Pratt & Whitney Canada president Alain Bellemare said at a press conference here yesterday that he was optimistic about the continued growth of the engine business, adding that the firm is in a better position than in past downturns because of P&WC’s wide areas of application. He said he believes that when the market starts picking up, this diversity will be useful for the company. “Next year will be a challenging one, but we believe that 2004 will see the start of recovery,” he noted.
Part of the growth is reflected in the expansion and upgrading of Pratt & Whitney Engine Services fly-in repair and service capabilities at Harrison Marion Regional Airport in Bridgeport, W.Va., with the construction of a new 22,000-sq-ft hangar. Two-thirds of the new hangar space will accommodate aircraft and the rest will be used for an all-new, quick-turnaround heavy maintenance line (HEMA). PT6, PW300, PW500 and JTD15D engine series can be accommodated there. The new building also features an improved customer lounge and rest areas for pilots and crews.
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