Southwest Airlines has signed a five-year, $1.2 billion, extension to its Maintenance Cost Per Hour contract with GE Engine Services (GEES). The deal will see GEES install advanced technology core upgrade kits for 300 CFM56-3 engines. The upgrade includes advanced three dimensional high pressure compressor aerodynamics and new high pressure turbine hardware and will be certificated early next year. The maintenance contract will run through to July 2012. China Eastern Airlines has agreed to acquire a 30% shareholding in GE Engine Services (Xiamen), making it the second largest shareholder in the Chinese engine overhaul joint venture. Shanghai-based China Eastern will also provide CFM56 overhaul work to the Xiamen operation. Northwest Airlines has signed a $390 million contract with Pratt & Whitney Aftermarket Services for the maintenance of some 400 engines. The work will be carried out at the company's Cheshire Engine Center in Connecticut. The deal includes a 10-year fleet management agreement for the PW4056s powering its Boeing 747-400s, and a five-year deal for the PW4168As that will power the Airbus A330-300 it has on order. An eight-year agreement covers the airline's JT9Ds that power its McDonnell Douglas DC-10s, and the PW2000s that power its Boeing 757s. The Bedek arm of Israel Aircraft Industries has been awarded a five-year power by the hour contract worth $40 million by Ryanair for the maintenance of auxiliary power units, landing gear and avionics on the airline's 21 Boeing 737-200s. Portuguese-based charter airline Yes has signed a contract with Gulf Aircraft Maintenance (GAMCO) for heavy maintenance on its two Lockheed TriStar 500s.
Source: Flight International
