Orlando, Fla. – Oct. 7, 2008 – StandardAero and Wipaire Inc. have signed a support center agreement, authorizing Wipaire as a StandardAero-approved installation facility for the Cessna Caravan 208-series aircraft engine-upgrade program. This engine-upgrade program replaces the PT6A-114 (600 shp)/114A (675 shp) powerplants with the PT6A-135A (750 shp) powerplant. Providing an alternative to traditional overhaul, the new engine provides an increase in power at altitude and an improved rate of climb. A redesigned air inlet results in improved ram air recovery to the engine intake – further increasing engine performance. Engines will be available for installation in the first quarter of 2009.
“As a world leader in manufacturing of floats for small, amphibian turboprop aircraft, coupled with years of experience in airframe (STC) modifications, paint and interior, Wipaire is a great partner to introduce this program to Cessna Caravan 208-series operators,” said StandardAero General Manager PT6A Business Unit, Manny Atwal. He added: “Wipaire is the first support center to be able to provide this service to Cessna Caravan 208-series operators. This partnership will enhance the level of support for our customers not only during the conversion process but afterwards from a maintenance perspective.”
StandardAero is the only Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A designated overhaul facility that can offer customers both maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and engine upgrade options.
StandardAero, a Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) company with $1.4 billion in annual revenue, specializes in engine maintenance, repair and overhaul, and nose-to-tail services that include airframe, interior refurbishments and paint for business and general aviation, air transport, and military aircraft. The company, part of the DAE Engineering division, forms a global services network of 12 primary facilities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Singapore and Australia, with an additional 14 regionally located service and support locations.
About DAE: DAE is a fast developing global aerospace, manufacturing and services corporation made up of six divisions – DAE Airports, DAE Capital, DAE Engineering, DAE Manufacturing, DAE Services and DAE University.
Headquartered in Dubai, the group is growing through a series of phased developments and acquisitions to become a global player and to produce an integrated aerospace cluster, based at Dubai World Central – the new 140 square kilometre airport and logistics city being constructed in Jebel Ali, Dubai. It is forming international partnerships at the highest level of industry with the aim of establishing one of the most innovative and successful businesses in the global aerospace industry within the next decade.
DAE’s shareholders include EMAAR, ISTITHMAR World, Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), Dubai International Capital, DIFC Investments LLC, the Government of Dubai and AMLAK Finance.