Flying Colours has installed Ka-band connectivity and ADS-B Out on a Bombardier Global XRS as part of a 120-month heavy maintenance inspection.
Hardware including a tail-mounted antenna, cabin router, modem and associated wiring was installed to support Honeywell’s JetWave Ka-band global connectivity system. Full external paint work completed the aircraft enhancements before redelivery. A full pre-purchase inspection accompanied the maintenance work, which was conducted on behalf of a UK-based customer.
Flying Colours commented that the positioning into North America for the complex project highlights a growing trend for European owners and operators to commission maintenance, interior, avionics and paint work projects to be completed in parallel at a single location.
“Our extensive experience, reputation for quality output and established high-tech facilities where we can complete all work under one roof makes our offering extremely attractive for those needing multifaceted work scopes fulfilled on time and within tight budgets,” said Eric Gillespie, executive vice president at Flying Colours. “The larger the package the greater the justification for bringing aircraft to our North American facilities.”
The company said the ability to provide MRO support in conjunction with pre-purchase inspections, transaction and pre-registration administrative support ensures customers maximise budgets and minimise downtime.
Interest is coming from predominantly northern Europe-based operators. Confirmed European projects for the next quarter include a major 240-month maintenance inspection, CMS upgrade and full exterior paintwork for a Bombardier Global Express, as well as a 48-month inspection on a Challenger 605.
“We’re gaining significant traction in Europe and we anticipate that as our profile continues to rise in the EMEA region and the pandemic recedes, we will support and satisfy the needs of an increasing range of owners,” said Andrew Pearce, EMEA sales manager for Flying Colours.
A further three Bombardier Global aircraft are scheduled for 10-year heavy checks over the next six months at Flying Colours’ facilities in North America.
