Nanotechnology-enabled materials are moving into aerospace. New Hampshire-based Nanocomp Technologies is scaling up production of electrically and thermally conductive yarn, sheet and tape made from long carbon nanotubes (CNT). Spun yarn is being used to replace copper in data cables in aircraft and spacecraft, potentially halving the weight of wiring harnesses. Sheet material was used on NASA's Juno spacecraft, launched in August 2011, to provide electrostatic-discharge protection of attitude-control thruster and main-engine components.

Distributor: Avio-Diepen Locations: Offices and warehouses in the Netherlands, the U.K., the U.S. and Americas and Hong Kong. Capabilities: Distributes a variety of aircraft components to operators, MROs, airframe manufacturers and subsystem manufacturers. www.avio-diepen.com

How much of your maintenance is contracted out? Gibbs: Cathay Pacific outsources all of its maintenance, with the exception of line maintenance outside Hong Kong. So line maintenance in Hong Kong is with Haeco [see Haeco article on pg. xx], and heavy [airframe] maintenance is pretty much with Haeco or its subsidiary Taeco [Taikoo (Xiamen) Aircraft Engineering Co. Ltd.] in mainland China. We have occasionally used other providers, but not for the past five years. A lot of the work is being done in Xiamen, particularly cabin reconfiguration.

Today's airlines have identified a growing need for modular interiors that can easily conform to constantly changing seat configurations and layouts. Ancra International has created a special type of patented quick-release seat fitting called the AncraLock that does not require tools to remove it. According to Robert Rossato, Ancra's director of sales and marketing, this feature typically drives down the time to remove and reinstall a three-seat assembly to under five minutes, compared to the typical time of 15-20 minutes.

HAECO explores new areas to meet changing industry needs.

Manufacturer: Ancra International Applications: These quick-release fittings require no tools to remove or install, and they significantly cut down maintenance turnaround time. Specifications: Meets Boeing's 16G tool-less seat fitting requirements. www.ancra.com

With bankruptcies, rising operating costs and changing operational conditions, regional airlines are under tremendous pressure to control their costs.

Airlines in the booming Asia-Pacific market, are becoming far more aware of life-cycle costs and are seeking more flight-hour-based, comprehensive solutions, extending to spares accessibility and obsolescence management. “The more mature carriers are starting to understand that back shops are not delivering a high-value proposition, and are moving toward outsourcing,” says Bob Still, general manager of operations for Rockwell Collins Melbourne (Australia) Service Center.