M7 Aerospace, the company that took control of the U.S. assets of Fairchild Dornier some four months ago, has seen a steady flow of Fairchild Metroliner repair and overhaul work since the FAA granted its repair station certification for the type on June 3. But, as CEO Harold “Mac” Williams related, the company’s aspirations extend far beyond offering support for the 700 or so Metros flying around the world.
Management expects operators of regional jets will furnish the San Antonio-based company with the kind of support business its investors envisioned when they rescued the four U.S. divisions from bankruptcy earlier this year. To the frustration of M7, the company that holds the type certificate for the Fairchild Dornier 328 line refuses to transfer updates to the technical documentation needed for repair station approval. Fortunately for Williams and company, M7’s business plan considered the possibility of such a scenario.