Joint school in Oklahoma
Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Rose State College have opened a joint aviation program at the Rose State campus in Midwest City. The Tom Steed Community Learning Center will serve as a new focal point for the burgeoning industry in central Oklahoma, particularly nearby Tinker Air Force Base, Rose State President Terry Britton said. Tinker’s workforce development office also is at Rose State. Last year Southeastern received approval to offer its aviation program at Rose State as expansion of the Durant-based school’s courses. In addition to classes at Rose State, Southeastern will continue to provide instruction at Tinker and at Oklahoma City Community College. Associate degrees can be conferred by Rose State, but more advanced degrees such as a master’s in aerospace administration and logistics will bear Southeastern’s name. For undergraduates, the aviation management course track is divided into four foci: business, maintenance management, safety and security.
B/E Aerospace wins Boeing award
The Boeing Company has selected B/E Aerospace to become the exclusive manufacturer of modular lavatory systems for Boeing’s 737 Next-Generation family of airplanes, as well as the 737 MAX which is expected to be introduced into service later this decade. The estimated value of the award is in excess of $800 million, exclusive of retrofit orders, which are expected to be substantial. The B/E Aerospace modular lavatory system (MLS) utilizes B/E Aerospace, patent pending, Spacewall® technology, which frees up floor space in the cabin, creating the opportunity to add up to six incremental passenger seats on each airplane.
Boeing announces second segment of Dream Tour
The January schedule of the 787 Dream Tour includes the following stops: Jan. 20-23: Wichita, KS, to visit partner Spirit AeroSystems and Boeing employees. Jan. 23-25: Rockford, IL, to visit partner Hamilton Sundstrand. Jan. 25-27: Dublin, Ireland, to visit airline customers, leasing companies, financiers and other stakeholders. Jan. 27-30: Huntsville, AL, to visit Boeing employees. The Dream Tour airplane, ZA003, is outfitted with the 787's special cabin features, including a welcoming entryway, dramatically larger dimmable windows, bigger bins and dynamic LED lighting. The airplane is configured with a luxurious business-class cabin, an overhead crew rest compartment and an economy class section.
Kestrel to be in Wisconsin
Aircraft manufacturer will be locating its manufacturing facility and headquarters in Superior, WI. The Wisconsin facility would begin as a 35,000-square-foot manufacturing plant which will employ some 600 people over the next four years. It is expected to grow to 50,000 square feet. The company is headed by Alan Klapmeier, co-founder and former chief executive officer of Duluth-based Cirrus Aircraft.
