by Joy Finnegan | Aug 21, 2023 | BUZZ, Innovation
Wauseon Machine, Inc. (WM), a provider of automation solutions, tube forming technologies, precision machining, and fabrication, announces an increase in the capacity and capability of its Aftermarket Services through the formal consolidation of McAlister Design and Automation (MDA) and WM. This merger will streamline the process for customers to receive goods and services such as preventive maintenance, repair, training, support and spare parts for automation equipment.
In 2022, WM acquired MDA to better meet the needs of its customers by broadening its automation capabilities and geographical footprint. Automation technology is the key to industry transformation across verticals, from aerospace and defense to automotive, consumer products, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, off road equipment, to warehousing.
To enhance and accelerate the adoption of automation for its customers, WM’s capabilities span mobile robot platforms, collaborative robots for human-robot teaming, and a range of other cutting-edge technologies. These forms of ‘flexible automation’ allow organizations to accommodate changes and repurpose automation solutions to fit ever-changing needs.
The wide-ranging benefits of flexible manufacturing include augment current labor force, maximized capacity utilization, and improved quality and accuracy. Organizations will also find that safety and ergonomics improve with flexible automation, while also allowing them to create jobs and minimize reliance on global outsourcing. Ultimately, the adoption of flexible automation also significantly increases profitability.
by Joy Finnegan | Jun 6, 2023 | BUZZ
Artificial intelligence (AI) used in language model-based forms like ChatGPT and others as well as other forms of AI such as computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), data analytics, simulation, robotics and automation is here. Are you ready for it? Because it is ready to help you — the collective you of aviation and aerospace.
Let’s look at some of the ways AI will help and change business for the better. First, AI will provide smarter automation. AI can automate routine and repetitive tasks across industries, freeing up human workers to focus on more complex and creative endeavors. This can lead to increased productivity, cost savings and the development of new job roles that require human ingenuity, rather than those repetitive, time-consuming tasks that take up so much of each day.
AI can analyze vast amounts of data to gain insights into user preferences and behavior. This enables the delivery of personalized recommendations, tailored content, and targeted advertisements. Users can benefit from more relevant and engaging experiences across various platforms and services. More on this in a bit.
AI can optimize logistics and supply chain management, leading to more streamlined operations. With all the supply chain drama of the last several years, this is desperately needed.
In aviation and aerospace, AI will be used to improve aviation safety by analyzing large amounts of data, including flight data, maintenance records and weather patterns. Machine learning algorithms can identify potential safety risks, predict maintenance needs and optimize flight routes.
Additionally, AI can assist in detecting anomalies and potential security threats, enhancing airport security measures.
AI will be used to optimize air traffic management by analyzing real-time data on weather, airspace congestion and aircraft trajectories assisting with the long-desired, but difficult to achieve, trajectory based operations. AI algorithms will help optimize flight paths, reduce delays and improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, AI will assist air traffic controllers in managing complex airspace operations, improving overall safety and efficiency.
AI is set to revolutionize aircraft maintenance by enabling another much-discussed dream: predictive analytics. Machine learning algorithms can and are already analyzing sensor data from aircraft systems to detect anomalies and predict equipment failures. This will allow for proactive maintenance, reducing unscheduled downtime and improving operational efficiency, a goal for the maintenance industry for years.
AI-powered systems will assist pilots by providing real-time data analysis, decision support and automation of routine tasks. For example, AI algorithms can analyze weather conditions, flight parameters and aircraft performance to provide pilots with optimized flight plans and in-flight guidance. This can enhance situational awareness and decision-making capabilities.
AI can be used in the design and optimization of aircraft and spacecraft. Machine learning algorithms can help in the analysis of complex aerodynamic models, structural optimization and the exploration of novel designs. AI can assist engineers in creating more fuel-efficient and lightweight aircraft, leading to reduced emissions and improved performance.
And let’s not forget the most rapidly changing sector of aviation right now: urban air mobility. AI is playing a crucial role in the development of autonomous systems for aviation. AI is enabling these systems to navigate, sense their surroundings and make decisions without human intervention.
AI is being applied to ATC and airport systems, with the hope to enhance many tasks from training to operations. Airports are using AI and big data to optimize all sorts of processes across a full range of operations. One example is the “digital tower”, which harnesses the power of air traffic management (ATM) data and AI to enhance resilience, capacity and efficiency. One company, Searidge, has a digital tower product that is already being used in places like Singapore, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Searidge says it has been pioneering the use of artificial intelligence in the industry for several years with its vision processing/remote tower technology. According to its website, Aimee is Searidge Technologies’ advanced neural network framework for the development of AI-based solutions for ATC and airport efficiency. That company says, “Aimee has been developed to greatly simplify the configuration and training of neural networks with large and complex data sets; to allow the continuous evaluation and testing of output, and most importantly, to predict and certify performance within a safety critical context.”
