Brisbane, Australia-based gas turbine engine MRO facility Asia Pacific Aerospace (APA) has appointed Ashburton-based fleet management support and maintenance provider Mt Hutt Aviation as its in-country representative for New Zealand. This partnership is a continuation of APA's commitment to support the Rolls-Royce M250/RR300 engine network there.

Mt Hutt Aviation now offers items held in-country for rent, exchange or outright purchase, providing operators in New Zealand with a direct gateway to APA. These items include fuel accessories, turbine and compressor modules, and forecasted for engines, providing operators with reliable access to M250/RR300 components and drastically improved turnaround times.

APA is the sole Rolls-Royce Authorised Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Centre (AMROC) in the Asia-Pacific Region, so this partnership marks the first time OEM-approved components have been available directly in New Zealand.

“We have found the Mt Hutt Aviation team to be dedicated and enthusiastic in supporting the M250/RR300 network, which is crucial for our customer base,” says APA general manager Tony Cotroneo. “Mt Hutt's reputation in supporting helicopter maintenance is outstanding, and from the minute our companies first met, it was an easy decision to sign up Mark Kershaw and the Mt Hutt team.”

Direct access to these items is the first phase of the partnership; there are plans to further expand in-country support for operators using M250/RR300 engines.

“Providing aircraft operators with a single facility for total maintenance support offers a one-stop shop for on-aircraft and off-aircraft maintenance support,” says Mt Hutt Aviation director Mark Kershaw. “We are proud to be APA's representative in New Zealand. The minimal turnaround times on renting, exchanging or purchasing items will result in the best possible outcomes for our clients. The ability to test-cell run engine modules before they depart APA removes all the guesswork before installation back into the aircraft.”