BAE Systems sign long term support services agreement

BAE Systems and new
aircraft asset manager Falko have signed a long-term agreement for the
provision of a comprehensive range of support and engineering services for the
BAE Systems-built aircraft in the Falko lease portfolio.

Under the agreement BAE
Systems Regional Aircraft, as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and
Type Certificate holder, will continue to provide the full range of Total
Support solutions to existing and future operators of the in-service fleet of
BAe 146/Avro RJ regional jets, and ATP and Jetstream family turboprops that are
managed by Falko. 

These services include a
commitment to maintain the Type Certificates for each aircraft type in addition
to retaining design and production organisation approvals associated with
providing continuity of support. 

In addition to offering
Falko a range of technical and supply chain services there will be a close
cooperation between both companies with respect to introducing new customers to
the type as well as ensuring existing customers are well served.

Overall, BAE Systems remain
committed to ensuring that a robust support solution exists, covering
ongoing airworthiness surveillance, technical support and product development
such as the significant investment in the BAe 146/Avro RJ long-term
maintenance programme which will certify the airframe to 60,000 cycles
offering many more years of productive life.  

BAE Systems Regional
Aircraft additionally retains a substantive engineering capability, which is
also currently deployed on third party opportunities and which can be made
available to Falko as required.

“We aim to provide high
quality and cost-effective managed solutions for product support and
engineering to Falko’s portfolio customers,” said Sean McGovern business
director Support for BAE Systems Regional Aircraft, “and we have established a
robust business protocol between the two companies that will ensure timely and
appropriate service delivery. This support agreement is also great news for the
wider customer community for operators of BAE Systems-manufactured commercial
aircraft”

Jeremy Barnes, chief executive officer of Falko commented: “It is vital that our existing and future
portfolio customers are assured of the most comprehensive support possible and
this agreement underwrites that proposition.”

In addition to the Falko
portfolio of aircraft, BAE Systems Regional Aircraft provides support and
engineering services for a further 600 additional BAE Systems-built aircraft
worldwide.