The rise of AI products also brings ethical and regulatory considerations. As AI becomes more prevalent, it is crucial to address concerns such as privacy, data security, bias and accountability. Ensuring responsible development and deployment of AI technologies will be essential in shaping the future impact of AI on society.
I should note here that AI is not anywhere near perfect, yet. I think back to the subtle but scheming HAL computer in 2001: A Space Odyssey, a foreshadowing of today’s AI, and how, due to a glitch began killing humans aboard the spaceship they shared. While that is a fantastical scenario, here is a more recent and relevant one.
A lawsuit was filed by a passenger who claimed to have been injured by a drink cart on a flight on Avianca Airlines. The passenger’s lawyers asked the court to throw out the airline’s defense because it contained references to precedented cases that, upon their research of them, proved to be non-existent. How did this happen? The attorney for the airline admitted to using ChatGPT to conduct his legal research. He even asked ChatGPT if the cases referenced in its response were real, to which it replied that they were real. ChatGPT had made up the cases it referenced.
FYI, ChatGPT wrote about 90% of this piece. Send me a note if you spot any inaccuracies or made-up cases and I’ll write about that myself in the next issue.
by Joy Finnegan | May 15, 2023 | BUZZ
HEICO announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Wencor for $1.9 billion in cash and $150 million in HEICO Class A Common Stock.
The transaction is purported to be HEICO’s largest purchase, as well as revenues and income acquired. Reports say Wencor will become part of HEICO’s Flight Support Group.
Wencor was founded in 1955 and is a large commercial and military aircraft maker of FAA-approved aircraft replacement parts, distributor of high-use commercial and military aftermarket parts and a provider of aircraft and engine accessory component repair and overhaul services.
Wencor is based in Peachtree City, Georgia and provides its parts and services internationally, employing approximately 1,000 people in 19 facilities around the United States. HEICO currently employs approximately 9,000 Team Members at over 100 facilities worldwide. Wencor’s customers include airlines worldwide, aircraft maintenance repair and overhaul companies, military agencies and defense contractors.
Wencor’s parts and repairs are found in hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic and electro-mechanical, cockpit and galley systems throughout numerous aircraft models.
HEICO said it anticipates that Wencor will generate approximately $724 million and $153 million in revenues and EBITDA in calendar year 2023. HEICO stated that its Flight Support Group “will achieve meaningful synergies from the acquisition.”
“Our Flight Support Group has for decades provided high-quality and reliable cost-saving products and services to the commercial aircraft and defense aftermarkets,” said Laurans A. Mendelson, HEICO’s chairman and CEO, together with Eric A. Mendelson, HEICO’s co-president and CEO of its Flight Support Group. “The Wencor acquisition materially expands HEICO’s aftermarket product offerings, enabling the combined company to offer even greater savings and capabilities to its customers, while expanding our new products and services development capacity. Wencor is a perfect and highly complementary fit with HEICO. Importantly, we look forward to welcoming Wencor’s Team Members to the HEICO family and to working with Wencor’s talented leadership team led by Shawn Trogdon, who will continue to lead the business.”
Shawn Trogdon, Wencor’s CEO, added, “I am excited about the opportunity to combine HEICO and Wencor’s impressive teams who share the same culture and commitment to our customers, suppliers and employees. The unmatched combination will further accelerate growth, innovation, and development of highly reliable cost-saving solutions for our customers. I am proud of our team’s achievements to date and look forward to continuing our journey of growth with HEICO. I want to thank the Warburg Pincus team for their support and partnership that has helped enable our success.”
The parties say they anticipate transaction to be closed by the end of calendar 2023.
by Joy Finnegan | Apr 12, 2023 | BUZZ
Jamco Corporation will be exhibiting at AIX 2023 from June 6-8, 2013, in Hamburg, Germany, stand 6A110. On display at the Jamco stand will be its award winning “Quest for Elegance” staggered business class seat and Venture reverse herringbone business class seat. Visitors to the stand can also learn about Jamco’s vision for a cabin of the future and participate in a virtual reality experience.
Jamco’s “Quest for Elegance” staggered business class seat concept meets the demand for an inventive, spacious seat for high density business class interior cabins without compromising comfort. Featuring a new patented angled tilt monitor and an industrial design focused on providing an elegant premium hotel in the sky while maintaining competitive density, the Quest seat maximizes the passenger experience. Jamco’s Quest seat was awarded the iF DESIGN AWARD 2022, one of the most prestigious international design awards.
