Saab and JOB AIR Technic have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration.
Saab, a Swedish defense company, announced the signing of the MoU with JOB AIR Technic, one of the regional leaders in the field of aircraft maintenance. The signed document will enable Saab to transfer know-how in the maintenance of fighter aircraft and provide training to the employees of JOB AIR Technic in this field.
The first joint program will focus on the training and education of technicians from JOB AIR Technic. They will work at various locations and manufacturing facilities of Saab in Sweden, expanding their knowledge and skills, particularly in the maintenance of supersonic fighter aircraft.
“Saab always strives for broad industrial cooperation in its customer countries. We believe that the continued operation of Gripen C/D aircraft and the subsequent smooth transition to the Gripen E/F platform is the most effective solution for ensuring the future of the Czech Air Force, both operationally and economically. We see the collaboration with JOB AIR Technic as an opportunity to expand our partner base in the country and share know-how with the Czech Republic, which is part of our long-term strategy,” says Lars Tossman, Head of Business Area Aeronautics at Saab.
“For JOB AIR Technic, potential cooperation with Saab in the year when we celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of our company’s establishment signifies a symbolic return to our roots. JOB AIR Technic has been involved in the maintenance of smaller civilian aircraft, including the Saab 340, since its inception. It would be nice to have this brand, even in the form of special and incomparable Gripen aircraft, return to us after all these years. While our primary focus is on the maintenance of civilian aircraft, we also strive for maximum flexibility and diversification. Working on state-of-the-art Gripen aircraft would be a significant challenge for us and a further advancement in the range and quality of services provided,” says Vladimír Stulančák, CEO of JOB AIR Technic.
The Gripen C/D, currently operated by the Czech Air Force, was developed to be easily maneuverable and have high combat availability. The new Gripen E follows the same philosophy. Both platforms require minimal maintenance compared to competitors, which can also be performed to a high extent domestically. This significantly reduces the life cycle costs of Gripen fighter aircraft, up to 50% lower than those of competitors.
JOB AIR Technic’s aircraft repair facilities consist of two hangars capable of accommodating eight narrow-body aircraft such as Airbus A320 or Boeing 737. The company, which has been a member of the Czechoslovak Group since 2016, opened the second hangar with workshop facilities at the beginning of 2020. Annually, their hangars handle over a hundred aircraft, primarily for heavy maintenance, which is the specialization of JOB AIR Technic. The company is also authorized to maintain Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and holds certifications for the maintenance of wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft. Its customers include major leasing companies and airline operators. The company employs over 400 workers. It was founded in 1993 as an aircraft maintenance center for LET aircraft, followed by the SAAB 340. JOB AIR Technic a.s. is an organization authorized for maintenance under EASA/FAA Part 145 and an approved training organization under EASA Part 147.
Text by: Saab
Edited and translated: Katerina Urbanova
Photo credits: Saab
