LONDON – Erickson Precision Ventures teams up with Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research’s (NIAR) WERZ programme.
The agreement allows the two-party to effectively work on modification, maintenance, and engineering for various passenger aircraft, like Boeing and Airbus.
The Erickson Group, which owns Prevision Aircraft Solutions parent company was established in the early 70s, by aerospace entrepreneur Jack Erickson to commercialize surplus military heavy-lift Sikorsky S-64 AirCrane Helicopters.
Precision Aircraft Solutions is one of the world’s leading companies in the development of aircraft cargo conversions and special missions modifications, component and mod kit manufacturing, STC and AMOC certification, and continued airworthiness support.
With the assistance of Precision Aircraft Solutions, NIAR will soon conclude the conversions and maintenance of Erickson Aero Tanker, an Erickson subsidiary company. The project started last year.
The NIAR WERX programme is capturing an opportunity of a growing trend of passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion. The P2F project for Erickson will increase the capability of the MRO.
The programme will add two new aircraft to its conversion portfolio. NIAR WERZ is expected to convert 12-24 aircraft per year for Precision Aircraft Solutions.
Precision President Gary Warner said: “The unprecedented demand for the Airbus and Boeing products is a testament to the investment and teamwork needed to create industry-leading products for our community and our customers”.
He added: “Precision works with facilities around the globe to satisfy this demand, and NIAR WERX represents a truly unique addition to the team.”
“Through their applied research and technology, NIAR WERX has the people and facilities needed for the required production levels, a purpose-driven team, and the state-level support needed to realize their overall vision.”
David Jones, executive director at NIAR WERZ said: “I’m extremely proud of the team of engineers, technicians, and students we have assembled here in Wichita.”
“They have embraced and risen to the challenge of completing some of the most complex conversion programs.”
“As WERX continues to build the premier air vehicle new development and modification center in Kansas, we will be making further announcements of a large growth in Wichita, Salina, and Topeka.”
This project has political heavyweights chipping in their thoughts.
Senator Jerry Moran, an avid supporter of Kansas aviation, said, “Kansas has the resources to become the MRO Capital, and it is quickly becoming a reality.”
“The strong partnerships that NIAR WERX is forming with Precision will provide high-paying skilled jobs for Kansans while simultaneously supporting aviation industry growth across the country.”
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. “Adding these aircraft to the NIAR WERX portfolio highlights the Wichita region’s importance to the aerospace industry.”
“This expansion creates additional career opportunities for Kansans while emphasizing to other businesses that Kansas is a place of growth and possibility.”
This agreement will benefit local Kansas and lift the state’s economy significantly, especially increasing the competitiveness of NIAR. It is expected from this program that over 1,500 positions will be created.
Moreover, the partnership will also include the expansion of the Kansas Modification Center’s 777-300ER P2F conversion programme.
