Polynesian Airlines, the national carrier of Samoa, has joined Boeing's spares exchange programme for the Next Generation 737. According to Boeing, the programme allows the carrier to minimise its inventory of line-replaceable units, cutting its maintenance costs. Under the programme, Boeing ships a replacement unit within a day of receiving an order, then repairs, overhauls or modifies the original unit. Other airlines already signed up for 10-year terms in the programme include Braathens, KLM and Transavia Airlines. Thai Airways International has signed a contract with original equipment manufacturer BFGoodrich to overhaul the landing gear for the airlines fleet of 10 Boeing 737-400s. Chevron Technical Services has relocated to a new facility near Manchester airport in the UK, which has Joint Aviation Regulations 145 approval for repair and overhaul of airframe components and cabin interior equipment. Dresden, Germany based EADS EFW has completed the first cargo conversion of an Airbus A310-300. The aircraft will be delivered to FedEx following supplemental type certification this month.
Source: Flight International
