Airbus Group maintenance subsidiary Vector Aerospace is adding a fourth engine test cell to its Summerside facility in order to speed up repair turnaround times.
At the Summerside campus, located on Prince Edward Island off Canada's east coast, Vector supports Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A and PW100 series turboprops – including the latter's largest PW150A variant – as well as JT15D turbofans. Designed for the Bombardier Q400, the PW150A can deliver power of around 5,000shp, while PW100 engines are fitted smaller aircraft including Q100/200s, ATR types, and Embraer EMB-120s.
The new test cell will be used for turboprop engines offering up to 5,000shp of power, says Toronto-based Vector.
Two of the existing test cells at the Summerside facility are used for turboprop powerplants, while the third is used for turbofans.
Vector – a specialist in helicopter as well as engine support – has in parallel with the expansion plan disclosed a lease extension for the site. The multimillion-dollar investment in the test cell "reinforces our long-term commitment to the Summerside facility and our local workforce", says Jeff Poirier, president of the MRO provider's North American engine services division.
Having overhauled powerplants at the former military base since 1992, Vector today employs a staff of around 440 at Summerside.
The group – which has other facilities in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia – was acquired by Airbus Helicopters predecessor Eurocopter in 2011.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
