BAE Systems commences base maintenance support for Tigerair from its Melbourne International Airport hangar as of today (01 October 2013) providing around 20 new full time jobs.

Tigerair Australia CEO, Rob Sharp, says the new strategic partnership reinforces a commitment to strengthen the operational performance of the airline as part of the long term business strategy.

“We have a significant growth plan to deliver on and we believe this partnership is the right one to assist us to consistently provide the best in terms of safe, affordable and reliable air travel, which our customers should expect from us as a given. We are pleased to play an innovative role in the industry and develop a platform that meets the needs of our business and our customers.

“We are confident BAE Systems can deliver this very important capability for us. They are recognised as one of the most experienced military aircraft sustainment providers in Australia with over 20 years of extensive maintenance experience and a proven performance record,” he says.

BAE Systems Australia Aerospace Director Steve Drury described the new contract as a strategic opportunity for the company to enter an adjacent market.

“This is our first major commercial aircraft maintenance contract and we are pleased to be providing capability for a major Australian domestic airline,” Mr Drury said.

“Our immediate focus is ensuring we meet all contract milestones and deliver Tigerair the highest quality of service on time.”

Mr Drury said BAE Systems’ commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul capability was built on its longstanding aircraft sustainment support to the Australian Defence Force as an accredited Authorised Maintenance Organisation.

“As part of our long term strategy to diversify our customer base, we have now achieved Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) 145 accreditation to deliver line maintenance up to and including A-checks for the A319/A320/A321 family.

“BAE Systems is the first company in Australia to start an independent commercial aircraft maintenance operation from a greenfield site and our partnership with Tigerair is an important first step in establishing a long-term business in this area.”

BAE press release