Cimber Air offers flight operators in Europe a full service maintenance programme. FORCE Technology performs the inspections.

They have really had a chance to show what they are worth at Cimber Air Maintenance Center. Since 2004 they have offered airlines throughout Europe full maintenance and service of their ATR aircraft – in aviation terms called ’Base Maintenance’.

Today, various Danish and European customers use Cimber Air A/S’ Maintenance Center where FORCE Technology provides NDT inspection and tests of aircraft components.

”Cimber Air Maintenance Center was established in 2004 because we wanted to utilise our expertise, competences and facilities within aircraft maintenance in a broader context. We now offer airlines a number of services ranging from ordinary repairs to the most comprehensive overhauls. In connection with major maintenance projects we have a very close co-operation with FORCE Technology because they have the expertise and the required regulatory approvals to perform the inspections”, says Werner B. Johansen, Base Maintenance Manager at Cimber Air Maintenance Center.

Certified inspectors and equipment

FORCE Technology has been approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency to issue ’EASA form one, release certificates’ and, therefore, they fulfil the strict requirements that apply to inspection and control of aircraft components. For a number of years, FORCE Technology has also provided certified inspectors and equipment to various airlines. And now they co-operate closely with Cimber Air.

”The rules that apply to control and maintenance stipulated by airlines and international aviation authorities are very detailed and require advanced test methods that FORCE Technology masters. Non-destructive testing (NDT) has for example been an essential tool for several years in connection with aircraft maintenance”, says Project Manager Erik Bahl Poulsen from FORCE Technology.

Safety comes first

There has always been a lot of focus on flight safety, but it has increased significantly over the years. Safety requirements have become more stringent and it has rubbed off on aircraft control and maintenance. In addition, there is increased demand for advanced test methods as the aviation industry uses modern materials and assembly methods. This puts the NDT methods in focus and providers of the advanced inspection services are therefore in demand.

”It is demanding and expensive to keep staff and equipment for NDT inspections professionally up to date. The authorities demand increased safety and the complexity of the test methods increases accordingly. We decided to use FORCE Technology as our sub-contractor which gives us more flexibility. It also enables us to offer our customers a full service which we consider a benefit”, says Werner B. Johansen.