Philippine Airlines will use HAECO ITM to provide component support for the V2500 engine variant powering its fleet of 24 Airbus A321 aircraft.

The agreement, which HAECO ITM says is “long-term”, will give the carrier access to Hong Kong-based company’s component pool and exchange located at Hong Kong International Airport.

In addition, Philippine Airlines will also have access to parts repair management services, component engineering and AOG support on the V2533 variant of the V2500 engine family.

Daniel Stromski, executive general manager of HAECO ITM, says the agreement underpins the repair specialist’s strategic position in the Asia-Pacific region.

William Tan, vice president, corporate logistics and services at Philippine Airlines, says the decision to work with HAECO ITM was based on its niche strength in components along with the MRO meeting its quality standards as well as being well-placed regionally.

“Its strategic location guarantees a quick turnaround time and AOG support,” he says. “The forging of this partnership with HAECO ITM will open the door for possible future programs.”

Philippine Airlines currently operates a fleet of 64 aircraft, comprised of 24 A321s, five A340s, 15 A330s and 10 Boeing 777-300ERs. It also operates 10 A320-200s which are expected to be phased out for A321neos. First delivery of six A350-900s, earmarked as an A340 replacement, are scheduled to begin from next month.