CIAL set to become aircraft repair hub
Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is in the final stages of negotiations with Romania-based Aerostar for sophisticated technology tie-up for its world-class aircraft maintenance and repair facility. This is expected to benefit passengers by way of lesser flight cancellations due to technical snags.
“CIASL (subsidiary company) is in final round of talks on the type of services to be extended, spare parts support and supply of raw-materials.
The MoU with the Romanian company is expected to be signed by beginning of next financial year,” a CIAL official said.
Currently, first phase of the `100-crore project is complete and the airport company has obtained permission of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to carry out ‘A’ check (minor maintenance work of aircraft).
“Once the pact is signed, we will apply for permission to have ‘C’ check,” the official said. With Air India Express making Kochi the hub and more airlines operating from here, the development is expected to cut flight cancellations as “technical problems encountered by low-cost airline flights can be repaired here itself.
“The major benefit is cost advantage for airliners. Currently, the airline companies are doing repairing works of aircraft at MROs in Dubai and Singapore by doling out USD 100 per man hour. We promise to offer the same at almost half the cost which would be an attractive option for the low cost airlines,” the official said.
The company hopes to attain break-even in three years by wooing carriers in the Middle-East and East-Asia markets.
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