Brazilian authorities have certified TAM's maintenance, repair and overhaul centre to maintain ATR-42 turboprops following TAM's acquisition of ATR operator Pantanal last year.
With the approval TAM can now maintain the airframes and engines for Pantanal's fleet of five ATR-42s, and also market the services to potential third party customers.
TAM says it has completed its first check of a Pantanal ATR at its technological centre in São Carlos. In addition to heavy maintenance the aircraft's interior will be reconfigured to TAM's standards.
All five of Pantanal's aircraft are expected to be overhauled at the centre within the next 12 months.
In the mean time, TAM should soon decide on a new aircraft type for Pantanal. Previously the carrier has said it plans to acquire 20 100 to 150-seat jets for its new subsidiary.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
