AVIAÂ, the expanding global group purchasing organisation for business aircraft owners and operators, has added to its team of experts with the appointment of UK-based Clive Prentice as Consultant, specialising in MRO and technical services. In his new role, he will advise on suitable independent maintenance partners and mentor the global maintenance team as the business evolves.

Clive brings two decades' experience running large maintenance organizations for business jet companies to AVIA - originally supporting OEMs and then moving to third party independent MROs working in a consultancy role, - from Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, JETS (Bourmemouth) through to Gama Aviation PLC. Previously, Clive served as Finance Director, BAE Corporate Jets; MD of Raytheon Aviation Services and VP and General Manager for Hawker Beechcraft, responsible for Customer Support in the EMEA region.

Typically a smaller business aircraft operator will invest nearly US$200,000 per year on MRO per aircraft. Working with established and leading independent maintenance suppliers in Europe and the US, AVIAÂ aims to help save its members 15% upwards on MRO costs, contributing to an overall US$100,000 saving per jet, per year, based on 520 flying hours.

The fiercely competitive MRO business has consolidated, and the independents face very slim margins. The original manufacturers are more involved in supporting their jets now, duly creating MRO slots at leading independents who hold existing or expired authorised service centre status. "This is the area we are looking at, working with reputable, established players. AVIAÂ's offer is very attractive for both operator and owner and supplier," noted Clive.

"I bring a good understanding of the traditional methodology that can be utilized to benchmark the services provided and ensure the regulatory framework is understood," he added.

Contributed by AVIAÂ