In a world-first refurbishment program to be undertaken in Brisbane, the agreement will see the purchase of 10 ex-U.S. military Black Hawks, to be imported into Australia early next year. The Black Hawks will be brought up to ‘as new’ condition and repurposed specifically for aerial firebombing operations during future bushfire seasons around Australia and New Zealand and for year-round emergency services and disaster relief work.

The aircraft will be refurbished and maintained in Brisbane by Sikorsky. This initiative sees Kaan Air Australia and StarFlight Australia partner to usher in a new era in Australian emergency services and disaster relief aviation.

This agreement with Sikorsky Australia will be a boost for local aviation jobs, potentially creating more than 50 pilot and technical jobs in the long term, including apprenticeships.

John Skeen, chief executive officer of Kaan Air Australia and StarFlight Australia, welcomed the new agreement and said the deal would assist emergency services in filling a significant gap within Australia’s firefighting and disaster relief resources.

Continue to read full article here

| A Vertical release  ||  July 29,  2017   |||

Airways New Zealand will continue to deliver air traffic control services to Niue, Samoa, the Cook Islands, and the Kingdom of Tonga after the contract was re-signed in Christchurch today, Transport Minister Simon Bridges says.

“The Pacific Upper Airspace agreement we have with these four countries is a significant part of Airways New Zealand's involvement with the Pacific region, Airways also provides all New Zealand’s air navigation services,” Mr Bridges says.

“Airways is globally renowned and respected for leading innovation and development in the aviation sector, and has provided air traffic control services under the Upper Airspace agreement for the past fifteen years.

“This renewal – for a further five years – continues to strengthen New Zealand’s relationship with these Pacific nations.

“This agreement is also significant for the many thousands of travellers who head to Pacific holiday destinations each year, and for our vibrant and growing Pacifica community in New Zealand.

“The agreement will continue to provide the same high level of safety across the Pacific as we have in New Zealand’s airspace. There are around 11,500 flights per year in our region, and this is only set to increase. Air traffic in the Asia-Pacific region is set to grow to around half of the world’s air travel within 20 years, so having a high level of safety in place is key,” Mr Bridges says.

This agreement complements the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in the Pacific region, and in particular the recent Pacific Aeronautical Charting and Procedures (PACP) programme. The programme is implementing satellite-based approach procedures at 38 aerodromes across the Pacific to improve the ability of aircraft to land safely, especially in poor weather.

|  A Beehive release  || June 28,  2017   |||

Given Air NZ’s CEO Christopher Luxon thinks the airline is the best in the world, it probably doesn’t hurt to listen when he says travel agents are important.

Speaking to Travel Weekly at the 2017 TRENZ conference in Auckland recently, Luxon said travel agents are an absolutely essential part of the travel industry.

“For us the channels haven’t changed tremendously. Yes, over the last 15 years there’s been a drive to more direct channels through our own direct services or through OTAs, but the reality is, there’s always going to be a need for travel agents,” he said.

“And for a business like ours that want to understand customer needs better, the high-touch people like travel agents are fantastic.

“It’s just about education, I think travel agents can better serve their customers with more knowledge, and with that ‘high-touch’ that many customers are prepared to pay for; to be able to have that anxiety removed and to have the expertise of a travel agent to help them.”

Travel agents are a key focus area for their educational campaigns, which also hope to inform Aussies of the routes Air NZ flies beyond the Tasman.

“It’s really about educating Australians, because while they think we’re that really cool airline that flies between the Tasman and maybe domestically in NZ, seven out of 10 have no idea we fly beyond NZ into North America, South America, China, Southeast Asia, and all across the place,” Luxon explained.

“So if you want to get to America and you live in Adelaide, why not come through Auckland and it’s very easy to transfer onto services going to Houston, Buenos Aires?

“In fact 40 per cent of our traffic going into Buenos Aires is Australian now.”

Aussies recently voted Air NZ the number one for Corporate Reputation in Australia, beating out the homegrown carriers of Qantas and Virgin Australia.

On this honour, Luxon told TW, “It’s just awesome that Australians think so highly of us.

“We’ve been flying to Australia for 77 years, that’s how our company started, flying from Auckland into Rose Bay, and really it’s been a continuation of that journey.”

