Apple Aviation expands MRO operations to Cornish Aerohub
Approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for EASA Part 145 Base/line maintenance and EASA Part M Continued Air Worthiness Management, AA currently operates at Manchester, East Midlands, London Heathrow, Paris and Brussels, as well as airports in the Middle East and Asia. 
The new facility, within the airport’s Enterprise Zone, will consist of a new 35,000sqft hangar, capable of accommodating two narrow-body or one wide-body aircraft and offering a large, bespoke space for AA’s increased operations.
With clients including Lessors, Thomas Cook, Thales, DHL, ILFC, BMI Regional and American Airlines; Apple Aviation brings an ever-growing concentration of aerospace companies to Aerohub and plans to employ up to 30 highly skilled employees, including aircraft engineers, in the first three years of operation.
Apple Aviation commercial director Bernard Longman said: “NQY has been selected as the site for our new MRO facility due to the excellent infrastructure the airport has to offer plus the benefits of developing our new business venture within the Enterprise Zone.
“AA will provide the airport with a wide range of line and base maintenance capabilities, which will benefit current and new airlines operating into and from NQY.
“The MRO facility will include an aircraft storage and recycling area, which will be approved by the UK Environment Agency and is due to open in September 2013. AA looks forward to building relationships with the local community and businesses in addition to contributing to the economy in the South West.”
The creation of a MRO facility at Aerohub will allow Apple Aviation to offer complete maintenance and support packages to all existing clients and attract new clients.
Chris Pomfret, chair of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “We are delighted Apple Aviation has chosen Aerohub as its base for a new MRO operation. AA will not only bring highly skilled jobs to the area but will also support growth in the local supply chain and act as a catalyst to attract other companies offering complimentary activity to the Enterprise Zone.”
Al Titterington, managing director, Newquay Cornwall Airport said: “Apple Aviation is a great fit for the airport as a world-class MRO company with ambitious growth plans and a commitment to employing local workforce. They will be an excellent example of the types of businesses we would like to attract to the site, and we look forward to supporting their activities.”
As England’s only aerospace-focused Enterprise Zone, Aerohub already has a number of high-profile clients within the 280-acre site and has ample development opportunities, which include hangars and office buildings as well as a business park.
