TAM which opened a heavy maintenance hangar at São Carlos in 2001, plans a major expansion of its MRO business that would see it more than double in size with possible support from an overseas strategic partner. The expansion is needed to not only support TAM's own fleet, which has grown exponentially since the demise of former Brazilian flag carrier Varig, but also provide enough capacity to meet TAM MRO's ambitious plans for expanding its third-party business. TAM has been maintaining third-party aircraft, mainly from other Brazilian operators, since 2005 but until now has lacked the capacity to aggressively pursue work from outside the region. "The market was knocking on our door and there was an indication it could be a good business," says TAM vice-president of operations and MRO Ruy Amparo.
TAM MRO has a limited narrowbody-only third-party business that accounts for about 15% of its revenues. But Amparo sees this growing to up to 50% as TAM builds a second airframe maintenance hangar at São Carlos and attempts to forge joint ventures with major international MRO players.
TAM MRO was corporatised last year and has since been running as an independent business unit. Amparo says a decision to formally spin off the unit is expected soon and, once separated, TAM MRO aims to sign partnerships deals with major international maintenance firms that would help expand its capacity and capability.
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