Issue 28 Archives - Northwest Aerospace News https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/category/issue-28/ Sun, 24 Jul 2022 20:33:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-Untitled-design-39-32x32.png Issue 28 Archives - Northwest Aerospace News https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/category/issue-28/ 32 32 Who’s Hiring Guide https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2022/07/22/whos-hiring-guide-no-3/ Fri, 22 Jul 2022 21:47:09 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14509 Issue No. 3 — August […]

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Issue No. 3 — August | September 2022

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My Lifelong Passion for Aerospace https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2022/07/20/my-lifelong-passion-for-aerospace/ Wed, 20 Jul 2022 17:56:55 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14507 Like many of us in […]

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Like many of us in the aerospace industry, I grew up fascinated by airplanes and flying. My dad was a member of an Air National Guard unit that flew F16s. The sound of those jets darting overhead and the patterns of contrails that lingered across the blue skies after they passed made indelible marks in my memory. I reveled in going to summer air shows where I could climb into the cockpit of any number of planes and imagine I was at the helm soaring through the air. As a teenage girl in the 1980s, the release of the original “Top Gun” movie, complete with surround sound, rocked my world.

And yet, it was my brothers who pursued aviation careers. While they navigated B-1s and F-15s for the Air Force, I followed my heart into the nonprofit world. I worked in communications, public relations and development for healthcare and educational organizations across the Pacific Northwest, working to improve the quality of life for those we served and the communities in which we operated. Compelling missions and community leaders who willingly gave their time and energy to important causes became two of the most rewarding aspects of my work.

Over time, I developed a knack for successfully working with nonprofit boards led by visionary, community-minded business executives. Harnessing their collective ideas, spurring them into action, and working side by side to make a positive impact proved to be a challenging, yet powerful process — one that I loved choreographing. 

In 2016, while doing some research for a nonprofit client, I came across a job posting for a role coordinating an industry association’s board of directors and its work. Soon I was in conversation with the leaders of the Inland Northwest Aerospace Consortium (INWAC) and without even trying, I became part of the aerospace world that had captured my imagination as a child.

INWAC’s mission and its role in growing the I-90 Aerospace Corridor has proven to be the perfect way to marry my skills and experiences with work that feeds my soul. One of the organization’s founding members, Rick Taylor of Altek, Inc., described the original purpose for the group as a way for Eastern Washington manufacturers to work together for their mutual benefit. “A rising tide raises all ships,” he likes to say.

With its genesis in people working together to improve the livelihood and well-being of member companies, INWAC has applied that same collaborative approach to expand its geographic scope east to the Cascades and west across North Idaho into Central Montana. Manufacturers throughout the region now partner to market their collective capabilities, better meet their unique customers’ needs and share best practices.

Thanks to the extraordinary commitment and effort of the volunteers who serve on the board of directors, INWAC has also become a valued economic driver in the region beyond the aerospace sector. Companies looking to relocate or expand find an extensive and active supply chain in INWAC. Economic development partners regularly take visitors on tours through member facilities as examples of modern and thriving businesses in the area. As other regional innovation clusters form, they look to INWAC as a model to emulate, further driving the economic prosperity and quality of life along the I-90 Corridor.

As a convenor of resources and stakeholders, each spring INWAC, along with the Idaho Manufacturing Alliance, the Coeur d’Alene Area Economic Development Corporation, and another great team of industry volunteers, hosts the I-90 Aerospace Corridor Conference & Expo. This event brings together aerospace manufacturers, suppliers, elected officials, economic development agencies, and academia/education to learn, network and conduct business. It’s an annual highlight for me to witness what transpires.

The hum of the lively conversations emanating from the exhibit hall and conference area never cease to evoke the same feelings that the hum of an airplane does as it reaches cruising altitude — contentment that the driving forces behind the din are working in harmony, anticipation about the possibilities ahead, and gratefulness for getting to be along for the ride.

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Acceleration Through Collaboration https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2022/07/20/acceleration-through-collaboration/ Wed, 20 Jul 2022 17:55:23 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14503 There is an African proverb […]

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There is an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.”  I firmly believe that continued business and sector success can be achieved through collaboration.  

The definition of collaboration is “the action of working with someone to produce or create something.” What we can create in the Pacific Northwest through collaboration is a thriving cluster, home to the most technologically advanced and sustainable aerospace manufacturing region in the world.  

We have an incredible history of over 100 years of aerospace manufacturing in this region that has allowed us to create an ecosystem of manufacturing that encompasses a large portion of the supply chain needed to manufacture aerospace vehicles — including airplanes, space launch vehicles, satellites, EVTOL and more.  

The community that has blossomed through this history has created a robust ecosystem that embraces educational programs, apprenticeship programs, multiple trade associations, service companies, manufacturers, and OEMs — all in close proximity to each other — and home to some of the largest tech companies in the world.  This makes us uniquely positioned to fulfill that cluster vision.

At PNAA, we are working to further the community through fostering collaboration wherever possible. Through that collaboration with partners regionally and globally we are finding ways to connect and grow the sector here.  

A great example of the power of collaboration are our recent PNAA Executive Roundtable events.  We are bringing together regional leaders to discuss the challenges they are facing.  Most notably those challenges all revolve around workforce. Coming together to collaborate is helping those leaders learn from what’s working and more importantly what’s not working with their businesses.  Out of these meetings, we are seeing new programs and ideas emerge to support the whole industry.  In addition, some of the best minds in the industry are coming together through the Innovation Cluster Acceleration Program, as well as the Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee (AAAC), to help develop the future of our aerospace region.  The impact that we can have from that will be felt for years to come.

By collaborating with other businesses to bring together all these facets of the industry, we can learn capabilities, identify gaps, and create new companies and innovation —further developing a community that drives even more companies to call the Pacific Northwest their home.  

