Page 33 - AAA MARCH - APRIL 2018 Online Magazine

THE NEXT
LEVEL

MRO service provider in
Florida is in expansion mode

Arun Sivasankaran

vocet Aviation Services, which has million worth of improvement projects being completed at the
been functioning at Orlando-Sanford facility. Having recently opened a U.S. Customs Office, the airport
International Airport since 2005, is is equipped to service the international business and aviation
Aset to begin maintenance operations community.
at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Florida.
The company received operational approval Focus on Leasing Companies
for the 26,000 square foot facility late in Avocet has a 55,000 square foot hangar at the facility and the
December. “We are ready to meet the needs company, which has a 40-year-old lease with Orlando-Sanford
of a dynamic industry as new aircraft come International Airport, has leasing companies as well as airlines
on line and existing fleets continue to age,” among its growing list of customers. “Our main focus is leasing
says Avocet Aviation CEO, Patrick Arellano companies, says Arellano Sr. “We understand the way leasing
Sr. “Lakeland Linder Regional Airport was the companies work and the transition process; that is what makes
perfect choice for a second site for Avocet. Its us unique. Our vast experience of working with leasing companies
location places us in a strategic logistics hub, and asset managers gives us the ability to adjust to their needs
while also having the right infrastructure and in a way that bigger MROs may not be able to. The focus of most
local talent in place.” of the bigger MRO companies is on serving major airlines. We
are happy to focus on this niche market; it allows us to focus on
Avocet, which last year announced a “Stand quality and ensures that our expansion is methodical.”
Up for STEM” initiative that includes the cre-
ation of a new curriculum for mechanics, an Eyeing Opportunities
apprenticeship programme, and an internship The company, which last year announced a working partnership
initiative with a leading university, will be able agreement with SMBC Aviation Capital, a Dublin-baded leading
to accommodate multiple narrow-body aircraft global aircraft leasing company, is on the lookout for opportuni-
both within and outside the hangar at its new ties to further expand, says Arellano Sr., an industry veteran with
facility. The company will provide full mainte- more than 35 years of experience. “With the fleet growth in the
nance services, including heavy maintenance, Asia Pacific region, we sense an opportunity there. We are open-
“A” checks, line maintenance, drop-ins, and minded and would love to partner with someone in the area who
engine services at the site. The new facility knows the region, its people and culture. The labour gap in the
which will accommodate multiple narrow-body MRO industry is a reality, anywhere in the world; we are open to
aircraft both within and outside the hangar, working with others to nurture young talent in other countries
will complement Avocet’s existing MRO facil- as well.” The company also intends to expand its facilities at the
ity located at Orlando-Sanford International Orlando-Sanford International Airport to add an on-site STEM-
Airport. Paint and aircraft refinishing services focused school, workshop and training area. “We all share in
will also be provided at the site. the responsibility to grow the number of qualified, highly-skilled
workers in the field by elevating the role of mechanics and tech-
Avocet’s decision to expand to the airport, nicians within our industry, while promoting STEM careers and
which is located midway between Tampa the opportunities that exist for growth and advancement,” says
and Orlando, comes on the heels of US$100 Arellano Sr.

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