SETTING THE STANDARD OF CUSTOMER SERVICE … · SETTING THE STANDARD OF CUSTOMER SERVICE ... Paul offered PT6A series engine troubleshooting ... MAP Group entrusts PT6 Engine Condition

Volume 12 | July 2016 Q3

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SETTING THE STANDARD OF CUSTOMER SERVICE

roles in the creation of this facility, helping Vector to be the best at what they do, right here in Slemon Park,” said Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont.

“Since starting in 1991 as an anchor tenant at Slemon Park with a dozen employees, Vector Aerospace has grown into the province’s second-largest private employer and the driving force behind our aerospace sector,” said the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Prince Edward Island Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. “This expansion will further enhance Vector's sterling reputation around the world and help further the province's commitment to developing our exports, growing our economy, and creating sustained prosperity for Islanders."

“This new test cell will dovetail well with our existing test stands at our world-class

Summerside facility,” said Jeff Poirier, President of Vector’s Engine Services – Atlantic division. “The addition of this computer-controlled test cell demonstrates our dedication to our customers around the world. This investment also reinforces our long-term commitment to the Summerside facility and our local workforce, as a major employer here on Prince Edward Island.”

The Summerside facility is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It has been providing world-class engine MRO services since 1991, and today employs over 450 skilled workers at the location.

Vector’s presence in PE generates valuable revenue for the local economy through its workforce and supply chain, and the company also works closely with local higher education establishments, including Holland College and the University of Prince Edward Island.

Vector Aerospace celebrates opening of new Canadian test cellVector Aerospace's Summerside facility in PE recently announced the grand opening of a new multimillion dollar engine test cell, which was the result of a financing partnership with provincial and federal governments.

The new test cell is capable of supporting turboprop engines producing up to 5,000 shaft horsepower and joins three existing test stands at the overhaul shop, two dedicated to turboprops and one to turbofans. The new test cell will expand Vector’s local test capacity on turboprop models, such as the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A and PW100 series, thus minimizing turn-around times (TATs) for our customers globally and supporting further market share growth.

“The Government of Canada supports the continued growth and innovation of the aerospace industry across Canada. Companies like Vector Aerospace compete on a global scale, and their continued success means a stronger economy and good jobs here at home,” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

“This is a great day for Vector and for the economy of Prince Edward Island. I’m proud that both ACOA and the Summerside Regional Development Corporation played

Photo: L-R, inside the new test cell: Jeff Poirier, President of Vector’s Engine Services – Atlantic division; the Honourable Paula J. Biggar, Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy and Minister responsible for the Status of Women – PE Government; the Honourable J. Heath MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism - PE Government; the Honourable Tina Mundy, Minister of Family and Human Services Minister Responsible for Seniors – PEI Government; and Sonny Gallant, Deputy Speaker of the PE Legislative Assembly.

CANSEC: Held in Ottawa on May 24-26, this year's Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries CANSEC show was the largest to date, with numerous business-to-business networking events featuring distinguished speakers. The show is primarily focused on military products and services.

Over 11,000 registrants attended the annual event, including 60 official delegations representing more than 50 countries, and Vector had a constant stream of visitors to its booth.

Focus on Vector at Q2 Trade Shows

Aerial Application Association of Australia: (L-R) Simon Wilks, Asia Pac Regional Sales and Service Manager, Paul Bland, Senior Regional Sales and Service Manager, exhibited at the Aerial Application Association of Australia (AAAA) convention held in the Gold Coast, Australia.

Vector Aerospace was proud to be a major sponsor in support of this conference.

As we enter the second half of the calendar year, I would like to take this opportunity reflect on the past six months and to look ahead to some of our upcoming activities over the next period.

Our industry has faced continued headwinds, with the lower oil prices negatively impacting the rotary-wing business in particular. The offshore helicopter industry has also been affected by the tragic fatal accident which occurred off the coast of Norway in late April. And the global economy remained cautious during the first six months of the year, driven by uncertainty over Asia’s growth and the UK’s ‘Brexit’ vote.

