MRO & Manufacturing
SKYTRAC and Airbus Launch Real-Time Helionix Helicopter Alerts
SKYTRAC and Airbus Helicopters introduce real-time Helionix alerting for enhanced helicopter safety and predictive maintenance.
In the high-stakes world of aviation, particularly in helicopter operations, information is more than just data, it’s a critical lifeline. For decades, the standard has been to analyze an aircraft’s health after it has landed, downloading flight data to look for signs of stress or potential component failure. This reactive approach, while valuable, leaves a gap where critical events can unfold in real-time without ground crews being aware. The industry has been steadily moving towards a more proactive, connected model, where the aircraft communicates its status moment-by-moment, transforming safety protocols and operational efficiency.
This evolution takes a significant leap forward with the announcement of a new collaboration between SKYTRAC Systems Ltd. and Airbus Helicopters. The two aviation leaders have introduced a real-time alerting solution for helicopters equipped with the advanced Helionix avionics suite. This system is not just an incremental update; it represents a fundamental shift in how operators manage their fleets. By streaming critical health and usage data directly from the helicopter to ground personnel in real-time, the solution provides unprecedented situational awareness, enabling immediate decision-making and paving the way for a new standard in predictive maintenance.
The partnership leverages SKYTRAC’s expertise in satellite communications and Airbus’s cutting-edge avionics to address pressing industry needs. Initially driven by the stringent safety requirements of the offshore oil and gas sector, the benefits of this technology extend across all helicopter missions, including Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), search and rescue, and corporate transport. It’s a move that promises to enhance safety, ensure compliance, and optimize the availability of some of the world’s most advanced rotorcraft.
At its core, the new system is a seamless integration of hardware and software designed to bridge the information gap between the cockpit and the operational base. It combines the sophisticated data-gathering capabilities of the Airbus Helionix avionics suite with the robust, global connectivity of SKYTRAC’s satellite communication hardware. This synergy creates a direct pipeline for critical aircraft information, ensuring that those on the ground have the same level of insight as the pilots, as events happen.
The technical foundation of the solution is the integration of SKYTRAC’s ISAT-200A hardware with the Helionix system. The Helionix suite, a digital cockpit environment, constantly monitors a vast array of aircraft parameters. The ISAT-200A, a compact and powerful satellite transceiver, captures this data and transmits it in real-time over the Iridium satellite network. This choice of network is crucial, as Iridium’s Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) constellation provides true global coverage, including polar regions, and its L-band frequencies are highly resilient to adverse weather, ensuring reliable connectivity even in the remote and harsh environments where helicopters often operate.
Operators can now receive immediate alerts for a range of critical events. This includes Usage Monitoring System (UMS) exceedances, which indicate when an aircraft component has been subjected to stress beyond its designed limits. Other key alerts cover One Engine Inoperative (OEI) events, low fuel levels, caution panel warnings, and chip detection, which can signal early gearbox issues. Alongside these health alerts, the system continuously transmits the helicopter’s position, speed, and altitude, providing a complete operational picture at all times. For non-urgent data, the system also offers the option of post-flight offloading over cellular networks, providing a cost-effective way to manage large data logs.
This advanced alerting solution is being offered as a line-fit, factory-installed option on new orders of several of Airbus’s most popular helicopter models. The list includes the H135, H145, H160, and H175 rotorcraft. By integrating the system during manufacturing, Airbus ensures a seamless and certified installation, ready for operation upon delivery. This forward-looking approach highlights a commitment to building a new generation of helicopters that are connected and data-rich from day one, setting a new baseline for industry safety and efficiency standards.
“We are excited to be able to announce the availability of this solution in partnership with Airbus and highlight how we are committed to providing solutions that benefit the safety of air transport operators in the oil and gas industry and beyond.” – Rodrigo Lima, Director of Business Development, SKYTRAC
The development of this real-time alerting solution was not just a technological exercise; it was driven by clear and compelling industry demands. The primary catalyst is the need for helicopter operators, especially in the offshore oil and gas sector, to comply with increasingly rigorous safety standards. However, the implications of real-time data go far beyond mere compliance, fundamentally reshaping maintenance philosophies and enhancing safety for all types of missions. For operators supporting the oil and gas industry, the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) Report 690 is a critical document. It outlines a set of recommended practices for offshore helicopter operations, serving as a contractual standard for safety and efficiency. A key component of these recommendations involves Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) to ensure the mechanical integrity of the aircraft. The ability to transmit HUMS and UMS data in real-time is a powerful tool for meeting and exceeding these standards. By providing immediate notification of exceedances, the SKYTRAC-Airbus solution allows operators to demonstrate proactive safety management and maintain compliance with the industry’s highest benchmarks.
