in airline history, CFM partner companies GE Aviation and Safran already have delivered some 1,000 Leap engines. All told, GE Aviation and its partner companies expect to deliver up to 2,900 commercial jet engines in 2018, adding to the 35,000 already in service. By 2020, they expect to have delivered 39,000 engines, the vast monitored and diagnosed by the GE-developed Predix cloud-based maintenance platform. A growing installed base drives GE Aviation's service business, as engine shop visits grow from 5,500 this year to a projected 6,700 by the decade's end. "The aviation industry has entrusted GE Aviation to deliver an extraordinary scope of technology over the next several years," said GE Aviation CEO David Joyce. "We are ever mindful and laser-focused during this critical execution phase." GA Aviation's new commercial and military engines have served as platforms for breakthroughs in new material systems such as ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components and additive manufacturing. The company has opened what it calls the first fully integrated supply chain in the U.S. to produce CMCs, including the opening earlier this year of the new Huntsville, Alabama, plant that produces raw materials. GE's plant in Auburn, Alabama, this year plans to produce 34,000 components for the Leap engine from more than 40 additive machines. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2018-07-15/ge-rides-record-backlog- farnborough-2018 Back to Top Top marks: Volga-Dnepr in education alliance to boost Russian aviation Volga-Dnepr has linked up with a Moscow university to improve quality of education and competitiveness of Russian aviation. Volga-Dnepr Technics Moscow (VDTM), a part of Russia's Volga-Dnepr Group and a supplier of aircraft maintenance and repair services, has entered into a long-term cooperation agreement with Moscow State Civil Aviation Technical University (?G?U G?). ?G?U G? is a leading Russia-based educational institution for civil aviation maintenance personnel, in terms of preparation of maintenance personnel. A joint statement said that the main goal of the agreement is "to improve quality of education and competitiveness of Russian aviation". ?G?U G? will be placing special emphasis on training students and highly qualified personnel in occupations with a demand at VD??. For its part, VD?? will be providing employment opportunities for students and graduates in its company divisions, and promoting hands-on training in the company for the University's teaching personnel. Pavel Tereschenkov, general director VDTM, said: "In response to the shortage of qualified personnel, notably in Russia, and generally in the global aviation industry, for our company a cooperation with a specialized technical university is a cornerstone for our future success from the point of adequate staffing level. "Over 40%of maintenance personnel in our company have graduated from ?G?U G?. Therefore, based on our own experience, we have managed to acknowledge its high level of personnel education, and will be glad to make mutual efforts to further effective cooperation." Boris Yeliseyev, rector at the university, said: "?G?U G? cooperates with leading entities in aviation industry, including Volga-Dnepr Technics Moscow, which allows us to provide high-quality training to personnel. Perfect theoretical and practical training of our graduates places them in high demand in the labour market." The two companies also plan to perform joint pilot development work, promote research and development activity, and organise cultural and sports events. http://www.aircargonews.net/news/technology/freighter-conversions/single-view/news/top-marks- volga-dnepr-in-education-alliance-to-boost-russian-aviation.html Back to Top Embraer pushes E2 jet's low maintenance, fuel costs amid Airbus rivalry FARNBOROUGH, England (Reuters) - Brazilian planemaker Embraer (EMBR3.SA) is pushing the low maintenance costs and fuel burn of its E2 jet as it battles tougher competition from the rival A220, now backed by Airbus (AIR.PA), executives said on Sunday. "I'm hopeful that we'll be able to present a good showing on Tuesday," John Slattery, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation, told Reuters onboard its E190-E2 jet, looking ahead to possible order announcements at this week's Farnborough air show. Boeing (BA.N) earlier this month struck a deal for a controlling stake in the commercial aircraft arm of Embraer under a new $4.75 billion joint venture, coming after Airbus completed a deal to take control of rival Bombardier's (BBDb.TO) Cseries program. Embraer was dealt a blow last week when JetBlue opted for the A220-300, formerly known as the Cseries, over the Embraer model. Speaking separately ahead of the air show, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft President Fred Cromer said the Airbus deal allowed the former Cseries to reach its full potential. "It's the best aircraft in that segment. It's a