GE Engine Services (GEES) has formed a strategic alliance with business software developer Industrial & Financial Systems (IFS) in a move aimed at taking the engine overhaul giant deeper into the lucrative market for information systems in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry.
Under the multi-million-dollar deal GEES will deploy IFS Aviation software at its network of 60 facilities worldwide. The initial software licence includes 4,500 users, with an option for the same number again.
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The companies have also agreed to jointly market IFS software to the MRO industry. The market for information technology systems in MRO exceeds $1 billion annually. This agreement makes GEES the exclusive distributor of IFS software. GE will handle sales, marketing and implementation, with IFS providing integrated solutions and training designed to meet the IT needs of MRO organisations.
IFS software enables companies to integrate critical operations such as engineering, planning, maintenance operations, inventory, purchasing and finance. "There is a huge opportunity in supplying commercial airlines and MRO providers with specialised maintenance information management systems," says George Oliver, vice-president and general manager of GEES.
In other news, GEES has entered into a $30 million, five-year agreement to maintain the 24 CFM56-3C1 engines that power the Boeing 737-300 fleet of Regal Airways.
Source: Flight Daily News
