SMS is pleased to report that the process of identification, submission and formal approval for multiple CVM™ equipment applications, on multiple aircraft types continues to progress materially. Delta Air Lines, Inc. (Delta has submitted formal approval requests authorizing the use of CVM as a full alternative means of inspection for multiple applications on the B757, B737, A318, A319, A320, A321and A330 aircraft types
Delta had specifically prioritized two key B757 applications for expedited approval due to Delta’s maintenance scheduling which will see most of their B757 fleet “in-hangar” during 2019. SMS has completed the installation design and built complete CVM “Kits” for these applications. Prior to commencing installations, Delta is awaiting further guidance from Boeing with regards to a potential new Service Bulletin related to this area of the aircraft. The Company anticipates the timing of the guidance from Boeing to be released by year-end 2018 – at which point, it is expected that Delta will make a formal determination with respect to potential CVM™ installations.
In regard to the dramatically larger, and more commercially important, B737-NG aircraft program, multiple operators have now engaged with SMS with respect to one high-impact application which has resonated with many benchmark global 737-NG fleets. This application is a particularly difficult, timeconsuming and out-of-cycle inspection, with a short inspection interval once the initial inspection cycle threshold is met. This application represents a significant commercial opportunity for SMS given that there are circa-7,000 B737-NG aircraft in service globally – and key operators that SMS is already directly engaged with represent near 2,000 aircraft of this total.
The ability to use CVM sensors to directly eliminate the critical in-hangar downtime caused by a multiday inspection, coupled with a short repeat inspection interval cycle, represents a very attractive business case for the operators. SMS personnel have been on-aircraft with Boeing personnel to review the very large application area, and a full preliminary CVM “kit” design has already been established. Next steps will include finalization of the various CVM™ sensor designs that will be installed, completion of the CVM “Kit” (with all peripheral equipment required for installation) and the submission of agreed validation protocols - with the goal of achieving the requisite OEM (and subsequent regulatory) approvals. Given the significant importance of the B737-NG aircraft globally, and the number of operators now approaching the cycle threshold that trigger the required mandatory, multi-day inspection, we believe all parties are aligned to review, develop and formally approve a CVM solution.
Finally, SMS has been invited by a US operator to view the antenna mount area of the WIFI system on aircraft for potential CVM solutions. The inspection is typically completed overnight in the maintenance hangar. However, it is a huge burden for the operator given the frequency of the mandated inspection, the complexity of the maintenance tasks required and the distinct possibility that the aircraft is held out of service for an additional day due to a myriad of unforeseen delays in the inspection. This feedback dovetails with Delta’s experience with their in-flight Wi-Fi system. Delta has also renewed their efforts to engage with the provider to pursue a CVM solution. SMS is very encouraged that multiple operators are now focused on these applications given the sheer number of aircraft affected and the ability of CVM to materially reduce inspection duration and aircraft downtime.
(20min delay)