clean-sheet design, it's not a re-engine of an existing platform," he said, adding its benefit lay in low operating costs and fuel savings. The E190-E2, which Embraer is showing at Farnborough with a shark painted on its nose, is the first of three new-generation aircraft in Embraer's commercial jet line-up with new wings and new Pratt & Whitney (UTX.N) engines aimed at improving fuel efficiency. "The combination of knowledge gained from the first generation and the new technology is what makes us unique," Rodrigo Silva e Souza, vice president marketing, Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, highlighting fuel burn and longer maintenance intervals as the main savings for operators. The smallest version of the E2, the E175-E2 has been slowed due to a scope clause in U.S. pilots' contracts that bars it from the U.S. regional aviation market due to its weight. Slattery said Embraer was still planning entry into service towards the end of 2021, adding he saw opportunities outside of North America, such as replacing turboprops being flown in south-east Asia and CIS countries. Bombardier's Cromer said he didn't expect the scope clause to be changed any time soon, adding that benefited its CRJ airplane. Meanwhile, U.S. carriers are still interested in the current version of the E175, Slattery said, adding that jet would continue to be produced as long as it's required. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-airshow-embraer/embraer-pushes-e2-jets-low- maintenance-fuel-costs-amid-airbus-rivalry-idUSKBN1K50N3 Back to Top Mitsubishi Progresses on MRJ Testing After a series of delays with the MRJ program, Mitsubishi (Chalet C2, P6) has announced progress in flight-test development including the coming addition of new test aircraft, upgrade of type certification aircraft to final configuration, and type certificate (TC) testing with Japanese and U.S. aviation authorities. For the first time the aircraft is appearing at the Farnborough International Airshow, where it is part of the daily flying display. Alex Bellamy, chief development officer and head of program management for the MRJ program, expressed confidence in the future of the MRJ. "We've changed the way we operate as a management system," he said. "We've brought in new expertise to enhance our team. We have laser focus on delivery for our launch customer, ANA, in 2020. We've accomplished the schedule we set out to accomplish over the last 12 months. So that focus is very important; our focus got us here today, and the countdown to delivery has begun." The company has joined the wings for MRJ90 Aircraft 7 and Aircraft 10, both of which will join the existing four test aircraft next year at the MRJ's flight test center in Moses Lake, Washington. "For Aircraft 1 through 4, we're going to maximize the learning out of those, and we're about to enter an upgrade period with those aircraft to bring them up to final TC configuration," added Bellamy. "Aircraft 7 and 10 will be introduced next year and they will be operating at high capacity to bring us through to delivery in mid-2020." Now more than 50 percent complete, the test program has logged over 2,000 flight hours. The four test aircraft have undergone full envelope testing, including in hot and cold, high and low, and fast and slow environments. "All of the dimensions of the envelope from altitude to speed to environmental extremes; we've taken the aircraft there," said Bellamy. Mitsubishi has worked closely with the Japan Civil Aviation Board and the FAA for full-scale TC testing. "We started flight testing with the JCAB and FAA witnessing our engine rotor lock TC test late last year," explained Bellamy. "The majority of activity will come in the third to fourth quarter of this year and then into next year. Additionally, the first harnesses have arrived in Nagoya and are currently being prepared for installation." Bellamy said the MRJ will now undergo the next phase of flight testing, which includes evaluation of runway performance. U.S. MARKET POTENTIAL Mitsubishi expects nearly 900 regional jets to need replacement between 2022 and 2027 as they face retirement. Yugo Fukuhara, Mitsubishi Aircraft vice president and general manager of sales and marketing, noted that the MRJ will enter the market at an ideal time to exploit the coming need for new regional jets. "Our regional jet market includes over 5,000 expected regional jet deliveries over the next 20 years, and the MRJ70 will be an ideal product to get into the North American marketplace under the current scope clause," said Fukuhara. "[The MRJ90 is] in a very good position for U.S. scope relief while the MRJ70 is scope-compliant." Most orders for the MRJ90 are from U.S. regionals SkyWest and Trans States Airlines, both of which operate under mainline scope clauses that limit their regional affiliates to jets carrying 76 passengers and a maximum takeoff weight of 86,000 pounds. The MRJ90 and Embraer's E175-E2, although appropriate