Contributor - Business Aviation

Rob Finfrock

The lingering economic downturn has impacted all areas of the aviation industry and has presented challenges for component manufacturers and suppliers. As operators and manufacturers seek to lower costs without compromising component quality, greater emphasis has been placed on the need to diversify operations to offset short-term revenue declines in certain segments. Global supplier Aviall is meeting those challenges with a multi-pronged approach covering various segments of the industry.


A wholly owned Boeing subsidiary, Irving, Texas-based Aviall offers an online catalog with more than two million components from more than 235 aerospace and military OEMs. The company is an exclusive parts supplier for manufacturers including GE Aviation, Rolls-Royce, Pratt &amp; Whitney and Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada, Honeywell and Hamilton Sundstrand.


That level of diversification has helped Aviall weather the recent economic storm, according to executive vice president and COO Ed Dolanski. “We have added significant new product lines and programs to our portfolio each year,” he told AIN. “Our ongoing commitment to inventory availability has ensured we remain a reliable source for aviation products around the globe.”


Aviall (Booth No. 699) separates its aviation related business into three primary categories: business/general aviation, commercial/regional airline and military. The latter category has remained strong for the company throughout the downturn, Dolanski noted, offering a consistent revenue stream. Its defense presence was further bolstered earlier this year with Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15 approval to compete for certain government contracts.


The company has also seen revenue gains from its product offerings in the commercial airline sector, particularly from agreements with regional carriers. Dolanski tempered his enthusiasm somewhat by noting that European airline sales have declined in some areas, making future performance from that segment more difficult to predict.


“Sales of certain legacy product lines in the commercial airline market have been challenging,” he acknowledged. “To some extent, the challenge is due to reductions in legacy aircraft fleets.” To counter such declines, Dolanski added, Aviall has taken a more proactive approach in working with its suppliers and customers to expand product offerings and better negotiate for lower prices.


Downturn Yields Benefits


In the general aviation segment, the continued global downturn in new aircraft sales appears to have helped Aviall’s performance in supplying aftermarket parts for business and general aviation aircraft, as operators seek cost-effective solutions for necessary repairs and maintenance. “Revenue in the business and general aviation market has continued to grow over the past four years,” Dolanski said. “However, we believe some of our revenue growth is due to market share capture rather than market expansion.”


Aviall has used this opportunity to expand its product offerings for general aviation manufacturers and OEM suppliers. In August, the company entered into an exclusive <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ainmxreports/2012-09-19/aviall-will-support-rr300-engine-0">10-year distribution agreement</a> with engine maker Rolls-Royce for parts, modules and tools for the RR300 turboshaft that powers the Robinson R66 single turbine helicopter and gained a 10-year extension to an existing support contract for the Rolls-Royce 250A turboshaft.


“A significant portion of our product portfolio has applications on business jets and helicopters,” Dolanski added. “Business aviation is an important market for Aviall. Not unlike our other customer segments, operators demand high-quality customer service, immediate availability, local stocking and original equipment parts, all of which Aviall is prepared to supply.”


In addition to continually expanding its product offerings, the company is also focused on making parts and repair options more readily available to customers worldwide, with a particular emphasis on stocking needed parts close to the customer to reduce shipping and AOG time. It maintains 40 customer service and parts centers throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, as well as 20 FAA-certified repair stations offering battery, wheel and brake repair and overhaul as well as kitting, chemical management and custom paint-mixing services.


“Our customer service locations are positioned near major business aviation centers around the globe,” Dolanski said. Aviall also stocks an extensive inventory of overhauled and serviceable parts, offering a cost-effective option for many components over purchasing new stock.


Dolanski emphasized that the company will continue seeking new business opportunities in the general aviation and bizav markets. “Aviall continues to expand its product portfolio along with increased repair services and rotable assets,” he noted. “The business aviation market has been challenged in recent years, particularly in new aircraft sales, [but] it continues to be a strong, growing market segment for Aviall, and we will continue to add new product lines for business aviation applications. Our unique capabilities align very well with the expectations of business aviation operators and service providers,” he concluded.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

In Slumping Economy, Aviall Sees Opportunities in Bizav Segment

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Milestone achieved just one year after 500th shipment

QTA Celebrates Delivery of 600th Inlet Cowl Upgrade

Agreement covers manufacturer’s engine and auxiliary power units

Honeywell Adds FL Technics as Bizav, GA Channel Partner

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Company took delivery of its 2,000th Pratt & Whitney Canada engine at EAA AirVenture

Blackhawk Aims To Bring More Retrofits to T-prop Market

Charles Alcock

New Melbourne facility includes a paint shop and aircraft modifications capability

Dassault Opens Central Florida Falcon MRO Center

Curt Epstein

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Bombardier remains on top among bizjet OEMs in annual survey

AIN Product Support Survey 2025 - Aircraft

Technology improves climb and cruise performance of CitationJets

Davinci Jets Joins Tamarack Winglet Dealer Network

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

NBAA Convention News 2012

More In Maintenance and Modifications

QTA Celebrates Delivery of 600th Inlet Cowl Upgrade

Milestone achieved just one year after 500th shipment

Honeywell Adds FL Technics as Bizav, GA Channel Partner

Agreement covers manufacturer’s engine and auxiliary power units

Blackhawk Aims To Bring More Retrofits to T-prop Market

Company took delivery of its 2,000th Pratt & Whitney Canada engine at EAA AirVenture

Dassault Opens Central Florida Falcon MRO Center

New Melbourne facility includes a paint shop and aircraft modifications capability

AIN Product Support Survey 2025 - Aircraft

Bombardier remains on top among bizjet OEMs in annual survey

Davinci Jets Joins Tamarack Winglet Dealer Network

Technology improves climb and cruise performance of CitationJets

Dubai Bizav Group Extends Mx Approval to Falcon 900EX

Falcon Technic is also now approved to maintain batteries and emergency locator transmitters.

Precision Aviation Group Marks First Expansion to EMEA

Company operates at 27 locations worldwide

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN