International Aerospace Group has acquired a disused engine maintenance facility at Rome Fiumicino airport from Alitalia Maintenance Systems.
The Miami-based company says it purchased the facility though a newly established European division called IAG Engine Center Europe, which will operate the unit and be based at Rome Fiumicino.
A range of engines will be maintained at the site, including CFM International CFM56-5Bs and CFM56-7Bs, General Electric CF6-50s and CF6-80s and Pratt & Whitney JT9Ds. Additionally, auxiliary power units will be serviced there.
International Aerospace Group hopes the site can be a means of securing more business from aircraft lessors. The company also intends to provide line maintenance to airlines that serve the Rome airport, including Alitalia.
IAG Engine Center Europe expects in the coming weeks to receive maintenance certification from the Italian civil aviation authority ENAC, the European Aviation Safety Agency and the US Federal Aviation Administration.
In November, a first engine is to be inducted for work at the site, International Aerospace Group tells FlightGlobal.
The company declined to provide financial details about the sale, which includes the purchase of equipment and machinery and the assumption of a building lease. The site had been shuttered amid financial difficulties at Alitalia.
International Aerospace Group finance chief Larry Serlo states: "The trustees that looked after the facility during bankruptcy did an excellent job keeping the shop in good order so we will be able to get to work quickly."
Chief executive Mauricio Luna says he sees significant opportunity for expansion in Rome, noting there are some 20,000 active engines of the types serviced by his company.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
