FL Technics received a design organization approval from EASA to design and approve minor changes and repairs to aircraft interiors, as well as changes to avionics and structures. In addition, the MRO is adding new line maintenance stations in Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh, Malta, Russia and Poland that planned to start operations between mid-April and the beginning of June.

Bombardier inaugurated a new Shanghai office for its commercial aircraft teams working with the Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China.

Cargo traffic tumbles, some cargo conversion lines stumble, but cargo maintenance and conversion shops press on.

Airlines in the booming Asia-Pacific market, are becoming far more aware of life-cycle costs and are seeking more flight-hour-based, comprehensive solutions, extending to spares accessibility and obsolescence management. “The more mature carriers are starting to understand that back shops are not delivering a high-value proposition, and are moving toward outsourcing,” says Bob Still, general manager of operations for Rockwell Collins Melbourne (Australia) Service Center.

These Crystal Cabin Award finalists made waves at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg for innovations that enhance passenger experience. Here is a sampling. 1. Silver Lining

STS Component Solutions opened a new U.K. office to develop business in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Air Canada will consider an international maintenance, repair and overhaul provider as a permanent replacement for Aveos Fleet Performance.

Republic Airways Holdings says it needs to attain $40-60 million in annual cost savings and productivity improvements at its Chautauqua Airlines subsidiary to make its 50-seat regional jet (RJ) operations profitable.