Gulfstream expands support network in India with spare parts consigment agreement

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced it has signed an exclusive spare parts consignment agreement with aviation services provider Air Works India Engineering Pvt. Ltd.

Under the agreement, Gulfstream positions frequently needed aircraft replacement parts at Air Works’ warehouse in Bengaluru, India, while Air Works arranges for parts warehousing, customs clearance and delivery to customers.

Gulfstream began stocking parts at Air Works’ warehouse adjacent to Bengaluru International Airport in April. The approximate parts value is expected to reach $15 million by the end of 2013.

“By having inventory in India, we can expedite delivery of parts to domestic and in-transit customers, quite possibly saving hours or even days,” said Derek Zimmerman, vice president, Product Support Materials, Gulfstream. “This expediency can lower costs for operators and significantly reduce aircraft downtime, particularly during aircraft-on-ground situations.”

The inventory at Air Works includes rotable and consumable parts for all in-production Gulfstream business jets along with out-of-production models such as the GV, GIV and G200.

“We are delighted with the signing of this agreement with Gulfstream,” said Ravi Menon, executive director, Air Works. “We have had a longstanding relationship with Gulfstream as their authorized warranty facility in India, and the positioning of consignment stock at our forward stocking location in Bengaluru translates into a tremendous value addition to Gulfstream aircraft owners and operators.”

Gulfstream operators also have access to more than $56 million in parts and materials inventory positioned at three sites in Asia – Beijing, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Working closely with Air Works personnel is Gulfstream’s Aniruddh Srivastava, regional director, Service Parts Distribution for India.

The Gulfstream fleet in India has grown from five aircraft in 2001 to more than 20 today.

Air Works’ Mumbai facility is an authorized warranty center for Gulfstream. Its technicians are authorized by the country’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation to work on the G550, G500, GV, GIV, GIV-SP, G200 and G100 models.

Another support resource for Gulfstream customers in India is field service representative Kannan Kumar, who is based in Chennai.