MRO & Manufacturing
Air Nostrum Renews ATR Global Maintenance Agreement for Five Years
Air Nostrum Engineering renews its five-year Global Maintenance Agreement with ATR to support 12 ATR 72-600 aircraft with OEM-backed maintenance services.
This article is based on an official press release from ATR.
Air Nostrum Engineering & Maintenance Operations (ANEM) has officially renewed its Global Maintenance Agreement with regional aircraft manufacturer ATR for an additional five years. The extension solidifies a long-standing partnerships between the Spanish maintenance provider and the turboprop manufacturer, ensuring continued factory-backed support for the airline’s fleet.
According to the official press release from ATR, the renewed agreement will provide comprehensive systems and component maintenance services for the 12 ATR 72-600 Commercial-Aircraft currently operated by Air Nostrum and Mel Air. The deal is designed to optimize aircraft availability and stabilize maintenance costs for the regional operators.
This latest five-year commitment marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the two companies. ANEM has utilized ATR’s maintenance expertise since 1999, representing more than 25 years of continuous collaboration on support solutions.
Securing Fleet Reliability and Component Support
The renewed Global Maintenance Agreement covers an extensive range of services tailored to keep the ATR 72-600 fleet operating efficiently. ATR stated in its release that the contract includes access to the manufacturer’s global pool of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs). Furthermore, the agreement encompasses exchange and repair services, alongside specialized component support.
By securing these services directly from the original equipment manufacturer, ANEM aims to maintain high dispatch reliability for Air Nostrum and Mel Air. The Airlines rely on these turboprops to provide essential connectivity across Spain and other regional markets.
Leadership Perspectives on the Renewal
Executives from both organizations emphasized the operational benefits of the continued partnership. Fermin Tirado, General Director of ANEM, highlighted the value of OEM-backed knowledge.
“No one understands the ATR platform better than ATR, and that depth of knowledge directly translates into reliability for our operations,” Tirado said in the ATR press release.
Stefano Marazzani, Senior Vice President of Customer Support and Services at ATR, noted that the renewal reflects the operators’ confidence in the ATR 72-600 platform. He added that the combination of the turboprop’s performance and ANEM’s technical expertise will ensure sustained competitiveness and control over available seat mile costs.
Operational Footprint of Air Nostrum and ANEM
Air Nostrum Engineering and Maintenance Operations serves as the dedicated maintenance arm for Spanish regional airline Air Nostrum and Mel Air. Operating as a PART 145 approved maintenance organization in Europe, ANEM manages all phases of maintenance for its parent company’s fleet as well as for third-party airlines.
The maintenance provider employs approximately 500 people and conducts around 60 base maintenance checks annually. Its infrastructure includes a primary hangar at Valencia airport, a new facility in Portugal, and additional bases across Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga.
AirPro News analysis
We view the decision by Air Nostrum and Mel Air to extend their Global Maintenance Agreement with ATR as an indicator of a broader industry trend where regional airlines increasingly rely on original equipment manufacturers for long-term component support. By locking in a five-year Contracts, ANEM is likely seeking to insulate its operations from supply chain volatility and unpredictable repair costs. The ATR 72-600 remains a cornerstone of regional connectivity in Europe due to its fuel efficiency, and maintaining high dispatch reliability is critical for airlines operating high-frequency, short-haul networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA)?
A Global Maintenance Agreement is a comprehensive support contract provided by an aircraft manufacturer, offering operators access to spare parts, repair services, and technical expertise to ensure fleet reliability.
How many ATR aircraft do Air Nostrum and Mel Air operate?
According to the ATR press release, Air Nostrum and Mel Air currently operate a combined fleet of 12 ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft.
How long has ANEM partnered with ATR?
ANEM has relied on ATR’s maintenance expertise since 1999, marking over 25 years of continuous partnership.
Sources
Photo Credit: ATR