Page 16 - AAA MARCH - APRIL 2014 Online Magazine

INTERVIEW TURKISH AIRLINES

We plan to overhaul
as many as 300
engines annually

–Dr. Ismail Demir

logistics support, in accordance with the Turkish Technic is targeting customers modification and is in the process of adding
main contract signed between Boeing and in the 55 countries that lay within a four to other types, like Falcon, Bombardier and
Turkish government for the purchase of five-hour flight distance from HABOM. Global.
AEW&C aircraft for the use of the Turkish “The engine maintenance makes up the “We have one VIP hangar for this kind
Air Force. biggest part of the market. The component of activity and as an extension we will go
Engineering activities are being maintenance has a good growth trend and for full refurbishment of many types of
constantly improved to involve the is expected to increase its market share in aircraft since we have the STC now,” Dr
maintenance, repair and modification of the coming years,” he says. Demir says.
military platforms, he says. According to Dr. Demir, a wide range “It is an important capability, which
“Turkish Technic will achieve depot of capabilities and skilled labour give his could be attractive for many customers,”
level maintenance capability during company the competitive edge. he adds.
Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) period Turkish Technic does have practical Dr. Demir hopes business aircraft
of the AEW&C,” he adds. training facilities and on-the-job training, customers will prefer to send their aircraft
With new capability gained, the aim which complement Turkish Airlines’ Part- to Turkey for refurbishment, rather than
is a robust and effective engineering 147 training courses. Turkish Technic Europe or North America.
expertise with design capability, in addition imparts training to over 1600 mechanics In short, Dr, Demir says an aircraft
to the existing maintenance, repair and as part of its human resource project. wheeled into a Turkish Technic facility
modification skills. “Anybody investing in human resources is provided with airframe maintenance,
Turkish Technic is looking for providing will benefit one day,” Dr. Demir adds. aircraft modifications, cabin modifications,
maintenance service to Airbus A400 cargo The company has seven facilities, all paint, refurbishment and many of the
aircraft and small fighter aircraft. “We are EASA certified, and employs about 1600 component services at a competitive price.
talking to the Turkish Air Force and would mechanics. What more can you ask for!
like to bid for engine overhaul of its fighter Referring to business aviation, Dr.
aircraft,” he says. Demir says Turkish Technic provides
The company has engine joint ventures base and line maintenance services
with Pratt & Whitney (Turkish Engine for business jets. “We have added
Centre) , Goodrich and a local O&M refurbishment services, having worked on
company, Zorlu. one government projects,” he says.
“We plan to overhaul as many as 300 The company holds an STC for
engines annually,” Dr. Demir says. Gulfstream cabin refurbishment and
16 ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS MARCH / APRIL 2014 WWW.ASIANAIRLINES-AIRPORTS.COM