Spirit AeroSystems announced its participation in a joint venture partnership between several major aviation companies to develop and implement a state-of-the-art composite and metal bond component repair station in the Asia-Pacific region. Spirit will partner with Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited (HAECO), and its subsidiary, TAECO, along with Oklahoma-based First Wave MRO, to establish a regional service center located near TAECO’s facility in Xiamen, China. Called Taikoo Spirit AeroSystems Composite the service center will provide convenient, world-class repair services for airlines and aircraft operators across the Asia-Pacific region. Construction of the new facility is underway with completion and startup anticipated in mid-2009.
Also joining the new venture will be Cathay Pacific Airways and China Airlines, two of the region’s leading air carriers. The two companies will bring their fleet component repair and overhaul business and logistical support to the joint venture.