Thomson Airways selects Airline Services Components to provide wheels and brakes support on new Boeing 787s

Airline Services Components Limited (ASC) announced today its selection by Thomson Airways to provide maintenance support on the Messier-Bugatti-Dowty (MBD) wheel and electrically actuated brake equipment, installed on the airline’s fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This agreement will initially cover all eight 787 Dreamliners Thomson Airways is set to receive.

Thomson Airways is the first UK airline to take delivery of the Dreamliner, which has been operating on short- and mid-haul routes since 21st June. Long haul inaugural flights to Cancun and Florida started on 8th July. The 787 will be operating regular routes from Manchester, East Midlands, Gatwick and Glasgow Airports. Thomson Airways’ will receive its first four aircraft this summer and the next four up until May 2015.

ASC will support Thomson Airways under a minimum twelve year Cost Per Aircraft Landing (CAPL) pricing agreement which provides a fixed charge to cover initial provisioning, access to pool stock and the provision of Bridgestone tyres, along with logistics and repair management of the equipment. ASC will also locate consignment inventory in the UK and at operating bases in Brussels, Amsterdam and Stockholm. Through a tripartite agreement with Thomson and MBD, ASC will also manage the supply and replacement of carbon heat stacks and brake LRUs, thus providing Thomson with a total management solution for its wheel and brake equipment at a budgeted pricing structure.

The extended flying range of the Dreamliner opens up a host of new and exciting holiday options for Thomson customers, increasing the range of long haul destinations available with Thomson Airways. This winter Thomson will fly the Dreamliner direct to Phuket in Thailand and from summer 2014 it will be introducing holidays to Mauritius and Puerto Vallarta.

Chris Hooley, Managing Director of ASC, comments; “We are delighted to announce this agreement with Thomson Airways. We have worked closely with Thomson to provide a flexible and comprehensive support package which provides a guaranteed service at a fixed budgeted rate. ASC has a strong reputation for reliable W&B support across Boeing and Airbus platforms, and we are excited to extend our service offering to include the innovative new B787 Dreamliner. Through our longstanding relationship with Messier-Bugatti-Dowty and significant investment into B787 equipment, ASC are ideally positioned to support Thomson as they look to extend their long-haul fleet.”

Jason Mahoney, Director of Engineering at Thomson Airways added “This agreement has been developed over the last five years to ensure Thomson Airways receives seamless support for our 787 Dreamliner entry into service and continued operation. ASC’s flexibility and innovation to adapt to the requirements of its customers has given Thomson Airways the confidence to approve a 12 year term for the support of our 787 Dreamliner wheels and brakes. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with ASC.”

ASC specialises in the supply and management of rotable components to the commercial aviation market, along with complete wheels and brakes support services. This contract is a crucial part of ASC’s strategic expansion plans since attracting significant investment from private equity firm Lloyds Development Capital (LDC). ASC’s growing international presence is underpinned by its dedication to high quality service delivery and operational flexibility, qualities that are valued by its customers.