Goodrich Aviation Technical Services in Everett, Washington, has been approved by Aviation Partners Boeing to install blended winglet performance enhancement systems on Boeing 737-700/800s. GE Engine Services has been contracted to maintain the CF6-80Es that power Air Caledonie International's two Airbus A330-200s at a flat rate per engine flight hour under a 15-year contract valued at $26 million. Lake Charles, Louisiana-based EADS Aeroframe Services, a joint venture between EADS Sogerma Systems and Northrop Grumman, has received JAA certification to perform maintenance on European-registered aircraft. MTU Maintenance Canada has signed a one-year exclusive contract with Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services to maintain five CFM56-3 engines. Virgin Blue is setting up a wholly-owned maintenance subsidiary - Virgin Tech - in Melbourne; while its half-owner Patrick Corp will purchase its existing maintenance provider, Brisbane-based Jet Care, reportedly for around A$5 million ($2.8 million). The airline says it expects both entities to compete with each other, and that it wants Virgin Tech, which is still subject to regulatory approvals, to use the old Ansett facility but eventually expand nationally.
Source: Flight International
