IA jet engine shop gets world-class stamp

New Delhi: Federal Aviation Authority, the top regulatory body in the US, recently gave certification to Indian Airlines' Jet Engine Overhaul Centre (JEOC) in Delhi. IA is the only other Indian airline, besides AI, to own a jet engine workshop.
Spread over 1.4 lakh sq feet, it was set up in 1991 by GE for some $20 million. At any given time, some 13-14 jet engines are being refurbished; a major overhaul can take three to four months. Some 730 engines have been repaired till now.
So what does the FAA certification mean? It means engines of IA's 18 leased A320s can be repaired here, instead of being sent abroad. Some of the leasing companies, which include Rolls Royce and Pratt & Whitney, want their engines serviced in shops with international standards.
"FAA certification therefore helps us save money and time," says V Trivedi, CMD, IA.
FAA's nod will also enable IA to undertake work for foreign airlines, though despite enquiries from airlines such as Air Lanka, these won't be undertaken presently. Even airlines in India can utilise this workshop.
The money saved is huge. Last year, IA spent Rs 18 crore average on this outsourced work, compared to an average Rs 15 crore expense spent in overhauling them here. Time too is saved — it takes almost a fortnight to transport them abroad.
22/04/07 Shobha John/Times of India

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Categories: Indian Apr 2007