Air New Zealand expands use of Boeing 777 Component Services Program

Posted by John McHale
SEATTLE, 2 Feb. 2011. Boeing [NYSE: BA], Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance, and Air New Zealand signed an agreement to expand the airline's use of the 777 Component Services Program (CSP), offered jointly by Boeing and Air France Industries KLM Engineering and Maintenance.
After gaining experience with the CSP on its 777-200ER (extended range) fleet, Air New Zealand is expanding the support for common aircraft parts to cover its fleet of 777-300ERs. These parts will be added to the existing 777 CSP agreement. The airline accepted the first of its five 777-300ERs in December 2010.
The program allows airlines to outsource the cost and logistical challenge of keeping important parts on hand. It reduces the airline's up-front investment in spare parts and offers a reliable supply of critical parts. They also benefit by receiving a working aircraft component more quickly, rather than having to wait for a completed repair that could ground an airplane.
"For the past four years the 777 Component Services Program has operationally been highly successful on our 777-200ER fleet, so it is natural to expand it to include our new 777-300ERs," says Vanessa Stoddart, group general manager, Technical Operations and People, Air New Zealan". “The -300ER's longer range make the need for this component availability even more critical."
"Air New Zealand, with its unique location and route structure, requires a great airplane operating at the top of its performance capability," says Dale Wilkinson, vice president of Material Services for Commercial Aviation Services, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 777 Component Services Program will help provide that edge."
Thirteen 777 customer airlines participate in the CSP, with a total of 135 aircraft currently operating under the program.
The 777 CSP program is offered jointly by Boeing and AFI KLM E&M, who also offer a similar program for Next-Generation 737 models.