EasyJet seen as frontrunner to sign major support deal with UK arm of ST Aero
Singapore Technologies Aerospace's (ST Aero) UK division BASCO is conducting a recruitment drive in preparation for a significant new maintenance contract for a large European carrier – possibly low-fare airline EasyJet.
Bournemouth-based BASCO is looking to expand its line-maintenance business as it vies with a number of companies for the EasyJet contract.
Line maintenance for EasyJet is currently carried out by the joint venture SR Technics EasyTech, which is 25% owned by the budget airline and 75%-owned by maintenance firm SR Technics.
In a newly published recruitment advertisement for line maintenance personnel, BASCO says it is seeking staff "in anticipation" of a contract award from a major European airline.
BASCO is recruiting for positions primarily at London Luton, London Stansted and London Gatwick – the three EasyJet bases serving the UK capital – and specifies it is seeking engineers with Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 family experience. EasyJet's fleet comprises both aircraft types.
The maintenance firm will not confirm the identity of the carrier, but a source familiar with the situation says BASCO has been one of the companies in the frame for EasyJet work.
SR Technics' UK division says the company is still in discussions with EasyJet over its future maintenance activity. SR Technics also handles heavy maintenance for the budget airline.
EasyJet says that it is "not in a position" to confirm any details about its maintenance strategy and whether it intends to place work with another partner.
BASCO is initiating the recruitment effort to increase its line-maintenance activity. The company specialises in base maintenance, airframe conversion and structural inspection and offers a range of repair services.
Its facilities include two hangars at Bournemouth International airport on the UK south coast, and it can handle Airbus A300s and A310s and Airbus A320 family aircraft, as well as Boeing 727s, 737s and 757s. BASCO's present customers include Bournemouth-based Channel Express.
DAVID KAMINSKI-MORROW/LONDON
Source: Flight International
