Compiled by Jennifer Pite/LONDON
Introduction by Paul Lewis/Singapore
A quick look at the activities of operators listed in this section of Flight International's three-part directory shows that, in the regions covered, the prime movers in maintenance at the moment are mostly based in Asia-Pacific. The operating environment for Asia's overhaul companies has improved since the low points of the mid-1990s: the decline in business has been arrested and hangar bays have again begun to fill up with third-party work from outside the region.
For Singapore Technology Aviation Services (SASCO), 1995/6 marked a turnaround for the company. SASCO and its US sister company Mobile Aerospace Engineering made major contributions to parent company Singapore Technology Aeropace's (STAe) 43% hike in commercial work for the year ending 30 June. STAe also has a 25% interest in a new neighbouring Indonesian company, PT Batam Aircraft Maintenance, which is due to open for business by the end of the year.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) Engineering is to boost its capabilities with a $17.8 million order for a third engine test cell from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The cell is being built to handle SIA's planned new Rolls-Royce Trent 800 engines, which are due to be completed by February 1998.
Profits at Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering (HAECO) continued to slide for the year ending 30 June. The company is working hard to contain costs to offset the colony's high inflation rate. HAECO's hangars have been fully used supporting Cathay Pacific Airways and converting nine Atlas Air Boeing 747 combis into freighters. HAECO results were also affected by start-up losses incurred by its new China joint venture, Taikoo Aircraft Engineering in Xiamen. HAECO's full year results will be boosted by a HK$155 million payment from R-R, as part of a new 50/50 joint venture, Hong Kong Aero Engine Services.
Elsewhere in Asia, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has completed the restructuring of its engineering division into a separate subsidiary, MAS Aerotechnolgies. In October, it signed a provisional agreement to sell up to 70% of its Aircraft Engine Repair Operations business to General Electric Engine Services.
Part One of the Flight International Maintenance Directory (covering Europe) was published in the issue of 24-30 January, and Part Two (the Americas) in 10-16 July.
Source: Flight International
