Bombardier makes Ethiopian ASF for the Q400

Fresh from announcing its new South African regional office and spares centre, Bombardier Aerospace has added further bench strength to its fast growing support network in Africa today by naming one of the continent's leading carriers, Ethiopian Airlines of Addis Ababa, as an authorised service facility (ASF) for commercial aircraft.
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Bombardier has signed a Letter of Intent to authorise the airline to perform line and heavy maintenance on Q400 and Q400 NextGen turboprop aircraft. The agreement is expected to take effect by late August.
 Ethiopian Airlines operates modern and complete aircraft, engine and component overhaul and repair facilities at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. The facility employs an all-Ethiopian workforce of over 750 licensed technicians and support staff.
“This agreement with Ethiopian Airlines – one of Africa’s most respected airlines and a valued Bombardier customer – will provide the growing number of Bombardier operators in this region with more options for high quality maintenance support closer to their base of operations,” said Éric Martel,
president, customer services and specialised and amphibious aircraft, Bombardier Aerospace. “We are enthusiastic about the many new opportunities for commercial aviation in Africa and, through sustained investment and focus, we are expanding our support services on the continent at an accelerated pace.”
 
Last year Ethiopian became the first to take delivery of Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners outfitted with a dual-class configuration on Bombardier’s production line. These five dual-class aircraft are currently in service with the airline and
its affiliate, ASKY Airlines of Togo. In total, the carriers operate a fleet of 13 Q400 and Q400 NextGen airliners.
 This announcement closely follows earlier news that Bombardier is establishing a full service Regional Support Office at the Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa and will open a 2,153 square-foot (200 square metres) parts depot there by the end of this year.
 

 

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