for a 76-seat layout in a two-class configuration, have takeoff weights that exceed the scope limits. Mitsubishi and Embraer hope the airlines can negotiate a relaxation of those limits when the labor agreements of the three U.S. major airlines become amendable in 2019 and 2020. "Where we stand on the MRJ90, we've decided to launch the MRJ70 strategy team, which will move very quickly into the product team," added Bellamy. "We're intent on growing our family quickly. The MRJ70 will bring choice into the marketplace. I feel comfortable with where we are with the 90 now, so we can take on the next challenge and bring all of the synergies from the 90 and roll them into the 70." Pratt & Whitney's Geared Turbofan PW1200G engine powers the MRJ90, and the PW1217G version was certified for the MRJ90 last year. "The MRJ engine itself has accumulated some of the highest levels of hours and cycles that we see in the development program at this stage. All of the performance parameters that we are looking for and keeping an eye on as they go through their flight test program have been as expected. That is good news for the product as we go forward toward entry into service," said Bryan Rivard, P&W program director for the PW1200G. Engines are being built in Nagoya, Japan, and P&W, he said, "is going to support the capacity that's demanded to support the aircraft sales that come" for the MRJ line. "The engine-airframe interface is excellent," said Martin Trout, a test pilot for the MRJ90 certification program, "with good fuel economy with the aerodynamics of the aircraft as well as the geared turbofan performance. We get very good fuel burns, a very quiet footprint, and very low emissions." Mitsubishi's MRJ order book currently lists firm orders for more than 200 airplanes and options and purchase rights covering more than 170. It also holds a letter of intent from a leasing company covering firm orders for 10 airplanes and options on another 10. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2018-07-16/mitsubishi-progresses-mrj- testing Back to Top Jury Is Still Out On New Midmarket Airplane: Aviation Week/Merrill Lynch Global Airline Survey LONDON, July 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A global survey undertaken jointly by Aviation Week Network and BofA Merrill Lynch of more than 200 global airlines shows a high level of industry interest in Boeing's proposed new midmarket aircraft (NMA), but potential customers highlight requirements differing from the preliminary design. According to the survey, 82% of participating airlines were interested in the proposal. However, 90% of them stated a preference for an aircraft with fewer than 250 seats in two classes. Forty- eight percent of airlines favored between 150 and 199 seats. The survey, which updates a similar NMA survey conducted two years ago by Aviation Week Network and BoFA Merrill Lynch, indicates that airlines are more interested in a smaller aircraft that looks more like a replacement for the 737 MAX than the much larger and more capable design that Boeing is discussing. According to the survey, 76% of the participating carriers would be satisfied with a range of 5,000 nm or less; 45% would not need an aircraft with a range of more than 4,000 nm. Our survey provides new insights about what airlines are telling Boeing they want the NMA to look like," said Aviation Week Network Editorial Director Joe Anselmo. "Such inputs will be vital as Boeing tries to close the business case for the small widebody during the coming year." Airline interest largely depends on how Boeing will price the NMA. According to the survey, 81% of the airlines said they would pay no more than $72 million per unit, a level that is equivalent to large narrowbodies today. The price is based on a 240-seat aircraft; the actual NMA versions would be around 10% smaller or bigger. In addition to an in-depth special report on the NMA project, Aviation Week Network editors have produced a wide array of exclusive content for the airshow that will be rolled out on AviationWeek.com, ShowNews, the Aviation Week Intelligence Network, Aviation Week & Space Technologyand InsideMRO. Among them: * Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg talks about the company's aggressive vertical integration push, the U.S. trade dispute with China and his goal of making Boeing an "industrial champion" * As the C Series becomes the A220, a report on how consolidation of aircraft manufacturers is reshaping the industry * Airbus chief Tom Enders explains why data is critical to his company's future * A report on how leading defense companies are placing their bets - and key military competitions to watch * UTAS President Dave Gitlin looks ahead to his company's merger with Rockwell Collins To view Aviation Week Network's fleet data and intelligence coverage of midmarket aircraft, please stop by Chalet #C21 at Farnborough Airshow or fill out this form to reserve a time. To read more coverage