Vol. 3 Q2 - Vector Aerospace

setting the standard of customer service
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External: Volume 3 | April 2014 Q2
Vector Aerospace Short-listed for 2014 ATE&M Awards
Vector Aerospace is thrilled to report that it has been short-listed for the
prestigious 2014 Aircraft Technology Engineering and Maintenance Awards
(ATE&M Awards). As in previous years, high-profile industry professionals
on a global panel of judges will determine the recipients of the 2014 ATE&M
Awards, which recognize excellence in various categories.
With over 1,600 entries from across the globe, Vector Aerospace has been
short-listed in the following categories: Best Engine MRO Globally, Best
Component MRO Globally and Award for People Development and Training.
The winners of the 2014 ATE&M Awards are due to be announced on May 7th.
Vector Aerospace Signs Agreement to Support Helicopter Transport Services
CT7-2A Engines
Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services – North America (HS-NA) has signed a two-year agreement
with Helicopter Transport Services (HTS Canada) to provide repair, testing, modification and reduceto-spares services for HTS Canada’s GE Aviation CT7-2A engines, powering its fleet of B214ST
helicopters.
“We are delighted to sign this agreement with HTS Canada,” states Chris McDowell, Vice President
Sales and Marketing at HS-NA. “With over 15 years of MRO experience with the GE CT7 and T700
engine series, we look forward to providing the highest quality products and services to HTS Canada
over the next two years. HTS Canada is one of the premier helicopter operators in Canada and we
are extremely proud to support HTS’s operations, and specifically its fleet of CT7-2A engines.”
“HTS Canada’s top priority is to
provide solutions for customer
needs,” states Luc Pilon, Chief
Executive Officer at HTS Canada.
“The decision to award this contract
to HS-NA was based on their
reputation for high quality, customer
service and previous support
provided to us. We are pleased to
have HS-NA’s MRO support for our
CT7-2A engines.”
HS-NA’s history with CT7 and
T700s includes an award from
GE Aviation to assemble newproduction CT7-8A and -8A1
engines for the Sikorsky CH-148
(H-92) Cyclone helicopters in
Canada. HS-NA’s Richmond facility
is equipped with engine module
repair and overhaul, borescope
inspection,
failure
analysis,
component repair and full test cell
capabilities for both the GE T700/
CT7 and T58/CT58 engine series.
Vector Financial Services
Gives Extra Lift to the
Vector Portfolio
One of the ‘hot’ topics being discussed
at this year’s Heli-Expo show in
Anaheim was aircraft leasing, with
opportunities in the rotary-wing lease
sector reaching an all-time high. Now
Vector Aerospace has entered this
highly competitive market environment
with its new dedicated division, Vector
Financial Services (VFS).
Based in Dublin, Ireland VFS currently
offers a strong portfolio of 12 AS332L
Super Puma helicopters, configured to
penetrate the utility market. The team
is enjoying success with customers
all over the globe, including South
Africa-based Starlite Aviation, which
supports operations for the UN and
other notable organizations such as
the World Food programme. Success
has also come from VFS’s support
of oil and gas operations in Northern
Australia with Bond Aviation.
Dave Thompson, newly appointed
VFS Director of Sales, commented
that, “These types of operations are
what the AS332 was designed for. Its
rugged construction and reliability are
synonymous with the Airbus product,
and the AS332 is the choice of select
operators that demand the best return
on their investment.”
Dave further commented, “At VFS
we pride ourselves on being able to
deliver a quick, feasible, affordable
and flexible solution, complemented
by our now well-known BYPASS and
BYPASS PLUS support solutions. The
inclusion of a By-The-Hour support
solution delivers a product ready for
use that only requires the addition of
aircrew. We can look after the rest!”
Declan O’Shea, CEO, Vector Aerospace, Luc Pilon, Chief Executive Officer at
Helicopter Transport Services and Paul Cockell, President, HS-NA.
To get more information on VFS, its
products and services please contact
Dave Thompson at +44 7793 422144,
dave.thompson@vectoraerospace.com
Vector Aerospace – UK Offers Warm Welcome to Customers
Vector Aerospace UK’s Business Director of
Component Services, Mick O’Connor, and his
team recently hosted a wide range of aerospace
customers to an informative and entertaining event
on behalf of Component Services – UK (CS-UK).
