Turkish Technic and Goodrich finally tie the MRO knot

The joint venture company, called the Goodrich Turkish Technic Service Center (GTTSC) will provide nacelle, thrust reverser and related component services including rotable support. The service center will provide services for the Airbus and Boeing fleets of Turkish Airlines and other carriers in Turkey and neighboring regional fleets. The two companies previously announced the intention to form the joint venture in November 2007.

Site selection is currently underway for the GTTSC which will be located near the Sabiha Gokcen International Airport in Istanbul. Initial plans call for the facility to be approximately 20,000 square feet with the option to double in size. The venture will initially employ about 20 people with plans to expand to more than 70 employees within ten years. It should be operational in the first quarter 2011.

"The Goodrich Turkish Technic Service Center will meet the needs of Turkish Airlines by providing a local maintenance solution for the airline’s growing fleet," said Goodrich Aerostructures Aftermarket Services Vice President and General Manager Bob Gustafson. "The new facility also extends the Goodrich MRO global footprint and allows us to provide all carriers in the region customer-focused benefits, such as reduced costs and turnaround times."

The joint venture will also leverage Turkish Technic’s already-extensive MRO capabilities.

“We are combining our technical expertise and perfection with the global Goodrich reputation for excellence in order to be the leading nacelle, thrust reverser and related component service provider in our region within a short time,” said Turkish Technic Inc. General Manager Dr. Ismail Demir "With this agreement, we are once again proving Istanbul to be an important maintenance and repair hub both for Turkey and surrounding international market.”

Turkish Airlines currently operates 144 aircraft in its passenger and cargo fleet. In the first quarter 2010, Turkish Airlines ordered 89 aircraft, 64 of which are confirmed and 25 of which are optional. By the end of 2015, Turkish Airlines plans a total fleet of 260 aircraft.