Air India, and SIA Engineering Company Limited have signed a 12-year contract for comprehensive component support for the current fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft through the Inventory Technical Management Programme.
Air India, India’s leading global airline, has entered into a significant collaboration with SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) through the signing of an Inventory Technical Management (ITM) Programme. The 12-year agreement entails comprehensive component support coverage for Air India Group’s current fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft. SIAEC, along with its subsidiaries and joint venture companies with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), will provide extensive inventory pool access, repair, and overhaul services for airframe and on-wing engine components.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India said: “We are delighted to have SIAEC as our partner. The collaboration will further bolster our repairs and maintenance competencies for the Airbus 320 family of aircraft and enhance our reliability and availability of components for aircraft operations.”
Key Points of the Agreement:
Inventory Technical Management Programme: Under the ITM Programme, SIAEC will offer robust component support for Air India Group’s Airbus A320 family aircraft. This includes access to SIAEC’s inventory pool, ensuring a consistent supply of components to enhance the reliability and availability of Air India’s fleet.
Repair and Overhaul Services: SIAEC, through its network of joint venture companies and component shops across the Asia Pacific region, will provide repair and overhaul services for airframe and on-wing engine components. This comprehensive support aims to bolster Air India’s maintenance and operational capabilities.
Enhancing Maintenance Competencies: The collaboration is expected to strengthen Air India’s repairs and maintenance competencies for the Airbus A320 family of aircraft. The partnership with SIAEC aligns with Air India’s commitment to optimizing component support and ensuring the operational efficiency of its fleet.
Air India’s Fleet Transformation: Air India, under the Vihaan.AI transformation roadmap, is undergoing a five-year transformation to become a world-class airline. The collaboration with SIAEC is a crucial step in this transformation, focusing on strengthening maintenance capabilities and optimizing aircraft component support.
Chin Yau Seng, Chief Executive Officer, SIAEC, said: “We honoured to be selected as Air India Group’s preferred MRO partner for the component requirements and appreciative of their confidence in our Inventory Technical Management program. Our proven model will provide the maintenance pillar support for Air India Group’s growth and expansion plans. Together with our network of joint venture companies and component shops located across the Asia Pacific region, we are confident to deliver a high quality and reliable service to Air India Group.”
Air India has an existing fleet of A320 family aircraft and has placed orders for an additional 210 A320 family aircraft. This significant order is part of the historic 470-aircraft order placed in 2023, highlighting Air India’s commitment to fleet expansion and modernization. Founded by JRD Tata, of the TATA Group, Air India has been a pioneer in India’s aviation sector since its first flight in 1932. With an extensive domestic and international network, Air India is navigating a transformative roadmap under the Vihaan.AI initiative, focusing on becoming a world-class airline.
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The collaboration between Air India and SIA Engineering Company marks a strategic alliance aimed at optimizing maintenance operations and ensuring the reliability of Air India’s Airbus A320 family fleet. This partnership aligns with Air India’s ongoing transformation efforts and underscores the importance of robust maintenance support in the aviation industry. As Air India continues its fleet expansion, the collaboration with SIAEC is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing the airline’s operational capabilities and delivering a superior passenger experience.
Question- What is the agreement between Air India and SIAEC?
Answer- A 12-year Inventory Technical Management Programme supporting Air India’s Airbus A320 fleet with parts access, repair, and overhaul.
Question- What are the benefits for Air India?
Answer- Consistent component supply, enhanced fleet reliability, improved maintenance capabilities, and optimized support for fleet expansion.
Question- What services does SIAEC provide?
Answer-Access to an inventory pool, repair/overhaul for airframe & engine components, and support from their Asia Pacific network.
Note– MRO Business Today is the Principal Media Partner of the 5th MRO SOUTH ASIA SUMMIT 2024 co-located with the MRO XPO INDIA & AIRCRAFT INTERIORS INDIA 2024 to be held on 27,28 & 29 February 2024 at the Le Méridien New Delhi, India.
