Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) Bedek Aviation Group has been awarded an exclusive contract by Kenya Airways, Kenya's national flag carrier for CFM56-3/7 engine refurbishment and total support. The agreement, valued at over $100 million covers twenty six engines for a period of ten years on the airline's Boeing 737 planes.
At the contract signing ceremony held in Nairobi on Aug. 8, 2008, Dany Kleiman, IAI's Corporate Vice President & General Manager of the Bedek Aviation Group, said "Kenya Airways joins distinguished customers worldwide supported by Bedek Aviation Group. Kenya Airways, as the premier leading airline of Africa, becomes a strategic partner for other collaboration and business activities between our two companies".
Speaking on behalf of Kenya Airways, Technical Director Allan Fullilove expressed the airline's satisfaction that, "this partnership will go a long way in developing our systems and our technical capabilities. We look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership".
Kenya Airways is one of Africa's premier carriers that boast one of the youngest fleets in the continent. The airline holds the mantle of the "Pride of Africa" with an extensive network in the continent. With its 23 aircraft, Kenya Airways flies to 39 destinations in 42 countries in Africa, Europe and Asia.
The Bedek Aviation Group of Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. is a "Full service Provider" (MRO) for a wide range of aircraft, engines and components, as well as a world leader in comprehensive cargo conversion programs and conversion & upgrade of special mission aircraft, based on full in-house development engineering capability. Bedek services include Total Maintenance Service packages for airlines, heavy airframe maintenance services, and overhaul and repair of wide range of engines and components. Bedek is an STC holder for cargo conversions and weight upgrades for Boeing 747-400 (Pax and Combi), Boeing 767-200 (sole STC holder), Boeing 737-300 and is currently developing STC's for Boeing 767-300 and Boeing 737-400 Cargo Conversions. Bedek's sales in the year 2007, reached 726M$ a 37.5% increase from the previous year.
Photos:
1. CFM engines maintenance at IAI/Bedek Aviation Engines Division
2. Dany Kleiman, Corporate VP and General Manager Bedek Aviation Group
For further information, please contact:
Doron Suslik
Deputy Corporate Vice President for Communications
Tel: 972 (3) 935-8509
Fax: 972 (3) 935-8512
Email: hpaz@iai.co.il