Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has received ETOPS 180 approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its B737-800SF freighter conversion. This latest development will allow the 23.9-tonne-capacity twin-engine freighter to fly extended 180 minutes over water and remote regions. AEI says this will open operational routes in areas like Northern Africa and Western China. Also read: AEI is the only conversion house to have gained ETOPS approval for the 737-800 … [Read more...] about AEI’s B737-800SF freighter model gets ETOPS approval
MRO Conversions & Manufacturers
Texel Air launches first 737-800BCF in the Middle East
Bahrain-based private airline and MRO company Texel Air has launched the latest addition to its growing fleet with the arrival of its very first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter. This full freighter aircraft, the first of the type to be operated in the region, is set to add more capacity on Texel’s network as it looks to serve the growing e-commerce and express demand across the Middle East, India, Turkey, East Africa. Also read: Texel Air unveils maiden Boeing 737-700 FlexCombi in … [Read more...] about Texel Air launches first 737-800BCF in the Middle East
Korean Air tests drones for aircraft inspection
Korean Air held a demo on 16 December to showcase its latest aircraft inspection technology using multiple drones, which is expected to shorten the inspection time and improve workplace safety. This new technology uses four drones, each measuring 1 metre in width and height and weighing 5.5 kilos, to inspect aircraft fuselage with an operations programme that allows the drones to take photos of pre-planned areas. The airline said the drone technology allows for the usual visual inspection … [Read more...] about Korean Air tests drones for aircraft inspection
EFW’s A320P2F protoype takes maiden flight
Press release (to be edited) Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), the joint venture by European manufacturer Airbus and Singapore's ST Engineering, has succesfully operated the first flight of the A320 passenger-to-freighter aircraft, otherwise known as the A320P2F. The flight took place on 8 December at ST Engineering’s facilities in Seletar Aerospace Park in Singapore and follows the conversion to freighter configuration, which commenced there in March this year. The A320P2F complements EFW’s … [Read more...] about EFW’s A320P2F protoype takes maiden flight
Hong Kong’s MRO players welcome new joint arrangement
Hong Kong’s leading MRO and aircraft services providers have expressed their positive support to the “Joint Maintenance Management Cooperation Arrangement” between China, Hong Kong and Macao. The new cooperation arrangement will allow mutual recognition of aircraft maintenance licences issued by all three civil aviation authorities, allowing licence holders to be able to work in aircraft maintenance organisations located throughout China, Hong Kong and Macao. Also read: New Hong Kong … [Read more...] about Hong Kong’s MRO players welcome new joint arrangement
Topcast opens new office in Singapore
TOPCAST Group, a leader in aircraft parts distribution and MRO services, has opened a new office in Singapore to support the company’s growth strategy and as part of its 30th anniversary. Steven Pearson, chief executive at TOPCAST, said the move was a logical step in the company’s business expansion strategy to extend the business operations in Hong Kong. Also read: Topcast looks ahead of future MRO market “The city is rich with aviation talent. We have the opportunity to expand … [Read more...] about Topcast opens new office in Singapore