When we come together as a region in the Pacific Northwest and share our best practices, our ideas, successes and failures it makes us stronger.  No one company or person has all of the answers, but if we work together, I believe we can overcome any of the supply chain and workforce challenges that we are collectively facing right now and continue to thrive as a region.

I feel optimistic about the community that is being forged through the challenges that we have faced.  

We are part of an industry that has the power to inspire generations and create a lasting impact on the world.  When we work together as a community, not only does what we manufacture here inspire, but how we do it can be an inspiration to all.  

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” – Henry Ford

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European Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO): The Road to Recovery https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2022/07/20/european-maintenance-repair-and-overhaul-mro-the-road-to-recovery/ Wed, 20 Jul 2022 17:54:29 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14500 Next fall, Washington State will […]

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Next fall, Washington State will take a delegation of companies to London to participate in MRO Europe, the largest event of its kind in Europe where airlines, MROs, OEMs, lessors, suppliers and industry experts converge to explore and define the aviation maintenance industry. In order to prepare for the event and get a better understanding of this sector, TFDI, our European consultant, asked Richard Brown, managing director at London-based Naveo Consultancy, to share on the current pulse of the European MRO market.

European Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO): The Road to Recovery

It’s a good job (and very fortunate) that aviation leaders tend to be optimists. Each dawn, they believe, promises a new start. The storm clouds will pass, they confidently say. We are lucky that our industry is full of engineers, strategists, and planners trained to forecast and prepare daily for disruption and unscheduled events. 

COVID-19, geopolitics — including the war in Ukraine and the resulting supply-chain challenges — are testing the skills, patience, and will of every positive thinker in our industry.

As we progress into mid-2022, the view from Europe gives reasons to be optimistic, but signs of caution also taper it.

2022 is the recovery year when global Available Seat Kilometres should, by the end of December, be close to 2019 levels. Naveo Consultancy’s nominal forecast will see air transport capacity exceed 2019 levels by 2023. European operators account for approximately 25% of global ASKs, and the continued recovery in traffic in Europe has been encouraging.  

As we enter the all-important northern hemisphere summer travel period, when European airlines hope to generate increased revenue and profits, we have reasons for optimism. Most COVID-related travel restrictions have been removed; COVID-19 cases are under control, and there’s pent-up demand to travel. This translates into airline bookings. 

Clouds on the Horizon

Although travel demand is returning strongly, there are many headwinds that leadership is challenged with. For example, airports and airlines have sometimes struggled to meet demand, as seen by lengthy lines at check-in, security, and baggage claim. In addition, workers that were furloughed or let go during COVID haven’t necessarily returned. As a result, the labor shortage is acute, with airlines and airports struggling to cope with demand and MROs and OEMs suffering from shortages of parts and trained mechanics.

Jet fuel is currently at the highest price for a generation. At the time of writing, it is around $170 per barrel. To put this into context, jet fuel is more than double what it was 12 months ago. Many airlines are not hedged, so they face sudden cost increases. Fuel is typically an airline’s number one or number two cost, depending upon the price. 

IATA notes that the average fuel price for 2022 has been about $139.3/bbl. which equates to an additional $125.4B that airlines will pay in 2022 for jet fuel. If jet fuel continues to remain high, it will put additional pressure on older, less fuel-efficient aircraft (and encourage replacement by newer aircraft), as we saw in 2008, causing increasing retirements.

The supply chain is challenged. Ukraine has about 1% of titanium mineral reserves, and Russia represents approximately 14% of titanium sponge production. Approximately 35% of titanium for Boeing and 50% for Airbus came from Russia’s VSMPO – now under sanctions. OEMs have been stockpiling inventory, but VSMPO capacity will need to be replaced. In addition, production issues in castings, forgings, microchips, chemicals, and engineered components are impacting OE deliveries and MRO.

Higher energy costs are impacting production and MRO. Inflation and rising interest rates affect wages, pricing, company profitability, and the disposable income people have to travel (and spend on goods and services). High fuel prices impact airline profitability and fleet types in-service should fuel remain high. Environmental considerations remain crucial and will return to the spotlight.

Rebounding MRO Demand

So far in 2022, compared to 2019 (the last “good year” before COVID), European ASKs hit 79% in May 2022, compared to May 2019. This year, recovery has been heading in the right direction and is much better than in 2021.

This bodes well for European MRO. As we look ahead to MRO Europe in London, the MRO industry is already busy supporting the return to service of parked aircraft and allowing the European airlines to operate a busy summer schedule.

Europe is home to many prominent MRO players supporting airlines worldwide. Many offer multiple products such as broad component support, engine, airframe, and modifications services. Leading MRO players in Europe include a mix of independent players, airline-backed integrators, and focused regional players such as Air France KLM E&M, Lufthansa Technik, Iberia, AJ Walter, SR Technics, Sabena Technics, IAI Bedek, FL Technics, and Magnetic MRO. 

2022 air transport MRO spend is forecasted to be $84B, according to Aviation Week

This is driven by engine maintenance, the most significant spend category, at $37B (45%), followed by line maintenance at $17B (21%). Next is component MRO at $17B, 20% of spending, followed by heavy airframe maintenance ($6B) and modifications (painting, avionics upgrades, interior retrofits, and cargo conversions) at $6B. North American operators generate the most MRO at $22B (26%). Europe is next at 26% (Western Europe $17B and 20%, and Eastern Europe $5B and 6%).

Global MRO spending should return to pre-pandemic levels by 2023. 2022-2031 CAGR growth (constant 2022 dollars) is forecasted to be 3.2%. Airframe maintenance is forecasted to grow slowest (1.1%) due to the retirement of maintenance-intensive aircraft and their replacement by less maintenance-intensive aircraft. Line maintenance is forecasted to grow at 2.3%, modifications at 2.3%, and engine MRO at 3.2%. The fastest-growing segment is components which are forecasted to grow at 4.2%. 

