1. Fiber Optics Manufacturer: Luna Innovations Applications: Luna Innovations' Optical Distributed Sensor Interrogator (ODiSI) can be used in composite manufacturing for load, fatigue and mechanical testing. Specifications: ODiSI uses fiber-optic sensors with thousands of sensing points per fiber to more easily detect defects in composite structures. www.lunainnovations.com

What links the following statements (besides all being subjects covered in this issue)? •British Airways plans to receive its first Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 in 2013 (page MRO18). •Air France KLM Engineering & Maintenance's new engine test cell at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport accommodates big engines such as the GE90 (page MRO32).

Franck Terner discussed strategies in Paris before Aviation Week's MRO Europe conference and exhibition in Amsterdam.

1. Rapid Repair Manufacturer: Lufthansa Technik Applications: Lufthansa Technik's Rapid Repair process partially automates the repair of damaged carbon composite airframe components and speeds the repair process by up to 60% as compared with manual repairs.

BA Engineering preps for 787 and A380s, seeks synergies with Iberia

1. Spicing It Up Manufacturer: Airbus Applications: Airbus's Space Innovative Catering Equipment (Spice) should be available for aircraft deliveries in the early 2020s. Specifications: The system includes foldable service carts and has a weight savings of 400-600 kg (881-1,322 lb.). www.airbus.com/innovation/well-being/inside/spice/ Link 610

In the arcane world of airline technical services purchasing, the dynamics are changing along with the economics of the industry.

When Arinc developed the Acars (aircraft communications addressing and reporting system) model in the late 1970s, the goal initially was relatively straightforward: Create a type of time stamp for aircraft taking off and returning to the hangar, says Dan Pendergast, Arinc's international division senior director.