MRO News Briefs, May 24-30, 2020

United Recycles Uniforms Into Masks
United Airlines converted 12,284 lbs. of uniforms into face masks for its employees at its San Francisco maintenance base and the airport. United recently changed its uniforms for its 28,000 technical operations, ramp service and catering operations employees and originally had planned to use those old uniforms for carpet padding and insulation fiber. However, given the need to wear face masks because of the pandemic, Looptworks converted them into masks to supplement what United employees were using.

S7 Technics Gets Approval for Aircraft Water, Waste System MRO
S7 Technics has extended the scope of its EASA Part 21 J certificate to perform modifications and repairs of aircraft water and waste systems, which will enable it to design modifications and repairs for components such as water tanks, waste tanks and water systems of galleys and toilets.

Finnair Signs ATR Maintenance Contract
Finnair has signed a 10-year maintenance contract with ATR for Nordic Regional Airlines’ fleet of 12 ATR 72-500 aircraft. The pay-by-the-hour contract covers repair, overhaul and pooling services of line replaceable units, an on-site leased stock of spare parts and blade maintenance and availability.

American Airlines Recognizes AMT Efforts
National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day took place on May 24. American Airlines honored its AMTs over the weekend, noting that during the COVID-19 crisis they have been adapting to circumstances and have “been instrumental in helping to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 across the airline” by producing masks and face shields, coordinating the shipment and distribution of hand sanitizer, and making plexiglass guards for airport operations.

New Line of Evaporative Coolers
Industrial fan provider Big Ass Fans has introduced a new line of evaporative coolers called Cold Front that it says can reduce temperature by up to 33°F (18°C). The company says Cold Front units, which have capability for spaces between 600-6,500 ft.2, are able to resist algae and mold growth, hold up to frequent cleaning and prevent dirt and other particles from penetrating into the substrate.

Azur Air Plans Launch of Independent MRO
Azur Air has announced plans to establish an independent MRO entity by the end of 2020, depending on the impact of the novel coronavirus. The MRO would provide maintenance services including heavy checks and aircraft conversions, but for now Azur Air Engineering plans to launch Boeing 777 maintenance services for other carriers and establish facilities for aircraft component repairs. Azur Air is also planning to rent a maintenance hangar at Moscow Vnukovo Airport starting this summer.

Avianor Pushes Ahead With New PTF Offering
Avianor has selected Akka Technologies to secure EASA certification for its passenger-to-cargo cabin modifications for widebodies.