Aerospace, Commercial Aviation, Aviation Technology
AAR CORP | January 04, 2024
AAR CORP. a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, has signed a multi-year contract extension and expansion for flight-hour component support services with ASL Aviation Holdings DAC (ASL Airlines).
The contract extends and expands AAR's existing component support agreement with ASL Airlines Belgium to include ASL Airlines France, ASL Airlines United Kingdom, and ASL Airlines Ireland. AAR currently supports 28 ASL aircraft, which is expected to increase to 65 under the new agreement. AAR's Integrated Solutions' segment will provide 24/7 component support services for the airlines' Boeing 737 fleets.
For more than a decade, ASL has benefited from AAR's proven excellence in delivering flight-hour support services and associated cost efficiencies, which enable the on-time performance of ASL's operations," said James George, ASL Aviation Holdings' Head of Procurement. "We are delighted to expand our partnership with AAR to include additional ASL airlines."
"AAR's strategically located warehouses and support teams expedite the delivery of components and reduce maintenance turnaround times for ASL," said Chris Fiddes, AAR's Vice President of Commercial Programs. "We look forward to the expansion of our relationship as ASL grows and modernizes its fleet.
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Aerospace
Firehawk Aerospace | January 08, 2024
Firehawk Aerospace, a market leader in hybrid rocket engine and solid rocket motor (SRM) propulsion, has secured a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contract from Army Applications Laboratory (AAL). This contract underscores Firehawk's advancements in rocket propulsion and its unique capability to address critical challenges in conventional SRM supply chains.
The SBIR Phase III contract accelerates Firehawk's mission to reshape SRM propulsion, focusing on eliminating supply chain bottlenecks and bolstering system stability. Will Edwards, CEO of Firehawk Aerospace, comments, "The Phase III funding reflects our team's ability to push aerospace technology boundaries, positioning Firehawk at the forefront of innovation in tactical weapon systems."
Distinguishing itself from traditional systems, Firehawk's hybrid rocket engines boast a rapid manufacturing timeline of weeks, not years. Manufactured and tested in Texas, this approach enables faster testing and innovation at a reduced cost, in line with Firehawk's commitment to national security. By sidestepping traditional materials, Firehawk mitigates supply chain vulnerabilities, creating a resilient system ready for evolving threats.
The U.S. Army, recognizing the need for propulsion systems unaffected by supply chain issues, supports Firehawk Aerospace. The development focus includes creating analogs for key U.S. Army systems like the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket (GMLR), FGM-148 Javelin, and FIM-92 Stinger.
Firehawk Aerospace's propulsion systems aim to optimize mission profiles with extended range, reducing risks to soldiers and maintaining the U.S. Army's strategic advantage. The SBIR Phase III contract signifies a significant step forward in advancing rocket propulsion technology, addressing supply chain challenges and enhancing tactical weapon system capabilities for the U.S. Army.
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Aerospace, Defense and Space, Aviation Technology
Newswire | January 22, 2024
Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. a leading technology provider of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based next generation detection solutions for protecting secure locations against prohibited weapons and other threats, is pleased to announce that the HEXWAVE™ system will be deployed at an international airport in the Philippines.
The sale was made by the Company's international distributor and deployment is scheduled for summer of 2024. The screening will be at the forecourt of the airport to screen people entering the terminal.
Liberty's HEXWAVE product, a next generation, walkthrough, contactless threat detection system for concealed metallic and non-metallic objects, uses AI to provide automated decisions to security operators to process people at speed. The company started shipping HEXWAVE to customers in September 2023 and the backlog of systems has grown to over 30 systems.
"We continue to see an increase in demand from airports on a global basis for enhanced screening at various checkpoints and entrances," said Bill Frain, CEO of Liberty Defense. "In addition to screening for aviation workers, airports are taking advantage of HEXWAVE's mobility and scanning individuals as they enter the terminal as part of an added and layered security approach."
For updates and news, please visit the Company website to subscribe to email alerts or follow Liberty Defense on social channels.
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Aerospace, Aviation Technology
Newswire | January 24, 2024
WestJet today announced the acquisition of five brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 to its fleet, adding to the airline's already significant multi-billion-dollar investment in its orderbook. The airline expects to receive delivery of the aircraft in early 2025, after recently completing leasing agreements with China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (CDB Aviation) for three aircraft and international aircraft leasing company, Avolon for two aircraft.
"We are adding these five aircraft to our 737 MAX family very soon and look forward to this additional capacity enhancing our already forecasted fleet expansion, further enabling our execution of providing affordable and diverse air travel options for our guests," said Mike Scott, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. "As Canada's coast-to-coast leisure champion and western home carrier, the continued expansion of our fleet in tandem with our low-cost foundation is a key accelerator of our growth strategy.
Combined with its existing order book, WestJet will now receive as many as 22 brand new Boeing 737 MAX airplanes before the end of 2025, and up to 62 additional airplanes of this type before the end of 2028. This makes WestJet's narrowbody orderbook the largest of any Canadian airline.
"CDB Aviation values our expanding relationship with WestJet and we are pleased to be able to support the airline's fleet expansion in an environmentally friendly manner as we lease these three new fuel-efficient B737-8 aircraft direct from our orderbook," stated Jie Chen, CDB Aviation's Chief Executive Officer.
"We're delighted to be expanding on our strong relationship with Westjet and are pleased to support WestJet's fleet expansion needs from our Boeing orderbook," said Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon. "We expect to see continued growth for the aviation sector in the coming years, including in North America, and are excited to provide a fleet solution to a strategic customer in the region."
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