Air Partner’s aviation safety consultancy division Baines Simmons has been awarded a contract to provide Integrated Operational Support (IOS) consultancy services to BAE Systems, with a specific focus on Typhoon aircraft.
As a result of the continuous drive for air forces to increase the efficiency of their fleets, there is a growing demand for IOS programmes. The programmes integrate numerous support services, improving safety performance and continuing airworthiness. This ultimately increases efficiencies and improves aircraft availability.
As part of its new contract, which became effective on 5 September 2016, Baines Simmons will support BAE Systems’ strategic aim to become the leading global IOS provider by 2021. This will enable BAE Systems to reduce costs for customers, improve efficiencies and improve aircraft availability.
BAE Systems recently announced a 10-year arrangement with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to support the UK Typhoon fleet, working with the Royal Air Force (RAF).
Commenting on the contract, Justin Scarborough, Managing Director of Baines Simmons, said: “It is testament to the experience and expertise of the Baines Simmons team to have been chosen to consult on such an important initiative for one of the world’s leading defence contractors. A world-leading IOS system should place the customer first in all decision-making activity, and we are very much looking forward to supporting BAE Systems on making the necessary cultural and organisational step-changes to make this goal a reality.”
Martin Blaze, Director of Aircraft Maintenance at BAE Systems, said: “At BAE Systems, our customers are our first priority and we are committed to reducing costs and maximising efficiency wherever possible. This project will be a strategic focus for us going forward and we are confident that the Baines Simmons team are the right people to guide us on the journey to becoming a world leading global IOS provider.”
Baines Simmons, which was acquired by Air Partner in August 2015, has a long history of working with international military and government organisations, including the UK Military Aviation Authority (MAA), the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Air Partner, which was founded in 1961 and has 20 offices worldwide, has a proud history of working with heads of state and governments, including six of the G7 group of governments.