Able Aerospace, a Phoenix-based specialist in overhaul and repair of rotorcraft parts and components, explained how PHI achieved significant savings using Able Aerospace parts and services. PHI saved a total of $1.3 million in 2010, $110,000 by purchasing 95 Able Aerospace-manufactured parts plus another $800,000 through repair of components, rather than buying new OEM items, according to Bob DesRosiers, PHI head of procurement.

 Of Able Aerospace’s 8,000 FAA-approved repairs and 400 FAA-approved PMA (parts manufacturer approval) items, “Not one has failed in service,” Able Group president Lee Benson said. Last year was the company’s most successful year to date.

The keystone of Able’s plans for 300 percent growth over the next five years is a new 191,000-sq-ft repair, overhaul and production facility with its own hangar at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Construction is slated to begin in 2012. Able Aerospace (Booth No. 1614) presently employs 840 at a plant immediately south of Sky Harbor International Airport.

A key to reducing costs and aircraft downtime is Able’s “captive shop” strategy to keep all work in-house, with little or no outsourcing, according to J.A. Saenz, Able Aerospace president.

“We maintain control over every aspect of the process, from start to delivery,” Saenz explained. The company recently initiated its Able Preferred overhaul programs for Eurocopter AS350 and Bell 206/407 components, featuring equipment exchanges and streamlined procedures to reduce costs and turnaround time, which Able says can save operators up to 70 percent.