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| Date: 20 May, 2005 |
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft's RACAP programme is starting to deliver measurable operating cost reductions to customer airlines across both the BAe 146/Avro RJ and ATP fleets.
Regional Aircraft started RACAP 18 months ago with a remit to work with operators, vendors and the airworthiness authorities to identify operating cost savings ideas that could be investigated and then rolled out to all fleet operators on a continual basis.
Various working groups have been established and notable airline participants have included Air Wisconsin, Mesaba, NJS, Swiss, Cityjet, FlyBe, British Airways CitiExpress and TNT representing the BAe 146/RJ operator community and West Air Sweden, SATA and Emerald Airways from the ATP operators.
A wide range of issues have been investigated ranging from overhaul costs and overhaul practices of specific components to life extensions of items; from revisions of manuals and simplification of inspection practices to new procedures to improve component reliability and the introduction of cost-saving modifications linked to improved despatch reliability.
To date, some $11 million of accumulated benefit across the operator community has been identified with just under half of that delivered in cost benefits. Specifically, on the BAe 146/Avro RJ around a $6 per flight hour cost reduction has been delivered with a further $10 per flight hour identified. On the ATP a $10 per flight hour cost reduction has been identified and delivered.
Another key cost reduction driver is the maintenance optimisation programme for both the BAe 146/RJ and the ATP. Under this programme maintenance intervals will be revised to reflect in-service experience. Maintenance data is being collected from a cross-section of the world fleet to create a reliability database. The revised maintenance programme will be presented to the Maintenance Review Board for operator and airworthiness authorities approval. Approval of the revised programme in January 2006 will deliver direct maintenance costs reductions of up to $16 per flying hour on the BAe 146 and $9 for the Avro RJ and up to $33 per flying hour for the ATP.
Rob Hearn, Customer Services Director of Regional Aircraft said: " Operators are now beginning to see the benefits of the RACAP initiative. They realise that it is a long-term project, but one that is now starting to deliver and we are grateful to those participating for their invaluable help. The support of our vendors is also important as we aim to ensure the long-term competitiveness of our products."
About BAE SYSTEMS Regional Aircraft
BAE SYSTEMS Regional Aircraft is responsible for Customer Support, Engineering and Asset Management activities covering a world-wide base of 160 customers operating over 1,100 aircraft in addition to managing a trading and leasing portfolio of some 350 aircraft.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE SYSTEMS is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, fighting vehicles, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE SYSTEMS has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately £12 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.
BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.
For further information contact:
David Dorman, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0)1582 488336 Fax: +44 (0)1582 488447 ddaviddorman@aol.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 1252 384695 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
www.baesystems.com
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