Alitalia Technical Operations has completed the first 10-year maintenance check on an Airbus A320 for Italian operator Volare Airlines. The work was carried out at Alitalia Technical Operations facility at Rome Fiumicino airport. Rolls-Royce is setting up a repair and overhaul joint venture with Tampa, Florida-based component repair specialist SIFCO Industries which will specialise in the advanced repair of engine blades and vanes in the North and South American markets. R-R is making a $7.5 million investment, with the venture initially being based at SIFCO's Tampa facilities, and will later set up a dedicated plant nearby. Air France Industries (AFI) has concluded partnership agreements with Vietnam Airlines and China Eastern Airlines, which will help the two carriers undertake their own heavy maintenance checks. Both agreements involve a transfer of knowledge and engineering skills. China Eastern will position two of its five Airbus A340-300s to AFI's Paris Orly facilities soon, where they will undergo five-year IL-checks. During the work, technicians and engineers from China Eastern will receive on-the-job training. Overhauls of the three remaining A340s will take place in Shanghai from mid-year, with assistance from AFI. EVA Airways is planning to convert its three remaining Boeing MD-11 passenger aircraft to freighters in 2003 (one) and 2004 (two). The conversion specialist has not yet been announced, but it is likely to be undertaken through Boeing Airplane Services. EADS Aeroframe Services, based in Lake Charles, Louisiana USA, has received US Federal Aviation Administration repair station approval for the Airbus A319, A320, A321 family. Goodrich's Aerospace/Aerostructures division has delivered its 50th Super 27 Boeing 727-200 kit. Total orders for the Pratt & Whitney JT8D-200 re-engining package stand at 61, 22 of which were sold by the previous programme manager Valsan.
Source: Flight International