The diversified nature of Vector’s business model means we have been able to weather the storm better than many of our competitors. Our support of the fixed-wing regional airline, business aviation and military & governmental markets supports Vector’s overall health. Vector introduced several exciting new services for our customers during the first half of 2016, including the VMAX Altitude engine management program for PT6A operators (adding to our existing JT15D VMAX program), special sales incentives on the M250 and PT6T, and the retrofittable AS350/EC130 crash resistant fuel tank, which will be certified later this fall. To assist our clients who have grounded aircraft we also offered a helicopter storage and maintenance/preservation program in Europe, Canada and USA for those operators who want to keep aircraft central locations.

We also continued our commitment to investment in our facilities to support fast turnaround times with the addition of a new turboprop test cell at our Summerside location in PE, Canada, which coincides with that facility’s 25th anniversary in 2016. Expansion of our Langley, Vancouver, facility is also progressing.

We have also added MRO support for the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A-140 engine in our South African facility and the P&WC PT6A-67F engine in our Australian facility. Both of these facilities also host Vector’s global Mobile Repair Team (MRT), which is travel-ready and well prepared for any service requirements. A recent video highlighting our MRT capabilities can be viewed on our website.

As in the past, we continued to be actively involved in trade shows during the first six months of the year. I was very pleased to meet many of you at the Singapore Airshow, Heli-Expo, the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) and Farnborough Airshow, and we will continue to engage with operators and customers at global events over the coming months, including at, ALEA, LABACE, Singapore’s Asia-Pacific MRO show, NBAA and Helitech.

In closing, I hope you had a successful start to 2016, and on behalf of Vector Aerospace, we look forward to servicing your requirements to your utmost satisfaction.

Thank you.

Declan O'Shea

Message from the President

Q2 2016 trade show round-upVector was active on the aviation trade show circuit during the second quarter of 2016, exhibiting and/or attending several shows, including:

- 37th Atlantic Region Aircraft Maintenance Conference (ARAMC) in Halifax, NS- Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA) conference in Scottsdale, AZ- The Bombardier All Operators Conference and Trade show in Dallas, TX- Regional Airline Association (RAA) Annual Convention in Charlotte, NC- National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Regional Forum in Van Nuys, CA- LAAD Defence & Security International Exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil- SINDAG Congress 2016 in Botucatu, Brazil and- FIDAE 2016 International Air & Space Fair in Santiago, Chile

Paul Wolfe, Vector's NE U.S. Sales & Service Manager, was the featured speaker at the monthly membership meeting held by the First State Chapter of the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) in Wilmington, DE.

Paul offered PT6A series engine troubleshooting techniques to the more than 50 technicians and pilots that were in attendance.

EBACE: Vector Aerospace once again exhibited at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE), which was held during May 26-28 in Geneva, Switzerland. EBACE is the premier Business Aviation event in Europe, and is the annual meeting place for the European Business Aviation community.

“This year’s show was a terrific success, characterized by a full exhibit floor, with lots of business getting done,” noted EBAA CEO Fabio Gamba. “It’s an affirmation that EBACE remains Europe’s most important industry event. EBACE once again highlighted the size and significance of business aviation in Europe, and around the world.”

EBACE 2016 featured more than 450 exhibitors, representing over 40 countries, with attendees coming from more than 100 countries. The static display featured 60 aircraft, some of which were new to the event or making their world debut. This year’s show was the largest to date.

AP&M Europe: In early June, Vector Aerospace - UK attended the Airline Purchasing and Maintenance (AP&M) trade show held in the Olympia centre, London. This was the first time that Vector had attended this particular show, which is aimed at the fixed-wing commercial aviation sector. The show was extremely well attended, and the sales team identified a number of opportunities which will be followed up in the coming months.

Vector Aerospace first PT6A-140 engine test in South Africa

Vector Aerospace recently completed its first full engine test on the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A-140 turboprop at its facility in South Africa. The PT6A-140 powers the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, and is also offered as an upgrade for earlier models of the 208 Caravan family.

