More work for Chch jet servicers

An aircraft engine servicing company part-owned by Air New Zealand says it is set for a period of strong growth after securing extra work to maintain new generation jet engines.

Christchurch Engine Centre (CEC) has the capacity to service V2500 engines used in aircraft like A320s, but from 2017 will also be able to service the PurePower PW110G-JM engine.

CEC is a 49/51 per cent joint venture between Government-controlled Air New Zealand and United States-based aircraft engine producer Pratt & Whitney.

The firm services engines for airlines and is based at Christchurch Airport.

Air New Zealand chief operations officer Bruce Parton and Pratt & Whitney president of aftermarket work Matthew Bromberg were due to brief staff the engine centre on Friday about the new project.

The engine servicing will be for Air New Zealand’s 13 new Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, due to join the airline’s fleet from 2017.

Parton said the centre would be one of the first facilities in the world with the capability to support the repair and overhaul of the new generation engines.

‘‘The centre has successfully established world class services to overhaul the current V2500 engines on our A320 fleet.

‘‘Today’s announcement will secure the centre’s long-term future which is wonderful news for staff and for Christchurch,’’ Parton said.

Bromberg said for Air New Zealand to select a Pratt & Whitney new generation engine further built on an existing engine commitment the company had developed with the airline.

Christchurch Engine Centre general manager Graham Jack said the commitment to expand the centre’s capabilities to support the new engine was the result of the hard work of its staff.