about the NMA survey and exclusive content for the airshow, visit AviationWeek.com. ABOUT AVIATION WEEK NETWORK Aviation Week Network is the largest multimedia information and services provider for the global aviation, aerospace and defense industries that has a database of 1.7 million professionals around the world. Industry professionals rely on Aviation Week Network for analysis, marketing and intelligence. Customers include the world's leading manufacturers, suppliers, airlines, business aviation operators, militaries, governments and other organizations that serve this global market. The product portfolio includes Air Transport World, Aviation Week & Space Technology, AC-U-KWIK, Aircraft Blue Book, Airportdata.com, Air Charter Guide, AviationWeek.com, Aviation Week Intelligence Network, Fleet Discovery, Business & Commercial Aviation, ShowNews, SpeedNews, Fleet and MRO forecasts, global maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) tradeshows and aerospace & defense conferences. ABOUT INFORMA Aviation Week Network is part of Informa, the international business intelligence, academic publishing, knowledge and events group. Informa serves commercial, professional and academic communities, helping them connect and learn, and creating and providing access to content and intelligence that helps people and businesses work smarter and make better decisions faster. Informa has over 11,000 colleagues in more than 30 countries and a presence in all major geographies. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100. http://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/jury-is-still-out-on-new-midmarket-airplane- aviation-week-merrill-lynch-global-airline-survey-1027367794 Back to Top SA Express preps to resume operations following AMO reinstatement SA Express plans to resume operations soon as its Aircraft Maintenance Organization (AMO) certification was reinstated by the Civil Aviation Authority of South Africa. "All of our corrective action plans were accepted by the CAA for all the findings which led to the suspension of the AMO and the Air Operators Certificate (AOC). A team comprising members of the newly appointed Board of Directors, the Ministerial Intervention Team, as well as SA Express' dedicated employees have worked tirelessly to implement the CAA approved corrective action plans," said the carrier in a statement. SA Express was forced to suspend operations on 24 May 2018 after the CAA suspended the AOC and certificates of airworthiness of nine of its 21 aircraft. The carrier is now focusing on addressing the root causes associated with the grounding. The carrier added, "Today, the final phase of the five-phase CAA process to re-certify the airline's AOC has commenced. As soon as the SA Express AOC has been reinstated by the CAA, the airline will be ready to again fly its passengers in comfort and safety." https://newsroom.aviator.aero/sa-express-preps-to-resume-operations-following-amo- reinstatement/ Back to Top Rolls-Royce UltraFan Design Frozen Rolls-Royce's UltraFan demonstrator project has successfully passed an internal development review that has allowed the company to freeze the basic design concept of the very-high-bypass, geared-turbofan engine. UltraFan project manager Andy Geer said reaching the milestone "means the concept of the engine is locked and we can move into component design and manufacture." The company is planning for first UltraFan production engine availability for commercial service entry in 2025, for potential applications such as Boeing's New Midsize Aircraft. For a production UltraFan engine, Rolls-Royce is targeting a bypass ratio of 15:1, an overall pressure ratio of 70:1, and a 25 percent fuel burn improvement over the first-generation Trent engines. UltraFan production-engine versions would offer thrust levels scalable from 25,000 pounds to more than 100,000 pounds. Rolls-Royce is working toward a target date of 2021 to begin ground-tests of an UltraFan development engine, which would integrate all the end products of 12 new technological programs the company is testing in five separate but parallel large-engine development projects. Rolls-Royce has already run the UltraFan demonstrator's power gearbox (PGB) test article to its maximum design power of 70,000 shp-the highest power output ever achieved by an aerospace gearbox, according to Geer. The company began testing the fourth UltraFan PGB test article in June and expects to begin testing the fifth PGB test article in September. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2018-07-16/rolls-royce-ultrafan-design- frozen Back to Top West Star Aviation Ramps Up For Fourth Full-Service Facility at Perryville Regional Airport (KPCD) July 12, 2018 - West Star Aviation is pleased to announce that it has acquired hangars at Perryville Regional Airport, (KPCD) in Perryville, MO, and will quickly bring capabilities online as its fourth full- service maintenance facility. The company closed on its fourth hangar on the airport in late June, expanding their KPCD footprint to over 120,000 sq. ft. in hangar and office space. West Star's largest hangar at its Perryville location can accommodate multiple large-sized corporate aircraft. In the coming months, West Star will be adding employees and capabilities as they continue to develop this location to its fourth full-service MRO. West Star currently occupies four hangar facilities at the airport, which includes a 28,800 sq. ft. state-of-the-art paint facility with a downdraft filtration system. This paint facility also has the capacity for largesized corporate aircraft. Most recently, the company has promoted Kyle French to General Manager to oversee all of Perryville's operations. "We are thrilled to continue our expansion and have Perryville as our fourth full-service location. This location will provide additional centralized maintenance options for our customers all over the world," said Jeff Curry, Vice President of Operational Efficiency, West Star Aviation. "I am excited to play an integral part in West Star's planned expansion and look forward to bringing the West Star mix of experience and capability to our customers at KCPD," said Kyle French, General Manager, West Star Aviation. Voted #1 Preferred MRO for five consecutive years from 2014-2018 in Professional Pilot Magazine's annual "Preferences Regarding Aviation Services and Equipment" (PRASE) Survey, West Star Aviation specializes in the repair and maintenance of airframes, windows, and engines, as well as major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, surplus avionics sales, accessory services, paint and parts. In addition to its facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; and Chattanooga, TN, West Star Aviation runs maintenance operations at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, CO; Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, IL; Centennial Airport in Denver, CO and Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport in Houston, TX. The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at its newly remodeled East Alton and Grand Junction facilities. West Star Aviation is an industry leader in technical experience and expertise while providing world-class customer services in all the organization's divisions. For more information visit www.weststaraviation.com or call 800- 922-2421. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12420442/west-star-aviation-ramps-up-for-fourth-full- service-facility-at-perryville-regional-airport-kpcd Back to Top IFS' James Elliott highlights the value of outsourcing maintenance The latest Oliver Wyman study forecasts continued growth for the MRO industry until 2028, with the value set to rise to $114bn globally - a jump of nearly 50% over 10 years. In particular, countries in Asia and the Middle East will see a significant hike in MRO spending as regional air passenger demand continues to grow, while the established duo of North America and Europe will witness a steady increase. This growth is driving a shift in the focus of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to target in- service support contracts. OEMs have the experience in designing and building aircraft and are using this position to unlock more revenue through aftermarket services and compete with independent MROs. OEMs step up to the plate OEMs are in the unique position of being able to change the original maintenance program written for each aircraft. By having full control from design to manufacture and in-service operations of an aircraft, the OEMs can paint a complete picture of the asset and use this data to analyse performance. Because OEMs have this data and design the aircraft maintenance procedures, they determine when work must be done - be it every 25,000 cycles or every 12 years, depending which comes first. As a stakeholder, OEMs can gather enough reliability data to change maintenance plans, removing the need for unnecessary maintenance work. Distinguished services offer MROs a competitive advantage Despite this seemingly dominant position, it isn't by any means a clean sweep for the OEMs to become the de facto in-service support providers. OEMs don't have the same track record of working for leading international airlines as independent MROs, and those trying to break into new contracts have had trouble getting maintenance information from the airlines, so they must prove they can repair and maintain aircraft as cost-effectively throughout their entire lifecycle. MROs have a wealth of experience in terms of how an aircraft can be repaired or what happens when the aircraft leaves the factory. The larger MROs are also able to go head-to-head with the OEMs as they have the labour pool, capabilities and information to do so - companies such as ST Engineering Aerospace and HAECO do as much airframe maintenance work as the other top 10 global MRO providers combined. OEMs are trying to find a way to build