As for Europe, Europe (Western & Eastern combined) is forecasted to grow from $22B in 2022 to $27B by 2031, a CAGR of 2.3%.  

Cargo aircraft continue to provide strong demand (particularly for older aircraft/engine MRO), driving solid demand for passenger to freighter conversions and providing solid bookings for European suppliers. Given the strong recovery in narrowbody aircraft, we expect to see engine MROs driving the recovery, which is the number one MRO spend. 

Aircraft retirements will increase in the coming years (many older aircraft are due for retirement), but this depends upon the pace of the recovery, fuel price, and new aircraft production issues being addressed, etc.

MRO growth generates increased demand for aircraft and engine parts. Increased flight activity leads to more AOG events. As MRO recovers from COVID-19, so will demand for new and alternative materials such as USM, part repairs, and cost-conscious workscopes.

Pre-COVID-19, the USM market was around $5B. It’s currently about $4B and is set to reach $7B (constant dollars) by 2030. Since retirements are currently low and there are supply chain pressures on OEMs, there is increased demand for part stockists to provide aftermarket parts, including new-OEM parts.

The European MRO market is competitive and dynamic. Introducing a new aircraft type allows operators to change their maintenance behavior. This has been seen as operators with 787s, A350 XWBs, Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, and CFMI LEAPs embraced outsourced maintenance offerings. Airlines that used to in-source maintenance took the opportunity to outsource maintenance as new high-tech aircraft arrived. They didn’t see the business case to invest in in-house capability, given the variety of outsourced options available.  

As for the MRO suppliers, OEMs, MRO integrators, and independent suppliers each have their strengths and challenges depending upon the aircraft lifecycle (e.g., new/growth/mature or sunset aircraft). It’s all about choice, flexibility, and customization.

Suppliers are battling for a position to support aircraft, from entry-into-service through to retirement and tear-down. In addition, OEMs, integrators, airline MROs, independent MROs, and parts traders are attempting to extend their reach across the lifecycle. As aircraft age, operators become more price-sensitive and may embrace alternatives to traditional new parts or MRO. Examples include surplus parts, part repair, and DER. In addition, we’ve seen partnerships formed between European MROs (e.g., Lufthansa Technik or Air France KLM) and OEMs. That’s so aftermarket suppliers can address a broader customer base.

COVID-19 is calling into question several contract types, and in-sourcing/outsourcing practices as airlines are laser-focused on cost reduction. So, we may see some changes going forward, an area we are closely watching.

There’s now a more exact path for recovery. We need to get through the summer and winter, but the strong shoots of recovery are there — summer 2022 looks much healthier. We must continue leveraging expertise, best practices, and lessons learned. It’s vital that we take advantage of the opportunities that can’t come soon enough. 

If you are interested in participating in the MRO Europe under the Washington State Department of Commerce umbrella, please reach out to:

Amandine Crabtree    

Aerospace International Trade Specialist

Washington State Department of Commerce
Cell: 206-485-8541
Email: amandine.crabtree@commerce.wa.gov

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amandinen

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Northwest Defense Innovations https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2022/07/20/northwest-defense-innovations/ Wed, 20 Jul 2022 17:45:14 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14495 Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition works […]

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Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition works with members to bring innovation to the defense aerospace market

Since 2005 the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition has been a coalescing force bringing companies together to support their growth in the defense supply chain. Today, over 300 companies in the Pacific Northwest benefit from PNDC’s focus on regional collaboration and driving innovation in support of market needs.  The PNDC serves as a gateway for businesses to innovate and meet the cutting edge demands of defense technology and Department of Defense (DOD) initiatives.   

Mike Brown, a former Silicon Valley CEO and now director of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) at the U.S. Department of Defense, shared why innovation is important. “We’re losing that [technological] edge and we’re losing it at a rapid rate. And I think if we look at what is required to keep that edge, it’s going to be a recommitment to science and technology in this country. We must reimagine these roadblocks in our way, these obstacles … you’re not going to be able to do that if you maintain requirements. It’s about modularity, open interoperability, open standards … that requires a rethink.”

Denise Ryser, market development director of the PNDC, said that innovation means problem-solving for the DOD. PNDC is a membership trade association for those in the Pacific Northwest defense and security industry businesses, according to their website, www.pndc.us. She added that working with members to create advancements for better efficiencies, sustainability, and safety for end-users is essential. The Northwest is known for bringing advancements into several areas including autonomous solutions, cyber warfare, and stealth technologies. 

Ryser said, “There are opportunities to work with every branch of the DOD and Homeland Security, which includes, but is not limited to, the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, and the National Guard. The Departments of Defense and Homeland Security are also looking for innovation in energy, climate, and other non-traditional ‘defense’ departments — 

PNDC is focused on connecting our members with these opportunities and using our well-known high-tech eco-system to make the Pacific Northwest a hub for defense innovation.”

Innovating in the defense market comes through many channels including working directly with the government and business-to-business collaboration. Eric Yates, vice president of business development at Gladiator Technologies (Snoqualmie, Washington), a manufacturer of inertial measurement sensors and systems, explained that for some companies, growth in the long cycle of the defense industry can be a long-term process. “One of our best customers today is based in the U.K. but supplies into a U.S. Army program; we started the project 10 years ago and have only recently started to support full rate production.”  

Yates explained that often for small businesses, getting in front of the DOD and going to market with a product can be very involved and includes developing proof of concept, testing, and, most notably, making connections with partners to get the product or business off the ground. 

“There can be a lot of effort to win a defense program and it may require patience, but there are long term dividends and business that is well defined, based on the budgeting cycle of the DOD,” Yates said.

Yates is on the PNDC board of directors, where they are focused on ways to provide value to member companies and find ways to support and grow local businesses. 

The PNDC focuses on facilitating many different types of collaboration. 

