Air Works Receives DGCA Approval To Become India’s First Independent Airline MRO
New Delhi, November 10, 2008: Air Works - India's leading provider of Aviation Services since 1951 - today announced that it has received the approval from Director General of Civil Aviation [DGCA] for its Commercial Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul [MRO] operations in Hosur, near Bangalore.
With the announcement, Air Works has become India's first DGCA approved independent airline MRO and will perform services such as Line and Base maintenance, Aircraft painting, structural repairs, cabin upgrades, and avionic upgrades. Air Works will also be offering component repairs and spare parts sourcing.
Speaking on the occasion, Fredrik Groth - Chief Executive Officer, Air Works said, " Air Works has been working tirelessly to build a strong aviation infrastructure in India. We are extremely happy on being recognized for our efforts by DGCA and are now all set to commence operations as India's first commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul facility. We now look forward to performing our services to the airlines of India, which so far have had to either build up in house maintenance capabilities or send their aircraft abroad for servicing."
Air Works Commercial MRO in Hosur presently has one hangar capable of housing two ATR 72 Size aircraft or one narrow body aircraft, and with 13000Sq feet of office and back shop space. The Hosur airport has a newly extended 7000 ft X 150 ft runway, capable of accepting all commercial aircraft types. The company will start operations with one existing hangar and will soon build two more hangars to be ready by no later than year end 2009.
Going forward, Air Works plans to invest up to USD $40 Million for setting up the additional hangars, the paint operation, and future engine / component MRO activities. The company has already announced a joint venture with Air Livery Plc - UK, as its partner on the upcoming dedicated state of the art paint hangar.
Air Works' General Aviation MRO is already the largest in India with over 60% market share. Starting with the maintenance and overhaul work on a few DC-3s in the early 1950s, Air Works currently does DGCA approved maintenance on over 75 aircraft including Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault, Hawker, Cessna, Beech and others.
The company recently announced an authorized service center agreement with Honeywell under which Air Works will offer maintenance, repair and service facilities for Honeywell engines TFE 731 and CFE 738 series along with Auxiliary Power Units [APUs]. In addition, Air Works will also service Honeywell's complete range of navigation and communication equipment.
With the DGCA approval of its Commercial MRO, Air Works aims to strengthen its leadership position and provide Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services to support the growth of general and commercial aviation in India.