David J. Spanovich

6 days ago | aviationweek.com | Paul Seidenman |David J. Spanovich

Touch-free systems have become more common in aircraft lavatories since the COVID-19 pandemic. Cabin interior designers and OEMs are turning more of their attention to the lavatory. Accessibility, hygiene, space optimization and predictive maintenance are some of the features in focus. “The OEMs are especially looking at accessibility on narrowbody lavatories,” says Gary Weissel, managing...

1 week ago | aviationweek.com | Paul Seidenman |David J. Spanovich

Most U.S.-registered aircraft will soon need to be equipped with cockpit voice recorders that can record for a minimum of 25 hours, up from the current requirement for minimum recording capacity of two hours. Last year’s FAA mandate—signed into law May 16, 2024 as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024—is aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization and European Union Aviation Safety Agency regulations.

1 month ago | aviationweek.com | Paul Seidenman |David J. Spanovich

Features associated with business class are making their way into premium economy seats, such as more sophisticated recline mechanisms. More airlines are offering premium economy seats as an affordable upgrade from those in the typical economy cabin. About 50 airlines are offering a true premium economy service, “something more than just extra legroom or a blocked middle seat,” says Adam Guthorn, managing director of the Alton...

2 months ago | aviationweek.com | Paul Seidenman |David J. Spanovich

When considering a preowned business aircraft, the wise purchaser usually opts for a pre-buy inspection (PBI) to gain information about the aircraft’s condition. Also termed a pre-purchase evaluation (PPE) by some MROs, it presents an information resource for negotiating the aircraft’s final purchase price. Though nearly all buyers of preowned aircraft opt for a pre-buy, securing a slot at an MRO could be a challenge, given the number of aircraft changing hands today. Jetnet data from Jan.

Feb 14, 2025 | aviationweek.com | Paul Seidenman |David J. Spanovich

Airbus is replacing hexavalent chromate compounds, which help inhibit erosion in surface treatments. Coatings and surface treatments are integral to the functionality, reliability and longevity of airframe components. Recent advances in coatings technology are providing greater protection and sustainability alike. Dominic Shore, a specialist in surface technology at Airbus, explains that reducing...