Will Maintain and Support Air Canada's Ground Radio Systems

Global Maintenance Services has received a 4-year contract from Air Canada to maintain all of the airline's 3,200 UHF ground radios and systems located at 18 airports across Canada. The fixed-rate contract, which became effective May 1, was awarded in competitive bidding.

In addition to providing a standardized level of service, ARINC will provide Air Canada with a fully managed radio support program, including centralized equipment purchasing and program management.

"As a managed service provider, ARINC is not in the business of selling radio equipment," stated Bud Elsaesser, ARINC's Global Maintenance Director. "We have Air Canada's operational performance and service support as our prime focus."

Air Canada expects some savings to be achieved by reducing its equipment inventory to optimum levels through centralized asset management. ARINC estimates the airline may realize savings and cost avoidance of as much as 25% over the contract life.

The new agreement increases ARINC's role as a strategic supplier to Air Canada. ARINC has maintained Air Canada's North American VHF air/ground stations since 2002, and supports the airline's dispatch consoles in Canada and its ground radios at many US airports.

"In addition to a very responsive proposal, ARINC offered Air Canada the best overall value for this service," stated Francesca Pitruzzello, Program Manager IT?Airports. "We are pleased to expand our good working relationship with ARINC, and look forward to their efficient management of this essential operational program."

"Our goal is to assist Air Canada in obtaining the maximum return on their radio investment, with continuous improvement in ground radio support that meets their future requirements," continued Elsaesser. "We are pleased to share our expertise and skills in providing a fully managed radio service program to Air Canada."

Montr�al-based Air Canada provides scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 150 destinations on five continents. Canada's flag carrier is the 11th largest commercial airline in the world and serves more than 27 million customers annually using a combined fleet of 300 aircraft.

FMI: www.arinc.com