In-flight entertainment (IFE) system manufacturer Matsushita Avionics Systems (MAS) has opened a regional repair station in Tokyo, Japan. MAS Japan, the manufacturer's fourth regional facility, joins Texas, London and Singapore. It will provide IFE system repair, field engineering, maintenance and marketing services for airlines in the region. Air China has signed a five-year, $50 million agreement with Pratt & Whitney to overhaul JT9D-7R4 engines powering the airline's Boeing's 747-200s and 767-200s. Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) has completed the freighter conversion of two China Eastern Airlines Boeing MD-11s, and is negotiating contracts to convert more Chinese operated aircraft. IAI is part of the Boeing Airplane Services team for MD-11 conversions, and utilises the US manufacturer's supplemental type certificate (STC) for its modifications. Meanwhile IAI's Bedek arm is continuing its search for a Chinese partner to establish a 747 conversion centre for the local market (Flight International, 17-23 October). IAI has its own STC for 747 freighter conversions. Air Canada Technical Services has been converted to a profit centre arm of the airline to provide aircraft and jet engine maintenance and repair for itself and other airlines. The division already has contracts with Scandinavian Airlines to maintain Boeing 767s in Montreal, and with America West for Airbus A320s in Winnipeg. Britannia Airways has signed a £180 million, 10-year repair and overhaul contract with Rolls-Royce, for the maintenance of the RB211-535E4s powering its fleet of Boeing 757s. Work will be undertaken at R-R's plant in Derby, UK. Virgin Atlantic has signed a 10-year landing gear overhaul contract worth $6 million, with Hawker Pacific Aerospace for the airline's fleet of 11 Boeing 747-200s. The work will be carried out at Hawker Pacific's facility in London, UK.
Source: Flight International