Babcock International’s Australasian CEO for engineering, infrastructure and aviation believes local operations will grow by more than 25 per cent annually, it has been reported in todays Manufacturers' Monthly

David Ruff spoke with the AFR about the potential for the business, which has been awarded contract “to provide offshore helicopter support services” in the Timor Sea for the United States oil and gas company Conoco Philips.

Babcock International has annual global revenues over $9 billion and opened a new regional headquarters in Adelaide on Wednesday.

In Australia and New Zealand, the company was generating revenues of $15 million from four years ago and has seen that rise to $250 million annually.

Last September, Babcock secured a five-year contract to help manage Qantas airline’s aviation fleet in 60 locations across Australia.

There are also further opportunities in engineering, defence, and transport and infrastructure sectors.

|  A Manufacturers'Monthly release  ||  April 06, 2017   |||

This is a story we have been wanting to tell Matthew Weakes from CADPRO Systems told MSCNewsWire.  Our Gavin Bath (one of Technical Specialist based in CHCH) helped Phil (principal of Sprint Aero get some outstanding results.

In response, Phil has decided to kindly open his doors and fire up his BBQ on the 30th of March and invite people to come along and see what it’s all about.

It’s a great opportunity to network with your peers in the industry, as well as see HSMWorks for Solidworks cutting chips with their Haas UMC-750.

Space is limited and filling fast, so if you can make it, please register your interest on this page. We will get back to you and confirm your place by the end of this week, if not sooner.

Event details and registration

A CADPRO Systems event

The Kuwait Ministry of Defence has appointed the Australian College of Kuwait and its partners Airways International Ltd (NZ) and 3SDL (UK) as its training providers. The Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) will be responsible for overall training management along with Engineering and Flight Training programmes while Airways will be responsible for Air Traffic Control training and 3SDL Fighter Controller training.

The Aviation Department of ACK has established itself a premiere supplier of EASA-based B1/B2 engineering training in the Middle East. The Aviation Department has a long and well established means of compliance with all the regional aviation authorities, including the DGCA, GCAA and ICAO. “Our agreement with Airways and 3SDL for ATC training is a significant step for the Aviation Department into international markets”, says Aviation Director Mr Abdulhameed Al Refai.

“The agreement will see Airways delivering ab-initio ATC training at ACK’s Kuwait Training campus”, says Airways General Manager, Training Sharon Cooke.

“We have similar training partnerships in place in Australia, United Arab Emirates, Puerto Rico and Vietnam and it’s pleasing to be adding Kuwait to that portfolio. Our track record in providing highly effective ATC training, combined with ACK’s wider educational portfolio, means this partnership is well placed for success”, Ms Cooke says.

Airways is able to offer a truly unique program for the Kuwait Air Force, blending the very latest in competency-based training and e-learning technologies. Airways will install Total Control radar and aerodrome simulators which provide students with highly realistic tower and surveillance experiences via three-dimensional high definition graphics. Airways technology solutions Airbooks, Aviation English and Aviation Knowledge On-line (AKO) will also be implemented as part of the total training solution.

“These technologies have been designed to engage and motivate learners; as a result learners unconsciously put more effort into their study as they interact and connect with the knowledge content in a unique way”, says Ms Cooke.

Fighter Controller (FC) training will be provided by 3SDL, as part of a coordinated and complementary programme. A number of candidates will be selected to undertake a short aptitude assessment course, the best of whom will advance to the basic FC training module. Initial training will be conducted using the Airways Simulator, with future modules hosted on upgraded systems.

“Fighter Controllers require most of the radar-based skills of their ATC counterparts, combined with a capacity to support tactical fighter aircraft conducting military tasks. This complementary training method is highly efficient and very low risk; we are delighted to be a part of it”, says Andrew McAleer of 3SDL Ltd.

It is expected that the centre’s first intake of students will commence Air Traffic Control training in mid 2017.

|  A AirwaysNZ release  |  March 08, 2017  ||

Airways New Zealand has today launched a new aeronautical services company called Aeropath.

Aeropath provides aeronautical services with a focus on assisting aviation organisations to make their way along the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aeronautical information management (AIM) roadmap and performance-based navigation (PBN) implementation programmes. Aeropath is also the New Zealand state provider for aeronautical information services.

Aeropath CEO Wayne Smith (pictured) says the industry is facing a pivotal time in air navigation as changes to international regulations gain pace.

