Parts scarcity and evolving ATM requirements push airlines to modernize cockpits

Washington Considering that some form of new mandate was unavoidable, the vast majority of those affected by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) long-awaited repair station security rule couldn't be more pleased.

Unlike the 1987 movie “Trains, Planes and Automobiles,” low-cost Latin American airlines Azul Linhas Aereas and VivaAerobus.com are connected by buses and aircraft. They also are based in countries with growing middle classes that are first and second in terms of potential market size.

Flying the Piaggio P180 Avanti twin-turboprop pusher from the front seat is a unique experience, but taking control of the same Avanti using a sidestick and a virtual windscreen from a side-facing seat in the rear of the cabin is a rare treat indeed.

Rising airline demand for both leased aircraft and surplus parts — trends not necessarily welcomed by parts manufacturer approval (PMA) holders — may be exposing opportunities for some PMA specialists, executives from a leading independent parts supplier suggest.

Why OEMs are flocking to the U.S., Mexico and Singapore

Southwest Airlines is beginning to run up against reliability, parts obsolescence and supply challenges with the attitude display indicator (ADI) on the 737 Classic fleet, says Kent Horton, Southwest’s director of engineering.

It is clear that preventive maintenance can bring reliability and predictability to a fleet, but can it position a diligent carrier above the mean? Delta Air Lines is testing—and perhaps proving—the hypothesis.