Cathay, HK Express pick Airbus for A320 family component MRO support

Cathay Pacific and its low-cost unit HK Express have signed Flight Hour Services component MRO contracts with Airbus. 

The multi-year contracts covers component maintenance for the respective carriers’ Airbus A320 family fleet. 

“The multi-year, maintenance-by-the-hour contracts cover integrated component services, including on-site stock, pool access, and repair services. The airlines will also benefit from Airbus’s engineering expertise and [Flight Hour Services] local representatives in Hong Kong,” states Airbus. 

The latest contract marks HK Express’ first entry as an Airbus Flight Hour Services customer. Cathay is an existing component MRO customer with Airbus, with the airframer providing maintenance support for its A350 fleet. 

Cirium fleets data indicates that HK Express has a fleet of 29 A320 family jets, though only three A320neos are currently in service. The low-cost carrier also has eight A320ceos and 11 A321ceos in storage, while another seven A320neo aircraft are parked. 

As for Cathay, it has two A321neo aircraft in service, with another two in storage. The Oneworld carrier also has three A321ceos in storage, and holds an order book of 12 A321neos. 

Airbus discloses that it has clinched 11 component MRO contracts over the past six months, including with JetBlue for its A220 fleet, as well as with long-time customer Malaysia Airlines for its fleet of Airbus widebodies.