“Many countries are embarking on their PBN and area navigation (RNAV) programmes, and discovering their increased reliance on quality-assured procedures and data.

“Now, more than ever, with ICAO mandated deadlines approaching, aviation organisations need to progress their PBN implementation activities and to transition from aeronautical information services (AIS) to AIM, enabling key Aviation System Block Upgrade (ASBU) deliverables to be met.

“These programmes are essential towards establishing an effective System Wide Information Management (SWIM) environment for the future,” says Mr Smith.

The new company offers PBN procedure design training with world class designers, instructors, training material, and software.

It holds certifications from multiple jurisdictions and is a contributing member to ICAO’s Instrument Flight Procedures Panel (IFPP). Aeropath has received ICAO recognition for PBN and conventional procedures and its practices are aligned with the latest ICAO standards and recommended practices (SARPs).

Aeropath provides AIM services to 12 Pacific states, and has provided procedure design, training, and consultancy services to over 20 countries. The team has designed and now maintains over 2300 instrument flight procedures worldwide.

The company has more than 30 staff headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand and also has staff based in Asia and the Middle East to directly service customers in these regions.

Airways New Zealand formerly partnered with GroupEAD Europe to offer aeronautical services in Asia Pacific. The joint venture ended in December 2016.

| An Airways New Zealand release  |  March 08,2017  ||

U.S. aerospace and defense companies will converge on Geelong and Avalon 2017, the Australian International Aerospace & Defence Exposition, in record numbers this week, looking to build on long-standing bilateral alliances – and a favorable trade and investment economy – to gain a stronger foothold in Australia, one of the fastest growing defense markets in the world, as well as the wider Asia-Pacific region.

More than 80 of America’s leading manufacturers and suppliers, many with proven operating partnerships already in country, are participating in this year’s show, notably: The Boeing Company (Australia is its largest operation outside of the U.S.), Lockheed Martin (more than 800 employees across Australia and New Zealand), Northrop Grumman (aiming to double its Australian footprint in the next three years) and Raytheon (operating locally as Raytheon Australia since 1999).

Collectively, U.S. exhibitors at Avalon represent more than 20 states, including five state economic development groups from Oregon, Maryland, Oklahoma, and a combined New England/New York stand. Oregon arrives on the heels of a nearly $100 million deal that has Perth, Australia-based Orbital UAVE setting up shop in the state to produce engines for Boeing unmanned aerial vehicle subsidiary InSitu. California, the most-represented-state with nearly 20 state-based exhibitors, is also expected to send Eric Eide, Director of International Trade for the Office of the Mayor of Los Angeles, to further interests following the recent opening of Qantas’s US$30 million A380 servicing complex at LAX.

The centerpiece of the American presence at Avalon is the U.S. International Pavilion in Hall 3, organized by Kallman Worldwide Inc., in coordination with numerous U.S. government agencies, including the departments of Commerce, Defense, and State. The Pavilion is a destination for buyers looking for an efficient way to meet leading suppliers, an on-site business center for U.S. exhibitors looking to maximize their exposure and impact at the event, and a networking forum for all to share ideas and insights.

“From publicly traded stalwarts to privately held small-and-medium-sized enterprises, U.S. exhibitors are here because Australia is one of the world’s leading buyers of aerospace and defense equipment, and this event attracts real business prospects and customers,” said Kallman Worldwide President and CEO Tom Kallman. “As the representative of the Australian International Airshow and organizer of the U.S. International Pavilion at Avalon since 2005, our team is proud to work with our counterparts at Industry Defence and Security Australia Ltd. to help exhibitors capitalize on this event and further strengthen our two nations’ bilateral aerospace, defense and economic partnerships.”

In addition to organizing the national Pavilion, Kallman is rolling out its Ask America advocacy campaign inviting show attendees to visit U.S. exhibitors. The Ask America message will be placed prominently on site, integrated into hospitality and VIP events during the show, and promoted in social media.

“The United States is the biggest international exhibitor at Avalon because it’s the world's biggest aerospace and defense supplier, but that’s no guarantee buyers will look to work with U.S. companies over others,” said Kallman. “On behalf of the U.S. International Pavilion, we have a responsibility to advocate not only for our exhibitors, but for our country in this highly competitive global marketplace.

