Airbus forecasts $1.8 trillion in MRO services through 2035

With exponential growth continuing in the commercial aviation aftermarket, Airbus has published its first Global Services Forecast (GSF) that predicts that the cumulative value of maintenance, repair & overhaul (MRO) activity will exceed $1.8 trillion by 2035. Annually, Airbus predicts MRO spend to grow from $53 billion to more than $132 billion, representing an average yearly growth rate of 4.6%.

Aftermarket services activity is linked to the growth of the passenger fleet – which is expected to more than double from 19,500 commercial aircraft with more than 100 seats at the end of 2015 to almost 40,000 by 2035.

The Airbus GSF predicts a requirement to train approximately 540,000 new technicians to perform airframe, engines, and components services. Asia-Pacific will represent the largest portion of the market for both MRO activity and the need for new qualified pilots and technicians, while Europe and North America combined will account for approximately one-third of the total MRO market spend. www.airbus.com

Safran, Unison Industries sign global 3-year material repair agreement

Officials from Safran Aircraft Engines have signed a three-year material repair agreement with Unison Industries in support of the maintenance of CFM56 engines, produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE.

The agreement extends through 2019 and covers ignition and power generation components in support of Safran Aircraft Engines MRO locations in France, Belgium, Morocco, and Mexico.

Unison President Giovanni Spitale says, “This agreement solidifies Unison’s key relationship with a world leader in engine manufacture and service.” www.unisonindustries.com; www.safran-group.com

FAA approves PPG repair for Airbus A320 cockpit side windows

PPG has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to repair sliding and aft fixed cockpit windows for Airbus A320 family jetliners. The approval authorizes PPG to repair glass window assemblies produced by any manufacturer for Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 airplanes and the recently launched new engine option (neo) family.

The approved procedures include replacing the glass panels with new PPG window panels and reusing and refurbishing frame retainers from PPG or other suppliers. PPG performs repairs at its Huntsville, Alabama, facility, where it operates an FAA-licensed repair station and makes the original-equipment and replacement parts.

PPG’s cockpit side windows for the A320 family are designed with glass panels and retainers as complete assemblies using distinct components, enabling replacement of glass panels with reuse of airworthy retainers. www.ppgaerospace.com