Vector’s South African facility, located at the Lanseria International Airport, was appointed a Designated Overhaul Facility (DOF) for the PT6A-140 in July 2014. The location is also a P&WC Distributor and Designated Overhaul Facility (DDOF) for other models in the PT6A engine family, including the PT6A-114/114A variants used on previous versions of the Caravan.

"We consider the successful completion of this engine test to be a major milestone and achievement for our South African facility,” says Jeff Poirier, President of Vector's Engine Services - Atlantic division. “We want operators of PT6A-140 powered Cessna 208 Caravans to know that we are more than ready to perform complete overhauls on their engines. Our South African facility is truly the preferred shop in the region to get the work done.”

Vector’s South African facility has full hot section exchange kits, fuel nozzles and a complete line of accessories available. It also offers engine overhaul service, testing, and inspections for sudden stop and lightning strike events.

MAP Group entrusts PT6 Engine Condition Trend Monitoring (ECTM) to Vector

Airbus Defence & Space depends on Vector's expertise for PW127G support

The large fleet of Airbus Defence & Space C295 transports supported by Airbus DS and Vector Aerospace – France (VAF) has been joined by the first of four C295W aircraft delivered to the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Interior. VAF’s ECTM team has already begun work on these newly contracted P&WC PW127G engines.

Vector Aerospace – France (VAF) is pleased to announce further expansion of its Engine Condition Trend Monitoring (ECTM) activities with Manaus Aerotaxi, a subsidiary of the MAP Linhas Aéreas group based in Brazil.

In addition to entrusting Vector with trend monitoring of its five Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW100-powered ATR 42/72 regional tur-boprops, Manaus Aerotaxi has now also enrolled two PT6A-powered Cessna 208B Grand Caravans in VAF's ECTM services.

Manaus Aerotaxi’s Grand Caravans are equipped with P&WC’s Flight Acquisition, Storage and Transmission (FAST™) system.

As a result of this contract, VAF’s ECTM services team is now sup-porting P&WC’s latest diagnostics, prognostics & health management (DPHM) technologies.

Vector Aerospace's Gosport, UK team recently welcomed three delegates from the military Advanced Command & Staff Course (ACSC), a 46-week course run by the UK MOD’s Joint Services Command and Staff College at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham each year.

The course is designed to give serving officers from all NATO nations the opportunity to gain a better understanding of how business interacts with the military on a commercial basis.

The three delegates hosted by Vector Aerospace, who represented each of the UK’s three armed forces, are on track to be amongst the country’s future military decision-makers.

This two-day visit was an excellent opportunity to highlight the work that Vector performs, not only in the UK but also on a global scale.

Gosport welcomes UK MOD Advanced Command & Staff Course delegates

Photo: L - R, Nigel Amphlett (VA Government Business Executive), Lieutenant Commander Gary McCormack, Royal Navy, Geoff Hewson (VA Chinook Business Director), Wing Commander Christopher Brown, Royal Air Force, and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander West, British Army.

Vector Aerospace's hangar at the Langley regional airport has been busy. During the month of June alone, the Vector Aerospace successfully delivered four aircraft to satisfied customers.

The LA Country Sheriff’s Department collected an AS332 L1 Super Puma on June 3rd after it underwent a 12-year inspection and G-check. The Royal Thai Navy also recently celebrated the formal acceptance of an AS355 at its facility in Thailand, after Vector performed the aircraft’s 12-year inspection.

Vector also performed a 12-year inspection on an Air Methods’ AS350 B3, including full paint, with the aircraft redelivered to the customer during the week of June 20th. Finally, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department received their AS350 B2 during the last week of June after a 12-year inspection and full paint.

Vector’s Langley facility has top month for aircraft deliveries

Vector Aerospace has successfully completed correlation of the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A test cell at its Brisbane facility. In addition to its standard correlation, the cell has received additional certification for the PT6A-67F engine, which allows the facility to perform tests on engines up to 1,700 shp.

