GREENWICH AEROGROUP TO OFFER IRIDIUM BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY DEMONSTRATIONS AT NBAA

For the first time at NBAA, Greenwich AeroGroup Inc. will be offering live demonstrations of the Iridium OpenPort AeroSM, the only aviation broadband solution that works everywhere in the world, including remote, oceanic and polar regions.

 

The Iridium OpenPort Aero service leverages Iridium’s worldwide network of satellites, allowing users to stay connected via Wi-Fi to their smartphone, tablet or laptop from takeoff to landing and pole-to-pole.  Iridium OpenPort Aero provides bi-directional speeds of up to 134kbps and features three independent phone lines, enabling simultaneous voice and data connectivity.  Additionally, it is fully compatible with Iridium's next generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT, which is planned to begin launching in 2015.

 

“We are excited to partner with LiveTV Satellite Communications, LLC to bring this system to the fixed wing and rotorcraft marketplace,” said Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Greenwich AeroGroup Daniel Lafrance. “There is no other product in the industry like this one that allows Wi-Fi cabin connectivity for personal devices from takeoff to landing anywhere in the world.” 

 

The first Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is in work and expected to be completed by the end of 2012 for the Bombardier Challenger 601-3A/3R, 604 and 605 models.  Additional aircraft model STC’s are planned for next year.

 

Demonstrations will be conducted at the Greenwich AeroGroup’s NBAA Booth number 2569.

LiveTv and Greenwich Aerogroup Bring Iridium Openport to Business Aviation

LiveTV and Greenwich AeroGroup sign agreement to make Iridium global high speed voice and data solution available to fixed wing and rotorcraft operators.

 

LiveTV, a wholly owned subsidiary of JetBlue Airways Corporation, and Greenwich AeroGroup Inc., have entered into a distribution agreement where Greenwich AeroGroup, Inc. and its affiliates will sell, support and install the Iridium OpenPort-AeroSM broadband aviation communications platform. Iridium OpenPort-Aero is the only aviation broadband solution that works everywhere in the world, including remote, oceanic and polar regions, for passengers requiring smartphone, tablet or laptop connectivity.

 

This arrangement extends Iridium OpenPort-Aero further into the business, government and military markets. The Iridium OpenPort service enables high-speed data and voice communications through Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM), operator of the world’s furthest-reaching satellite network. LiveTV innovated a lightweight aviation antenna design from the Iridium OpenPort® broadband maritime system to enable highly-reliable, low- latency, high-speed, global aircraft connectivity.

 

“Iridium OpenPort-Aero underscores LiveTV’s commitment to providing the best value satellite services to our customers, especially in the general aviation marketplace, and also enables connectivity where it doesn’t exist,” said President of LiveTV, Glenn Latta. “Iridium OpenPort-Aero offers the right blend of value and capability to customers who need to stay connected via their smart phones, tablets or laptops while in-flight.”

 

Iridium OpenPort-Aero is aimed at operators looking to upgrade aircraft voice and data connectivity systems without geographical limits and at the most affordable ownership cost available to the market. LiveTV designed the antenna footprint and profile for maximum efficiency and reliability, fitting most business jets and turboprop aircraft. It is also ideal for the rotorcraft market as the antenna can access Iridium satellites on the horizon, avoiding potential rotor interference.

 

Iridium OpenPort-Aero is designed to also operate on Iridium’s next generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT, which is planned to begin launching in 2015. It also is planned to support GATM/FANS 1A communications requirements well ahead of related navigational requirements going into effect.

 

“We are excited to be able to team with LiveTV on delivering Iridium OpenPort-Aero to the market,” said Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Greenwich AeroGroup Daniel Lafrance. “This relationship fits well with our goal of expanding the innovative solutions we bring forth to our customers.”

 

Greenwich AeroGroup will provide initial certification, sales and installation support for the Iridium OpenPort-Aero product line at its Atlantic Aero location in Greensboro, North Carolina, its Western Aircraft location in Boise, Idaho or Summit Aviation in Middletown, Delaware. Additional qualified MRO service providers in strategic areas will be added to the list of sales, installation, and support facilities after completion of the first Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). The initial installations are scheduled to begin in third quarter of 2012.

