Vector Aerospace has been awarded three new engine distributor and designated overhaul facility agreements from Pratt & Whitney Canada Inc. and it has renewed and expanded its existing PW100 licence. These agreements will be assigned to existing Vector subsidiaries.
PWC, a subsidiary of United Technologies and the original equipment manufacturer of the engines, designated Vector to provide full maintenance, repair and overhaul on each of the following four engine families:
PW100 The PW100 is a family of turboprop engines that is certified for 29 aircraft applications including the deHavilland Dash 8, the Aerospatiale ATR 42/72, the Fairchild Dornier 328-110/120 and the Embraer EMB-120. Approximately 4,500 engines have been produced. The expanded PW100 agreement includes the renewal of the currently held designations and an expansion to include the remaining three commercially significant model numbers not presently serviced.
PT6A The PT6A is a family of turboprop engines that is certified for 59 aircraft applications including the Beech King Air, Beech 1900 and the Cessna Caravan. The PT6A is the most widely used engine on currently produced turboprop aircraft with approximately 27,000 produced. This designation represents an entirely new engine line for Vector.
PT6T Twin-Pac The PT6T Twin-Pac is a turboshaft engine assembly that is certified for 18 helicopter applications including the Bell 212\412. Approximately 3,600 engines (7,200 power sections) have been produced. During 1999 Vector made capital investments, including the construction of a test cell, and commenced service on this engine. This OEM designation, in addition to Transport Canada’s authorization, now opens new markets and significantly increases competitiveness on this existing line.
JT15D The JT15D is a turbofan engine that is certified for 12 aircraft applications including business jets such as the Cessna Citation Series and the Raytheon Beechjet. Approximately 5,800 engines have been produced. This is a new engine line for Vector and represents the second turbofan engine in the company’s portfolio.
All four engine lines are currently in production. Vector’s DDOF designations for these engine families have an initial term of 10 years. Fees associated with the award are not disclosed. All engine lines will be commissioned in existing Vector facilities through an implementation plan that is expected to generate revenues commencing in fiscal 2000 and building strongly as each line is commissioned.
In commenting on this major development chairman and chief executive officer, Mark Dobbin, stated: “I am pleased that the quality of the service we provide to our customers and the strength of our relationship with Pratt & Whitney Canada has resulted in this award. Securing these designations represents an important step in the execution of Vector’s long-term business plan. It demonstrates conclusively that in addition to being able to grow through selective acquisitions, we have the ability to grow internally by adding new engine designations to our existing facilities. The multiyear development plan associated with these designations provides Vector with significant growth opportunity. This award is another positive development in what is proving to be a very exciting and profitable first full fiscal year as an independent public company.”