AAL AG is one of the largest MRO in Europe and together with its partners at the airport, it can combine maintenance, full aircraft paint and full cabin refurbishment. In an interview, Natascha RODE, Managing Director, AAL Ltd. speaks with Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World and briefs more about the the business presence, its extension and plans for India. Excerpts:
Q: What are the core business segments that AAL deals into?
A: AAL AG, better known as Altenrhein Aviation Limited specializes in maintenance of mid-size cabin jets. As a Gulfstream and Embraer Authorized Service Center we cater to all customers’ needs from an AOG to heavy maintenance, it can be a 16C on a Gulfstream or a 120 Month inspection on an Embraer.Together with our partners at the airport we can combine maintenance, full aircraft paint and full cabin refurbishment.
In the recent, turbulent years, we have seen frequent aircraft ownership changes. In average, we perform 2 PPIs a month, they are always followed by a registration change. Many leave EASA world for other countries or the other way around. Aviation equals bureaucracy.Aircraft document review is a must. Aircraft must meet new registry regulations. We have seen cases where installed STCs had to be validated or removed. A visual inspection of the aircraft can save the new owner loads of stress and money.
WIFI is the “new kid on the EMEA block”. There are new solutions for aircraft operating outside of the USA (not Air to Ground inflight connectivity), which provide fast and affordable connectivity. Together with our partners we develop and install new solutions for our customers` fleets.
Q: AAL having served the Aviation industry for over 50 years now, how do you see the evolution of the sector?
A: AAL is soon to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Since a few years we are part of the Atlas Air Service Group, who recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Together we are one of the largest MROs in Europe. For the past years many OEMs merged and many aviation companies as well. Merging and buy-outs seem to be the way many companies take. MRO business is a tough business with low margins and high risks. Customers definitely benefit from larger MROs – we are more flexible in allocating slots at one of our bases, we have a larger pool of parts and stronger working relationships with many OEMs.
Q: What’s the USP of AAL that makes it the preferred partner of its clients?
A: Switzerland is not exactly around the corner. Our experience and our quality of work is what brings customers from all over the world to us. Experienced certifying staff is scarce, training is more and more expensive, however at AAL 90% of technicians assigned to a project are certified B1s or B2s. Knowledge and experience are priceless.
Also, it is rare that you can paint and refurbish an aircraft in combination with a heavy check, all at the same location. We can!
Q: India seems to be a new market for AAL. What are the prospects that are being projected for this region?
A:There are many Gulfstream G150s and G200s flying in India already. We expect some G280s to join their “smaller” sisters soon. We already have customers from India flying to us for major checks. We are in regular contact with them, supporting them with tools, parts and suggestions during their minor checks at local Indian MROs.
Q: Any plans to fully venture into India to cater to the growing business aviation sector?
A: It is too early to say. At this stage we have plans to expand even more in Europe with additional capabilities, but of course Indian market is very interesting and if we would be presented with a right business proposal we would give it a go.
(Interview exclusively published in Aviation World July-August 2024 Print + Digital edition)
