STS Bolsters Manchester Repair Capabilities

STS Aviation Services says its plan to move some repair services from Ireland to its Manchester shop will boost its on-site repair capability as it moves toward maximum capacity by the end of 2024.

U.S.-based STS Aviation Services Group expects to finish transitioning the services of its repair division in the first quarter of this year. It will be moving aircraft seats and their components, lavatory electrical parts, and galleys and component parts to Manchester. “We plan to have all the equipment transferred and installed from Shannon this month,” says Ian Bartholomew, executive vice president and managing director for STS Aviation Services in Europe.

The decision to relocate STS’ repair capability from Shannon to Manchester was made quite some time ago, according to Bartholomew. “It was a key consideration when we established our latest UK MRO facility at Manchester Airport,” he says.

The company moved into the facility nearly two years ago—a site previously occupied by defunct British leisure airline Thomas Cook. The 140,000 ft.² facility carried out its first C check in November 2022 and saw shop visit volumes increase “significantly” last year, Bartholomew says.

Bartholomew, who assumed leadership of STS’ European operation at the beginning of this year, says pre-existing functions of the Manchester facility have enabled the company to adjust its capabilities in the hangar.

“The facility we selected was already configured with purpose-built workshop facilities suitable for engine and component repairs while being able to support both off aircraft and external repair work,” he says.

So far, Bartholomew says the process has been a smooth one, with the company completing shop enhancements last year to accommodate the necessary equipment. Since then, it has been working with the regulator to add the new capability.

Before the relocation of services, STS had already established repair capabilities including composite, air conditioning, doors, electrical and batteries, cabin equipment, flight controls, pneumatics and vacuum, some light engine services and auxiliary power units along with their line replaceable units.

Conversely, STS’ Shannon facility will now focus on repair services for aircraft fuel systems, including ACT tank and bladders, for which volumes have increased significantly, Bartholomew notes.

To begin, STS will utilize technical skills from its existing teams in Manchester but expects to add new faces to its Manchester repair operation during the first part of this year. By the end of 2024, STS expects to employ 300 people in Manchester when it expects the facility to reach capacity.  

Bartholomew confirmed to Aviation Week that the company’s multi-year agreement to perform passenger-to-freighter conversions and maintenance on Boeing 777 aircraft for Mammoth Freighters is on course to begin as scheduled in the second quarter, with the arrival of the first aircraft. “Our additional recruitment needs are in a good place, and we have committed a considerable amount of capital spend,” he says.