AMETEK MRO, a leading global provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for commercial, regional, military, rotary and bizjet aircraft, will be in Dubai for the annual MRO Middle East exhibition next week. After a year of consolidated activity across the region, the organisation is experiencing a fundamental shift in airline and operator attitude towards third-party MRO repair services.
“It is taking time,” says Ismaël Fadili, VP Sales EMEA. “However, the persistent parts shortages caused by supply-chain issues, combined with the substantial growth of aviation across the Middle East is fueling demand for OEM-quality, third-party MRO services. The flexibility and agility that AMETEK MRO can offer, alongside the multitude of Authorised Repair Centre (ARC) agreements that we have earned with leading OEMs, helps operators not only to navigate high costs, but also to offset the lack of skilled labour which shows no sign of abating any time soon.”
Fadili goes on to say that the Middle East is a crucial global hub and demand for air travel is growing, particularly in the three major dominant countries of Saudi Arabia, UAE and Turkey. But there is a limited supply of new aircraft so the market is seeing a surge in pre-owned transactions. “This environment is currently boosting demand for comprehensive maintenance and refurbishment packages” he explains. “However, we see operators looking ahead and exploring ways to use advanced technology, such as real time analytics and predictive maintenance. This helps them to tailor their services to meet customer needs while simultaneously informing decision making and streamlining maintenance events. We are here to support them with those processes.
“Furthermore, all AMETEK MRO business like AEM, Antavia, Avtech and Muirhead Avionics are driving technological skills across all of our facilities to support new-generation aircraft as they are acquired by airlines.”
The organisation continues to invest in infrastructure at all its global facilities in Europe, Asia and the US to expand capabilities, streamline operations, and amalgamate new technologies which help with pro-active scheduling and cost reduction for repairs.
AMETEK MRO is further strengthening its presence in the EMEA region through increased OEM partnerships and the development of unique repair solutions right across the commercial & regional aviation, business jet, military, and helicopter markets. “We’re tailoring our wide range of repair capabilities from actuation to landing systems, or safety equipment to power generation, right across the marketplace. We are looking to invest in dedicated repair and training facilities, fostering knowledge sharing and building opportunities for mutual business benefits” continues Fadili.
Of interest to customers across the EMEA sector, AEM/AMETEK MRO has recently signed a Landing Gear Service Agreement with Liebherr-Aerospace for the provision of landing gear maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to Embraer E-Jet E1 operators across the EMEA region for the E190 platform. AMETEK MRO Singapore has also been announced as a Honeywell Authorised Repair Centre (ARC) for Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS). The ten-year agreement is for TPA100A and TPA100B fitted to A320, 737NG, 737MAX and 777 aircraft and covers full test and repair capability for these Honeywell products enabling AMETEK MRO to provide customer support worldwide.
To summarise Fadili is expecting productive discussions with Middle Eastern operators as well as OEMS that are seeking more competitive, yet highly skilled, MRO support. “With our strong and diversified repair capabilities and global footprint, AMETEK MRO is the perfect partner,” he concludes.
