Flight Mechanics: The Business of Airline Repairs
Recent maintenance mistakes raise questions about a growing practice at U.S. airlines: Since an economic crisis began shaking the industry in 2002, most major airlines have stopped repairing and overhauling most of their own planes. Instead, they are sending the planes to be fixed for less money by private repair companies — often in developing countries.
In 2007, there were 698 FAA-certified aircraft repair stations outside the U.S.
To Cut Costs, Airlines Send Repairs Abroad()
October 19, 2009 Recent malfunctions affecting US Airways planes raise questions about a controversial and growing practice at most U.S. airlines: The industry is sending almost 1 out of every 5 planes needing overhaul or repair to developing countries, from Central America to Asia.
Crossed Wires: Flaws In Airline Repairs Abroad()
October 20, 2009 Mechanics have made some mistakes fixing US Airways planes at an FAA-approved facility in El Salvador. Industry executives and the FAA say the maintenance work is just as safe as any work done in the U.S. But airlines and the FAA don't make maintenance problems public.
Bucking Trend, Airline Keeps Repairs In-House()
October 20, 2009 As many major U.S. airlines shift their repair and maintenance work to outside firms, American Airlines is taking a different approach. The airline has its own crew of 6,000 mechanics based in Tulsa, Okla., who service its fleet and even contract for outside business.
