Lockheed Martin Commercial Engine Solutions has landed an exclusive, five-year contract to perform engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services on CF34-3 engines for Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation. The Lockheed unit, a Montreal-based subsidiary acquired by the aerospace giant in 2013, offers MRO and testing services, well as component and part repairs, for commercial engines in the CRJ-200, D-8, 707, and A320 and 737 jet series.
"This is the second long-term, exclusive fleet agreement we have signed already this year,” according to LCMES president Bill Brotherton, He called it “a validation that our airline heritage and collaborative approach provide an offering our customers value.”
Brotherton also noted the commercial importance of LMCES's long-term commitment to the CF34 engine, which he called part of the “core business” for the Lockheed subsidiary.
Air Wisconsin reportedly is the largest privately held regional airline in the United States, and operates as American Eagle under contract to American Airlines, serving 69 cities in the U.S. and Canada. Its fleet is comprised of 69 Canadair CRJ-200LR aircraft.
The CF34-3 is a GE Aviation turbofan engine developed for the civilian aircraft sector according to an earlier military aircraft design, the TF34. The CF34 is in use for a number of regional jet service fleets, including Bombardier CRJ and Embraer E-Jets series aircraft. Over 5,600 of the engines reportedly are in service worldwide.
The value of the new agreement with LMCES was not detailed, but it includes two one-year options that could extend contracted engine MRO services through 2023.
Engine repair and overhaul work for Air Wisconsin will begin immediately, during Q2 2016, and will be performed at the LMCES Montreal operation.
"We selected Lockheed Martin for this important direct maintenance engine contract based on their exceptional customer service, technical expertise, ability to meet turn times and flexibility in finding customized, value-driven solutions," stated Janet Huculak, v.p. of strategic sourcing and procurement for Air Wisconsin.
