Viking selects first factory endorsed component centre for aerial firefighting aircraft

Viking Air Limited of Victoria, B.C., Canada, has selected Antavia – AMETEK MRO of Campsas, France, as the first factory endorsed component centre (FECC) for the global fleet of aerial firefighting aircraft.

Under Viking’s FECC Program, Antavia will be responsible for providing authorized maintenance services on landing gear for Canadair CL-215, CL-215T, and CL415 aircraft.

Antavia is a leading aircraft service company with almost 20 years of experience providing maintenance support to the Canadair CL-215, CL-215T, and CL-415 aircraft fleet.

While Antavia’s component maintenance capabilities will be an asset to aerial firefighting aircraft operators worldwide, their central location in France is especially well-situated to service the densely-populated European fleet.

“The selection of Antavia to join Viking’s worldwide customer support network was a natural fit due to their shared commitment of providing aerial firefighting aircraft customers with first-rate service and uninterrupted support,” said Gregory Davis, Viking’s vice-president of customer service and product support.

“We are excited to work with such a well-respected organization who shares our commitment to customer satisfaction.”

“We are delighted to see our long-standing efforts to support the world-wide operators of this prestigious aircraft officially recognized by Viking,” said Laurent Bouissou, managing director of Antavia. “This agreement is not only a source of pride for our team, it is a major boost to our commitment to operators and a great stepping stone in our efforts to improve service to the aerial firefighting community.”

Viking’s success in giving new life to the aerial firefighter program has included establishing and further developing business relationships with key suppliers to improve support of the aircraft.

Since 2016, Viking and Antavia have been working together to improve shop turn-around times and spare parts availability, as well as provide engineering solutions that minimize aircraft maintenance downtime.