Airlines complain to Brussels over parts and maintenance contracts

Airlines have lodged a formal complaint with European regulators over the US$60b market for spares and repairs on the world’s fleet of 24,000 aircraft, as EU investigators intensify their preliminary inquiry into whether carriers are being forced to accept anti-competitive maintenance contracts. IATA last week sent a letter to the EC listing grievances such as requirements by engine and component manufacturers to use only their spare parts for repairs. Meanwhile, Brussels is demanding further information from aircraft suppliers in a sign that it is deepening its informal inquiry. No formal investigation has yet been launched. The preliminary probe is focused on maintenance support for the CFM56 turbine and Rolls-Royce’s Trent XWB engines, as well for components including auxiliary power systems made by Honeywell. <br/>