The day began with an informative presentation of
Vector Aerospace and specifically the capabilities
of the Almondbank facility. Emphasis was placed on
the expanding capabilities within the components,
landing gear and props businesses, among others.
Later, the customers were given a tour of the
Almondbank facilities and presentations of each
work area.
The day’s events were capped by a delicious
dinner at the historic grand Scone Palace which
was attended by all, including the Lady Provost of
Perth.
Vector - UK guests enjoying evening at the historic SCONE Palace in Scotland.
Vector Aerospace – UK Expands its Civil Footprint
Vector Financial Services (VFS), is pleased to announce the induction of its first
Airbus Helicopters AS332L Super Puma into Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services
- UK (HS-UK) based at its Fleetlands site in Gosport, Hampshire.
VFS already operates a fleet of 12 Super Puma aircraft, deployed throughout the
world, fulfilling a range of functions across utility, peace keeping and off-shore
operational environments. However the arrival of an AS332L at Fleetlands marks
the inaugural step of the program’s footprint within the UK; the development
epitomizes the company’s growing civil sector capability, which has recently
secured a number of fixed-wing contracts and EASA Part 21G accreditation.
“Our long-standing commitment as a valued supplier of MRO services to key
military stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Defence (MoD), continues to be of
importance to us”, said Michael Tyrrell, Vector Aerospace – UK Managing Director.
“We are now looking to leverage this capability to develop civil market applications
in order to expand our civil footprint and capitalise on the flexibility of the workforce
across our UK sites.”
The AS332L Super Puma was one of a number of aircraft purchased from a renowned helicopter operator in 2012 and has been on lease until
last month. HS-UK will perform a range of work on the aircraft; principally a synchronisation process will be completed to return the aircraft to
the OEM maintenance program. Vector will also undertake the base maintenance and the upgrade packages required in preparation for its
next leasing operation.
Customer Praises Service at Vector Aerospace Engine Services - Atlantic
The following note was sent to employees at the Vector Aerospace Engine Services – Atlantic (ES-A) facility in Summerside, PEI from a
representative of Aeromotion, who recently visited the PEI facility for an engine review on behalf of Skytrans.
As usual, I am totally impressed with the level of cooperation received from Vector this week, mostly and specifically related to your help. I had
a chat with a South African customer of Vector at dinner tonight. We had a nice chat and we both agreed Vector is a very trustworthy supplier
of MRO services. Most notable is the apparent general happiness observed across the various company levels, down to the shop floor.
Vector should be proud that their mechanics can talk openly with customers, “unsupervised”, and actually add to the confidence that the
customer has in them. Complete strangers working on the floor cheerfully greeted me and made conversation. I could tell this was not part
of a company wide campaign initiated by training courses to instill customer loyalty...it was a genuine inherent Eastern Canada mentality...
Vector’s biggest asset.
Scott and Tyler working on ESN 120202 tear down showed poise and professionalism, allowing me to share my knowledge of the engine, and
reciprocating with some assembly issues that they brought forward that I was not aware of. I truly enjoyed the interaction with them, and I hope
this message makes its way up the ladder so that they, and others like yourself, can be recognized, for simply doing their jobs professionally
and representing their company in an extremely positive manner.
Vector Aerospace Expands its Sales Team in Asia and Australia
SECA Appoints New CEO
Vector Aerospace Engine Services – Atlantic (ESA) has added two new faces to its Sales Team in
Asia and Australia .
Christian Venzal has been appointed CEO
for SECA, effective April 1st. Christian, who
will report to Declan O’Shea, has over 24
years service with the Airbus Group, most
recently as Senior Manager, Strategy and
Company Development.
Danish Lau has been hired as a Regional Sales
Manager supporting fixed-wing operators in
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Malaysia,
Maldives, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand
and Vietnam.
Danish Lau
Simon Wilks
Prior to joining ES-A, Danish worked with some of the industry’s leading MRO service
providers and original equipment manufacturers in a number of positions including Field
Support Representative, Aircraft Engineer and Team Leader.
