Japan Air Commuter (JAC) has contracted with Dowty Propellers to provide
a complete propeller system support package for the airline’s inventory
of Bombardier Q400* and Saab 340 regional aircraft, including repair and
overhaul, technical assistance and on-site support.
The multi-year agreement is backed by Dowty Propellers’ full
capabilities as type certificate holder for the propeller systems on
both of these twin-engine airliner types, enabling continuous high
levels of service to be covered by a simpler contractual structure.
Dowty Propellers’ advanced propeller system on the Bombardier Q400
turboprop incorporates six all-composite blades with an advanced swept
design and optimized airfoil sections. It offers excellent climb and
cruise performance, while generating low noise levels. Equipped with
fail-safe electronic controls, the propeller system’s modular
configuration is designed to help reduce maintenance costs – eliminating
mechanical control linkages to the cockpit, while facilitating the
individual removal and replacement of blades.
The Saab 340 turboprop propeller system has demonstrated its
capabilities over a long service life. In operation since 1984, some of
the propellers have amassed more than 40,000 flying hours. The propeller
system continues to deliver cost-effective performance as its maturity
grows.
“We expect the new agreement with Dowty Propellers to improve the
quality and service level of our flight. And also, we believe our
relationship will maximize customer satisfaction,” said Yasushi Tokuda,
the Japan Air Commuter General Manager, Maintenance Planning and
Administration.
Building on the capacity of Dowty Propellers’ global support network,
the company also will provide the capabilities of its mobile service
engineers, who are approved to perform on-site repairs and supply
assistance in the field.
“Dowty Propellers is uniquely capable of supporting both the Bombardier
Q400 and Saab 340, which represent JAC’s entire aircraft inventory,”
said Dowty Propellers President Oliver Towers. “Our agreement ensures
that JAC will benefit from the full resources of the propeller system’s
original manufacturer, ensuring the aircraft are maintained to the
highest standards.”
Japan Air Commuter is the carrier airline of Japan Air Lines (JAL),
operating feeder services in support of its parent company. Based at
Kagoshima Airport – with hubs at Osaka International Airport, Amami
Airport and Fukuoka Airport – Japan Air Commuter operates a fleet of 11
Bombardier Q400 aircraft and 11 Saab 340s.
About Dowty Propellers
As a leader in the development, manufacture and support of
electronically controlled, all-composite propeller systems, Dowty
Propellers provides solutions for the propulsion needs of today and
tomorrow. Its products are used in applications that range from
commercial airliners and military airlifters to multi-role seaplanes and
marine hovercraft.
With a proven record of product development, introduction and support,
Dowty Propellers continually invests in technologies, production
capabilities and human resources – resulting in propeller systems that
are safe, efficient and reliable. Its history of firsts-to-market
includes the all-composite propeller blade and full-authority digital
propeller control. More than 23,000 advanced composite blades have been
delivered to date by Dowty Propellers, with the lead blade logging over
45,000 hours of flight time.
*Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries
Copyright Business Wire 2014