Harmonization of aviation regulations bring increased efficiency for the industry as a whole. It also means increased scrutiny from foreign governments. Case in point: The European Aviation Safety Agency's (EASA) prominent place in a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on composite airplane safety, released to the public just days before All Nippon Airways put the Boeing 787 into service.

Volant Aerospace reissued STC to modify aircraft main cabin by installing a standard passenger interior configuration on Boeing DC -9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83) and MD-88 aircraft, STC ST03005CH

Wencor Group has acquired Aerospace Coatings International, a repair station that holds FAA and EASA certifications as well as ISO 9001:2008. It specializes in hydraulic, pneumatic and landing gear piece parts. Facilities

328 Support Services 328-100 and various ATR 42 and 72 models STCs ST03930AT, ST00732DE and ST03932AT

I participated in a recent executive roundtable developed by Aviation Week, hosted by Boeing, and led by United Airlines' SVP Technical Operations Jim Keenan. The theme was “One Step Closer to Data Harmonization.” Participants seemed to intuitively understand that if we as an industry did a better job of data harmonization and data sharing, many of our processes would operate more efficiently, faster and at lower cost. But a couple of common themes emerged: How can we do a better job of quantifying the ROI, and how can we get more buy in from all stakeholders?

Aeromexico plans to add three more lines to the four currently available at its Guadalajara, Mexico, maintenance facility as it prepares to expand MRO operations under its joint venture with Delta Air Lines. The expansion will be completed in the third quarter of 2012 and the facility should be “fully functional” by the end of next year, Aeromexico's CEO Andres Conesa told Aviation Week during the carrier's third quarter results conference call. Total investment, he added, will amount to $30-35 million.

Germanwings will save costs and streamline technical services for its 30 Airbus A319 aircraft by bundling many aftermarket support functions under one provider and one fleet manager. By increasing its strategic cooperation with Lufthansa Technik through a mid- to long-term approach, Germanwings integrates individual contracts for airframe MRO, engineering, engine maintenance, landing gear and component services. The MRO also stations a dedicated fleet manager at the airline's Cologne headquarters to be the single point of contact for all operational issues.

Turkish Technic has signed a base maintenance services agreement with Pegasus Airlines for one Boeing 737-800 C check. Maintenance for the check will be done at the MRO's Istanbul facilities this year. Engines