Singapore-based ST Aerospace has secured a 15-year deal to provide component support for Gulf Air’s new fleet of Boeing 787 aircraft.

As part of the contract, ST Aerospace will provide comprehensive component maintenance-by-the-hour (MBH) support that will feature component exchange, repair, overhaul, modification, reliability monitoring and logistics services.

The MBH programme is designed to offer the customer airlines with a range of support and services at a pre-determined flight per hour rate.

“We are happy to play a role in Gulf Air’s fleet renewal plan, which will see its fleet of 787-9 expanding to ten aircraft in the coming years.”

The programme can also help the aircraft operators to reduce their operating costs and fixed asset inventory holdings in terms of spares or maintenance equipment.

Gulf Air deputy CEO Waleed Alawi said: “ST Aerospace has demonstrated that it is the right partner for Gulf Air as we drive forward with our fleet renewal programme in preparation to welcome our new aircraft, which commence delivery in the second quarter of 2018.”

Based in Bahrain, Gulf Air currently offers scheduled services to 42 destinations in 25 countries worldwide.

ST Aerospace president Lim Ghee said: “We are happy to play a role in Gulf Air’s fleet renewal plan, which will see its fleet of 787-9 expanding to ten aircraft in the coming years.”

In June, ST Aerospace announced that its US affiliate VT San Antonio Aerospace (VT SAA) won a long-term agreement from Air Canada to provide heavy maintenance services to the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.