Vector Aerospace UK (Vector – www.vectoraerospace.com), a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, announced today that its Project Julius Team, responsible for the embodiment of the avionics upgrade to the UK MOD’s fleet of 46 Chinook aircraft, has obtained supplier ‘Gold’ status for their First Time Quality (FTQ).

This is an excellent achievement requiring a 6 month sustained 98.5% inspection satisfaction rate as part of Boeing’s quality ‘buy off’ of the embodiment; the FTQ now stands at 100%.

Michael Tyrrell, Managing Director for Vector Aerospace UK said, “Our quality standards are always top of our agenda in any work that we undertake, but to be formally recognised by Boeing for our efforts on Project Julius – especially knowing how strict the criteria was – is truly an achievement and one our team can be very proud of.”

Project Julius is the modification of UK’s RAF Chinook helicopters converting MK2 and MK3 aircraft into MK4 and MK5 configurations.  This major programme at Vector Aerospace’s Fleetlands site employs over 70 technician and support staff and now completed 23 of the 46 aircraft fleet.  The conversion includes the upgrade and  integration of cockpit displays and the addition of a third crew member seat.  The new cockpit displays includes the addition of four Multi-Function Displays and two Stand-by Flight Displays, interfacing with the aircraft through Vehicle Management Modules.

Speaking at the recognition event that was held recently, Steve Hall, Senior Manager Supply Chain from Boeing Defence UK said, “Boeing has been delighted with the quality improvements made by the Vector Aerospace team over the last six months and the continued partnered approach to Boeing and Vector Aerospace has been key to delivering this.”

About Vector Aerospace   

Vector Aerospace is a global provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. Through facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, South Africa, and Kenya Vector Aerospace provides services to commercial and military customers for gas turbine engines, components and helicopter airframes. Vector’s customer-focused team includes over 2,700 motivated employees.