Mike Arata Pledges to Continue United’s Support of the PMA Community
Mike Arata, United Airlines’ Managing Director of Project Engineering led off the 2012 MARPA annual conference as day one keynote speaker.
Mr. Arata briefed the conference on the streamlining process occurring at the merged airline as redundant systems are eliminated, as well as on initiatives that will affect the PMA industry going forward. Among those initiatives was the announcement that United will be retiring its 96-aircraft Boeing 757 fleet as delivery is taken on new aircraft.
Mr. Arata also explained that many new aircraft will be received with Cost-Per-Hour (CPH) engine maintenance agreements in place, which will mean a reduced role for engine component PMA parts going forward (although engine PMA makers may see an expanded market in selling directly to companies holding CPH maintenance obligations). However, he also described expanding opportunities for PMA parts in the interior and airframe of United’s aircraft as the airline continues to look for cost savings and quality/reliability improvements.
Mr. Arata was optimistic that the PMA industry will continue to challenge OEMs and deliver high-quality low-cost articles. He challenged the PMA industry to continue to innovate and push the OEMs in the ever-shifting MRO environment.
If you missed the 2012 MARPA Annual Conference, then you can still track MARPA’s developments and the industry and regulatory changes that affect the PMA industry by joining MARPA.