UK parts distributor Pattonair (H1/A12) is leaping ahead with its diversification strategy as it implements a $60 million supply contract with Pratt & Whitney.

The company specialises in stocking category C parts - such as fasteners, washers and tubing for airframes and engines - from a range of producers. Being based in Derby, it is no surprise that the local engine manufacturer is Pattonair's biggest customer.

Last December, however, Pattonair inked a deal with Pratt & Whitney to supply their overhaul shops around the world with material. It has opened doors to the MRO market for International Aero Engines V2500 and CFM International CFM56 powerplants, while the company was previously involved mainly with Rolls-Royce types.

The first stage of the agreement with Pratt & Whitney has now been realised, with the respective processes put in place at the engine manufacturer's joint venture with Turkish Technic in Istanbul.

Over the next 12 months, the OEM's facilities in Christchurch, New Zealand, Singapore, Shanghai and a maintenance site in Georgia, USA will follow.

Pratt & Whitney has thus become Pattonair's second biggest customer after Rolls-Royce. The US manufacturer contributes around 15% of Pattonair's turnover, which stood at around £300 million ($465 million) last year.

Peter Ahye, Pattonair's chief financial officer, says the company expects to continue last year's "double-digit growth" in 2012.

He adds that the distributor is also targeting General Electric as part of its diversification strategy. While the company is already cooperating with GE, this is on a much smaller scale than with Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney.

Source: Flight Daily News

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