Meanwhile, Simon Wilks, who comes to ES-A with over 15 years of sales experience within
the aerospace industry, has been brought on board as a Regional Sales and Service Manager
supporting fixed-wing operators in Samoa, French Polynesia, Guam, Japan, New Zealand
and the New South Wales and Northern Territory regions of Australia.
Danish and Simon will represent ES-A’s Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A, JT15D,
PW100 and PW150A engine lines.
Vector Aerospace Signs Exclusive Five-Year MRO Support Contract with
Sunshine Helicopters
Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services – North America
(HS-NA) has signed an exclusive five-year MRO
support contract with Sunshine Helicopters of Kahulu,
Maui. This agreement will cover Sunshine Helicopters’
Arriel 1 and Arriel 2 engines, along with the company’s
Airbus Helicopters AS350, AS355 and EC130 dynamic
components.
“HS-NA is thrilled to have signed this MRO support
contract with Sunshine Helicopters’ at Heli-Expo this
year,” says Eric Hicks, Regional Sales Director at HS-NA.
“This support agreement solidifies HS-NA’s commitment
to Sunshine to provide ‘top shelf’ MRO support for their
fleet of Airbus Helicopters tour aircraft.”
Engine Services – UK Pyestock
Celebrates 100% OTD
Engines Services – UK’s (ES-UK) test cell
based in Pyestock, Farnborough, recently
celebrated two years of 100% on time
delivery (OTD), with a cake specially made
for the occasion. Charlie Gordon, Test
Cell Manager, said, “It was a superb goal
achieved by a great team.”
Engine Services – Atlantic
Exhibits at Minnesota Tech
Conference
Mike Dunham (left) and Kevin Woodworth
(right), Sales and Service Managers for
Engine Services – Atlantic (ES-A), recently
attended the 2014 Minnesota Aviation
Maintenance Technician Conference, which
was held March 24th and 25th at the Earle
Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center,
Minnesota.
Eric Hicks, Regional Sales Director at HSNA and Ross Scott, President, Sunshine
Helicopters’ shake hands in front of Vector’s
booth at Heli-Expo.
“HS-NA understands our needs and operational demands in the tour sector,” states Ross
Scott, President, Sunshine Helicopters. Our decision to choose HS-NA as the exclusive MRO
provider for our fleet of AS350 and EC130 helicopters was based on HS-NA’s past superior
customer service and our strong and lengthy relationship.”
Vector Aerospace Displays Huey Cockpit Upgrade at Heli-Expo
Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services – North America (HS-NA) brought a custom-modified
integrated cockpit for display at Heli-Expo 2014, held in Anaheim, CA in February. The cockpit
consists of two Sagem 10-inch multifunction displays (MFDs) and two Sagem 10-inch primary
flight displays (PFDs) for right or left seat operations. The new ‘glass’ cockpit is offered as part
of Vector’s Huey UH-1H3 upgrade program.
The PFD and MFD are capable of displaying radar and Globalstar satellite communications,
plus critical weather data such as Nexrad and ADS-B IN text and graphics. The PFD does
not offer synthetic vision; however, the MFD will display GPS graphical data from a variety of
manufacturers, as well as infrared camera feed, if available.
“We offer options for Stormscope, data recording capabilities, traffic awareness systems
display interfaces and an improved fuel management function. Every customer requirement
and configuration is different, so pricing depends on what the customer is looking to achieve,”
John Jongema, UH-1H Program Manager, HS-NA, told Aviation International News. “Vector
has worked with medium Bell customers to bring them the best economical certified solution.
The Vector STC integrated cockpit offers the best value for day/night VFR or IFR-capable
operators. We are happy to develop a specific solution for each customer,” he added.
Vector Aerospace custom-modified integrated cockpit
displayed at Heli-Expo
Full-Page Feature on Vector Aerospace in Western PEI’s Major Newspaper Receives Rave Reviews
‘Vector Aerospace among leaders in Island industry: The secret is out’
Just off the sandy shores of Mapleque Bay, nestled away at the back of Slemon Park, lies one of Prince Edward Island’s best kept secrets.
It’s not a hidden beach or a secret fairway, however, but one of the Island’s fastest growing businesses and a leader in global aerospace
technology. It is Vector Aerospace, and it’s not going to remain unknown for long.
