Asian Aerospace day 1 in brief

China's Jade Cargo plans big expansion into US

Shenzhen-based cargo carrier Jade Cargo International plans to launch two separate thrice-weekly services to the US. The first will follow a Shenzhen-Shanghai-Portland-Dallas-Portland-Shanghai routing, and the other will operate a Shenzhen-Anchorage-Chicago-Seoul-Shenzhen routing. Both will be operated with Boeing 747-400ERFs.

Garuda MRO unit picks MTU for CFM56 repair partnership

German aero engine repair firm MTU Maintenance is forming a strategic partnership with Garuda Indonesia’s overhaul subsidiary GMF AeroAsia, to handle CFM International CFM56 servicing. In a three-year agreement, with a two-year extension option, MTU will support GMF AeroAsia’s engine shop in Jakarta and help reduce costs and turnaround times. The two companies will co-operate on CFM56-3 servicing for Garuda Indonesia’s fleet of 37 older Boeing 737s and for third-party GMF customers.

Sundstrand to provide SIA with A380 maintenance support

Hamilton Sundstrand has won a 10-year contract from Singapore Airlines (SIA) to provide asset management and maintenance support for the carrier’s fleet of Airbus A380s. The services, covered under Hamilton Sundstrand’s comprehensive accessory repair and exchange (CARE) program, include air management and emergency power components. This is Hamilton Sundstrand’s first win of a CARE program for the A380.

Qantas buys Singapore-based express freight company

Australia’s Qantas Airways has acquired Singapore-based express freight company DPEX Worldwide in line with efforts to expand its freight operations. Qantas has acquired all of DPEX Worldwide, which provides express-freight delivery services across 18 Asian countries.

Royal Brunei 767 engine problem disrupts Heathrow

Technical problems with a Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing 767-300ER forced the closure of London Heathrow’s northern runway on Friday, causing 19 short-haul cancellations and flight delays of up to two hours. The aircraft was forced to return after take-off due to suspected engine trouble. Airport operator BAA closed the runway as a precautionary measure after the aircraft landed at around 10:15. The aircraft safely landed with all 202 passengers safely disembarked.

Source: Flight Daily News