Consolidation of MRO providers continues, with some buyers adding software to their hard hangar assets. Moelis Capital Partners (MCP) recently acquired its third aviation services platform in the past two years with the purchase of Mxi Technologies. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but industry analysts say it was valued at less than $100 million.
The economic life of the ATR 72 is 70,000 cycles, but based on innovation from the manufacturer and operators alike, ATR is “evaluating the possibility” of setting the limit even higher. Cycle ceilings are important, but it's the optimization of operations during that economic lifetime that matters most.
For U.S. Boeing 747-400 operators, going outside the country for heavy airframe maintenance may be the only choice, as North American MRO capacity for the huge aircraft becomes increasingly limited. It's easy to see why, given what has become a relatively small number of aircraft.
4. Innovative Inventory Distributor: Aero Inventory Applications: AeroInv.com offers new features such as single and multiple parts searches, and creation and printing of quotations. Its central distribution hub is at Singapore's Changi Airport.
Welcome to the first Aviation Week & Space Technology MRO Edition! Each monthly edition is for readers like you who are involved in the airline aftermarket. Overhaul & Maintenance readers will find the same editorial elements, except in a different order—plus you get this week's regular AW&ST. We embedded two data-rich media extras in the iPad version of the magazine, which is available to you free through Zinio (www.zinio.com/apps). AW&ST subscribers who register their subscriptions can view the extras at AviationWeek.com/awst.
1. All the Rave Manufacturer: IMS Applications: IMS has 10 airline customers flying with the Rave IFE system. Specifications: Each seatback display unit in the seat-centric IFE system contains its own content with on-demand audio and video. Air Niugini recently added Rave, with first installations to start early next year. www.imsco-us.com Link 600
2. Chasing Parts Distributor: Chase Aerospace Applications: Chase Aerospace offers a specialized APU market on its website, offering many types of Honeywell, Hamilton Sundstrand and Pratt & Whitney APUs. Specifications: APU types include Honeywell GTCP85/331/131/36, Hamilton Sundstrand APS2000/3200/5000/500 and Pratt & Whitney PW901A. www.chaseaerospace.com
What started as routine maintenance for Transaero Airlines turned into an MRO acquisition. The Russian airline had chosen Shannon Repair Services (SRS) to refurbish its aircraft to make them Wifi-enabled, but subsequently decided to invest in the MRO and take it over. The move is giving Transaero access to another in-house maintenance base.
1. Quantum Leap Distributor: Component Control Applications: Quantum Control software offers modules for inventory management, purchase orders, requests and management, receiving, vendor quotes and more.
With a record year in the offing for 2012, the three-year worldwide market for overhauls of International Aero Engines V2500 medium turbofans is expected to top $6 billion, half of which will come from carriers in the U.S., China and the U.K.