Ryser said that the organization is all about partnerships between PNDC members on behalf of the defense industry. She shared, “Since 2018, PNDC has participated in pitch days that allow our companies to get in front of technology scouts from across the many branches of the DOD and Homeland Security.” She said there are opportunities to participate in one-to-one pitch programs with high-ranking procurement professionals.

In addition, organizations within the Pacific Northwest are finding ways to succeed together. Patrick Host, communications specialist for Insitu, a UAV manufacturer, said they have been members of PNDC for about seven years. Insitu has locations in Bingen, Washington, and Hood River, Oregon, plus facilities in the U.K. and Australia. 

Host said they have about 1,000 employees. While they can provide services to non-governmental organizations, “We focus on providing the world’s best mid-sized unmanned aerial vehicles, software, and support to the Pentagon and its allies.” 

Host said on behalf of Insitu, “PNDC’s offerings to its members have provided Insitu with several valuable customer interactions.” In addition, Insitu has partnered directly with other members on projects. 

He added, “In February 2021 the liquid hydrogen (LH2) flight tank, designed for Insitu’s ScanEagle3 UAV, completed liquid hydrogen fill, pressure, and vapor generation testing at Washington State University’s Hydrogen Properties for Energy Research (HyPER) laboratory. WSU is a fellow member of PNDC.” 

He said that the tests with WSU were successful; he provided a resource link for those interested in learning more at www.insitu.com/news/insitu-advances-its-fuel-cell-strategy.

As a PNDC member, Insitu is providing innovations to the defense market, such as the following, said Host: 

•  “Insitu pioneered our catapult and SkyHook launch and recovery methods that provide runway independence. Many competitor UAVs require runway infrastructure to launch and land.

•  To further reduce our infrastructure footprint, Insitu is developing a hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAV modeled on our Integrator aircraft that will eliminate the need for launch and recovery equipment while increasing portability. Insitu also pioneered the modular open system architecture (MOSA) Integrator UAV, which allows customers to mix-and-match payloads for each mission depending on their needs. Many UAVs limit the use of payloads to those manufactured by the aircraft developer.

Insitu’s efforts in the UAV market are shared by Hood Technology (Hood River, Oregon). Hood Technology manufactures innovations for the UAV, drone, and manned aircraft markets, search and rescue, defense applications, and fire mapping. 

Nolan Ohmart, vice president of global growth for Hood Technology, said that their systems work on any aircraft. The lines of business include work in blade vibration and monitoring, UAV catapults, and stabilized imaging turrets. 

Ohmart said they are successful with several lines of business. “There are defense applications for many of the products, and the focus is on outreach and growing the name.” 

Although they aren’t yet a member of PNDC, they have been considering membership. “The PNDC has potential to increase our visibility and while the organization is based in the Pacific Northwest, we see PNDC represented all over the world,” said Ohmart.

PNDC has expanded collaborative efforts, including taking member companies to international defense exhibitions in London and Paris. This is an example of one of the many ways the organization has focused on delivering value to companies and open new doors. One of these new ventures includes support for the newly opened Mission Acceleration Center (MAC) in Seattle, Washington. 

“We also participate in the Pacific Northwest Mission Acceleration Center™, a pilot program that started in Seattle and will roll out to limited locations throughout the United States in the upcoming years,” said Ryser. 

She added, “Our partners from NavalX, NSIN, and Impact Washington proposed this idea. PNDC is proud to work with these folks to ensure the existing innovation ecosystem in the Northwest gets the opportunities that the regional innovators deserve.” 

The team with Gladiator Technologies has been involved by attending events and will continue to support its mission to help industry and government work together to solve current challenges and develop new technology. The website, www.pnwmac.org, states, “The PNW MAC™ goal is to accelerate your path from innovation to use for defense and homeland security clients.”

In addition to participating in groups like the PNW MAC™, Yates said it is valuable to be involved with PNDC’s networking events. 

He noted that they have meetings with members of Congress to discuss new policies with the DOD and what is coming down the line. He said, “It is good to hear from those impacting and making the policy. The advocacy part is where my company finds great value.” 

He also shared that while most networking meetings started as socials in the greater Portland area, they are now also holding virtual events across the Northwest. “PNDC can have more influence in supporting the supply chain.” 

He said that with the long lead time, companies often hear, “Wait 10 years and then make some money.” Having PNDC as an advocate for you with the DOD is an asset. He added, “They help get good ideas down the road.” 

PNDC has expanded in-person and virtual networking across Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Oregon. Yates said they might have 75-100 people in the virtual events. Ryser added that the in-person events are growing. 

“Any time you want to network, you have resources,” said Yates about PNDC’s expanded reach. 

Moving ahead with innovations is vital to the Pacific Northwest, which is the focus of PNDC leadership, and its membership base. Areas of innovation include manned and unmanned systems, safety, security, tactical and software as a service to name a few. Uniting members as business partners in new projects for the DOD and Homeland Security including the branches of the military, is mission critical to PNDC.

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Superior Supply Chain Connections  https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2022/07/20/superior-supply-chain-connections/ Wed, 20 Jul 2022 17:33:37 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14489 The Aerospace and Defense Supplier […]

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The Aerospace and Defense Supplier Summit (A&DSS) held in Seattle every two years (biennial), makes strong connections for attendees

Andrew Vuong is the director of business development for Pathfinder Manufacturing. The company, located in Everett, Washington, had been known as the Workforce Development Center for over 30 years. In 2022 they changed their name and while the non-profit manufacturer was established, they decided to take their brand to market in a bigger way through the Aerospace and Defense Supplier Summit (A&DSS) in spring 2022. 

The contract manufacturer is focused on employing people in need of vocational and technical skills training. They work to build success and independence for individuals through aerospace assembly work. High school juniors and seniors, on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) at their school, are the employees. These programs are aimed at students with a disability that can benefit from an individual plan that helps them to be their best — conditions that can include anything from autism to deafness, blindness, an orthopedic impairment or speech or language impairments. 

