Cessna and P&W Localize Maintenance Service

Keeping pace with the volume of work now on the market has heightened the demand for regional and mobile service units, aircraft manufacturers and maintenance leaders said.

The growing number of aircraft in use today created the demand for localized service, Diana Colby, a Pratt & Whitney (P&W) Canada spokeswoman, said.

P&W works to accommodate its growing customer base with various approaches. Most recently, it announced a special agreement with Jet Source, in which the California-based firm will maintain P&W product. “We have an agreement that's independent to us, whereby they [Jet Source] can offer services on our engines,” Colby said.

P&W service centers are located on every continent. In the last two years, P&W set up parts distribution centers in time zones that are home to large customer bases. Its mobile repair teams are another service option.

“We have one of the broadest networks in our markets,” Colby said. “We have more than 30 facilities worldwide, which are strategically located where our customers are.”

Last week, Cessna Aircraft introduced its mobile service concept — trucks that are outfitted with the technology and equipment needed to maintain Citations on-site. They can handle both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, including engine replacements, a company statement said. The first truck is in service in San Antonio, and an additional three units will be positioned on the East and West coasts.

The concept helps owners and operators save time and money on maintenance, according to Cessna.