Traditionally, HUMS data was downloaded and analyzed after a flight, a process that could take hours or even days. This meant that a potential issue might not be discovered until long after the aircraft was back in service. Real-time data transmission flips this model on its head. Ground crews can be alerted to a potential fault while the helicopter is still airborne, allowing them to prepare for maintenance the moment it lands. This proactive approach, known as condition-based maintenance, offers numerous advantages. It enables the early detection of faults, reducing the risk of in-flight failures. It also optimizes maintenance schedules, as work is performed when needed rather than at fixed intervals, which in turn reduces downtime and increases aircraft availability.
This shift from a reactive to a predictive maintenance culture is one of the most significant transformations in modern aviation. It not only enhances safety but also improves operational efficiency and the bottom line. By anticipating maintenance needs, operators can better manage parts inventory, schedule technicians, and keep their high-value assets flying more often. The real-time alerting solution is a key enabler of this evolution, providing the timely data needed to make informed, proactive decisions.
The collaboration between SKYTRAC and Airbus Helicopters on the real-time Helionix alerting solution is more than just a new product launch; it is a clear indicator of the future direction of the aviation industry. It demonstrates a powerful convergence of advanced avionics, global satellite connectivity, and data analytics to create a safer, more efficient operational environment. By providing immediate insight into an aircraft’s health and status, this technology empowers operators to move beyond traditional, reactive safety measures and embrace a proactive, data-driven approach.
As this technology becomes more widespread, we can expect to see its impact ripple across the entire aviation ecosystem. The principles of real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, proven here in the demanding world of helicopter operations, will continue to be adopted in other aviation sectors. This move towards hyper-connectivity is not just about enhancing safety; it’s about building a more resilient, reliable, and intelligent global air transport system. The future of aviation is one where every aircraft is a connected node in a vast information network, and this partnership is a significant step toward realizing that vision.
Question: What is the new solution announced by SKYTRAC and Airbus Helicopters? Question: Which helicopter models are compatible with this solution? Question: Why is this technology particularly important for the oil and gas industry? Question: How does this system improve helicopter maintenance? Sources: SKYTRAC Pressroom
A New Era of Helicopters Safety: SKYTRAC and Airbus Unveil Real-Time Helionix Alerting
The Solution in Detail: How It Works
From Onboard Systems to Global Transmission
Availability Across Modern Airbus Fleets
The Driving Force: Compliance, Safety, and Proactive Maintenance
Meeting the Gold Standard: IOGP 690
The Dawn of Predictive Maintenance
Conclusion: A Connected Future for Aviation
FAQ
Answer: It is a real-time alerting solution for helicopters equipped with the Helionix avionics suite. The system uses SKYTRAC’s satellite communication hardware to transmit critical flight data and health alerts from the helicopter to ground crews instantly.
Answer: The solution is available as a factory-installed option on new Airbus H135, H145, H160, and H175 helicopters.
Answer: It helps operators comply with the stringent IOGP 690 standards for offshore helicopter operations, which recommend advanced health and usage monitoring. Real-time data transmission provides a powerful tool for proactive safety management required in this sector.
Answer: By providing real-time alerts on potential issues, it enables a shift from reactive to proactive, condition-based maintenance. Ground crews can prepare for repairs before the aircraft even lands, which reduces downtime, optimizes schedules, and enhances overall safety by catching potential faults early.
Photo Credit: SKYTRAC
MRO & Manufacturing
RTX Boosts PCB Production with AI Quality Control in Puerto Rico
RTX integrates AI inspection at its Puerto Rico facility, increasing PCB output by 14% and halving defects while reducing inspection time.
On February 10, 2026, RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) announced a significant leap in manufacturing efficiency at its Collins Aerospace facility in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico. The aerospace giant has successfully integrated artificial intelligence into its quality control processes, specifically targeting the production of printed circuit boards (PCBs). According to the company, this initiative has resulted in double-digit increases in production output and a substantial reduction in defect rates.
The Santa Isabel facility, now designated as a “lighthouse” site for RTX’s global operations, serves as a proving ground for digital technologies. By implementing AI-enabled automated optical inspection (AOI) systems, the factory aims to overcome the inherent limitations of human inspection when dealing with the microscopic complexity of modern aviation electronics.
