Kuala lumpur: The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has granted regulatory approval to a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Malaysia. This development provides ATR aircraft operators with the option to fulfill their MRO needs within the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio confirmed that the Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) certification was awarded to Aircraft Propeller Services (APS). This facility offers services for Collins Aerospace 568F propeller systems used on ATR aircraft. "An MRO organization must be certified/approved by the CAAP if it wants to legally perform aircraft maintenance work for Philippine-registered aircraft or operators under Philippine aviation regulations," he explained.

In a recent news release, APS Malaysia stated that it is the only MRO facility for 568F propeller systems in the Asia Pacific region licensed by the original equipment manufacturer. "The new certification further strengthens its position as a trusted regional hub for propeller and component MRO, supporting markets that rely heavily on ATR turboprop aircraft due to challenging terrain and airport conditions," the release mentioned.

APS Asia Pacific Managing Director Fergus Lopez emphasized that airlines in the Philippines previously had to send their propellers to North America or Europe for repairs and overhaul. "Keeping the propellers in the region, by sending them to our Malaysia facility, reduces turnaround times, simplifies logistics, and impr fleet availability," he said. There are currently 16 ATR fleet servicing domestic routes in the Philippines.

Source: Philippine News Agency