For Pathfinder Manufacturing, the model of the A&DSS event, hosted by BCI Aerospace, was notably different from other aerospace conferences that they’ve attended. 

The biggest difference with A&DSS, according to Vuong, was the volume of targeted one-to-one meetings. 

They were able to participate in 28 meetings during the show in May 2022. 

He said, “It was our first time, so we didn’t know what to expect. Some of the meetings went well; we are continuing discussions for partnerships and to become suppliers.” 

He thinks that the event is mission critical for many suppliers because, “It is important because it brings a targeted group of professionals together for aerospace and defense. A lot of other events you go to, you meet a lot of services or tradespeople looking to sell products like banking, insurance, etc. A&DSS is very targeted for the aerospace and defense industry.” 

For a company like Pathfinder Manufacturing, which Vuong said has been heavily dependent on Boeing, “A&DSS has helped us to broaden our horizons; it is a great chance to diversify and work with other companies.” 

Lydie Artemova, project manager USA for BCI Aerospace, helped Vuong’s organization to register for the event this year. Her job is to ensure success for the businesses attending the biennial event in Seattle, Washington. 

Artemova has been with the company for seven years and is passionate about connecting aerospace suppliers. She has a strong hold on aeronautics, aerospace, space, and defense industries and is involved with the organization’s international events. Originally from France, Artemova now lives in the Seattle area. 

She said that the biggest difference between most industry trade shows with exposition halls, and a BCI event, is “the matchmaking format.” She added, “It’s how we structure the events. We have three days, one day of the conference (with Tier 1 and OEM presentations), and two days of one-to-one meetings.” She shared that the core function of the events is to ensure that the participants are involved in 10-16 prescheduled meetings with prospective customers. 

Registering and preparing to attend the event 

When registering for industry conferences, often the process is simple — determine if you are attending and if you’d like a booth to exhibit your business.  The registration and preparation to attend A&DSS is a little more comprehensive, because of the engagement with OEMs and prospective customers through one-to-one meetings. 

Artemova said that they want the event to be beneficial to attendees, both financially and through the connections made. There is a questionnaire the prospective attendees fill out, focused on capabilities. She said there are companies who sometimes are not a good fit for the event, and she will advise them if that is the case. 

But for many, she spends time coaching and advising about how to get the most from attending the event. “My concern as an organizer is to make sure the event goes well for them. I guide them in that questionnaire — how to put the company in a good light and include the right details — listing the right capabilities.” 

She said that they have over 400 profiles to review for A&DSS Seattle, which is completed within a 10-day period as they matchmake companies for meetings. 

Participant Julien Acis, senior manager of key accounts for Albany Engineered Composites, attended the 2022 event. Interestingly, he said they chose not to exhibit specific “parts or structures,” but instead chose to, “focus rather on establishing connections and representation.” 

Acis has been involved in the aerospace industry for 20 years and has attended many BCI events, “Since the beginning of my career, I have participated in the BCI events … in Toulouse, Mexico or in the United States. BCI understood very early that since the aerospace industry is a global supply chain, they propose a global and international approach to their event. They have today developed all the necessary contacts to make it a real useful resource in market and technical intelligence with the quality of (the) organizations and attendance.” 

The 2018 event provides data on satisfaction, (since the 2020 event was canceled), and Artemova said, “85 percent said ‘yes’ they met with the right contacts.” 

Success measurement 

Their goal is to help small and large businesses to thrive. Artemova reflected on the plight of the small business owner in the aerospace industry, “If you think of what it is like to be a small business, the number of hats that leadership wears, the pressure of running the business, it is a great duty and privilege to help them.” 

She said that success is measured in the connections made by participants, no matter the size of the company. “I want it to go well for all of the participants that I work with.

It is gratifying once I get the participant’s feedback.” She works hard to ensure that all participants are making quality connections through the one-to-one meetings, meetings that she hopes will lead to new contracts and business for suppliers. “We can help the supply chain and help procurement individuals save time.”

Boeing is a key OEM in the region and Artemova said that it is their job to help navigate the Boeing supply chain. “We break it down for them. It is important to the economy. I have a personal interest in seeing business grow.” She added that their event and staffing is a great resource throughout the year for aerospace manufacturers. 

Specifically, Acis feels that Artemova has been a tremendous resource in the success of attending companies. He said, “I cannot thank Lydie enough for her help, her solutions, and her customer-oriented approach for this first participation of AEC. By doing so, she allowed me to make my week a success. Because of her support, Albany will certainly participate in the next event.” 

Re-engagement year over year can be a testimony to the success of an event. 

Simplicity in booth display 

Seasoned trade show professionals may be used to design-intensive wraparound booths with large format images and videos, logos, branding, and stacks of rack cards and marketing materials. Booth holders at A&DSS can relax. The booth design is much simpler, putting participants on more of a level playing field. 

Artemova said that the booth design is not the key focus, “All of the suppliers have the same size booth.” The attendees can bring marketing materials and pull-up banners, but the expo side of the event is less intensive, as most of the event is focused on the one-to-one meetings and the capabilities of each business. 

Vuong said, “The booth was standard compared to other trade shows; there was a table, two chairs, signage, tablecloth, marketing collateral, spare parts and wire harnesses — we didn’t have pull up banners.” 

He said despite the booth simplicity, he recommends the event. “I would definitely recommend it for anyone in the aerospace and defense industry. 

It is a place for you to meet the right contacts. No company is too big or too small to come to the event (it is) ‘suitable for companies of all sizes.’”

Summary 

The Aerospace and Defense Supplier Summit (A&DSS) offers a unique take on generating new business through event activity. Attendees find that the early vetting of their company, combined with the pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings, makes a difference in their experience. Acis concluded, “BCI events have become a recognized rendezvous of the industry. The attendance of the main players of the industry is usually guaranteed and combining the good organization with their local representative presence of the event, it is always a successful event.” 

