1. Rapid Repair Manufacturer: Lufthansa Technik Applications: Lufthansa Technik's Rapid Repair process partially automates the repair of damaged carbon composite airframe components and speeds the repair process by up to 60% as compared with manual repairs.

BA Engineering preps for 787 and A380s, seeks synergies with Iberia

1. Spicing It Up Manufacturer: Airbus Applications: Airbus's Space Innovative Catering Equipment (Spice) should be available for aircraft deliveries in the early 2020s. Specifications: The system includes foldable service carts and has a weight savings of 400-600 kg (881-1,322 lb.). www.airbus.com/innovation/well-being/inside/spice/ Link 610

In the arcane world of airline technical services purchasing, the dynamics are changing along with the economics of the industry.

When Arinc developed the Acars (aircraft communications addressing and reporting system) model in the late 1970s, the goal initially was relatively straightforward: Create a type of time stamp for aircraft taking off and returning to the hangar, says Dan Pendergast, Arinc's international division senior director.

As the 737 EcoDemonstrator program moved into a new phase in mid-September, Aviation Week was invited to Boeing's remote facility here to witness a typical flight test.

U.S. election becomes right-to-work battlefield

While they may disagree on energy policy, crucially for the aviation industry President Barack Obama and Republican rival Mitt Romney do agree that a national program designed to expand the production of biofuels should continue. As the Pentagon and airlines try to bridge the gap between the technical feasibility and commercial availability of advanced biofuels as drop-in replacements for fossil fuels, government support for scaling up both feedstock and fuel production is proving critical—and controversial.