“We invite every Avalon 2017 visitor to ask America because we are listening,” he said. “Whether as manufacturing, supply chain or service partners, the United States is committed to our trade and investment partnerships in Australia, we bring smart ideas to the table, and we have the best-skilled workforce – here and in the States – ready to do the job.”

|  A Kallman Worldwide release  |  February 28, 2017  ||

Preparing agreement for ANSP to receive space-based ADS-B data to develop cross-regional air traffic management procedures

Airways New Zealand, New Zealand's Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) and Aireon LLC announced today that they have signed an agreement in principle to enter into an operational validation trial.

This agreement will pave the way to a formal operational validation agreement allowing for the development of operational concepts for air traffic management in South Pacific airspace and long-range flow management procedures to major New Zealand destinations. These operational concepts will be based on the use of space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data to leverage the efficiency and safety benefits of a global air traffic surveillance capability.

This agreement comes 20 months after the execution of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Aireon and Airways to execute a benefits analysis for deploying space-based ADS-B in their region. Airways also plans to use Aireon data to determine the best configuration of planned terrestrial-based ADS-B installations, augmented with space-based ADS-B, to ensure the most cost-effective use of the designated infrastructure.

Airways chief executive officer Ed Sims says Airways is excited to be exploring the possibilities of this new capability. "Once we have completed the formal agreement we will, over the next three years, work with Aireon to investigate how satellite-based surveillance could enhance our air traffic management services in the South Pacific airspace.

"We are looking forward to seeing how continuous monitoring via satellite could provide enhanced safety, traffic flow, and efficiency benefits to our customers."

"We are very excited about the developments with Airways," said Don Thoma, chief executive officer, Aireon. "We have worked closely with Airways to determine the possible applicability of space-based ADS-B in the South Pacific." He added, "Airways is known for their strong desire to deliver value to their customers, and we look forward to taking the next step to assess the potential for deployment of space-based ADS-B in their region."

Aireon's system will be operational in 2018, upon completion of the Iridium NEXT satellite constellation. The service will provide ANSPs with global air traffic surveillance and airlines with real-time flight tracking. It is expected to help reduce fuel costs, increase safety, and enable more efficient flight paths.

About Aireon LLC

Aireon is deploying a global, space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system capable of surveilling and tracking ADS-B equipped aircraft around the globe in real-time. The system will be used to provide ADS-B coverage that will span oceanic, polar and remote regions, where current surveillance systems are limited to line-of-site and densely populated areas. Aireon will harness the best of aviation surveillance advancements already underway and extend them globally in order to significantly improve efficiency, expand safety, reduce emissions and provide cost savings to aviation stakeholders. In partnership with leading ANSPs from around the world, NAV CANADA, ENAV, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and Naviair, as well as Iridium Communications, Aireon is developing an operational, global, space-based air traffic surveillance system expected to be available by 2018. For more information about Aireon, visit: www.aireon.com.

About Airways New Zealand

Airways is a world-leading commercial Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP), and operates in New Zealand as a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE).

We look after key aviation infrastructure around New Zealand and manage the more than 1 million traffic movements per year into and around New Zealand's 30 million square kilometres of airspace.

Airways provides air traffic control and engineering training, and has delivered air traffic management, Flight yield revenue management solutions, navigation services and consultancy in more than 65 countries.

For more information about Airways please visit www.airways.co.nz

|  AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Feb. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --  ||

African carrier also plans to upscale and retool its technical department.

Etihad Airways Engineering, the maintenance division of the Abu-Dhabi based airline group, has signed a contract with Kenya Airways to carry out mandatory checks on its Boeing 787-8 fleet.

The first of six scheduled Boeing 787 C-checks will begin this month at its facility in the UAE, with the final check scheduled for October 2017.

During the heavy maintenance checks, Kenya is also planning a number of product and reliability improvement modifications to systems and components.

Martyn Haines, technical director at Kenya Airways, said: "We will use this opportunity to upscale and retool some of our technical department, who will be onsite to provide oversight of all work being done.

Haines also said that the agreement also opens up some other collaborative opportunities including training programs.

“We have an ongoing maintenance programme of small and large checks across our other fleets, with all of these scheduled for completion within our maintenance facility,” he added.

|  An MRO Network release  |  February 22, 2017  ||