Article Posted on : - Sep 20, 2011

CH-47 Chinook. Photo: Boeing.

AMSTERDAM (BNS): US defence major Boeing and AAR Aircraft Component Services -- Amsterdam have signed a letter of intent to cooperate on component maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities to support Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) rotorcraft operations.

"Boeing is working with Dutch industry to develop the most effective ways to increase the readiness rates of Royal Netherlands Air Force CH-47 Chinook and AH-64D Apache helicopters through its partnership with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence Logistic Center Woensdrecht," said Peri Widener, Boeing Global Services & Support director of Rotorcraft Support.

"Boeing also is focused on building relationships with suppliers that can help the company continue to deliver affordable, reliable logistics, sustainment and MRO solutions that maximize global readiness for our customers here and elsewhere."

"AAR has extensive experience servicing aircraft components for air forces in Europe, the United States and other countries around the world including on a number of platforms for which Boeing is the original equipment manufacturer," said Mat van Vugt, vice president and general manager, AAR Aircraft Component Services.

The alliance strives to increase readiness rates of the Boeing-built CH-47 Chinook and AH-64D Apache helicopters operated by the RNLAF, and aims to eventually broaden regional MRO activities through support opportunities on additional military and civilian aircraft.

The letter of intent with AAR is the first industry collaboration to grow out of the November 2010 framework agreement between Boeing and Logistic Center Woensdrecht (LCW).

AAR Aircraft Component Services specializes in overhaul, repair and maintenance of components for aircraft including RNLAF CH-47 Chinooks and KDC-10s, F-16s, C-130s and NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) 707 aircraft, a Boeing release said.