Air Niugini’s inhouse C checks or heavymaintenance checks on its jet aircraft at the airline’s engineering hangar inPort Moresby is nearing completion, a result of great team work that is savingAir Niugini millions of kina.Two heavy maintenance “checks” are being carried out at the moment, one on Fokker 70aircraft, P2-ANR which commenced in July this year and is on target to becompleted by October and the other on Fokker 100, P2-ANU expected to be completedby the end of November. P2-ANR is the first ever Fokker 70 check being carriedout in-house.
Air Niugini’s Licensed Aircraft MaintenanceEngineer (LAME) in charge of Heavy Maintenance, Richard Woolcock said the teaminvolved in the project appreciates the trust and confidence that has beenplaced on them by Air Niugini to get the C checks done on shore.
Mr Woolcock said “ It has taken a great leap offaith to move from proven maintenance providers to a novice team of mostly nationalengineers with the understanding that we will provide the same standard, if notbetter product at the end of the work.”
“ The staff are hard-working, very keen and havegreat engineering skills and knowledge and prepared to tackle any job given themfrom wiring up the latest Wi-IFE system to removing the cabin, galley andtoilets in the aircraft. The project has given the staff involved, the chanceto look into the aircraft in greater detail than they would in a normal day today business of maintenance. Upon completion, I believe we are giving back betteraircraft that can continue service for longer period.”
A ‘C’ Check is the most in depth type ofmaintenance that can be carried out on an aircraft. Basically, engineers takeoff every part fitted to the aircraft, inspect both the removed parts and theaircraft for damage, wear , corrosion and general condition then either repair in house or get new parts. Whenthe aircraft leaves the hangar at the end of its check, engineers ensure itnear to “As New” as possible so that the aircraft can keep flying and passengersafety is guaranteed.
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr TahawarDurrani said another two Fokker aircraft are in the plan to be worked on thisyear, adding that as the maintenance staff experience grows so the time takento complete each check can be reduced but maintaining the high work standards thatare expected by Air Niugini.
He also said other operators of Dash 8 in theregion are showing interest in what Air Niugini is doing.
“ If we can build on this interest to actuallyget them to come to Papua New Guinea for work to be carried out, this will bebonus for the country and particular Air Niugini. It also goes to show how muchaviation has grown in this country.”
The in-house C checks arrangement is savingAir Niugini K2.5million each time an aircraft goes in for heavy maintenance.Previously the aircraft had to be sent overseas for such maintenance, which isvery expensive for Air Niugini and the country.