QUOTE: However, with 3,000 ships still operating worldwide (when the operators can get parts) it is likely that there is a sustainable business in parts and component repair.
Therin seems to lie a problem for MDHI.
IT APPEARS that one of the solution pushed forward to aleviate earlier problems was to outsource. As a result the number of items still manufactured in house is [or may be] reduced to virtually nothing. The main structures of the 500 line are produced by Kaman and the 900 is produced in Turkey. Engines and avionics are outsourced, most if not all gearboxes, MRBs ... all the potential high value stuff in effect.
One result of such actions is/may be that Mesa is reduced to being a middle man in the spares line. Not dispensible because they are the design authority/manufacturer, but potentially just an addition to the cost strata.
I have no doubt that someone will come leaping in to say this is complete rubbish and that MD process millions of such and such widgets in house.... but even then in the end they are relatively obscure parts.
The fact remains, on the face of it, little or nothing substantive is now produced in house and that may well affect overall profitability leading to the saving of the company.
That may well be negative but it must have a bearing on the future struggle that the bean counters must have considered before investing.
If they remain happy knowing the problems then MD is set to return.