Utility aircraft maker Pacific Aerospace has taken the first step to providing China-wide maintenance support for the growing number of buyers of its world-leading extreme capability aircraft the P-750XL.
Pacific Aerospace said it would partner with Chinese company Chengdu Huatai Aviation Technology to develop engine and airframe maintenance capability, even in China’s most remote locations, for the P-750XL, recognised as the world’s most versatile utility aircraft.
The two companies will sign a memorandum of understanding at Airshow China at Zhuhai in Guangdong, November 1-6.
Damian Camp, chief executive of New Zealand-based Pacific Aerospace and its China joint venture company Beijing Pan Pacific Aerospace Technology (BPAT) said the signing committed the two companies to working together towards a common goal of establishing comprehensive maintenance support for their customers in China.
“One of our objectives is to assist Huatai to gain Civil Aviation Administration of China Part 145 approval by the end of the first quarter of 2017. This will enable Chengdu Huatai to deliver line and base maintenance capability on the P-750 airframe and PT6A engine,” Camp said.
“These maintenance activities will not only be accomplished at Chengdu Huatai’s main base in Chengdu, but also in the field at remote locations throughout China. To achieve this, Huatai will deploy small maintenance teams to complete scheduled maintenance work at, or near, the customer’s location.
“This level of service will offer real benefit to operators by minimising downtime and allowing a faster return to revenue-generating operations.”
Camp said Chengdu Huatai Aviation had shown a strong understanding of the P-750XL capabilities. Executives of Huatai had recently visited Pacific Aerospace’s base in Hamilton, New Zealand to establish the foundation of the memorandum of understanding.
The P-750 aircraft fleet was steadily increasing in China and it was expected the initial agreement between the two companies would quickly become a full commercial venture, Camp said.
