Malaysia Airlines' MAS Aerospace Engineering (MASAE) is establishing a joint-venture in Kuala Lumpur with EADS SECA, which specialises in maintenance, repair and overhaul of engines for regional and business aircraft.

MASAE says in a statement the two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish an engine maintenance and repair firm that will work on Pratt & Whitney PW100 engines.

"The joint-venture between MASAE and EADS SECA will perform engine maintenance services in Kuala Lumpur and will establish a mobile repair team to extend field support services to MASAE customers in the Asia Pacific region," it says.

The joint-venture's launch customer is Malaysia Airlines' Firefly and MASWings. Firefly operates six ATR 72-500s and MASWings has three ATR 72-500s and also operates Fokker 50s.

MASAE says PW100 series turboprop engines are used on ATR, Fokker and Bombardier Q series aircraft.

Kuala Lumpur-based MASAE plans to be a major maintenance, repair and overhaul firm for ATR aircraft in the region and has signed an agreement with Alenia Aeronavali.

Alenia Aeronautica is one of the owners of ATR. Alenia Aeronavali plans to establish a maintenance, repair and overhaul firm in Malaysia with MASAE to serve ATR operators in the region.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news