BAE Systems is diversifying its Australian business portfolio with Tigerair awarding it a five-year contract to provide base maintenance services. It is the first non-military engineering support contract BAE has won in Australia. The work, which began on October 1, will be conducted at Tigerair’s Melbourne engineering facilities.
Tigerair Australia CEO, Rob Sharp, said the arrangement would support the airline’s planned growth over the coming years.
“We have a significant growth plan to deliver on and we believe this partnership is the right one to assist us to consistently provide the best in terms of safe, affordable and reliable air travel, which our customers should expect from us as a given.
BAE Systems Australia Aerospace Director Steve Drury described the new contract as a strategic opportunity for the company to enter an adjacent market.
“This is our first major commercial aircraft maintenance contract and we are pleased to be providing capability for a major Australian domestic airline,” Drury said.
To support the Tigerair business, BAE Systems has attained CASA 145 accreditation to deliver line maintenance up to and including A-checks for the A319/A320/A321 family. BAE Systems’ commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul capability has been built on its longstanding aircraft sustainment support to the Australian Defence Force.
“BAE Systems is the first company in Australia to start an independent commercial aircraft maintenance operation from a greenfield site and our partnership with Tigerair is an important first step in establishing a long-term business in this area,” Drury added.
