The 562nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia has just received its AS-9100 certification, following a nine-month process that ensures the unit meets international standards. “It’s a major advantage to us when it comes to marketing for work,” said Mike Doubleday, deputy squadron director. With one squadron certified, the ALC expects others in its 402nd Maintenance Wing to follow, starting with three more squadrons by next fall. Currently, the 562nd AMXS performs about half the maintenance, overhaul and repair work done on the C-17 airlifter, with the other half done at prime contractor Boeing’s San Antonio facility. Col. John Bukowinski, commander of the ALC’s 402nd Aircraft Maintenance Group, said he hopes to get more workload now, adding, “We have the facilities for it.” (Robins report by Wayne Crenshaw)
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.