Matt Dennington, General Manager of Vector’s Brisbane facility, commented: “This represents a further investment into the Brisbane facility to support the agricultural market, the PT6A-67F engine powering the Air Tractor AT-802. Test cell modifications were required to allow for the specialist cradle needed to test the engine. Brisbane is the only PT6A-67F correlated test cell in the Asia-Pacific region, and this investment further demonstrates our commitment to supporting customers in area.”

There are already over 20 PT6A-67F powered Air Tractor AT-802s in operation in Australia, with more expected to enter service in the region over the coming years.

Vector Brisbane completes PT6A-67F test cell correlation

Royal Thai Navy formal acceptance

SETTING THE STANDARD OF CUSTOMER SERVICE

Vector Aerospace is just what the doctor ordered! We prescribe the following to get your Rolls-Royce M250 and Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T engine back up and running:

• Repair & overhaul• Borescope inspection• Failure analysis• Component repair• Foreign Object Damage (FOD) repair• Model conversions• Fuel accessories• Increased engine performance (M250)• Complete test capabilities• Rental pool available• Parts rental & support• Engineering support• Service Bulletin (S/B) compliance• Worldwide field service

Models Supported

Rolls-Royce:M250 Series II, III & IV turboshafts, M250 Series II turboprop (turbomachinery only)

Pratt & Whitney Canada:PT6T-3 / PT6T-3D / PT6T-6 / PT6T-3B / PT6T-3DF / PT6T-6B

www.vectoraerospace.com | Toll Free: 1.888.729.2276

Need a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down? For a LIMITED TIME we are offering a discounted hourly rate for these engine platforms:

$85 USD ($115 CAD) for all operators PLUS all rentals at Direct Operating Cost (DOC).

*Offer valid for units received before September 30th, estimate must be ap-proved within 15 days of submission.

Vector Aerospace is a Rolls-Royce M250 authorized Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Center (AMROC).

Vector Aerospace is a fully-authorized Pratt & Whitney Canada Distributor & Designated Overhaul Facility (DDOF) for the complete range of PT6A and PT6T engines.

CONTACT US

Time for an engine check-up?

Vector Aerospace receives ADS-B FAA STC for AS332, AW139 and S-76 helicoptersVector Aerospace recently received FAA supplemental type certificate approval for a new ADS-B solution which is applicable for installation on the Airbus Helicopters AS332, Leonardo-Finmeccanica AW139 and Sikorsky S-76 series of helicopters.

The new ADB-S In/Out retrofit upgrade (FAA STC # SR02473AK) features an intuitive, panel-mounted touchscreen transponder which replaces the aircraft’s existing transponder. Should console or cockpit space be a challenge, we also offer a remotely mounted transceiver with a compact cockpit control head.

With 1090 MHz and extended squitter, the L-3 Lynx Multilink Surveil-lance System (MSS) units provide ADS-B traffic and weather data,

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has granted Design Organisation Approval (DOA) to Vector's UK division.The addition of this DOA, number EASA.21J.516, represents a significant addition to Vector’s commercial aerospace approvals, enabling the company to design and certify changes and repairs, including supplemental type certificates (STCs) for large and small rotorcraft. The wide scope of the terms of Vector’s DOA authorisation includes cabin interiors and associated systems, structures, avionics equipment installation, electrical systems, fuel systems and environmental control systems.

The receipt of EASA DOA certification adds to Vector’s existing UK Ministry of Defense (MOD) Design Approved Organisation Scheme (DAOS) accreditation for the design and certification of changes and repairs to military rotorcraft.

Vector Aerospace’s UK division gains EASA Design Organisational Approval

Declan O’Shea, President & CEO of Vector Aerospace, commented: “This additional accreditation for our UK design organisation further enhances Vector’s global design capability, and enables our team to broaden its support to meet the operational needs and requirements of our valued customers.”

