Prestwick, Scotland.....BAE Systems and new aircraft asset manager Falko have signed a long-term agreement for the provision of a comprehensive range of support and engineering services for the BAE Systems-built aircraft in the Falko lease portfolio.
Under the agreement BAE Systems Regional Aircraft, as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and Type Certificate holder, will continue to provide the full range of Total Support solutions to existing and future operators of the in-service fleet of BAe 146/Avro RJ regional jets, and ATP and Jetstream family turboprops that are managed by Falko.
These services include a commitment to maintain the Type Certificates for each aircraft type in addition to retaining design and production organisation approvals associated with providing continuity of support.
In addition to offering Falko a range of technical and supply chain services there will be a close cooperation between both companies with respect to introducing new customers to the type as well as ensuring existing customers are well served.
Overall, BAE Systems remain committed to ensuring that a robust support solution exists, covering ongoing airworthiness surveillance, technical support and product development such as the significant investment in the BAe 146/Avro RJ long-term maintenance programme which will certify the airframe to 60,000 cycles offering many more years of productive life.
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft additionally retains a substantive engineering capability, which is also currently deployed on third party opportunities and which can be made available to Falko as required.
“We aim to provide high quality and cost-effective managed solutions for product support and engineering to Falko’s portfolio customers,” said Sean McGovern Business Director Support for BAE Systems Regional Aircraft, “and we have established a robust business protocol between the two companies that will ensure timely and appropriate service delivery. This support agreement is also great news for the wider customer community for operators of BAE Systems-manufactured commercial aircraft.
”Jeremy Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Falko commented: “It is vital that our existing and future portfolio customers are assured of the most comprehensive support possible and this agreement underwrites that proposition.”
In addition to the Falko portfolio of aircraft, BAE Systems Regional Aircraft provides support and engineering services for a further 600 additional BAE Systems-built aircraft worldwide.
The business is currently tailoring its support offering to meet the needs of its existing large European fleet operators and also to bring affordable and convenient support solutions to customers in new further-afield geographic locations.
In recent months, it has won a significant Total Support contract with Ireland’s CityJet, part of the Air France/KLM Group, and several other deals with other major customers are nearing completion. At the same time, support contracts have also been won with new operators such as Eznis Airways of Mongolia and contract extensions with Airlink of South Africa.
With S1000D technical publications capability and investment in skill sets on non-BAE Systems manufactured aircraft, BAE Systems Regional Aircraft is expanding its service offering to provide an experienced OEM level of service for a range of non-OEM aircraft.
Holding a broad range of national and international accreditations for civil and military platforms in relation to design, production and in-service support, BAE Systems Regional Aircraft continues to provide expertise on a number of platforms and programmes, with Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation of Japan listed as one of its key customers.
