18 Feb 2019

USA Aviation Industry Newsletter 18 February

AEI Receives FAA Certification for B737-800SF Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) announced 13 February that the company has received an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (ST02690LA) for the passenger-to-freighter conversion of B737-800 aircraft. The prototype B737-800SF freighter conversion (MSN 29121) was completed in December yet experienced a delay in certification due to the partial government shutdown. AEI is forecasting that 750 B737-800’s will be converted over the next 40 plus years with AEI capturing over 400 of those conversions. Air Lease Corporation Announces Lease Placement of Four New Boeing 737 MAX 8 Aircraft with Caribbean Airlines Air Lease Corporation announced 11 February the long-term lease agreements with Caribbean Airlines for four new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, scheduled to deliver to the airline starting in the fourth quarter of 2019 through 2020. These four new aircraft will join two Boeing 737-800s currently on lease to Caribbean Airlines from ALC. Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation said “The capabilities of the 737 MAX 8 will improve operational efficiency and contribute to Caribbean Airlines’ long-term success as the flag carrier of Trinidad and Tobago.” Boeing and Safran Announce New APU Joint Venture Name: Initium Aerospace Boeing and Safran announced 13 February the name of their 50-50 joint venture to design, build and service Auxiliary Power Units (APUs): Initium Aerospace. The creation of Initium Aerospace follows the regulatory and antitrust approvals the joint venture received last November, after an agreement was reached in June. The initial team consists of employees from the two parent companies and is led by Etienne Boisseau, CEO of Initium Aerospace. Boeing to Provide Uzbekistan Airways with Landing Gear Services Boeing reached an agreement with Uzbekistan Airways to provide services that will enable the airline to more efficiently and effectively maintain its 787-8 Dreamliner fleet through the Boeing Landing Gear Exchange program. Clay Lacy Debuts New VNY MRO Facility Clay Lacy Aviation has opened a new 24/7 aircraft MRO facility for its Part 145 repair station at Van Nuys Airport. The complex occupies more than seven acres and features a 66,000-sq-ft hangar and 86,000 sq ft of office and shop space, including an expanded parts and rotables department, interior design suite, battery refurbishment center, client offices, and conference room. FAA Announces Aviation Safety Rating for Vietnam The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced 14 February that Vietnam complies with international safety standards and has been granted a Category 1 rating under the agency’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program. With the Category 1 rating, Vietnamese air carriers that are able to secure the requisite FAA and DOT authority can establish service to the United States and carry the code of U.S. carriers. Norwegian Announces Seasonal Service from New York to Athens and Chicago to Barcelona Norwegian announced 15 February the launch of news services from New York to Athens and Chicago to Barcelona for the 2019 summer season. The new route from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to Barcelona-El Prat Airport begins 7 June and service from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Athens International Airport begins 2 July both new routes will be summer seasonal until October 26. Southern Airways Acquires Mokulele Airlines Southern Airways, operator of 600 weekly flights across 20 cities, has acquired Hawaiian-based Mokulele Airlines. The deal is Southern’s third in the last four years, firmly cementing itself as America’s fastest growing airline. Stan Little CEO & Chairman Southern Airways said “We’ve looked at several potential acquisitions over the last couple of years. This was the first opportunity that I believed to be the perfect complement to operation. We fly the same aircraft type, we have similar operational structures and their assets and revenue streams help diversify our balance sheet. This acquisition will give the newly-combined company stability in an otherwise volatile marketplace, while making Southern Airways a nationally-recognized brand.” Acumen Aviation © 18 February 2019 All Rights Reserved.