Jamco’s Venture reverse herringbone business class seat was designed with sustainability and comfort in mind, while minimizing operational costs for airlines. The Venture Seat is made with a high amount of recycled material, is lighter than traditional seats, is easy to install and requires less overall maintenance.
Jamco will be unveiling a video of its cabin of the future at AIX 2023. Visitors to Jamco stand 6A100, will be able to participate in a virtual reality experience of Jamco’s next generation galley and lavatory.
by Joy Finnegan | Apr 11, 2023 | BUZZ
Airbus plans to recruit more than 800 employees in the U.S. in 2023, including more than 500 to fill new positions, reflecting the growth of its U.S.-based operations across its Commercial Aircraft, U.S. Space & Defense and Helicopters operations.
“Airbus’ story is one of continued growth in America. After recruiting more than 1,500 employees in 2022, we are maintaining our momentum and hiring at least another 800 across the country in 2023,” said C. Jeffrey Knittel, president and CEO of Airbus Americas. “We are growing a diverse and talented team of individuals dedicated to designing and building the future of sustainable aerospace.”
Airbus has been a part of the U.S. aerospace community for more than 50 years. This new growth contributes to Airbus’ plan to hire 13,000 employees worldwide in 2023. With Airbus Canada’s announcement that it will hire more than 800 employees in 2023, the total growth in North America comes to more than 1,600.
Recruitment needs in the U.S. are varied. Roles include engineering, IT, procurement, and quality, as well as production and support team members for its A320/A220 manufacturing facilities in Mobile, Alabama, and Airbus Helicopters facilities in Texas and Mississippi among others. In addition, competencies are needed to support the company’s long-term projects and ambitions, particularly in the areas of decarbonization of the industry, such as those linked to the development of hydrogen aircraft, and on digital transformation and cyber-technology.
Approximately two-thirds of the jobs will support the company’s rapidly expanding Commercial Aircraft production activities, with the remaining third primarily supporting Airbus Helicopters and Airbus U.S. Space & Defense.
Airbus was recently awarded the “Top Employers” certification in the U.S. by the Top Employers Institute, an independent global authority that recognizes excellence in people management and human resources policies.
The company said it will allocate one-third of its positions to young graduates and early-career professionals, and will maintain its goal to increase the number of female new hires and promotions.
“Airbus has so many opportunities for everyone who has the skill, talent and drive to be an aviation professional, and we genuinely care for our people with various programs dedicated to develop our employees, promote safety and well-being, and foster diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Caroline Jecko-Parkes, Head of HR for Airbus Americas.
In the U.S., more than 4,600 people currently work at 35+ Airbus and subsidiary sites and offices across 13 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, Airbus annually spends nearly $15 billion with more than 2,000 U.S.-based suppliers in more than 40 states, supporting a further 275,000 American jobs.
Airbus offers some of the most competitive working conditions on the market, including numerous benefits and flexible working arrangements based on job requirements.
To learn more about opportunities at Airbus in the U.S., potential candidates may visit the Airbus job platform at https://airbusgroup.applicantpro.com/jobsbyorganization/, where nearly 200 positions are currently posted.
by Joy Finnegan | Mar 8, 2023 | BUZZ
Model-based AI company Aerogility is building on its ambitious growth plans with the appointment of Matthew Tootle as Senior Business Analyst.
Tootle brings significant defense experience to the role, having spent more than 16 years at British security and aerospace company BAE Systems, working his way up from an apprentice through to manufacturing, procurement and support engineering roles. His last role at BAE Systems was a program engineering manager, where he was responsible for the integration and delivery of the support engineering products for a Middle East customer.
As Aerogility expands its worldwide customer base, particularly across the USA, Tootle will be tasked with business development and project delivery, working alongside the product team and customers to identify opportunities to enhance the Aerogility model further.
“Matthew has a wealth of international experience that will be of real benefit to us at Aerogility,” said Gary Vickers, CEO, Aerogility. “He has an extensive track record when it comes to building relationships with clients, understanding complex problems and working to find solutions. We’re looking forward to his support as we expand on our efforts to help clients take strategic decisions confidently by harnessing the power of AI.”
Tootle says: “Aerogility’s digital twin capabilities are as exciting as the plans for the business, which is why it was clear to me that it was the perfect place to take my next step. My initial project will see me work across the UK and USA markets, delivering the team’s innovative model-based AI solution to enable customers to better operate, sustain and optimize platforms, services and infrastructure.”
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