Etihad Airways, The National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, which operates highly popular twice daily flights from Bangkok to Abu Dhabi and onwards to 45 destinations around the globe, has opened a new dedicated aircraft line maintenance facility at its home-base of Abu Dhabi airport.
The new US$ 11 million facility is equipped with the latest IT technology and equipment which will be used for all day-to-day technical line maintenance on Etihad aircraft including hydraulic, structural and instrument checks.
Furthermore the170-strong Etihad team of experienced professionals will conduct aircraft cabin maintenance including re-setting in-flight entertainment as well as collaborating first and business class seats.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “The new Etihad Technical line maintenance facility illustrates the impressive growth the airline is experiencing and our ambitions to bring key airline services in-house.
“For Etihad to continue our rate of expansion and improve punctuality and performance it is vital that the fleet of aircraft is serviced using the most sophisticated software, hardware and equipment in the aviation industry.”
One of the most impressive capabilities at the facility is the world wide maintenance control centre which enables staff in Abu Dhabi to communicate with flight deck crew mid-flight, and anywhere in the world, and rectify technical issues.
The new Etihad Technical line maintenance facility will operate 24 hours a day seven days a week, with 12 engineers, 15 technicians and 20 mechanics available at peak times to service the aircraft.
Werner Rothenbaecher, Etihad Airways’ executive vice president technical said: “The Etihad Technical facility sets new standards in aircraft line maintenance with a team of professionally trained and experienced engineers and ground staff. It will also cater for Etihad’s continued growth with capacity for more than 300 engineers and ground maintenance staff.”
Etihad Airways will continue to work with Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies for more extensive maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services of its fleet of aircraft.
Etihad will move to a new, purpose-built, terminal at Abu Dhabi airport in April 2008 where the airline will enjoy exclusive occupancy. The move will also see Etihad take sole charge of all frontline, customer-facing duties at its home base.
Photo caption: Etihad Airways has opened a new dedicated aircraft line maintenance facility at its home-base of Abu Dhabi airport.
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