The Bedek division of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is negotiating the conversion of four more Boeing 767-200s from passenger to freight configuration for Airborne Express. The first of 11 ex-All Nippon Airways 767-200s included in the initial contract was delivered to the carrier on 3 April and two additional aircraft are under conversion. The cabin interiors are being removed, the floor beams replaced and reinforced and a 9
g barrier net is being installed - but not a main-deck cargo door. Airtours International and FLS Aerospace have jointly established a dedicated maintenance control centre at Manchester Airport in the UK to manage the online maintenance of the airline's fleet. Beijing-based Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering (AMECO) has signed an agreement with Asiana Airlines to repaint seven Boeing 737-400/500s, beginning in May. AMECO has also completed a D-check and pylon modification for Philippine Airlines on a Boeing 747-400. US start-up Legend Airlines has signed a 10-year agreement with Pratt & Whitney Engine Services to provide engine maintenance for the airline's P&W JT8Ds which powered its McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30s. The deal covers Legend's current and projected fleet and has an estimated value of $90 million. The work will beperformed at P&W's Columbus Engine Center in Georgia. Gulf Aircraft Maintenance (GAMCO) has been awarded a 4.5 million dirham ($1.2 million) contract by Emirates to repaint the airline's seven Airbus A330-200s and nine Boeing 777-200s into the latest colour scheme. The work will be carried out in two batches at GAMCO's Abu Dhabi facilities through to July next year. Meanwhile, GAMCO has carried out a C-check on Operation Blessing's Lockheed TriStar Flying Hospital. Necon Air of Nepal has signed a two-year contract with AJ Walter Aviation of the UK covering total spares support for its ATR 42 fleet.
Source: Flight International