Philippine Airlines (PAL) has recently signed two contracts with the Lufthansa Technik group covering line maintenance and Total Component Support TCS® for the airline’s new B777-300ER fleet.

In the first contract, LTP is tasked to provide line maintenance services for PAL’s B777-300ERs fleet both within LTP’s facilities and Terminal 2 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

A total of six B777-300ERs has been planned to form PAL’s fleet of the aircraft type. While two B777’s are to be leased by PAL from GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS), the option to acquire four more planes as direct purchases from Boeing is being strongly considered.
 
PAL’s first B777-300ER recently received a warm welcome and a ceremonial blessing upon arriving at Bay 3 of LTP. The second aircraft, also under lease arrangements, is reportedly due for delivery in January 2010.
 
The delivery of PAL’s new batch of Boeing planes will allow the operator to enhance its long-haul flights.
 
In line with this upgrade, the Philippine flag carrier also inked a 12-year agreement with Lufthansa Technik AG (LHT) and LTP for a Total Component Support TCS® deal covering the Boeing 777-300ER fleet.
 
The TCS® is one of Lufthansa Technik’s premier products which involves a seamless integration of component maintenance and access to a pool of materials stock at Lufthansa Technik in Frankfurt. Readily available parts from the pool resource will replace any unserviceable part removed and shipped to Frankfurt.
 
With TCS®, PAL will also maintain an on-site stock to easily secure no-go material needs of the aircraft particularly during an aircraft on ground (AOG) situation. LTP will carry out the removal, installation and shipment preparations of the components covered under the pool arrangement. At the same time, an in house repair for fast-moving items will be performed within LTP.
 
The B777-300ER is theworld’s largest long-range twin-engine commercial aircraft with a range of up to 14,685 kilometers. It is known for being cost-efficient with its minimized fuel consumption. The aircraft holds a 370-seating passenger capacity in a two-class cabin configuration.