Company Contact Information 

BCI Aerospace
Lydie Artemova, project manager USA
(206) 468 0073 (PST)
Lartemova@advbe.com
www.toulouse.bciaerospace.com
www.montreal.bciaerospace.com

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Aerial Honor and Pride https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2022/07/15/aerial-honor-and-pride-the-fairchild-air-force-base-air-show-skyfest-demonstrates-military-pride-and-thankfulness-for-a-supportive-community/ Fri, 15 Jul 2022 16:29:42 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14481 The Fairchild Air Force Base […]

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The Fairchild Air Force Base Air Show “Skyfest” demonstrates military pride and thankfulness for a supportive community. 

Fairchild Air Force Base’s Skyfest 2022 more than doubled their attendance from the last event in 2019 (60,000) to 130,000 guests. The free community event, according to attendee Tara Funderburg who has attended since 2004, is a thrill because of the Thunderbirds or Blue Angels, the sound of the engines rumbling, and the aerobatics performed in the sky. As a fan of Fairchild’s Skyfest, she is also employed at the base as the Wing Commander’s secretary. She comes from a military background as her father was in the Air Force, and then she married into the Air Force as well. Funderburg said she also loves the static displays, especially the B-52s and KC-135, as her father worked on both aircraft in his career. 

The event takes a significant amount of planning, and they offer Skyfest only every other year. For the uninitiated, the event consists of: 

— Featured performers (Thunderbirds, parachuters, fly-bys, aeronautics, fixed wing, and rotor wing aircraft)

— Static displays of older aircraft, and both civilian and military equipment

— A professional air show narrator 

— Vendors (food and merchandise) 

— Open area for seating/standing and free parking for attendees

The 2022 Air Show Director was Lieutenant Colonel Harrison Gipple, a 15-year Air Force veteran. Gipple said he was chosen for the role in fall 2021, and it took about 10 months to plan this year’s event. The event was cancelled in 2021, and the prior event was in 2019. 

With the cancellation, and the replacement show in 2022, the event will now return in 2024. 

Gipple is a KC-135 instructor pilot who flies missions and teaches young co-pilots. He is an air commander and the director of operations for the refueling squadron. In his role, he operates multiple squadrons. 

He has not organized the event in the past, but said, “I was fortunate that my name was brought up.” He indicated that the air show director changes with each air show. 

National Air Force Base Air Show Origins

According to the Fairchild AFB Historian Rebekah Horton, air shows “date back to the early 1900s during a time of rapid innovation in aeronautics. In 1903 after the failure of Samuel P. Langley’s Aerodrome machine, the War Department adopted a policy to only invest in proven aerial weaponry.” The Aero Club of America (1905) and the Fédération Aéronautique

 Internationale combined to, “promote and develop the science of aerial navigation.” (Nalty, 1997, p. 9). 

Pilots were sponsored in exhibitions from balloon racing to other aerial competitions. 

Today there are air shows countrywide throughout the year. The website, www.airshowcenter.com, denotes air shows for 2022 started in February and run through November for a national total of 164 events. The summer months seem to have the most air shows, likely to ensure better conditions; however, you can catch them year around. 

Fairchild Air Force Base Air Show History

The show started in the 1920s as “The National Air and Derby Race.” Spokane became known as an aerial demonstration center even before being named as an air show location. In 2022, Fairchild AFB became active for 80 years. 

Horton, the base historian, shared details regarding the early history: 

“To drum up support and establish arrangements along the race route, Sergeant Raymond A. Carroll and Jack Fancher flew to New York and back in the “Swallow” — an aircraft belonging to Spokane’s legendary aviator, Nicholas B. ‘Nick’ Mamer. During the race events were several races beginning in New York and San Francisco that ended in Spokane. Various classes of aircraft, sponsored by cities and companies throughout the nation, competed for cash prizes and trophies. One of the exciting participants in these pre- and inter-race displays was Army Air Corps Ace Lieutenant James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle. In addition to his official events, Doolittle buzzed downtown Spokane upside down in one of his trademark ‘loops.’ As a result of the 1927 National Air Races, Spokane became known as a leader in our nation for aviation activity and eventually the city became home to Fairchild Air Force Base.”

The Skyfest website, www.fairchildskyfest.com, sums up the importance of this year’s Skyfest. “2022 marks the 80th anniversary of the Spokane Air Depot, now known as Fairchild Air Force Base. 

The base has been an integral part of our nation’s defense strategy from the very beginning — from a World War II repair and supply depot, to a Strategic Air Command bomber, tanker, and missile wing during the Cold War, to an Air Mobility Command Air Refueling Wing fueling the fight and supporting combat operations during numerous contingency operations. Today, Fairchild’s aircraft and personnel make up the backbone of the Air Force’s tanker fleet on the West Coast. It is home to the Air Force’s premier tanker base and Survival Training School.

Over the years, the 92nd and 141st ARW’s have forged an enduring collaboration with the Spokane community. As Team Fairchild continues to meet future challenges, we will preserve the legacy of excellence that began more than 80 years ago, working together as partners with the Spokane community.”

Today’s Air Show 

For Fairchild AFB, safety of the performers and attendees is the number one priority. The Air Show provides highlights for many people. Some love to see the pilots showing off their aerial maneuverability. Others love to see the volume of personnel that maintain the grounds, facility, and aircraft. Still others enjoy the static displays, whether because they had a parent or spouse who worked on one of the aircraft, or because they work on equipment today, such as emergency vehicle equipment, also on display. 

The show’s narrator is an important part of the action. Lt. Colonel Gipple said, “We call them the narrator or announcer; (they) string stories together; give the crowd something to think about or ponder; the narrator helps people understand the history of the performer or the aircraft.” 

He added that the stories are often of an “incredible” nature that are exciting for participants to hear. 

