Page 34 - AAA MARCH - APRIL 2013 ( CHINESE EDITION ) Online Magazine

MRO

IN THE HANGAR

ST Aerospace maintains
RAFO’s C130s
ST Aerospace has secured a contract
to provide full-scale maintenance
Qantas to upgrade fleet and modernisation for three C130

The Qantas Group has announced its intentions to upgrade its entire fleet of Hercules aircraft belonging to the
A330s and order new 737-800s. According to the Group, the interior of 10 A330- Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO). The
300s and 20 A330-200s will be reconfigured, outfitting the aircraft with a new flat work – which includes major servicing
seat in business class, refreshing its economy cabin, and installing new inflight of the aircraft as well as repair and
entertainment offerings. Furthermore, five 737-800 aircraft will be purchased, overhaul of aircraft components,
with delivery scheduled for 2014, to boost Qantas Domestic operations. The leases engines and accessories – will
on two existing 737-800s will also be extended this year, said the Qantas Group. occur at ST Aerospace’s facility in
Commenting on the benefits of the plan, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said, “There will Paya Lebar, Singapore. Under the
also be cost savings, because the A330 and B737-800 are more fuel-efficient and contract, ST Aerospace will also equip
require less frequent heavy maintenance than older aircraft types.” the aircraft with Global Air Traffic
Management-compliant avionics.
Airbus and THAI tie up “[ST Aerospace’s] ability to undertake
for maintenance depot-level maintenance and cockpit
is
simultaneously
modernisation
Airbus and Thai Airways International especially advantageous to us,” said
(THAI) have announced the signing of Air Vice Marshal Matar Ali Al-Obaidani,
a Maintenance Training Collaboration Commander Royal Air Force of Oman.
agreement, under which THAI will
become Airbus’ local maintenance Hawker Pacific in talks
training centre in the region, and
will initially provide maintenance for more FBOs in China
type-training capabilities for A320 Following Hawker Pacific’s entry into
Trent XWB engine and A330. The collaboration will the Chinese fixed-based operation
EASA-certified reportedly involve the integration of (FBO) market with the Shanghai
Rolls-Royce has celebrated the THAI’s instructors into Airbus’ global Airport Authority in 2010, the firm is
European Aviation Safety Agency’s maintenance training orgnisation; allegedly in discussion with a potential
(EASA’s) decision to award the Trent EASA 147 approval in Thailand for type partner on opening a second fixed-
XWB with engine type certification, and basic maintenance training; Airbus based operation in China, and word has
indicating that the engine has fulfilled type rating for mechanical and avionics it preliminary talks have begun on a
EASA’s airworthiness requirements for certifying staff; and the provision of possible third location. Hawker Pacific
flight. The Trent XWB will power the Airbus training materials for trainees. CEO Alan Smith has declined to share
A350 XWB aircraft, which is expected EVP of Airbus Customer Services the location of potential FBOs, but has
to undergo its first flight later this Didier Lux said, “We will work together reportedly said that a base and product
year. Eric Schulz, President – Civil to achieve full EASA certification for support network is feasible within
Large Engines, Rolls-Royce said, “We THAI, enabling the airline to offer China in a few years. “The [Shanghai
are very proud to have achieved this an extensive range of maintenance FBO] has been a wonderful showcase
significant milestone on the road to the training services to operators and for Hawker Pacific in the Chinese
A350 XWB’s entry into service.” MROs throughout the region.” market,” said Smith.

34 ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS MARCH / APRIL 2013 WWW.ASIANAIRLINES-AIRPORTS.COM