Printed circuit boards are the nervous system of modern aircraft, controlling everything from navigation to engine performance. A single board, often no larger than a standard sheet of paper, contains thousands of minute components. Ensuring 100 percent compliance with strict aviation standards is a monumental task for human inspectors.
Jorge Vazquez, the site leader at the Collins Aerospace facility in Santa Isabel, highlighted the difficulty of manual verification in the company’s announcement:
“Imagine ensuring 100 percent compliance with standards, on thousands of components. It’s almost impossible for the human eye alone.”
Jorge Vazquez, Site Leader, Collins Aerospace Santa Isabel
To address this, the facility has deployed computer vision systems that scan boards with speed and accuracy that exceed human capabilities. RTX reports that the AI system acts as a “tireless quality control expert,” identifying missing, misaligned, or incorrect components instantly.
The integration of these digital tools has yielded measurable operational improvements. According to data released by RTX, the Santa Isabel facility has recorded the following metrics since the implementation of the new systems: The advancements in Puerto Rico are part of RTX’s broader “Connected Factory” initiative. This strategy involves linking systems, machinery, and products via a proprietary data platform to identify bottlenecks across the company’s global footprint. The Santa Isabel site previously introduced a “Smart Line” in 2019, a fully automated production line that laid the groundwork for the current AI integration.
Beyond optical inspection, the facility is currently rolling out Real-Time Location Services (RTLS). This technology functions similarly to consumer tracking devices, such as AirTags. By attaching tags to individual circuit boards, factory managers can monitor the flow of materials through the production line in real-time.
This system eliminates the need for manual scanning, which RTX notes is often slow and prone to error. The data gathered allows for immediate workflow adjustments, further streamlining the manufacturing process.
The designation of the Puerto Rico facility as a “lighthouse” site suggests that RTX intends to standardize these AI-driven methodologies across its global manufacturing network. In the high-stakes aerospace sector, where supply chain delays can ground fleets, the ability to reduce inspection time by 66% (from 30 to 10 minutes) represents a critical competitive advantage.
Furthermore, the shift toward AI-assisted inspection addresses a common industry challenge: the cognitive fatigue associated with repetitive, high-precision tasks. By offloading the visual scanning to computer vision algorithms, human operators are freed to focus on complex problem-solving and process improvement, a shift that aligns with the broader Industry 4.0 trend of augmenting rather than replacing the skilled workforce.
RTX Deploys AI Quality Control in Puerto Rico, Boosting Output and Precision
The Challenge of Microscopic Precision
Operational Impact by the Numbers
The “Connected Factory” and Future Tech
Real-Time Location Services
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: RTX
MRO & Manufacturing
Ryanair Shifts to In-House Engine Maintenance in Multi-Billion Dollar Deal
Ryanair partners with CFM International to transition engine maintenance in-house, building two MRO facilities in Europe by 2029 to support fleet growth.
This article is based on an official press release from Ryanair Corporate News and Safran Group.
Ryanair has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CFM International, marking a significant structural change in how Europe’s largest airline manages its fleet operations. Announced on February 10, 2026, the agreement outlines a transition from a fully outsourced maintenance model to an in-house program covering approximately 2,000 engines.
According to the official announcement, the deal is a multi-year engine material services agreement. While CFM International, a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, will continue to provide maintenance services through 2029, Ryanair will subsequently take over these duties. Once the airline assumes full responsibility for maintenance, the purchase of spare parts and technical support is expected to generate over $1 billion annually for CFM.
The core of this agreement is Ryanair’s move toward vertical integration. Currently, the airline utilizes a “power-by-the-hour” contract where maintenance is outsourced. Under the new terms, Ryanair plans to construct two dedicated engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) shops in Europe to service its fleet of CFM56-7B and LEAP-1B engines.
The airline is currently evaluating five potential locations for these new facilities: Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Baltic states, and Northern Ireland. The operational timeline provided in the announcement targets the opening of the first facility by the end of 2028, with the second following in 2029. These facilities are projected to create significant employment opportunities, with approximately 600 highly skilled roles expected at each site.
In a statement regarding the strategic pivot, Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary emphasized the operational benefits of the move:
“For the last 30 years, CFM has been maintaining all of Ryanair’s CFM56 engines under a long-term ‘power by the hour’ contract. However, from 2029 onwards, Ryanair expects to bring the maintenance of its engines ‘in-house’, and we are pleased to do so with the help and support of our partner CFM.”
This agreement is designed to support Ryanair’s aggressive growth trajectory. The airline currently operates a fleet of over 600 aircraft, which is projected to grow to 800 by 2034. The maintenance agreement covers the entirety of this fleet, including the Boeing 737 Next-Generation (NG) and the Boeing 737 MAX “Gamechanger” aircraft.
Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, noted the scale of the partnership in the press release: “Ryanair is our largest airline customer… We are committed to support the airline, supplying spares to help Ryanair service its engines.”
This move represents a classic maturation step for an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) of Ryanair’s scale. By moving engine maintenance in-house, Ryanair reduces its exposure to external MRO slot constraints and third-party pricing fluctuations. While the upfront capital investment to build two MRO facilities is substantial, the long-term control over turnaround times and technical quality aligns with Ryanair’s obsession with operational efficiency and cost reduction. Furthermore, securing a direct supply line for parts with CFM ensures that despite “insourcing” the labor, the airline maintains a direct link to the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for critical components.
Ryanair Announces Strategic Shift to In-House Engine Maintenance in Multi-Billion Dollar Deal with CFM
Vertical Integration and New Facilities
Supporting Fleet Expansion
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Ryanair
MRO & Manufacturing
Garmin Expands Flight Testing Facility at Mesa Gateway Airport
Garmin acquires a 75,000 sq ft facility at Mesa Gateway Airport to enhance flight testing and certification for advanced avionics systems.
This article is based on an official press release from Garmin.
Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) has announced the acquisition of a significant hangar and office complex at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (KIWA) in Mesa, Arizona. The move, confirmed on February 10, 2026, represents a strategic expansion of the company’s flight testing and aircraft Certification capabilities.
According to the company’s official statement, the new facility will serve as a dedicated hub for its flight test organizations. By securing this infrastructure, Garmin aims to support the rigorous testing required for airworthiness approvals of its growing portfolio of avionics systems. The expansion complements the company’s existing flight operations in Kansas and Oregon while leveraging its long-standing engineering presence in the Greater Phoenix area.
The newly acquired complex encompasses approximately 75,000 square feet of space, consisting of two adjacent hangars and attached office facilities. Garmin states that the location is designed to accommodate roughly 75 associates, including flight test pilots, certification engineers, and technical support staff.
Phil Straub, Garmin’s Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Aviation, highlighted the importance of the expansion in the press release:
“This new facility at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport provides us with the dedicated capacity needed to conduct year-round flight testing and certification activities, ensuring we can continue to deliver innovative avionics solutions to the market.”
The facility will focus primarily on the testing of complex systems, such as the recently launched G5000 PRIME integrated flight deck and Autoland technologies. The infrastructure at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, specifically its three parallel runways, two of which exceed 10,000 feet, allows Garmin to test a wide variety of aircraft, ranging from light piston planes to large business jets.
Garmin’s decision to expand in Mesa is driven by both environmental and logistical factors. The region’s generally clear weather allows for consistent flight schedules with minimal disruption, a critical advantage over locations subject to harsher winter conditions. Furthermore, the new hangar is situated near Garmin’s existing engineering hubs in Chandler and Scottsdale, fostering closer collaboration between flight test engineers and the software and hardware teams developing the technology.
This acquisition underscores a broader trend identified by industry observers, often described as the “Apple of Aviation” strategy. As noted by outlets such as The Air Current, Garmin is increasingly moving toward a fully integrated ecosystem that combines hardware, software, and services. We observe that as Garmin introduces more dynamic services, such as the recently launched SmartCharts, and highly integrated flight decks, the burden of certification increases. Owning a dedicated facility in a weather-stable region allows the company to accelerate the certification hours required by the FAA, reducing bottlenecks in bringing these complex integrated products to market. This infrastructure investment signals long-term confidence in the business aviation sector, aligning with the company’s reported aviation revenue growth of 14-18% in late 2025.
The acquisition places Garmin among a high-profile list of tenants at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The location has become a magnet for aerospace and industrial expansion, recently attracting major players such as Gulfstream Aerospace and Virgin Galactic.
According to local economic data, the airport is evolving into a premier hub for the industry. Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman has publicly promoted the city as an “international magnet for business,” citing the arrival of advanced Manufacturing and logistics firms. Garmin’s investment reinforces this status, adding high-skill roles to the local economy and strengthening the region’s aerospace ecosystem.
Sources: PR Newswire (Garmin Press Release), The Air Current, Garmin Investor Relations
Garmin Expands Aviation Footprint with New Mesa Gateway Airports Facility
Facility Specifications and Capabilities
Strategic Rationale and Regional Impact
AirPro News Analysis
Mesa’s Growing Aerospace Cluster
Photo Credit: Garmin
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