up and compete with independent MROs, especially in Asia, where companies are taking advantage of a growing market and cheaper maintenance prices. But independent MROs still hold a valuable position, especially if they can differentiate themselves from the competition. Key differentiators to stay in it MROs can use this head-start, not only to differentiate themselves from OEMs but other MRO competitors as well. There are three specific areas MROs must focus on to win more aftermarket service contracts: Diversify services - OEMs want to be the 'one-stop shop' for all maintenance work, but MROs are proving much better at catering for the changing needs of airlines. MROs are much more flexible and can expand and diversify their capabilities to take on a lot of the work airlines want to outsource, including fleet management and line planning, and adapting to new aircraft types. New composite aircraft mean heavy or line maintenance work isn't happening as often, so MROs are starting to offer management and planning capabilities while still focusing on smaller checks and repair jobs. That's not to say that the OEMs won't provide this level of service in the future, however, they will need to compete with the MROs' established relationships. Anywhere, anytime - In a highly saturated aftermarket, efficiency is key to maintaining customer relationships. Airline expectations increase year-over-year in terms of how quickly aircraft are repaired and how well costs are controlled. Improving maintenance operations with the help of new technologies will help MROs stave off competition from OEMs. HAECO is a perfect example. Unlike most OEMs, and even other MROs, which have aircraft-on- ground teams to go and help stranded aircraft, the company's mobile capability means a remote team can work on complex composite materials used on new and advanced aircraft regardless of location. If an airline has a damaged aircraft stuck in a remote location, they could take a maintenance team with the capability to repair that aircraft out in the field. Technicians can access electronic task cards, receive job assignments, create non-routine task cards as well as sign off task cards electronically through mobile devices. This ties mobile expectations and maintenance together, with a team that can work anywhere, anytime. Offer choice - full or in part service - Another differentiator for MROs is the price point. Airlines trust OEM products, but their pricing has not always been the primary benefit for airlines. Many airlines don't want to be locked into expensive full-service contracts. Because OEMs offer overall maintenance packages rather than smaller repair jobs - which might include heavy maintenance, line maintenance and supply chain - airlines are wary of what the full lifecycle costs will be. MROs, on the other hand, have proven they can return an aircraft back to service as quickly and safely as possible for minimum expense. The aftermarket battle continues In the short-term, OEMs will still try to persuade airlines to move to their 'one-stop shop' maintenance model but will come under increased competition as independent MROs ramp up their offerings. In the long-term, we'll see an increase in the number of OEMs acquiring or forming joint ventures with MROs, as well as an increase in the number of independent MRO groups, aimed at protecting independent service providers against the dominance and offerings from the OEMs. But M&A activity alone will not be enough. The building of new capabilities, capacities and partnerships will be key in keeping up with the pace of change from independent MROs, OEMs and the wider commercial aviation market. By demonstrating greater traditional maintenance service efficiency and expanding to new offerings, MROs will not only be able to compete with OEMs but outshine them. https://www.arabianindustry.com/aviation/news/2018/jul/15/ifs-james-elliott-highlights-the-value- of-outsourcing-maintenance-5953649/ Back to Top Etihad Aviation Training Signals Broader Ambitions Etihad Aviation Training (EAT), part of Etihad Aviation Group (EAG, Hall 4 Stand 4810), has relaunched its aviation training organization with the aim of becoming one of the most comprehensive aviation training facilities in the world. Based at two locations in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, EAT, previously known as Etihad Flight College, is a commercially focused business open to external customers, while retaining the operational and safety values that have underpinned Etihad's training services to date. "Etihad Aviation Training is an ambitious enterprise, pursuing its mandate to provide outstanding training services to a global audience. The growth of the business will mirror the expansion of the global training market and we are excited about our expanding portfolio of programs and products. These services are accessible to both Etihad Airways and now, for the first time, to external customers," EAT CEO, Tony