Sirocco Aerospace International has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Lufthansa Technik which will see the German national airline's maintenance division providing product support and technical services for the Tupolev Tu 204-120.
The MoU covers acceptance of each Sirocco aircraft from Aviastar, the Ulyanovsk, Russia-based manufacturer, and the establishment of central and regional support and spares capabilities. The deal comes as the first of ten Tu-204-120s being acquired from Sirocco by Siberian carrier KrasAir is prepared for delivery.
Sirocco was set up by Egypt's Kato Group in December 1996 to lead the marketing of the Rolls-Royce RB.211-535E4-powered version of the Tu-204. Kato has a contract for up to 200 aircraft, including 30 firm orders. Sirocco president Gerry Connolly says that the agreement with Lufthansa Technik underlines his company's commitment to providing high standards of support for the aircraft.
The Egyptian air force is expected to sign an agreement with Sirocco in January to lease six Tu-204-120s. New Jordanian airline, Golden Jordan, may also acquire four of the type.
Source: Flight International