HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Aug. 16, 2006 – PPG Aerospace – Transparencies is expanding its aircraft window business by adding capability for framing aftermarket parts. PPG has begun operations at a facility about three miles from its Huntsville window manufacturing plant and business headquarters for the overhaul and repair of framed aircraft cockpit windows.
According to Mark Cancilla, global business platform manager, airlines will now be able to have the frame and window refurbished by a single source for faster, more efficient turnaround.
"As airlines continue to seek efficiencies, we took the next step in the supply chain to add in-house framing capability to our aftermarket support services," Cancilla said. "Now airlines can return cockpit windows to us, and we can rebuild the windows as well as overhaul and repair the frames."
Initially, PPG will overhaul and repair the number-two sliding cockpit windows, including the frames, for Boeing, Airbus and McDonnell Douglas airplanes.
Parts will be overhauled according to aircraft OEM component maintenance manuals or to customer-specific engineering orders, Cancilla noted.
The new facility has received FAA approval and is operating under PPG's FAA repair license with five staff members holding FAA airframe and powerplant licenses. "We wanted to have the most skilled and trained technical people we could to assure the highest quality of service," Cancilla said.
Establishing the operation in a separate facility enabled PPG to get up and running in short time, Cancilla said. The building also affords space for expansion, he noted.
About PPG Aerospace
PPG Aerospace is the aerospace products and services business of PPG Industries. PPG Aerospace – Transparencies is the world’s largest supplier of aircraft windshields, windows and canopies. PPG Aerospace – PRC-DeSoto is the leading global producer of aerospace sealants, coatings, and packaging and application systems.
About PPG Industries
In addition to its aerospace business, Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries is a global supplier of glass, coatings, fiber glass and chemicals, with 2005 sales of US$10.2 billion.