O’Shea continued, “Vector has developed a large number of cost-effective STCs to meet the needs of the global operator base, and the receipt of EASA DOA authorisation will allow us to offer these services to new markets. Placed alongside our extensive maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities, this approval also enables our team to offer full system integration options to our customers.”

well as airport database, NOTAMS and TFRS. Other capabilities in-clude a MFD/PFD interface and optional Wi-Fi for personal electronic device interface.

“We are thrilled to add this new STC capability to our long list of FAA, TCCA and EASA certified STCs for Airbus Helicopters, Bell, Leonardo-Finmeccanica and Sikorsky aircraft,” said Elvis Moniz, VP, Business Development - Airframe & Avionics Solutions. “Our experience with this type of retrofit solution dates back to the FAA Alaska Capstone program, which saw Vector work directly with the FAA to successfully perform 450 Capstone installations – including ADS-B – on a variety of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft during 2002 – 2005.”

Vector Aerospace to manage PW100 'Reduce To Spare' engines for P&WC Component Solutions

Alabama celebrates recent lease extension

Local officials celebrated Vector’s recent extension of its lease at South Alabama Regional Airport (SARA) on April 26th.

Vector recently signed a new five-year lease that includes a three-year renewal clause.

Rick Pataky, VP Operations for Vector, said the lease was difficult to negotiate, but that he was pleased with the outcome. He also expressed his appreciation for the company’s local clients, including the U.S. Navy, Army and Air Force, and Air Methods.

Jed Blackwell, co-manager of SARA, said Vector started local operations with two employees. “Now, they have more than 100 employees,” he said.

Blackwell said a number of people deserve

(Excerpt from article in Andalusia Star News)

As a result of the popularity of Pratt & Whit-ney Canada’s (P&WC) customer initiatives, such as its well-known Fleet Enhancement Program, many operators are now exchang-ing ‘run out’ cores against new or newly overhauled engines.

These core engines are later ‘reduced to spares’ (RTS), a process which aims to pro-duce safe and reliable ‘serviceable’ parts fully compliant with P&WC’s high standards.

exhaustive RTS processing program, which is able to handle as many RTS engines as P&WC CS may need to process.

Recently hitting the docks at VAF was the first PW123 engine sent for RTS by P&WC CS.

No doubt it will be followed by many more!

Pataky also unveiled a commissioned painting by Rick Herter of Vector’s Andalusia location.

Vector Aerospace – France (VAF) recently joined the existing agreement between Vector Engine Services – Atlantic and Pratt & Whitney Canada Component Solutions (P&WC CS) under which Vector performs RTS on PW100 series engines.

Through this addition, and thanks to the con-solidated capacities and capabilities of the production lines at Summerside and Gon-esse, Vector is now running a unique and

credit for the new lease agreement to work, including members of the SARA board, the City of Andalusia, the City of Opp, Covington County, and the Covington County Economic Development Commission.

“A wise man once told me that a good lease is one in which everybody wins” Blackwell said. “This is one in which, truly, everybody wins.

Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson said, “A lot of people have worked hard for a number of years, and lost a lot of sleep putting together the pieces that made this work. This is a win-win-win situation. Vector is Exhibit A in technology jobs, and we hope they are not here for five more years, but for 50 or more.”

Opp Mayor John Bartholomew echoed the sentiments.

Vector Aerospace is committed to providing our customers with responsive global AOG support services. John Seidl, Jr., Vice President, Global Operations, introduces Vector's MRT global operations in this short video Watch Now

Our worldwide Mobile Repair Teams (MRT) are on call 24/7 (365) and ready for immediate dispatch to provide on-site AOG engine, dynamic component and airframe support. Vector has field support technicians located in Canada, the USA (Alabama, California, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington and West Virginia), the United Kingdom, France, Kenya, South Africa and Australia.

