Lufthansa Technik has committed to creating a pool of Bombardier Q400 stock in North America as part of a multi-year agreement to support the turboprop fleet operated by WestJet’s recently launch regional unit, Encore. Under the component repair and pool access support contract, Lufthansa Technik will maintain components removed from WestJet Encore aircraft and provide replacements. All logistics and transportation will be handled by Lufthansa Technik. WestJet has a firm order for 20 Q400s.

Simulation contributes to a deterioration in deductive reasoning and critical thinking, essential skills for aviation maintenance technicians

Landing gear overhaul is experiencing a spike thanks to aircraft delivery cycles. The aircraft made as a result of the 2004-05 order boom are coming due for gear overhauls. The Aviation Week commercial aviation forecast shows demand for overhauls of nearly 4,100 nose gear and more than 4,000 shipsets of main gear for that fleet through 2015. 1. Gear and More Supplier: Iberia Maintenance

Airbus is targeting a 10% reduction in direct maintenance costs compared to the Boeing 787-9

Congressionally mandated budget cuts that prompted the FAA to put a hiring freeze in place created an additional challenge for the safety agency's inspector workforce, which was already hampered by an ineffective staffing model, a government audit found.

If there are winners in a high-stakes, high-expectations program that generated a mere 262 orders in its first 13 years, then the engine OEM with a 55% share of the business would qualify. Measuring by total aircraft in service and awaiting delivery, the Engine Alliance (EA) GP7200 is the preferred powerplant for Airbus A380 customers, winning 134 of 243 orders with engine choices specified. (Three orders on the books—officially, at least—totaling 19 aircraft remain without engine choices.)

When the first Boeing 737 MAX jets are delivered, operators should benefit from new technologies built on a derivative airframe.

An oft-overlooked but crucial link in the MRO chain is tooling. Having proper tools—and keeping track of them—is a necessary element to every repair station's success. Here is a look at a few companies that are helping the industry get it right. 1. Safety First Supplier: CEJN