The civilian pilots, said Gipple, are always in training to put together an exciting Air Show. The Air Force or Navy demonstrating teams, he added, are maintaining their combat capabilities day-to-day. For the pilots, he said “It is a chance to show the public what they love to do.” He said that for the greater community, we don’t often get to see what is going on at the Air Force base with the aircraft and/or pilots and staff. 

Captain Ariana Greene has been with the Air Force for 10 years. She was also chosen to plan this year’s Skyfest. She said her role was as “co-ground boss — we ran everything from the ground until it was up in the air.” 

Greene’s pride in the event becomes apparent when she said, “We wanted to show our community and anyone who wants to show up from around the world, that we provide something for all ages to enjoy.” 

She cited the diverse age groups and interests of those who attend — from children, to families of service men and women, to retired veterans and the greater Spokane community from all walks of life — “people from a few months old to 99 years old” are in attendance. 

The big draw Greene said, is “They are coming to see impressive aircraft.” She described the setting as busy with food vendors, memorabilia booths, static displays and local squadrons and vendors from the greater community. 

“Seeing all of your hard work after 10 months is indescribable,” she said, and added that passion for this work is at “an all-time high,” during the Air Show. 

For both Gipple and Greene, their goal is to set up the “next team for success” with a focus on bringing the community out to the base in 2024. They also want to ensure, “Everyone is safe, everyone leaves happy, inspired, and makes a personal connection with Fairchild and those that put on the show.”

Source: Nalty, Bernard C. (1997) Winged Shield, Winged Sword: A History of the United States Air Force. USAF History and Museum Program.

Contact Fairchild Air Force Base 

Fairchild Air Force Base 

1 Bong St., 

Fairchild Air Force Base, WA 99011 

(877) 370-5497
www.fairchild.af.mil

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50 Years of Widebody Freighters (and Their Foremother) https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2022/07/15/50-years-of-widebody-freighters-and-their-foremother/ Fri, 15 Jul 2022 16:25:40 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14478 In 1967, Boeing mechanics just […]

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In 1967, Boeing mechanics just north of Seattle started riveting together an airplane into an iconic form that many now refer to as the ”Queen of the Skies” and a “true lady.” This true lady — the Boeing 747 — celebrated its first flight on February 9, 1969. The team who worked to make the Queen of the Skies a reality was dubbed “The Incredibles.” But I would imagine none of them could have known how truly incredible their achievement would turn out to be. As history unfolded, we learned the 747 contained the power to shrink our world exponentially. 

The 747 was the first commercial airplane capable of long-range travel, and she could reach points anywhere in the world. Not only that, the 747 was the first twin-aisle airplane. As a result, she had double the capacity of any commercial airplane at the time. That fact opened the skies to many, instead of what had previously been reserved for a precious few.

While more people were starting to reach far-flung areas of the world, the 747 would bring the same historic transformation to cargo a few years later.

On March 10, 1972, Boeing delivered the first widebody freighter, a 747-200, to Lufthansa. The delivery marked a new era in cargo shipping. The expanded capability of the 747, with its nose door that could load huge objects, meant that shippers and freight forwarders could deliver more goods faster than shipping by sea or truck. The 747’s capability delivered a monumental boost to air cargo. 

“The ability to ship more goods by air changed global trade overnight,” said Darren Hulst, vice president of commercial marketing. “People around the world could receive goods in days instead of months. 

Boeing freighters played a significant role in that, and they continue to define the art of the possible today in e-commerce and global trade thanks to their efficiency, versatility and our continuous product innovation to support tomorrow’s market needs.”

Later this year, Boeing will deliver its final 747, ending its decades-long production run. And while the nostalgia runs deep, the historic 747 freighter will make way for more modern and fuel-efficient models like the 777 freighter. 

Today, 90 percent of the world’s freighter capacity belongs to Boeing freighters, which fly millions of tons of goods around the globe. And the demand is strong. According to Boeing’s 2021 Commercial Market Outlook, the global freighter fleet (production and conversions) is forecast to grow more than 70 percent from 2019, amounting to 2,610 new freighter deliveries in the next two decades.

The global freighter fleet is forecast to reach 3,435 airplanes by 2040 — including the newest member of the freighter family, the 777-8 Freighter, which is set to deliver in 2027.

While we marvel at all the innovation coming from Boeing freighters today, we know we could not have traveled all these miles, breaking so many barriers, without the first Queen of the Skies forging a smoother flight path for all to follow.  

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A BREATH OF FRESH AIR — Passenger well-being on commercial flights has improved with the invention of AirShield manufactured by Pexco Aerospace https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2022/07/15/a-breath-of-fresh-air/ Fri, 15 Jul 2022 16:21:11 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14472 Commercial flight logistics are many […]

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Commercial flight logistics are many for airline consumers. There is booking and confirming a flight, packing a bag, getting through TSA, and boarding the flight. The last thing you want to think about is flight cleanliness. There should be an expectation, especially following a worldwide pandemic, that the cabin is clean. Pexco Aerospace wants to ensure that, at the very least, the air around you will be protected through its new product, AirShield. 

AirShield was first conceived in early 2020 by Teague, a global design consultancy in Seattle, Washington. 

Since then the idea has been developed and re-engineered by Pexco Aerospace (who now owns the IP) to transform it into a cutting-edge cabin air management technology, capable of enhancing passenger well-being on board single-aisle aircraft. According to Pexco President, Jon Page, “The technology has been developed through Pexco from Teague’s early design.”

But one might ask, “Where did the concept originate?” Page said that one problem that airlines have is selling the middle seat. It is fair to say that most people, when faced with a seat choice, either favor the window or aisle seat. 

But someone must sit in the middle seat. It is tough to sell, and AirShield will bring clean, filtered air to all seats, including the middle seat. Page said its “air knife technology” can fit over the existing gaspers and be easily installed on existing or new aircraft, creating a protective air curtain for each passenger. 

