Recently, the Aerospace & Defense Review highlighted Global Filtration and the tremendous breakthrough work we are achieving in the space of contamination control and aircraft filtration systems. At Global Filtration, our biggest goal is to solve one of the aviation industry’s biggest challenges today: creating cleaner hydraulic systems and longer-lasting, more affordable components. The feature included the history of our company and how we have been working through solving some of the most complex, notorious problems that the aircraft filtration system industry struggles with. This blog will include key insights into our story and the strides we have been making toward a safer, more reliable aviation industry.
The Start of Our Journey In Aircraft Filtration
The founder of Global Filtration, Rick Caouette, had the initial idea of creating a company with the goal of solving the problems he had encountered during his 15-year-long career at Western Filter and Donaldson. In 1995, Caouette founded Global Filtration and began creating a team that was geared toward finding innovative solutions for aircraft filtration systems. By 1999, the company had already earned the rating as the #13 fastest-growing, privately-held company in Houston. The primary problems that the company wanted to address included:
- Contamination issues due to conventional, ineffective designs
- Supply gaps that slow maintenance needs
- Airlines’ reluctance to accept PMA-approved filter alternatives
In order to achieve these goals, Global Filtration prioritized complete transparency, accurate and honest performance data, and genuine relationships with our esteemed manufacturing partners.
Our Aircraft Filtration Innovation: The Turning Point
Global Filtration continued to work hard and grow into the company we are proud to be today, now boasting more than 36 unique specialized filtration products. The number of filtration systems that these innovative designs support is vast and all engineered to withstand some of the harshest, most critical conditions, including:
- Oil systems
- Fuel systems
- Hydraulic systems
- Air filtration systems
- NGS systems
- Water filtration systems
Here at Global Filtration, what sets us apart as an aircraft filtration design company is the hands-on, collaborative spirit we have spent years cultivating. We constantly seek to create tailored designs that help alleviate real-world problems in order to extend the life of critical systems.
The most prevalent way we’ve addressed these systems and the support they demand is by introducing our unique stainless steel sintered metal fiber filter. Unlike their traditional counterpart, fiberglass, metal fiber aircraft filters protect vital systems down to the microscopic level – offering a level of defense that is completely unmatched.
Design in Action: Why Aircraft Companies Choose Global Filtration
Caouette, the president and CEO of Global Filtration, always says:
“Aircraft maintenance is about more than just swapping out a part. It is about ensuring safety and maximizing performance. That is why we take a comprehensive approach to filtration systems, addressing the needs and challenges of each fleet.”
This is our primary philosophy, and we show our myriad of high-powered clients this dedication every day by constantly seeking better, more efficient options for their fleets. What truly sets us apart is not just our design, but also our FAA-approved PMA aircraft filtration certification, which frees many aircraft companies from the rigid bounds of OEM parts for their fleet – saving them time and money, while boosting reliability due to superior testing and engineering requirements.
On The Horizon: What’s Next for Global Filtration
Right now, Global Filtration is developing a groundbreaking HEPA media aircraft filter that is treated with antimicrobial coatings and could potentially reduce airborne bacteria and viruses, which could potentially lower levels of illness transmission on planes, all while continuing to filter air safely. The aviation industry is constantly changing, growing, and evolving. At Global Filtration, not only do we recognize that, but we eagerly step up to the plate by continuing to flex the limits of aircraft filtration system engineering. Regardless of the next aviation trend or development, Global Filtration will continue to create cleaner, smarter, and higher-performing aircraft filtration systems that are dependable and cost-effective.