With shops set up worldwide, Vector has made its presence felt on each of the Earth’s continents. At home, however, they’ve remained under
the radar. “Our goal right now is to get ourselves out there for the public, and let them know what it is we are doing over here in Slemon Park,”
said Vector president Jeff Poirier.
With over 60 new jobs created in 2013, Vector has expanded to become a leading industry on the Island. Poirier and his team have taken
initiative along the way to stay as local as possible, playing a big supporting role in opening the Holland College Waterfront Campus in
Summerside in 2012. As a result, 80 per cent of Vector’s employees are Holland College graduates, and 82 percent are from Prince County.
“We’re a global company, sure. But what we really are, first and foremost, is proud to be a PEI. company,” Poirier said.
With a turnover rate less than two percent, Vector takes great pride in its employees. This same pride shows strongly for the success it has
enjoyed, with a retention rate within its customers greater than 99% – quite a feat, considering the 2400 customers they service worldwide.
Despite the major growth of the company, Poirier has not forgotten how it all started.
In 1991, Summerside lost an integral part of its community – Canadian Forces Base Summerside. With the closure of the base at Slemon
Park, a void was left in the city. At the same time, a Newfoundland and Labrador airline, Air Atlantic, was looking for a place to service its
engines. A perfect storm of opportunity, location and convenience opened the door for Vector to step into the newly formed industrial park.
Upon beginning work in 1992, Vector had three customers and serviced 20 engines its first three years. Today, the 600 employees located
around the world work on 20-plus engines a week.
In the last decade, Vector has set up facilities across Canada (PEI and Calgary), the United States (Dallas, Atlanta and Pittsburgh), South
Africa, Kenya, Singapore and Australia. Through all the expansions, Island employees have been there the whole way, ensuring the Vector
brand maintains consistent quality at each of the Earth’s corners. In fact, Vector continues to send some of its employees to train at shops in
other countries, and often gives them the chance to stay and work overseas.
2013 was a big year for Vector Aerospace, as it secured contracts with major clients like Airbus Military and the Department of National
Defence. Vector found itself inside the top 20 largest companies in Atlantic Canada, as listed by Progress Media, sitting pretty at number
19. Vector’s $270 million in divisional revenue and a seven per cent growth rate last year rocketed the company onto the list, and is sure to
continue climbing in the future.
All the growth and success has only been possible by focusing on its number one strength - the local talent at each location. To show
appreciation to the community that’s made them who they are, Poirier and the Vector team regularly give back to PEI any way they can. Vector
supports many community organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Summerside, Junior Achievement of PEI, the Easter Seals
Telethon, the Prince County Hospital Foundation, the I.W.K., Holland
College, and the Highland Storm.
Home is where the heart is for Poirier and his crew. It’s also where
Vector handles the bulk of its business.
The largest of all the facilities, the Summerside shop occupies over
150,000 square-feet. Of Vector’s 600 employees, 460 of them work
here. From the outside, the massive concrete building gives the
impression of a fortress. Inside, the sprawling open concept gives
the same effect, with the walls seemingly reaching for miles to
the ceiling. Lined all the way around the workshops, the walls are
covered with the logos of some the 2400 customers they serve.
Milling around inside, the workers move between stations diligently –
but like all Islanders, find time to greet everyone who passes with a
smile and a “How’s it going?”
It’s that Island attitude – the ability to get work done with a smile on
your face – that drives Vector. In an industry where all competitors
are offering a similar service, success relies entirely upon your
employees.
“There is nobody else giving our type of service,” he said. “And that service, and the whole success of this company over 22 years, is only
because of the people we have.”
Vector Aerospace Makes Power Play to Support Summerside Skaters
The City of Summerside in PEI and Vector Aerospace Engine Services – Atlantic (ESA) recently entered into a five-year partnership on ice surfacing machines for Eastlink
Arena and the Ice Pad at Credit Union Place in Summerside. ES-A will have naming
rights on both machines, which will be decaled to reflect the partnership.