Douglas, said. EAT offers a wide range of training products and services, including airline training, type rating, cabin crew safety training, instructor training, cadet programs, and aircraft maintenance training, making it one of the largest training facilities in the Middle East. Today, 10 full-flight simulators are in operation with two additional devices arriving later this year, including the first Airbus A350-900 and a third Boeing 787-9 unit. This will enable EAT to take advantage of increasing global training demand, particularly from within the GCC, Europe, the Indian sub-continent, Africa, and Southeast Asia. "We are always looking for ways to expand our operations and activities, and the relaunch of the center is the perfect platform for us to do this," said Captain Paolo La Cava, director of EAT. "By expanding and redeveloping our facilities within the UAE, we are able to offer a one-stop solution to our customers-from individual pilots to global airlines-and I'm confident that we will grow to become a globally recognized aviation training center." THIRD-PARTY TRAINING EAT's packages include the Multi-crew Pilot Licence (MPL) and Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) programs delivered from its flight training organization based in Al Ain. The UAE National Cadet Pilot Training Program has to date trained 231 UAE nationals, 91 of whom are active flight crew for Etihad today, with a further 200-plus cadets continuing through the program through 2022. EAT has ambitions to throw open ab initio pilot training to international pilot cadets, in a move that could see EAT start to tackle an already identified future airline pilot shortage, potentially revolutionizing the Middle East's contribution to the global problem of training sufficient pilots. "Currently we are running an MPL course for Etihad Airways and ATPL for external third-party customers, and given support from sponsor airlines, will throw open the international program later this year. It is not 100 percent confirmed yet, but the idea is to open up to international programs for MPL and ATPL," James Collishaw, EAT's head of business development, told AIN. "Everyone is aware there is going to be a huge shortage across the board. If we launch it, the program will be worldwide. Of course, there will be restrictions on employment in the UAE, however, the idea is to have a global program with a multitude of sponsors that will create a truly worldwide program," he said. "While the ultra-modern EAT facility speaks for itself, there is always the challenge of winning new business in a competitive global marketplace. We are fortunate to have our largest customer, Etihad Airways, right on our doorstep, [but] to build our third-party customer portfolio we have installed a commercial team capable of taking our ATO to the next level. "Marketing and selling our newly commercialized products and services is only the beginning...The real challenge for all training centers lies in the long-term retention of third-party customers that can only be achieved through flexible yet tailored products and a refreshed mindset of all the employees within EAT to focus on customer needs and requirements." EAT operates two facilities, one adjacent to Abu Dhabi International Airport, for airline training, and an ab initio flight training program based in Al Ain. "Al Ain is a flight training school teaching cadets, while Abu Dhabi [is] an academy [offering] advanced flight training. We have full flight simulators and cabin-crew training facilities in the same building in Abu Dhabi, adjacent to Etihad's headquarters," he said. Some 70 Italian trainees were recently trained on the twin-engine piston Diamond DA42 diesel at EAT's Al Ain flying school. "Alitalia scored the highest pass rates in Europe, with a 95 percent first- time pass rate, and the airline was extremely pleased. The last Al Italia pilot finished in May 2018." The EAT spokesman also explained the benefits of the MPL over the ATPL from the airline's perspective. "When trainee pilots apply to airlines, their ATPL is frozen; with the MPL, you are sponsored by the airlines. It's a guaranteed employment route for junior pilots. They get type-rated under the program, and are guaranteed to fly 1,500 hours with an airline, at which point their licenses are unfrozen," he said. "Under the ATPL, line pilots do two years of training but are not guaranteed a job at the end of the course; they are not type-rated on any aircraft. The benefit for the cadets comes from the flexibility of this training option and allows the cadets to be free to apply for any airline after completion." For the Etihad Airways tailored MPL program, success rates have been high. "When the MPL cadets arrive in Abu Dhabi for advanced simulator training, there is no real competency deficit, as they are already familiar with a glass cockpit and crew resource management (CRM), used from day one on the MPL course. The results for the jet MPL are very good. The airline is extremely impressed with the level of students. Most of these are Emirati, although a small number of ex-pats is also now line-flying with Etihad Airways," he said. Ab initio training currently takes place in Al Ain but it is unclear whether this will also take place in Abu Dhabi once the program is extended internationally. Aircraft used to train new pilots include the Cessna 172, the Extra 300, the Diamond DA42, and the Phenom 100 light jet. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2018-07-15/etihad-aviation-training- signals-broader-ambitions Back to Top Metrojet Engineering Clark Completes Global 5000 60-Month Inspection Hong Kong - (13 July, 2018) - Hong Kong-based Metrojet Limited (www.metrojet.com), a business aviation service provider with presence throughout Asia Pacific, is pleased to announce that its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) joint venture in The Philippines - Metrojet Engineering Clark - has recently completed a 60-month inspection which also includes the Global Vision Flight Deck version 5 avionics upgrade on a Bombardier Global 5000. This upgrade requires a series of software changes that enable avionics functionality and features, ensuring the overall interoperability between different cockpit systems. Mr. Bruce Watson, Chief Operating Officer of Metrojet stated, "Metrojet continues to see growth in maintenance demand in South East Asia. In the last 3 months, our Clark MRO team have successfully delivered heavy maintenance events including the latest 60-month inspection on a Global 5000 and a 12C on a Gulfstream G350. Our customers are looking for a cost effective and quality alternative to the congested, restricted and expensive options in the Region. We are uniquely positioned in Clark to deliver this competitive service with our growing maintenance team, capabilities, management and approvals." Mr. Bruce Watson continued, "The ease of operations and low operating costs are proving to be an attractive alternative to operators and the Philippines Government focussing on Clark as a strategic growth area is driving the development of local facilities, infrastructure, industry and leisure. We see Clark as a key location for the future and are expanding our established operations to be part of that future." Metrojet Engineering Clark has also recently received the approval on its component capability for main wheels and tyres on Bombardier Challenger 300 and 350 aircraft. The Clark facility is a certified Repair Station with approvals from the Philippines CAAP, the United States FAA and the Cayman Islands CAACI. Established in 1995, Metrojet pioneered business aviation services in Hong Kong and remains one of the most renowned safety and customer-focussed business jet operators and maintenance providers in Asia Pacific. The company provides all-inclusive aircraft management, maintenance and aviation consultancy services. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12420448/metrojet-engineering-clark-completes- global-5000-60-month-inspection Back to Top Elon Musk Hints Updates on SpaceX's BFR Are Coming Soon SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's plan to travel to Mars is still years away, but people want to know more about it. The billionaire gave a small, quick update on his Twitter account about one of the key pieces to make a journey to the red planet a reality. The SpaceX BFR is the craft that will make the trip to Mars. At 348 feet, saying it's huge is an understatement as it's the size of national monuments. With that size, it will take some time to build, but Musk decided to give a little tease about the giant rocket in a tweet on Saturday. When asked by a Twitter user when there would be more info about the BFR, Musk tweeted it would be "about a month or so." While this might seem to be positive news and in one month's time details about the BFR will be revealed, remember, this is Elon Musk. He's said multiple times in the past how he's optimistic when it comes to timelines. The Tesla Model 3 is the most recent example of that positivity as dates for when the vehicle would be sent to those who purchased it and when Tesla would reach its goal of 5,000 cars per week ended up being way off. The BFR consists of two components: the first stage booster and second stage ship. Consisting of 31 Raptor engines, the booster will be powered by a new system using liquid oxygen and methane to create a liftoff thrust of 5,400 tons. The ship section will have a large cargo area that could potentially fit more than 200 people. SpaceX plans its first mission to Mars to happen sometime in 2022. These initial missions will be uncrewed to set the groundwork for the actual crewed missions in 2024. Along with making a BFR, SpaceX also worked on a new version of its Mr. Steven, the ship used to retrieve its Falcon rockets after launch. https://www.inverse.com/article/47040-elon-musk-hints-spacex-bfr-update Curt Lewis