Gulfstream Aerospace’s service center at Beijing Capital International Airport is expanding its operating hours, beginning in the second quarter. It will add a second shift from 3:30 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday to better support Gulfstream operators in the region. To support the extra shift, Gulfstream Beijing will also hire approximately 10 maintenance technicians and inspectors.

The company is also adding several capabilities to further enhance support for operators based in Greater China, including Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) approval for 36-month heavy maintenance inspections for the G650 and G650ER. Gulfstream Beijing, a five-year-old joint venture between Gulfstream and HNA Technic, also plans to seek CAAC approval for 96-month inspections for the G550 and G450; 72-month inspections for the G280; and 144-month inspections for the G200.

Since the start of operations, Gulfstream Beijing technicians have supported more than 850 maintenance events, including road trips, to assist customers in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.

To further support Gulfstream operators around the globe, last month the company established a center dedicated to the resolution of aircraft-on-ground (AOG) issues. The technical operations contact center is located within the Gulfstream Savannah Service Center in the U.S.

Incoming calls or messages designated as AOG are routed to the center, where experienced team members can tap into Gulfstream’s worldwide resources, including Field and Airborne Support Teams (FAST) aircraft that can quickly deliver parts, tools, and/or technicians; more than 150 field service representatives and FAST-dedicated technicians, including 12 mobile repair teams; more than $1.6 billion in spares inventory at some 20 locations; and a network of more than 30 company-owned and authorized service centers and warranty facilities.

The center is also equipped with large monitors that provide an up-to-date visual dashboard of Gulfstreams worldwide and the company’s maintenance facilities and personnel, along with health updates from aircraft during flight.

“Co-locating technical experts with cross-enterprise resources, including logistics, materials, and purchasing support, will lead to more coordinated responses to customers, expedite resolution of issues, and get aircraft back in the air faster than ever,” said Gulfstream product support president Derek Zimmerman.