AB Jets is to incorporate Quiet Technology Aerospace’s (QTA) titanium thrust reversers and the carbon fibre inlet cowls upgrade on its incoming Challenger 3500 fleet, ordered from Bombardier in 2023. The QTA ‘Permanent Solution’ upgrades are being fitted immediately upon delivery and are designed to ensure long-term reliability, minimise future maintenance events and support uninterrupted service for AB Jets customers, virtually eliminating any corrosion-related AOGs on these components from the very beginning of their aircraft service life.

Over time, operators have identified opportunities to further extend the component life and durability of the aircraft’s Honeywell engines, particularly the nacelle inlets and thrust reversers, where the original aluminium skins are exposed to environmental factors leading to extensive corrosion.

QTA’s FAA-approved ‘Permanent Solution’ STCs replace the aluminium skins of the thrust reverser with a new permanent titanium structure that exactly replicates the original TR exit area and inner mould line so there is no impact on engine performance. For the inlet cowls, the inner aluminium barrel is replaced with a carbon graphite inner barrel that will never corrode or fail. Both product upgrades provide enhanced durability and safety, and reduce the need for recurring maintenance interventions. While many operators adopt these upgrades later in the aircraft’s life cycle, AB Jets is proactively implementing the solution from day one.

“Our commitment has always been to safety, reliability and customer experience. By choosing the only preventative measures, we’re ensuring our aircraft deliver the highest level of performance without interruption and we’re proud to be an early adopter of QTA’s innovative solutions,” says David Turner, AB Jets co-owner and director of operations.

AB Jets has committed all three of its Challenger 3500 deliveries to receive the Quiet Technology Aerospace upgrades from day one and plans to adopt the upgrades on all future aircraft as well.

Barry Fine, CEO of QTA adds: “We are delighted to partner with AB Jets and are excited to be installing our innovative products on its brand-new aircraft. This is an industry first and will surely lead to other operators taking this pro-active action: eliminate the root cause of corrosion from day one. Backed by our lifetime, fully transferable warranty, AB Jets is assured of reliable, safe operations and the minimising of future maintenance/replacement costs.”