HAL, TIMCO mull schedule for setting up airframe MRO facilities

Bangalore: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and TIMCO Aviation Services (TIMCO), an independent aircraft maintenance provider based in North America, will set up state-of-the-art airframe MRO facilities at HAL's Bangalore airport and manufacturing complex. The move follows the joint venture agreement announced by both companies in April this year, which said it would focus on developing comprehensive airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for commercial air transport operators in India and the neighboring region.

The MRO will provide scheduled C-checks and heavy maintenance services for operators of narrow body Airbus and Boeing commercial aircraft.

Both HAL and TIMCO are now assessing market conditions given the fluctuating growth outlooks for Indian and regional fleets.

"We continue to assess the appropriate ground breaking date based on the volume of aircraft base maintenance requirements the 737 and A320 fleet families operating in India will generate. This is a crucial factor in assuring the venture's success and viability," said R Gene House, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, TIMCO Aviation Services.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), with 19 production units and 10 research and design centres in seven locations across India, manufactures 12 types of aircraft developed in-house, and has produced another 14 under license. Its extensive MRO capabilities support a wide range of military and civil fleet types, and cover everything from engine overhauls to state-of-the-art composite repairs.

HAL has manufactured over 3,550 aircraft and 3,600 engines, and it has overhauled over 8,150 aircraft and 27,300 engines.

TIMCO provides fully integrated MRO services for commercial and government aircraft operators at its corporate complex in Greensboro, North Carolina as well as at facilities in Macon, Georgia and Lake City, Florida. Through its TIMCO Aerosystems division, the company provides fully integrated aircraft interior design, manufacturing and certification services.