Latvian airline airBaltic has successfully passed the audit for the base maintenance capability for the Airbus A220-300, which was carried out by the civil aviation authority of Latvia, and received the certificate proving airBaltic’s ability to provide full-scale EASA Part-145 line maintenance and base maintenance for this model.
From 10 September, the airBaltic becomes the first airline with maintenance capability and the second maintenance organisation in the world which is entitled to provide a full scope maintenance, both EASA Part-145 Line Maintenance and Base Maintenance, for the Airbus A220-300. Previoulsy the airline was a Line Maintenance organisation for the Airbus A220-300, Bombardier Q400 and Boeing 737.
Andris Vaivads, SVP Technical Operations of airBaltic stated: “Obtaining the line maintenance and base maintenance certificate for the A220-300 was a logical step for airBaltic as an airline which was the global launch customer for the type. We already have 19 examples in service as we move towards operating a single type fleet in the near future. As of now, our maintenance will become more cost and time effective. Besides, we are considering to offer maintenance services to other airlines worldwide operating this type of aircraft.”
The plan for the base maintenance audit started 12 months ago and involved a thorough check of the work involved, the acquisition of the required tools and materials, hiring and training new personnel and facility preparation such as new stores facility, an increase in component workshops and the development of maintenance facilities.
