Robinson's R66 Turbine Marine pop-out float installation has received EASA final approval. Tests were conducted last July to ensure that the installation met Sea State 4 requirements. The Marine has been approved to be used in emergency situations and for commercial operations.

Global Trek Aviation at Belfast International airport has been granted permission to double the size of its VIP terminal, just over 18 months after the facility first opened. The company is responsible for two Jet A1 trucks (43,000 litre and 17,000 litre), three diesel tugs, three Houchin 690-C GPU, two wide bodied air stairs, a lav truck, a portable water truck and a VIP ground transportation fleet. MD David McColm says: "Our facility has been getting busier by the month and we have taken the decision to plan for future growth at an early stage. Doubling the floor space will allow us to provide even greater comfort for our clients, put in additional amenities and expand our operations control centre to keep up with customer demand."

RUAG, the OEM for the Dornier 228, has appointed its facility in Bern-Belp, Switzerland as an authorised service centre for the type. "Our commitment to supporting owners and operators of Dornier 228 aircraft is strong," says RUAG senior VP Volker Wallrodt. "The expansion of our ASC network to include the Bern site as the second RUAG-owned service facility confirms this dedication and is one more step in fulfilling the pressing needs of the Dornier 228 community."

The recently constructed Bell Helicopter Training Academy in Valencia, Spain, along with TRU Simulation + Training's B429 full flight simulator, have been certified by EASA. BTA-Valencia offers EASA initial type rating and recurrent courses, factory initial and refresher training, and the option for wet and dry lease contracts to Bell Helicopter's global customer base. Its instructors each have more than 5,000 hours of helicopter experience across multiple platforms and can speak English, French, Spanish and Italian. Scheduled classes commence imminently.