Airbus Military has picked Lufthansa Technik to manage component-level support for the UK's future fleet of 14 A330-200-based tanker/transports.
The maintenance, repair and overhaul specialist will deliver services in support of the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme for an initial 10 years, starting from the first aircraft's entry into Royal Air Force service in late 2011.
Airbus Military cites LHT's "long and in-depth expertise" in supporting Lufthansa's commercial A330 fleet as having contributed to its selection for the FSTA programme. Its choice followed "a thorough evaluation of candidate companies", it adds.
LHT's responsibilities will include establishing an initial component pool at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, sustaining this and "expendables and standard aircraft hardware", plus providing component repair and overhaul services. The deal also includes an option for LHT to paint the UK's FSTA fleet.
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© Airbus Military |
The UK will eventually operate 14 A330-200-based tanker/transports |
"This contract is an important milestone in creating the highly robust MRO operation that we are putting into place to support FSTA in service," says Airbus Military vice-president customer services Richard Thompson. "This is a clear example of the type of market-leading support services that we will be providing to all customers of the A330 multi-role tanker transport."
In addition to the UK, the type has also been ordered for the air forces of Australia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with a total of 28 to be delivered. EADS North America is also offering a KC-45 derivative for the US Air Force's 179-aircraft KC-X tanker deal.
Source: Flight International
