SR Technics has unveiled details of of the reductions in maintenance check durations that it is achieving following a concentrated effort under new CEO Bern Kessler to improve efficiency.
The Zurich-based MRO firm says it has cut check-times by as much as 30% through the implementation of further lean-production techniques.
At the Paris Air Show this week it said it had cut the turn-around time on Airbus narrowbody intermediate layover check (IL check) from 21 days to 14 days, claiming a market-leading performance.
It says: "SR Technics' IL check for the A320 family contains all six-year/24,000 flight-hour-related maintenance planning document tasks and includes strippng and repainting of the fuselage and vertical tail, as well as a standard cabin refurbishment package if required.
"Operators looking for a major cabin refurbishment or overhaul can run this in parallel, taking advantage of SR Technics' longstanding experience in advanced cabin modifications."
Additionally on the Airbus narrowbodies, the A-check interval on some customer aircraft has been increased from 600 to 800 flight hours, cutting A-check-related costs by more than 30%.
On Airbus widebodies, the company says it has cut average turn-around time from 24 to 21 days "with or without paint".
Kessler, a veteran of Honeywell's six-sigma and lean programmes, has promised an ongoing drive to improve efficiency at SR Technics' current plants. The company, with major bases at Zurich and London Stansted, is also looking to open a new lower cost facility on the European periphery.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