“ES-A is very important to the City of Summerside. They bring much prosperity to our
city, but more than that, they also care a great deal about their community. Their support
of health and wellness is to be commended. People of all ages from young children to
seniors use the ice at Credit Union Place daily and this partnership will allow the City
of Summerside to continue to provide top notch ice for all to enjoy,” said Mayor Basil
Stewart
The City of Summerside rents over 30,000 hours of ice time annually to many local
community groups such as the Summerside and Area Minor Hockey Association, the
Summerside Figure Skating Club, Summerside Ringette and the Summerside Western
Capitals. Providing great ice for everyone is a priority of Credit Union Place and ice
surfacing machines are very important to this process. This partnership will significantly
strengthen Summerside’s ability to provide excellent ice now and in to the future.
Jeff Poirier, President of ES-A, and Summerside native Heather
Moyse, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in Women’s Bobsled, get
set to drop the puck during the official unveiling of the newly Vectorbranded ice surfacing machine (background) at Credit Union Place
in Summerside, PEI.
Jeff Poirier, President of ES-A, says the company is thrilled to be supporting Credit Union Place. “We view this partnership as a terrific way for
us to assist in the development of a vibrant, healthy and well educated community. It’s also extremely important to ES-A that people think of
us as a community-minded organization because we believe that helps us to attract more great people to our team.”
Vector Aerospace Signs Agreement with Helipark for Arriel 1 and M250 MRO Support
Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services – North America (HS-NA) has signed a two-year agreement with Helipark, a maintenance repair and
overhaul center in Brazil, to provide repair and overhaul support services for Turbomeca Arriel 1 and Rolls-Royce M250® engines.
HS-NA will perform module and engine repair, testing, overhaul and modification services to assist Helipark in delivering on its MRO
accordances.
“We are delighted that Helipark has selected Vector to provide MRO support for Arriel 1 and M250 engines,” states Chris McDowell, Vice
President Sales and Marketing at HS-NA. “This opportunity reinforces HS-NA’s capability and certification to provide operators and other MRO
providers quality repair and overhaul on Turbomeca and Rolls-Royce engines.”
“Helipark strives to ensure consistent, top quality products for its customers,” states Élson Dias Sterque Junior, General Manager at Helipark.
“The decision to award Vector with this contract was based on Vector’s sterling reputation and outstanding support provided to other operators.
We are pleased to have Vector’s MRO support for Turbomeca and Rolls-Royce engines.”
Vector Aerospace plans to open a new 2,700 m2 MRO facility in Jacarei, Brazil in 2014 as part of an initiative to continue growing its customer
base in South America.
Vector Aerospace to Provide Engine Support for Dutch AH-64D Apaches
Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services – North America (HS-NA) has signed a four-year agreement with the Netherlands Ministry of Defense
(RNLAF) to provide the repair and overhaul of its fleet of GE Aviation T700-GE-701C/-701D engines.
These engines are installed in AH-64D Apache attack helicopters operated by the RNLAF. As per the terms of the four-year agreement, which
was signed through Vector’s Dutch partner Aerotech Holland, HS-NA will provide inspection, repair, overhaul, testing, modification and other
services as required for the RNLAF’s T700-GE-701C/-701D engines.
“HS-NA is pleased to provide MRO services for the RNLAF fleet of T700-GE-701C and -701D engines,” says Chris McDowell, Vice President
of Sales and Marketing at Vector HS-NA. “This subcontract demonstrates HS-NA’s certification and capacity to provide quality repair and
overhaul on GE engines, and reinforces our ability to foster strong relationships through contract collaboration with companies such as
Aerotech Holland.”
Leo Staats, General Manager of Aerotech Holland, states: “Over and above the economic elements, the decision to entrust Vector Aerospace
with this MRO work was based on past performance and previous support from Vector.”
Editorial Board:
Raj Rawana
Colin MacDonald
Chelsie Aichelberger
Ken Doig
-
Toronto, Canada
PEI, Canada
Richmond, Canada
Fleetlands, UK
Magali Braumann - Paris, France
- Toronto, Canada
Alex Youngs
We welcome your feedback and input. Please send any
articles or comments to raj.rawana@vectoraerospace.com
Artwork & design: Laura Wood
Thank you! Raj Rawana, Director - Marketing & Communications
www.vectoraerospace.com