Speaking of strain on systems, the Swissport baggage handlers went on strike, unannounced, at the Brussels Airport on May 12. I had the joy of experiencing this firsthand when I landed there for a connecting flight on May 13. I didn't learn of the strike until 15 min. before Brussels Airlines announced the boarding of my flight to Vilnius, Lithuania.

A group of airlines operating mostly brand new Boeing 777-300ERs powered by General Electric GE90-115Bs are either replacing entire engines or transfer gearboxes on individual units after GE alerted them to the potential for a gear separation.

Regional airlines are undergoing a period of change in everything from ownership and partner relationships to route systems and aircraft fleets, and this is helping trigger a shake-up of maintenance models.

The FAA’s repair station oversight process lacks the ability to identify risk, does not provide enough standardized inspection procedures, and is not training inspectors well enough to ensure they can use the tools they have, a government audit concludes.

The NTSB has issued an “urgent” procurement request to have a Maryland company perform computed tomography (CT) scans on as many as 48 Boeing 787 lithium-ion battery cells. “[The tests] must also be completed within the shortest timeframe possible to provide the fastest possible receipt of this information to avoid potential future accidents involving this type of aircraft battery,” says the NTSB in a “sources sought” notice published May 3. The 787 fleet is expected to return to commercial service later this month.

Aircastle expects to part-out half of the 16 aircraft with lease expirations scheduled this year. The planned retirements include at least one mid-aged Airbus A319 and many Boeing 767-300ERs. High engine values are the driving factor behind the decision to sell the parts instead of re-leasing or selling the jets, Aircastle executives said May 2 during the company’s first-quarter earnings conference call. “We have a team now to position us to benefit from the strength in engine values,” CEO Ron Wainshal says.

Fly Leasing sold nine aircraft with an average age of 13.5 years for a total of $78 million in the first quarter, generating a $6.5 million gain over net book value and contributing to a big increase in its first-quarter profit.

1. Performance Excellence Manufacturer: Huntsman Advanced Materials Applications: Huntsman Advanced Materials, part of the Huntsman family of companies, specializes in synthetics, adhesives and laminating systems for both aircraft manufacturing and repair. The company is just one of fewer than 600 suppliers to earn a 2012 Boeing Performance Excellence award. www.huntsman.com