South African regional carrier SA Express is discussing a potential co-operation with defence manufacturer Denel's maintenance arm as part of evaluations about the airline's future MRO strategy.
The Johannesburg-based airline's AOC was briefly suspended at the end of April over safety concerns by the country's regulator. But operations resumed earlier this month.
SA Express says that it is talking to "various stakeholders" – including Denel Aviation – about how the airline can support its fleet.
At this stage, the carrier adds, discussions are aimed at "sharing ideas" how state-owned resources could be used more effectively.
Both SA Express and Denel are controlled by South Africa's Department of Public Enterprises.
No contract has been signed with Denel yet, SA Express says.
The airline's aircraft are currently maintained by its in-house technical department.
The airline would not be drawn to comment whether management is considering a closure or reduction of its own maintenance operations.
SA Express operates a fleet of Bombardier CRJ200 and CRJ700 regional jets plus Q400 turboprops.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
