Collins Aerospace Expands Propeller MRO Services in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: To better serve growing ATR fleets in the Asia-Pacific region, Collins Aerospace is launching new MRO capabilities for its 568F propeller at its Malaysia facilities. IATA III operators of ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprop aircraft will have access to a local pool of rotable spares. Collins will begin standing up the new services this year, the company said.
Initially, the exchange programme will be supported by local operations to assess hardware preservation and condition, while the repairs and major inspections will be supported by Collins’ existing MRO centers in Europe, ensuring operators receive comprehensive and top quality OEM services.
“In the next decade, the ATR fleet is poised to enjoy significant growth in the Asia-Pacific region and we’ll be there to support the increased demand,” said Nicolas Lérisson, aftermarket director, Propeller Systems for Collins Aerospace. “These new, local MRO services will bring faster exchanges and reduced transportation costs to our airline customers—ultimately supporting more efficient operations.” Collins’ 568F six-blade propeller is currently flying in over 100 countries on more than 900 aircraft comprising the global fleet of ATR 42/72 aircraft.
Collins Aerospace, a unit of Raytheon Technologies Corp, is also active in the Southeast Asian region in the support and upgrade of the legacy Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.
The company offers 21 different solutions to help operators modernize their current C-130 aircraft, including upgrades for wheels and brakes, propellers, avionics, seating, mission equipment, and ground systems and support. In addition to mods and upgrades, Collins also provides long-term sustainment solutions to help customers streamline their MRO operations.
The Indonesian Air Force in Nov 2 last year joins a growing list of customers that have selected Collins Aerospace for its C-130H Hercules military transport aircraft modernisation effort.
Avionics upgrades have proven especially beneficial—371 C-130 aircraft have been upgraded, or are on contract to be upgraded, with Collins’ Flight2™ avionic solution, the company said. – adj/shp/mgm (Images: ATR via Collins Aerospace/C-130H RMAF)