North American MRO and completions business Flying Colours has noted increased interest from European business aircraft owners and operators seeking a single source for multi-faceted refurbishment and maintenance work.
The latest European customer will be harnessing the full scope of Flying Colours’ Peterborough capabilities, its highly skilled workforce, and in-depth experience working on the Bombardier Challenger platform when the Challenger 605 is inducted for maintenance, paint, interior upgrades and landing gear overhaul in the fourth quarter of 2023.
“The fact that we have all the services required to complete the work under one roof, technicians with thousands of hours of experience, and a state-of-the-art paint shop is a real draw for European owners,” said Eric Gillespie, executive VP of Flying Colours Corp. “The strength of the UK and European currencies also make the trip across the pond financially worth it. The owner appreciates the value working with us brings to his operations in terms of capabilities and finances.”
The scope of work includes an extensive 16-year, 192-month inspection and landing gear overhaul. While the aircraft is down, the 12M/24M/36M/48M and 96-month items will be performed, along with any recommended Service Bulletins and Airworthiness Directives that may be due.
The owner is working with Flying Colours to define the interior refresh, but minor wood repair work, an updated divan covering, and a new carpet are all under discussion.
Externally the aircraft will receive a full fuselage strip and paint as a bright white paint effect will be complemented with feature grey and blue stripes along the fuselage, up the aircraft tail and across the rudder.
The maintenance, interiors and exterior work will be conducted in parallel, reducing downtime and maximising the budget. Flying Colours estimates the scope of work will take approximately 10 weeks.
“Aircraft on the ground are not earning their keep, which is why carrying out multiple work streams simultaneously from a single supplier is a major attraction for European owners,” said Gillespie. “We’re currently in discussion with a further three European aircraft owners of large jet cabins and look forward to welcoming their airframes later this year. Our presence at EBACE confirms that this region continues to be an important part of our business operations, and we look forward to welcoming new and existing customers to our booth F40 during the show. We always return from Geneva with new business.”
