Rolls-Royce announce on June 7 that it has signed an agreement with Thai Airways International (THAI) to explore how the two companies will work together to expand the Trent CareNetwork by building on THAI’s existing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
Becoming an Authorised Maintenance Centre (AMC) for Rolls-Royce will enable THAI to support their growing fleet of Rolls-Royce engines while also generating additional capacity and flexibility within the Rolls-Royce CareNetwork. THAI operates around 80 widebody aircraft, of which more than 50 are powered by Rolls-Royce engines.
Speaking at an event in Bangkok to mark the agreement, Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce, President – Civil Aerospace, said: “Rolls-Royce has a longstanding partnership with THAI that spans more than 50 years. Collaborating on engine maintenance makes good business sense and provides the foundation for engineering skills development in alignment with the Thai government’s commitment to develop the aviation industry. We expect this increased capacity to be available as early as 2019.”
Usanee Sangsingkeo, Thai Airways International PCL, Acting President said: “This agreement builds on THAI’s existing MRO facilities to be able to repair new engine types that are currently used by commercial airlines today. THAI has the capability to expand its engine maintenance services for Rolls-Royce Trent engines, which will meet the needs of the regional market, making sufficient use of the maintenance facilities and further develop a joint business venture together. This collaboration will also increase revenue earned from third-party customers.”
Today’s announcement follows an agreement signed by Rolls-Royce and THAI earlier this year to use THAI’s engine testing facilities at Don Mueang Airport to support the Trent XWB engine programme. The maturity and cyclic testing on the engine carried out by the THAI team at this facility will help to provide a fuller understanding of engine performance over a sustained period of operation.
