Gulfstream Aerospace has created an opened a center dedicated to the resolution of aircraft-on-ground (AOG) issues, providing Gulfstream operators with integrated support and ensuring faster return to service of their grounded aircraft.
Almost 2,400 square-foot/223 square-meter, the center is located in the 679,199-sf/63,100-sm Gulfstream Savannah Service Center and is staffed by an enterprise-wide team dedicated to predicting, preventing and resolving maintenance or logistics issues that would prevent an aircraft from making its next flight, the company says.
“This is the first time we’ve concentrated such a broad team of multidisciplinary personnel together in a space solely dedicated to AOG situations,” said Derek Zimmerman, president, Gulfstream Product Support. “Co-locating technical experts with cross-enterprise resources, including logistics, materials and purchasing support, will lead to more coordinated responses to customers, expedite resolution of issues and get aircraft back in the air faster than ever.”
Calls or messages that come into the Technical Operations Contact Center, if designated an “AOG” condition, are routed to the center, where experienced team members have mulitple resources available. These include, multiple Field and Airborne Support Teams (FAST) aircraft to deliver parts, tools or technicians; more than 150 field service representatives, 12 mobile repair teams with specially equipped vehicles; and more than $1.6 billion in spares.
The center is also equipped with monitors that provide an up-to-date visual dashboard of Gulfstream aircraft in-work and the company’s maintenance facilities and personnel, along with health updates from aircraft during flight.
“Our AOG center is the next evolution of what our Technical Operations department has had in place for years,” Zimmerman said. “Continuously improving our services is part of our effort to meet and exceed the expectations of our growing worldwide fleet.”