Tel Aviv. The Bedek MRO of Israel aerospace industries (IAI) is planning regional service centers in different parts of the world, to answer the growing demand for its services.
Bedek is a one stop shop for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) of Aircraft, Engines and Components.
According to Shmuel Kuzi, VP & general manager of the Bedek MRO for heavy maintenance, engines and components, this facility overhauls aircraft engines of some of the most used passenger and cargo aircraft. The main types are the CFM – 56/3/5/7 and the PW 4000 family.
According to Kuzi an aircraft engine has to be overhauled approximately every five years. When an engine gets to this point, the airline sends it to the Bedek MRO in Israel, where it is being overhauled and then sent back to the airline.
Kuzi revealed that recently the Bedek MRO purchased a Boeing 737 NG aircraft in England for US$1.9 million and took it apart. After overhauling the different parts, they are now offered to airlines around the world. “By having a large stock of aircraft parts we can offer fast service to airlines.”
The Bedek MRO also offers a pay by hour (PBH) service, where the airline actually buys some sort of insurance that assures it to get the needed spare parts in a pre-determined period of time. “This assures the airline that an aircraft with a mechanical problem will be grounded for a minimum time.”
The general manager of the Bedek MRO revealed the 80 per cent of the line maintenance at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion international airport is performed by the Bedek MRO.
Kuzi added that the amount of work is the reason for the plan to open overseas engine and spare parts MRO. “We are now evaluating some sites in different countries and hope to be able to operate them soon to increase our clients list.”
A crucial factor in aircraft engines and spare parts overhaul, is the time need to perform the work “Turn Around Time.” Kuzi said that the turnaround time for an engine overhaul in 2018 was 174 days, in 2019 went down to 120 days and in 2020 reached a record time of only 64 days. “This was achieved by streamlining the work procedures, using very advanced platforms like the Kaizen process.”
Kaizen is a Japanese term meaning “change for the better” or “continuous improvement.” It is a Japanese business philosophy regarding the processes that continuously improve operations and involve all employees. Kaizen sees improvement in productivity as a gradual and methodical process.
The Bedek MRO is part of IAI’s aviation group that was formed some years ago to increase productivity and cut expenses.
Kuzi said that the Bedek MRO overhauls approx. 130 engines every year. “We are now getting ready to overhaul new types on engines powering the new generation of passenger and cargo aircraft.”
The forecast for the steady increase in work, especially in certain areas of the world will determine, according to Kuzi, the locations of the new regional centers.
-The writer is an International Roving Correspondent of the publication
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
