Boeing is to establish an exchange services programme for rotables which is to support operations with its 787 twin-jet.
Carriers will be able to exchange some 600 critical parts by removing them from the aircraft and shipping them to a Boeing-managed dedicated pool.
"This is the first time such a programme has been developed in conjunction with entry into service of a new fleet type," claims Boeing.
Access to the inventory pool, which will be managed by the airframer, is intended to enable carriers to reduce inventory costs.
Boeing says parts will be able to ship within 24 hours of being requested.
"The program manages configuration, warranty and reliability for the covered parts, freeing the airline to focus on passengers and the operation of the aircraft," says Boeing material services vice-president Dale Wilkinson.
Among the components to be included in the pool will be the auxiliary power unit and variable-frequency starter generator.
"By providing coverage for parts typically priced in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, the exchange programme can provide considerable inventory cost savings for airlines," says Boeing. It adds that carriers will be able to forecast maintenance costs more easily.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
