BAE SYSTEMS REGIONAL AIRCRAFT EMBARKS ON AVRO RJ LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME

Prestwick, Scotland….BAE Systems Regional Aircraft has embarked on a long-term maintenance programme for the Avro RJ to enable the aircraft to continue operations for at least another 20 years. This is a strategic decision that will ensure that the programme is completed and introduced well in advance of the fleet lead aircraft requirements.

This continues the sustained programme of investment by Regional Aircraft into its family of aircraft and requires analysis of the past 20 years of actual aircraft operations to derive improved maintenance programmes that validate continued operation.

The result will be an update to the existing Supplementary Structural Inspections Document (SSID) introducing the Avro RJ to this programme. This will complement the existing Corrosion Protection and Control Programme (CPCP) which already provides an infinite calendar life for airframes over twenty years.

The objective of SSID is to extend the airframe life to 60,000 cycles on completion of this programme.

As previously announced the systems aspect of this work for both the BAe 146 and Avro RJ has already been completed. This required all BAe 146 and Avro RJ systems (5,500 individual components) to be analysed by Regional Aircraft in collaboration with major equipment suppliers and the Civil Aviation Authority, resulting, with the exception of a few parts, with the life of all components being de-limited.

Commenting on the Avro RJ Long term maintenance programme today, Sean McGovern, Business Director-Support said: “ We are investing heavily in this programme as we believe there is a strong future for the Avro RJ, as do our vendors, and we thank them for their support. We are receiving tremendous support from operators of the Avro RJ lead fleet aircraft. Our overall aim is to keep the aircraft current and competitive and to ensure that operating costs are kept to a minimum. We look forward to a further 20 years of Avro RJ operations”.

For further information contact:

David Dorman
BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1582 488336 Fax: +44 (0) 1582 488447