PHI to open new MRO facility in Louisiana
The company also plans to offer MRO provision to external clients as part its strategy to restructure and diversify its business interests
Petroleum Helicopters International (PHI) has announced the opening of a new maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Lafayette, Louisiana, alongside plans to provide MRO services to external clients.
The new MRO center has been recognized as a Certified Repair Station by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR) and Designated Engineering Representatives (DER) authorizations.
A comprehensive MRO facility
The 15,794m2 site offers a full suite of facilities, for work on everything from avionics, specialty machining, component overhaul and repair, custom paint, corrosion control, airframe structural support and custom upholstery.
PHI will offer routine maintenance and inspections, pre-buy and lease return inspections and professional paint finishes for a variety of aircraft component types. Aircraft modifications, engineering new solutions and installing complex modifications to existing systems will also be offered with the MRO division able to manage the entire design and build process in-house.
In addition, PHI will utilize its integrated global parts and supply chain knowledge and insight to minimize costs and downtime for customers.
James Hinch, Chief Operating Officer in charge of the MRO expansion, added: “Our teams of expert maintenance technicians are trained and certified to service a wide range of aircraft models and engine types.”
Services to external clients is an ‘integral part of diversifying’
Managing Director of PHI Aviation, Keith Mullett, says the expansion of PHI’s MRO offering and the opening of PHI’s services to external clients is an ‘exciting new phase’ for the company, and is an ‘integral part of the company’s focus on diversifying’ its service offering.
“With aircraft becoming bigger and more technologically advanced, more businesses are needing specialist level MRO capabilities, and PHI is expertly placed to meet this need,” he said. “Introducing our MRO services to the market is also a core part of our diversification focus and complements our work in energy, search and rescue, air medical and marine pilot transfers services.”
The diversification of services comes three years after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, after which PHI was forced to complete a debt restructuring plan.
PHI offers a range of aeronautical services, including support for the oil and gas industry, pilot training and aircraft maintenance, as well as the operation of air ambulance subsidiary PHI Air Medical