Page cited a personal and relatable example — of being on a commercial flight next to a passenger with body odor, food smells, or bodily functions like coughing or sneezing. These things all occur, but the aim of the product is to mitigate odors and germ transmission. 

Deploying almost 50 years of aerospace engineering and manufacturing expertise, Pexco has spent the last two years developing and fine-tuning the performance of AirShield for both A320 and B737 aircraft — cooperating with the likes of American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines to complete on-wing testing. 

Pexco Aerospace is headquartered in Union Gap, Washington. The company has stood the test of time in the region since 1973, as they were originally founded in Selah, Washington. Pexco has been in its current location for 25 years and formally became Pexco Aerospace in 2015. There are about 100 employees at that location, and Page said most of their employees are long tenured. He feels that they are in a great location for the aerospace industry, being just over two hours south of Seattle. 

One employee, new to Pexco but highly experienced in bringing aerospace products to market, is Boney Mathew, vice president of engineering and quality. Mathew is originally from India and worked in his family business, “a rubber factory,” that dealt in elastomers and plastics, he said. He came to the U.S. at age 19 and became educated in that area and then worked in the automotive industry. He has over 20 patents in the industry and has worked for many companies to bring “blue sky” products like AirShield to market. 

He said, “AirShield works to remove the number of bacteria in the air by more than 75 percent. When people sit on an airline it is important that they have a visual cue to feel safe. When they look up, they can see this unit and it can help them feel calm knowing their well-being is protected.” 

He added that OEMs can white label AirShield to call it what they would like from a marketing perspective. For example, he said that Airbus has a campaign called “Clean Space,” an indicator of an airline working toward cleanliness. 

AirShield is expected to be certified by the FAA in mid-2022 and installations will begin in Q1 2023. Mathew said that the airlines they had already approached had a favorable reaction to AirShield and its passenger benefits. 

He said, “They were very excited because AirShield is very unique — they see a value from a marketing point of view, and health point of view for customers — overall very proactive.” Pexco has planned a marketing rollout throughout North America and Europe in 2022 and beyond. 

Pexco Aerospace has long been recognized as the leading supplier of plastic extrusions and fabrications by Boeing and many other aerospace OEMs. In the words of its website, www.pexcoaerospace.com, it prides itself on providing quality, custom products that meet the most demanding standards. AirShield is its first ”blue sky” innovation to be engineered and developed in-house and is already setting a new standard for cabin well-being technologies in this new era of air travel.

What it takes to bring a new commercial aerospace product to market 

For a company like Pexco Aerospace, it takes a village to bring a new product to market. Here are some key areas of foundation that have helped them to develop and release AirShield. 

Company culture 

Jon Page came to the Yakima area in 2021 to run Pexco Aerospace. He has been impressed by the family-oriented nature of the area. “People tend to look at Washington (within the lens of) Seattle and Spokane, but not central Washington. In Yakima, people grow up here, live here, work here, and people take care of each other,” Page said. In the spring, Page and Pexco employees did a cleanup of their local community. 

But Page said that type of thing is not an anomaly — he indicated that the company employees support each other through many of life’s main events.

“There is a strong bond; relationships have formed, marriages have formed. When someone needs help, people rally around to help them. If someone is moving, 10 people show up with a truck. If there is a loss in the family, there are 50-60 people at the funeral,” he said. 

Page also noted that the cost of living in Yakima/Union Gap is reasonable, and the commutes to work are short. The plant has room to expand in the region and can double in size with 10 available acres. 

Innovation

The company is engaged in sustainability measures, in addition to hygiene-related products like AirShield. Page said that developing products that are anti-microbial, “can make things cleaner from a germ standpoint,” and is something they are working on. They are also interested in removing chemicals from the manufacturing process and want to “make things better for the environment.” Pexco currently manufactures cabin structures, lighting and flooring, trim, and finishing for commercial airlines. 

Page said that his team, “has done a great job,” in making products using new materials for future generations. Even factors such as the working environment — a building with air conditioning to mitigate the heat in central Washington — is “not common” but is done in their facility. 

Leadership 

While both Page and Mathew have experience in the automotive industry, they claim that it is similar to aerospace. Mathew brings deep education and knowledge of polymers to Pexco, as well as his long-term experience of bringing new products to market, having worked with BMW and Chrysler. 

They both also have extensive experience in finance, sales, operations, and plant management roles. 

Ability to deliver 

Bringing AirShield to market is another feather in Pexco’s cap of delivering for the commercial aerospace industry. “Pexco Aerospace (a TransDigm company) is a world-leading manufacturer of aircraft related components and assemblies for commercial aerospace applications. Our highly engineered solutions have been utilized on thousands of programs and critical applications including many of today’s most innovative and groundbreaking programs, including the iconic Boeing 787,” reads a company statement. 

Summary 

Pexco Aerospace, alongside its partner Teague, has developed a new product called AirShield that will reduce the cross-contamination of airborne germs on commercial flights and enhance the inflight experience for all passengers, especially those in economy class. Pexco’s culture, location, leadership, and ability to make aircraft interior innovations a reality are all reasons why AirShield may soon be seen on your next commercial flight. 

AirShield product benefits recognized by Pexco Aerospace 

A press release from the company details key product benefits that passengers and commercial airlines can expect with AirShield: 

Pexco’s AirShield technology reduces shared air particles between neighboring passengers by 76 percent

AirShield more than doubles the rate at which air particles are removed from the cabin

89 percent of passengers feel more comfortable traveling on a plane with Pexco’s AirShield installed

91 percent believe having AirShield installed demonstrates an airline is taking care of them 

Pexco’s AirShield is a finalist in the prestigious Crystal Cabin Awards 2022 which celebrates ground-breaking innovation in the aviation industry. 

Discover more: www.flyairshield.com

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