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Rex-owned FIFO operator National Jet Express (NJE) has extended its contract with Embraer for the Brazilian planemaker’s Spares Pool Program in order to support its six E-190 jets.
NJE, formerly Cobham, has been a part of the pool program since 2014. The program gives customers unlimited access to a wide variety of components at Embraer distribution centres, as well as full coverage for repairs to parts and components plus maintenance to airframes.
“The support we have received from Embraer over the last nine years has been exemplary and I want to commend them for their customer-mindedness and for the partnership with the Singapore office,” said Rex chairman Lim Kim Hai.
According to Johann Bordais, President and CEO, Embraer Services & Support, the program offers “significant savings” on repair and inventory costs, as well as reduced warehousing space requirements and the “virtual elimination of the need for resources required for repair management, while ultimately providing guaranteed performance levels”.
“We are very pleased to extend our partnership with National Jet Express and the Rex Group. This contract extension shows that we provide the best-in-class service for our customers and that there are several advantages for the airlines being supported by the Pool Program,” he said.
Rex acquired NJE for $48 million last year after Qantas announced its bid for rival FIFO operator Alliance, which was earlier this year blocked by the ACCC. At the time, Lim called FIFO a “booming sector” in Australia that is set to experience strong growth.
“With this acquisition, Rex will have a FIFO arm that is simply unparalleled in Australia,” he said. “NJE has a completely modern fleet comprising eight Bombardier Q400 turboprops and six Embraer E190 jets for FIFO work.
“Both aircraft types are fuel efficient and have enhanced operational reliability and low carbon emissions when compared with the predominantly 40-year-old Fokker 100s used by the other major FIFO operators.
“The company will invest in modern aircraft and technology to enable NJE to expand from its traditional bases of WA and SA and bring our unique brand of FIFO services also to Queensland and Northern Territory.”
