Flying Colours has completed a 120-month heavy maintenance inspection for a Bombardier Global XRS aircraft.

In addition to the airframe inspection and maintenance strip down, the aircraft underwent additional upgrades including the equipping of Ka-band connectivity and ADS-B Out installation. The Honeywell JetWave Ka-band system necessitated hardware installation of a tail-mounted antenna, cabin router, modem and associated wiring to support global high-speed connectivity. Full external paint work completed the aircraft enhancements before redelivery to the owner. A further three Bombardier Global aircraft are scheduled for 10-year heavy checks over the next six months at Flying Colours' North America facilities.

A full pre-purchase inspection accompanied the maintenance work, which was conducted on behalf of a UK-based customer. The positioning into North America for the complex project highlights a growing trend Flying Colours is noticing as European owners and operators recognise the distinct benefits of having maintenance, interior, avionics, and paint work projects completed in parallel in-house at a single location at competitive rates.

“Our extensive experience, reputation for quality output and established high-tech facilities where we can complete all work under one roof makes our offering extremely attractive for those needing multifaceted work scopes fulfilled on time and within tight budgets. The larger the package the greater the justification for bringing aircraft to our North American facilities,” says executive VP Eric Gillespie. The team's ability to provide MRO support in conjunction with pre-purchase inspections, transaction and pre-registration administrative support ensures customers maximise budgets and minimise downtime.

Interest is coming from predominantly northern European-based operators. Confirmed European projects for the next quarter include a major 240-month maintenance inspection, cabin management system upgrade and full exterior paintwork for a Global Express, as well as a 48-month inspection on a Challenger 605. “We're gaining significant traction in Europe, and we anticipate that as our profile continues to rise in the EMEA region and the pandemic recedes, we will support and satisfy the needs of an increasing range of owners,” adds EMEA sales manager Andrew Pearce.