Boeing Maintenance Tool Attracts Key African Customers

ALGIERS, Algeria, March 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Kenya Airways and TAAG Linhas Aereas de Angola have signed up for the Boeing (NYSE: BA) Maintenance Performance Toolbox, as part of each airline's program to enhance efficiency and improve dispatch reliability through the use of e-enabled technologies.

Toolbox comprises six different tools in one easy-to-use suite of software products that an airline can employ to tailor an efficient solution to its specific need.

TAAG and Kenya Airways each ordered Toolbox for use on multiple Boeing jetliner models. "We expect the Boeing Toolbox to improve efficiency and quality in our maintenance processes," said Kenya Airways Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Titus Naikuni. "It also will improve the accuracy of the documentation on our fleet to benefit our entire maintenance team."

Kenya Airways' Next-Generation 737, 767 and 777 fleets will be equipped with Toolbox. The airline's 737 and 777 fleets will utilize three modules each (Library, Authoring & Systems), while its 767 fleet will use the Library Module. "With a fleet of 777-200ERs and 737-700s, the purchase of ToolBox, in addition to our current Component Services Program, Airplane Health Management and Virtual Maintenance & Engineering initiatives, is a welcome tool to increase the efficiency and reliability of our maintenance and engineering processes," said Dr. Pimentel Araujo, chairman of TAAG Linhas Aereas de Angola.

TAAG will employ Toolbox on its Next-Generation 737 and 777 fleets. Each fleet type will utilize four modules: Library, Authoring, Systems and Structures. The Library module allows the airline to store and access current, consolidated manufacturer and customer maintenance data. The Authoring module allows the airline to customize manufacturer maintenance information to its own systems. The Structures module provides a comprehensive structural repair history for each airplane. And the Systems module reduces the time needed to find tail-specific technical information in time-critical situations, such as line maintenance troubleshooting and dispatch.

Available via an Internet browser as a secured, hosted service, Toolbox provides reliable access to all of its tools through MyBoeingFleet.com, Boeing's popular customer Internet portal.