Vector Aerospace highlights its global MRT network

Vector celebrates 25th anniversary of its Prince Edward Island MRO facility

“Providing complete customer service remains our number one priority at Vector Aerospace,” adds Poirier. “We look forward to continuing to grow our presence globally through our Summerside facility over the coming years, further building on the relationships with our valued customers around the world.”

Vector’s presence in PE continues to generate valuable revenue for the local economy through its workforce and supply chain, and the company also works closely with local higher education establishments, including Holland College and the University of Prince Edward Island.

Vector Aerospace's Engine Services – Atlantic division has grown significantly since it first opened as ATI with four employees. Today, as it celebrates the milestone of its 25th anniversary, the Summerside facility employs over 445 staff and is PE’s largest aerospace company. Vector operates a 140,000-square-foot facility in Slemon Park, complemented by fly-in capabilities and convenient hangar space.

“We have achieved this milestone through the hard work and dedication of our employees and our culture of customer service that exists throughout the entire organization,” said Jeff Poirier, President of Vector’s Engine Services – Atlantic division. “Our goal in the next 25 years is to stay in the forefront of the industry by providing our customers with high quality MRO services. Throughout 2016, we will be taking a look at where we started, what we have achieved and what our plans are for the future.”

In 1991, the City of Summerside lost an integral part of its community with the closure of the nearby Canadian Forces Base. At the same time, a Newfoundland and Labrador airline – Air Atlantic – was looking for a place to service its engines. A perfect storm of opportunity, location and convenience opened the door for Atlantic Turbines Inc. (ATI) to step into the newly formed industrial park.

Former president John MacDougall was a guest speaker at a recent launch of the 25th anniversary celebrations.

The Vector team in Langley, BC in front of LASD's AS332 L1

Vector Aerospace completed a 7,500 hour major inspection (“G-check”) and 12-year major inspection for an AS332 L1 Super Puma helicopter operated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).

The Super Puma was successfully delivered back to the LASD from Vector Aerospace in early June.

Vector Aerospace completes AS332 L1 12-year inspection and G-check for Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

“Our technicians are certified by Airbus Helicopters to perform D-level repair for these aircraft, and this expertise is reflected in the quality of work we produce,” said Craig Pluim, VP Sales – Rotary Wing at Vector. “We are thrilled to have been selected by LASD to perform a G-check and 12-year inspection on their AS332 L1, and we look forward to supporting their future requirements.”

“Our decision to select Vector to conduct these major inspections was based on our past experience with the company,” said Darren Ota, Chief

of Helicopter Maintenance for LASD. “Vector’s team works collaboratively to provide excellent customer service and high quality work, and it is a

pleasure doing business with them.”

Vector sees SBCSD pilots off with their newly refurbished AStar. Location -Langley, BC

On June the 20th the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (SBCSD) flew its second AStar to Vector’s hangar in Langley, BC and collected the completed aircraft including its Vector-overhauled Arriel 2B1 engine, to return home. Vector Aerospace is scheduled to receive the third and final SBCSD helicopter early next year for a 12-year inspection.

“Vector Aerospace is very proud to provide ongoing support of SBCSD’s fleet requirements,” said Craig Pluim, Vice President, Sales – Rotary Wing at Vector Aerospace. “With our extensive OEM certifications we are one of very few MROs that can offer tip-to-tail support on the AS350 series including major/minor inspections, D level structural repair, paint, avionics, engine and component repair/overhaul.”

“Vector Aerospace is a pleasure to work with. We are especially pleased with the quality workmanship and outstanding customer service provided by the team at Vector,” said Lieutenant Mitch Dattilo, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Vector Aerospace completes first of three AS350 12-year inspections for San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department

About San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department

San Bernardino County Sheriff Department is a Southern California law enforcement agency. The aviation division of SBCSD provides general law enforcement support, narcotics surveillance, personnel/cargo transport, airborne photography, search and rescue/recovery, multi-agency pursuit coordination, wild land fire suppression and emergency medical services transport.

