Ameco signs United Airlines deal
By Mao Lijun (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-08-31 08:50

United Airlines, the world's second-largest airline, will use the services of Beijing-based Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Corporation (Ameco) for the heavy maintenance of its Boeing 777 fleet.

The Chicago-based airline yesterday signed a five-year contract with Ameco, a joint venture between Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Air China Ltd in Beijing, for the Chinese company to handle repairs and overhaul of the airline's entire Boeing 777 fleet.

In the next five years, United Airlines' Boeing 777 fleet will come to Ameco for heavy maintenance visits (HMVs). More than 50 HMVs are planned for the first three years, and as many as 80 aircraft will be involved over the contractual period.

Ameco will begin heavy maintenance work on the first five aircraft starting from October.

The value of the contract is estimated at more than US$30 million, said He Li, the chief executive officer (CEO) and general manager of Ameco.

 "Ameco shares United Airlines' commitment to quality and safety. Ameco's state-of-the-art technology and world-class facilities will enable United Airlines to seamlessly complete its HMVs," Greg Hall, senior vice president of United Airlines' services department said.

Will Crocker, United Airlines director of technical strategic sourcing for airframe and aircraft components added: "The competitive cost, high-quality service and guaranteed turn-around times provided by Ameco will help us to cut maintenance costs."

United Airlines, which is operating under bankruptcy protection, is trying to reduce expenses to counter rising fuel prices and intense pricing pressure; and compete better with discount carriers.

For better communication, Ameco Beijing will create an IT interface with United Airlines for e-documents, human resources data, invoicing processes and other real-time data services.

Close