The Argentine Air Force will initiate a process of direct inter-administrative contracting with Aerolíneas Argentinas for the purpose of having the national company perform the C Check inspection of the Boeing 737-700 T-99 “Islas Malvinas”. The work will be carried out at the airline’s facilities in Ezeiza, with a delivery term of 50 working days from the date the contract is signed.
It is worth noting that the national company has Aerolíneas Argentinas Técnica, a maintenance center with over 70 years of experience offering various services, including base maintenance (C and D Checks), structural fuselage and composite repairs, among others.
Regarding the planned work for the T-99, the C Check involves a thorough inspection of most parts of the aircraft. It usually requires the aircraft to remain in a specialized maintenance facility as it requires necessary tools, materials, and space. “…Normally, up to 6,000 maintenance hours are required for C checks…”.
Some of the aspects included in the C Check are structural review to detect corrosion and damage, deep lubrication of accessories and cables, among others. According to the details in the terms and conditions document, the T-99 will undergo inspections 1C+2C+5C.
During the period when the work on the T-99 “Islas Malvinas” is ongoing, the Argentine Air Force (FAA) will be without the capability offered by the Boeing 737, an aircraft used to meet the demand for passenger transportation, both for the Armed Forces and civilians (through LADE).
Although the C Check work will not extend for a long time (15 to 20 days depending on the aircraft, service provider, etc.), the temporary absence of the T-99 exposes one of the reasons why the Air Force attempted to acquire a second Boeing 737, a procurement process that was declared unsuccessful a few months ago. It is worth noting that the FAA had pre-awarded the purchase to the company GECI Española Aerospace Solutions, an initiative that would come to nothing.
The process for the acquisition of a second Boeing 737 aimed at incorporating an aircraft equipped with CFM56-7B engines, contracting for flexible freighter conversion, and providing additional services. The document clarified that aircraft in Quick Change or Combi configuration would be highly valued, in order to incorporate a more flexible platform for cargo, passenger, or mixed transport.
GECI Española Aerospace Solutions presented the option of a Boeing 737 NG MSN 35378 configured for 128 passengers (while 160 were required by the FAA) and painting service. The Valencian company would leave the flexible freighter conversion blank.
Although the Argentine Air Force considered the incorporation of two Boeing 737s for the period 2023-2025, the initiative has not been resumed since the last tender was declared unsuccessful. However, in parallel, the Air Force intends to incorporate at least six ERJ-140LRs, having already incorporated two units to date.
Cover image: MinDef
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