 

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Atlantic Aero Experiences Tremendous Growth in Manufacturing Division

Atlantic Aero’s manufacturing division in Kernersville, N.C. is on an upward trend, leading to an increase of workforce and revenue.

 

“Our business is growing in leaps and bounds,” said Director of Operations for Atlantic Aero’s Manufacturing Division Joey Chambers. “We have invested more than $900k in new equipment over the last two years that has allowed us to more than double our Computer Numerical Control (CNC) manufacturing capacity.

 

CNC is state-of-the-art high precision equipment that offers superior accuracy and cutting performance reducing turn time for customers. They also recently acquired the latest “mill/turn” technology which Chambers says allows them to be more competitive; as well as more creative in the way they manufacture products for their customers.

 

AAI’s manufacturing division has seen a 300-percent increase in revenue over the past 36 months and a 150-percent increase in workforce over the last year.

 

“We are always looking for more efficient ways to serve our customers and reduce their downtime,” said Chambers.

 

In addition to manufacturing and milling, AAI manufacturing offers engineering and design, prototype and tooling, detailed sheet metal fabrication, assembly and kits and composites. Besides aerospace, they provide services for other industries including the medical and energy sectors.

 

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Atlantic Aero Installs First FAST System for Bombardier Learjet 60

Atlantic Aero, a Greenwich AeroGroup company, recently completed the first installation of the new Pratt & Whitney FAST Communication System in a Bombardier Learjet 60.

 

The FAST System is an onboard communication device that is designed and certified for FAR Part 25 aircraft. The FAST System automatically collects and transmits airframe and engine data to a server that is accessible through the internet. The trending data can assist an operator in making informed decisions about preventative maintenance. Proper leveraging of the data in a statistical fashion can also assist in reducing unscheduled maintenance, lowering operating costs and increasing aircraft availability.

 

The system installation was certified by Atlantic Aero’s Organization Designation Authorization (ODA). This Supplemental Type Certificate, which is owned by Pratt & Whitney, allows for the installation in the Bombardier Learjet 60 and is now available at Atlantic Aero in Greensboro, NC.

Atlantic Aero Adds Seasoned A&P to Falcon Team

Atlantic Aero of Greenwich AeroGroup, Inc. announced today the hiring of Jerry Tindel, Jr. to oversee the company’s Falcon maintenance services.

 

An aviation veteran, Tindel has more than 30 years maintenance experience, 14 of those years serving as a lead mechanic on Falcon aircraft. Atlantic Aero has been servicing F10, F20 and F50 operators for more than 10 years and recently expanded its Falcon maintenance services to include F900 and F2000 aircraft.

 

“Jerry brings a vast knowledge of Falcon maintenance to this position,” says General Manager of Atlantic Aero Jim Spinder. “He has a clear understanding of airframe, engine and related system maintenance requirements. He will be an asset to our team.”

 

Tindel is factory trained on the Falcon 50, 2000, 2000EX and the 900EX and holds more than 320 hours of documented engine run and taxi experience on Falcon aircraft. He previously worked for Lockheed Martin, Northrop, DynCorp and most recently Duncan Aviation.

 

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Atlantic Aero Scores Well on ODA Inspection and Audits

Atlantic Aero of Greenwich AeroGroup, Inc. announced today that they recently completed a successful inspection of their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) division.

 

The FAA inspection team noted in its report that “Atlantic Aero has very experienced and knowledgeable employees who are dedicated to producing high quality documentation and products.” The inspection which occurs every other year ensures that the facility’s ODA is conducting Supplemental Type Certification activity authorized under the ODA in accordance with FAA regulations, guidance material and the FAA approved Atlantic Aero ODA procedures manual. There were no safety related discrepancies noted during the inspection.

