Collins Aerospace Systems has signed a 10-year support agreement with Etihad Airways, one of the largest airlines in the Middle East and the national airline of the United Arab Emirates. The agreement covers the airline’s fleet of Boeing 787-9 aircraft through Collins Aerospace’s Dispatch flight hour program, which guarantees the availability of high-performance avionics and communications assets to customers around the globe. The agreement marks Collins Aerospace’s first performance-based service program with Etihad.
Collins Aerospace will provide on-site spares, maintenance services including upgrades, access to worldwide 787 asset pools, and technical assistance for avionics. Collins Aerospace will also provide its experience as the supplier and systems integrator of the 787’s flight deck display system, crew alerting system, pilot controls and additional critical electronic components and systems on board.
“The Boeing 787 is the flagship aircraft of Etihad Airways, comprising more than one-third of our fleet,” said Mohammad Al Bulooki, chief operating officer for the Etihad Aviation Group. “These aircraft fly to 38 of our 76 passenger destinations and will serve even more routes in 2020. The reliability of these aircraft is critical to the smooth flow of our daily operations and this reliability will continue to be important well into the future. Our partnership with Collins Aerospace is an important investment in this reliability and in our brand.”
Craig Bries, vice president and general manager, Avionics Service and Support for Collins Aerospace, added, “Our Dispatch program reduces the need for spares inventory, saving the airline money, and improves aircraft availability by ensuring avionics quality and reliability. “We are committed to delivering world-class support to Etihad and look forward to a long, successful relationship.”