Boeing

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Thomsonfly.com, the UK-based carrier of TUI Travel PLC, today said they have signed an agreement in which the airline will become part of Boeing's Component Services Program (CSP). The program is a parts-provisioning effort that significantly reduces an airline's up-front investment in spare parts and offers a quick and reliable supply of critical parts from a pool shared by 30 participating operators.

"The Component Services Programs are one of the key Boeing solutions to help airlines manage critical spares operations," said Dan da Silva, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "Thomsonfly.com has endorsed Boeing as a partner to help it manage complex spares operations in a competitive environment that demands efficiency and first-rate service."

The agreement applies to Thomsonfly.com's Next-Generation 737 fleet. The Component Services Program will allow Thomsonfly.com to outsource the cost and logistical trouble of keeping important parts on hand. By doing so, CSP helps reduce inventory and component repair and administration costs. Under the CSP, Boeing commits to providing parts covered under the agreement within 24 hours of a request.

"We are looking forward to Boeing being our reliable partner to ensure on-time performance." said Ian Ludlow, technical director of Thomsonfly.com.

Thomsonfly.com has signed up for a long-term commitment on the CSP, paying a rate that covers a potential exchange of more than 475 LRUs, or line replaceable units. LRUs are typically high-value items such as avionics boxes and precision mechanical assemblies, which are time-consuming and costly for an airline to repair and keep in inventory. Thomsonfly.com becomes the 30th airline in the CSP program.