Vector Aerospace Awarded Turbomeca Arriel 2 Engine Repair & Overhaul License

Oct. 15, 2009
The license from Turbomeca for repair and overhaul of Arriel 2 engine models for North America enables Vector to service civilian Arriel 2 operators throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Toronto, ON - Vector Aerospace Corporation ("Vector" TSX: RNO) www.vectoraerospace.com the world’s largest independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services has received a new license from Turbomeca for repair and overhaul of Arriel 2 engine models for North America; enabling Vector to service civilian Arriel 2 operators throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico.

Vector has been a major contributor to the Turbomeca support network and provider of Arriel 1 engine repair and overhaul services for nearly 20 years; holding approvals as an Arriel 1 Overhaul Centre and an Arriel 1 and 2 Service Centre, and providing world-class repair, overhaul and field technical support services to operators across North and Central America.

Declan O’Shea, Vector’s President and Chief Executive Officer expressed that both the company and its customers are pleased with the new license approval, “We’ve been awaiting this development for some time. We are delighted to expand our long term partnership with Turbomeca in support of their products and our mutual end customers. With the addition of the Arriel 2 variants to our existing capabilities, we will be able to continue to deliver outstanding service to operators of current and future Eurocopter, Sikorsky and AgustaWestland helicopter platforms.”

Serge Maille, Turbomeca’s Vice President of Sales and Support commented about the growth of the Turbomeca and Vector partnership. “Vector’s contributions to the repair and overhaul market are significant and we welcome the positive impact this growth will bring to the Turbomeca community. Vector’s previous 20 year commitment to our common customers is respectable and appreciated during Turbomeca’s quest in achieving exemplary support within the industry.”

O’Shea emphasized that the addition of the Arriel 2 license is a logical extension of Vector’s diverse portfolio of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)-approved capabilities that include repair and overhaul of various engine models for both helicopter and fixed-wing applications, as well as dynamic components, structures and full-service avionics; up to and including glass cockpit Supplemental Type Certificate development and system integrations.

Paul Cockell, President of Vector Helicopter Services-North America believes the decision to award an Arriel 2 repair and overhaul license to Vector, complementing the Arriel 1 repair and overhaul capability creates a winning situation. “Vector’s focus has always been and will continue to be Customer Service. This dedication to our customers and our products makes Vector the natural choice for the addition of an independent service provider to the Arriel product support network. We believe our close partnering relationship with Turbomeca in the provision of support solutions to operators of the Arriel family of engines will continue to lead to positive customer experiences.”

A complete overview of Vector’s capabilities, specific territories and variants of civilian Arriel engines can be viewed at www.vectoraerospace.com.

Vector Aerospace Corporation is an independent provider of aviation repairs and overhaul services. Through facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Africa, Vector provides services to commercial and military customers for various types of gas turbine engines, components and helicopter airframes. It also provides information technology solutions to an international customer base. Principal operations include Vector Aerospace Engine Services Atlantic (formerly Atlantic Turbines), Vector Aerospace Engine Services UK Limited (formerly Sigma Aerospace), Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services (formerly ACROHELIPRO Global Services), Vector Aerospace International Limited (rotary and component repair business of DARA acquired from the Ministry of Defense in the United Kingdom) and Pathix ASP. The Company has approximately 2,500 employees.