Nordam hushkitted-JT8D. Do pay attention please.
Nordam 737 hushkits in demand
Stewart Penney, London (30Jul98, 16:03 GMT, 351 words)
US hushkit specialist Nordam has announced orders worth more than $75 million to muffle 56 Boeing 737-200 twinjets, most of which are flying in European skies.
Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair has ordered 16 new shipsets (of two hushkits) and five conversions for its 737-200s, which are the only aircraft in its fleet prior to the delivery of its first 737-800 in early 1999.
Kit deliveries have started and will continue until December 2001. Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary says that hushkitting means the carrier can "continue to grow and maintain our position as Europe's largest low fares airline".
America West, based in Phoenix, Arizona, has placed the second biggest order, taking 14 shipsets which will all be delivered by the end of the year.
European Aviation, an aircraft trading and spares specialist based in the UK, has ordered "at least" - says Nordam - ten hushkit sets for the 14 737-200s that it bought from Belgian flag carrier Sabena in February.
Moroccan flag carrier Royal Air Maroc has committed to seven shipsets for delivery by the year's end, making it, according to Nordam, the first African carrier to bring Chapter 2 aircraft into line with ICAO's Chapter 3 noise regulations.
French carriers Euralair International and Air Mediterranee have ordered four sets between them.
Nordam says it has now received a total of 336 orders to quieten 737-200 aircraft fitted with Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines of various types. It has delivered the equivalent of 180 shipsets, and produces 10-12 aircraft sets a month.
Company vice president Jack Arehart says Nordam is now focussing on European carriers as it considers the US market to be "matured".
In addition to hushkits, the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based company produces flying control surfaces, interior structures, radomes and transparencies for commercial aircraft and helicopters. The company also has a repair business.
Hushkitting allows airlines to continue using aircraft which would otherwise be consigned to the scrap heap for failing to meet noise regulations. All of Europe's aircraft must be compliant with the Chapter 3 standard by 31 December 1999.
US airlines, which are regulated under the FAA's equivalent Stage 3, have until 1 April 2002 to quieten their aircraft.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news