 

In addition to the ODA inspection, Atlantic Aero’s manufacturing division completed the recertification audit of their ISO 9001:2008 + AS9100B quality management system with a score of 98.9 percent.

 

"The recertification of our quality system is a testament to the efforts and commitments made by our entire team to continuously improve our processes,” said Director of Manufacturing and Quality Joey Chambers. "These audit results further ensure our customers that our process oriented approach will meet their rigorous quality requirements."

 

This audit occurs the third year of a three year certificate to ensure ongoing accreditation conformity to the international aerospace quality standard. This successful recertification signifies Atlantic Aero’s commitment to meet or exceed increasingly stringent industry requirements as a world-class manufactured parts supplier and extends their certification an additional three years.

 

The manufacturing division also successfully wrapped up an ACSEP (Aircraft Certification Systems Evaluation Program) audit of its FAA/PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) quality system. This audit is conducted every three years to evaluate the integrity of the FAA/PMA quality system as it pertains to the production and sale of FAA approved aircraft parts that are eligible for installation on FAA type certificated aircraft. The audit was conducted with stellar reviews and “no findings.”

 

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Greenwich AeroGroup Names Senior Executive, Western Aircraft President Announces Retirement

Greenwich AeroGroup Inc., announced today that it has appointed Jeff Mihalic as Senior Vice President of Fixed Wing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO).

 

In his new role, Mihalic will be responsible for operational enhancements and the expansion of MRO services at Greenwich AeroGroup’s Atlantic Aero and Western Aircraft facilities. Mihalic has more than 30 years of diverse experience in the aerospace and automotive industries, including leadership roles in manufacturing, remanufacturing, customer support, aircraft services, aircraft leasing and supply chain management. He has most recently held senior positions with Bombardier Aerospace, QAviation and Boeing Commercial Aircraft.

 

Greenwich AeroGroup Inc., also announced today that Western Aircraft’s long time leader Allen Hoyt will retire at the end of October 2010. Since joining Western Aircraft in 1982, Hoyt has served in various capacities with the company, most recently as their President.

 

“Al has been monumental in growing the business and establishing the exceptional reputation of Western Aircraft,” said President and CEO of Greenwich AeroGroup Jim Ziegler. “On behalf of all of us at Greenwich AeroGroup and Western Aircraft, I wish to express our most sincere gratitude for his service and leadership.”

 

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Atlantic Aero Expands Falcon Service Capabilities

Atlantic Aero of Greenwich AeroGroup Inc., announced today that it has expanded its Falcon Jet Services to include F900 and F2000 business aircraft. The company has already secured facilities, tooling, technical data and experienced personnel in order to provide operators with a superior choice of service.

 

“We are extremely pleased to expand our maintenance services to better support Falcon operators,” said Atlantic Aero President Jim Spinder. “This service expansion combined with the renowned Falcon maintenance services of Western Aircraft, our sister company located in Boise, Idaho, will substantially improve the support footprint we can offer our customers.”

 

Atlantic Aero has been serving F10, F20 and F50 operators for more than ten years. The expansion into the F900 and F2000 fleet includes the addition of a 23,660 square-foot hangar to Atlantic Aero’s aircraft maintenance campus capable of housing up to ultra long range business jets. The hangar also boasts an additional 6,500 square-feet of space for support shops and office space.

 

Additionally, Atlantic Aero has added staff to support the program. Falcon Program Manager Scott Shiells has more than 20 years of aviation experience, including serving as a director of maintenance programs for a large MRO network, and is a specialist in the areas of customer service and maintenance project management. He has extensive experience with Falcon aircraft maintenance and will be the main onsite contact for Falcon operators. Falcon Regional Sales Manager John Bullen is the main sales contact for scheduling service maintenance at Atlantic Aero. Bullen has extensive customer service management experience and more than 13 years in service sales for Falcon aircraft, 10 of those years with Dassault Falcon.

 

Atlantic Aero offers a variety of services including major inspections, repairs and modifications, line service and Aircraft on Ground support, engine support, avionics upgrades and interior refurbishment and repair.

 

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