TAT Group subsidiary LAB and French carrier Regional Airlines are to set up a jointly owned maintenance centre for regional aircraft based at Clermont-Ferrand Airport and line maintenance at 13 other airports. Initially, the centre will undertake maintenance of the Regional Airlines fleet. The fleet comprises British Aerospace, Embraer and Saab aircraft, but the fast-growing carrier also has orders for Embraer RJ-145s and RJ-135s. The company, known as Regional Aircraft Services, intends to extend its activities to third-party maintenance for other Embraer operators in Europe. The new company is also setting up an operation, known as Regional Rotables, with Air Flandre to manage the rotable inventory for Embraers operated by both airlines. FLS Aerospace has signed a deal with UPS to extend its contract to perform heavy maintenance checks on the parcel carrier's Boeing 747 fleet. The current contract, which expires next year, has been extended to 2005. The AGES Group, the Volvo Aero subsidiary specialising in parts distribution and engine leasing, has signed a deal with Boeing to exclusively market and distribute surplus Boeing commercial aircraft parts.
Source: Flight International
