17 August 2020
Malaysia Airlines Bhd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Piedmont Propulsion Systems to work together in providing aircraft propeller maintenance, repair and overhaul services (MRO) in both Malaysia and the US.
Piedmont is a North Carolina, US-based company that provides aircraft propeller MRO and the world’s only maintenance organisation with approval to perform all maintenance tasks on all ATR, DHC-8 and Q400 aircraft propellers.
In a joint statement today, the companies said the memorandum served as the first step in a technological joint venture allowing them to work together in providing aircraft propeller MRO.
Malaysia Airlines will be responsible for providing the physical as well as human resources to facilitate repair operations in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
“This will allow the airline to support sister companies Firefly and MASwings on the maintenance of their ATR aircraft, while also servicing fellow airlines in the region operating said aircraft in terms of MRO services.
“Additionally, the airline will also manage the supply chain of OEM replacement parts to be used by the partners,” they said.
Piedmont will provide technical and training support for propeller maintenance requirements, inclusive of recertification, line maintenance and annual refresher training to Malaysia Airlines’ engineering staff to ensure a high standard of quality for the MRO services provided at KLIA.
Additionally, Piedmont will provide major inspections and repairs where required, as well as supporting the development of alternate repairs and replacement parts.
In the long term, Piedmont will facilitate a knowledge and technology transfer to develop Malaysia Airlines’ propeller hub and actuator capabilities.
“Both parties will also have a role in marketing and promoting the partnership as a technological joint venture to IATA 3 operators, which covers the Asia Pacific region.
“The joint services offered are expected to generate a sum of RM10 million in the span of three years,” they said.
Malaysia Airlines group chief operations officer Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi said it was steadfast in providing top notch service to all its customers, and ensuring the aircraft are always in safe condition is one of the airline’s utmost priorities.
Ahmad Luqman said despite the reduced flying Malaysia Airlines has on day-to-day basis as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was arguably more important now than ever that its aircraft undergo proper and thorough maintenance as they sit in Long-Term-Parking.
“I foresee in the long-term partnering with Piedmont will aid us in achieving these goals, and following the industry recovery, this MoU with PIedmont will allow us to be a one-stop shop in the region for turboprop operators looking for reliable, high quality and fast service.
“Additionally, working with Piedmont will help us build our own internal competencies, with an eye to developing our own propeller hub as well actuator capabilities in the future,” he added.
Source: nst.com.my
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