Facility Showcase: Brisbane, Australia

Located in sunny Brisbane, Queensland (the “Sunshine State”), on the far Eastern side of the country, Vector Aerospace Australia is part of Vector’s Engine Services – Atlantic (ES-A) family.

The Brisbane facility is a 26,000 sq. ft. site, staffed by 55 dedicated employees. The facility supports PT6A operators throughout the Asia Pacific region, with an overhaul line, repair line, hot section line, fuel nozzle cell and a Mobile Repair Team (MRT). We have a very diverse customer base, both culturally (3,200 languages!) and geographically. On any given day we could be dealing with customers from China, Japan, Maldives, Papua New Guinea, India, New Zealand, Indonesia the Philippines, and, of course, Australia. In addition to support-ing the PT6A engine, the MRT side of the business also has approvals for the PW100, JT15D, PW300 and PT6T.

Our customer base ranges from owner/operators who fly their aircraft for personal use to aeromedical operators such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and from armed forces such with the Royal Australian Air Force to air tour customers operating pleasure flights over the Great Barrier Reef. We also have a new customer base of agricultural companies that perform crop spraying and firefighting. Each customer has their own unique identity and needs, which we are proud to support.

The Brisbane facility was originally established in 1986 by Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), and became a full overhaul facility with a test cell in 2000. The facility was sold to Vector Aerospace in 2012, and all employees transferred over to Vector. This signified the start of a new era, and gave the facility the autonomy to really deliver what customers in the region were looking for without the gravity of being an OEM. A new sales team was hired, consisting of four sales managers with very specific skill sets which complement each other while satisfying the customers’ needs.

To better align ourselves with Vector’s philosophy of setting the standard of customer service, several changes were implemented within the facility in order to restructure and refocus on customers. Significant investments have been made to continually develop and grow the facility’s capabilities to better support our customer base. These investments have been a resounding success, both with our customers and our employees, with more investment planned in the coming years.

Like any operation, challenges persist. Managing our very diverse customer

base would probably be one of our biggest challenges. For example, different approaches must be taken when dealing with an Indian customer versus a New Zealand customer.

Continued

2016 Best Places to Work in Atlantic Canada

Logistics is also a challenge: it takes five days for engine parts to reach the Brisbane facility from North America, so it is extremely important that we conduct as much business locally in order to properly manage our turnaround times and minimize costs.

Since we became a Vector facility four years ago we have witnessed significant growth, which has led to an increase in staff and more opportunities for our employees. The schedule for engine overhauls this year is already largely locked in with known confirmed orders from customers.

Our team at the Brisbane facility is extremely valued. They have a solid reputation for excellent quality of work and customer service. Their attitude and commitment are major reasons for our success.

There are now plans in place to implement a late shift at our facility in an effort to reduce turn times and further rework capabilities for component repairs.

Good times are certainly ahead for the Brisbane facility. We recently achieved CAAC (China) approval, which is a huge opportunity for us as we attempt to break into a very large and emerging strategic market. We look forward to the next decade with tremendous optimism.

Photo: Brenda Cousins, Human Resources Manager, and Colin MacDonald, Marketing & Communications Manager, accepting the Best Places to Work in Atlantic Canada award on behalf of Vector Aerospace.

Vector Aerospace's Summerside, PE facility was recently named as one of the Best Places to Work in Atlantic Canada. This annual program was created by Progress magazine and Best Companies Group.

The survey and awards program, now in its tenth year, was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in Atlantic Canada, benefiting the region's economy, workforce and businesses. The list is comprised of 30 companies.

To be considered for participation, companies had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

- Be a for-profit, not-for-profit business or government entity;- Be a publicly or privately held business;- Have a facility in the Atlantic Canada region;- Have a minimum of 15 employees in the Atlantic Canada region;- Be in business a minimum of one year.

Companies from across the region entered a two-part survey process to determine the Best Places to Work in Atlantic Canada. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices and demographics. This part ofthe process was worth (25%) of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience (75%). The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process in Atlantic Canada, analyzed the data and determined the final rankings.