(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
The Peninsula
Doha: Qatar Airways has been selected by Honeywell as an official Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider for the Airbus A350's Auxiliary Power Units (APUs).
This licence – the first in the Middle East and Africa region for the HGT1700 APU – represents a significant achievement and establishes Qatar Airways as a pivotal player in the Aviation MRO business regionally and globally.
The agreement also underscores Qatar's Vision 2030 objectives, focusing on economic diversification and advancing Qatar as a centre for aerospace innovation. This project has impacts far beyond aviation, by generating over 50 high-skilled jobs. These jobs will ensure the development of Qatari talent, and also act as a magnet for the best and brightest engineers to come to work and live in Qatar. In turn, this will bring further economic benefits, as Qatar Airways strengthens the nation's skilled workforce.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr Badr Mohammed Al Meer, said,“This milestone marks a transformative step for Qatar Airways, as we enter the MRO sector. Alongside servicing our own fleet's APUs, we'll also generate new revenue streams by offering maintenance services to third-parties. This partnership not only reinforces our position as an industry leader, but also enhances our profitability and capacity to deliver exceptional service to our partners.”
Honeywell Global, High Growth Regions President and CEO, Anant Maheshwari, said,“By offering local MRO services for our HGT1700 APU through Qatar Airways' aftermarket capabilities, we are underscoring our commitment to localisation across the Middle East, providing international operators with fast access to the services they need to support the region's rapidly growing aviation sector.”
The HGT1700 APU, housed in the tail section of the Airbus A350, supplies crucial electric and pneumatic power for multiple onboard systems, including the aircraft's main engines.
Through this agreement, each year, Qatar Airways will generate revenue and save on servicing costs for its own fleet. This development also aligns with Qatar's commitment to fostering an aviation and technology hub within the region.
As part of this collaboration, Qatar Airways will design and construct a cutting-edge MRO facility to service Honeywell's advanced HGT1700 APU. This milestone places Qatar Airways within a select group of global MRO providers authorised to conduct these specialised services, reinforcing its reputation as an emerging leader in the aviation maintenance sector. Equipped with environmentally advanced, energy-efficient technology, this state-of-the-art facility will set new benchmarks in maintenance excellence. The completion is anticipated by 2028.
MENAFN29112024000063011010ID1108938213
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.