NACIL's new aircraft computer testing facility to save time and foreign exchange

08 March 2008

New Delhi: The National Aviation Corporation India Limited (NACIL), the merged entity representing State-owned carriers Air India and Indian Airlines, has installed an aircraft computer testing facility here, which will aid operations by saving time and foreign exchange.

"The installation of the testing facility, ATEC Series 6, at NACIL (I) is not only a matter of pride for the company but also a statement in the aviation market that it will continue to be at the forefront in maintaining the highest standards in aircraft maintenance," director (engineering) and head, strategic business unit, Vipin Sharma said while inaugurating the facility here.

Indian Airlines has placed an order for 43 new-generation Airbus A319, A320, and A321 aircraft, which are fitted with the latest technology and computer systems necessary for operations.

These sophisticated computers require equally advanced facilities for testing and repair and ATEC or Automatic Testing Equipment Computer, can be termed as Universal Test Equipment for aircraft computers, Sharma said.

During the process of aircraft snag rectification, computers are removed from the aircraft, which are then sent to the vendors abroad for servicing. The whole process after removal of component from the aircraft till its receipt back from vendor after repair takes between 40 and 60 days.

"This new in-house facility will reduce the turnaround of expensive computers to 5-6 days and in turn lower inventory levels saving millions in foreign exchange," Sharma said.