Monarch Aircraft Engineering Ltd (MAEL), an independent provider of commercial-aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services, has announced that it is opening a new Component Maintenance Centre in Northampton in September 2018 — midway between its Luton and Birmingham maintenance facilities.

The new centre will employ 20 people and will be led by Lee Burgess, MAEL’s head of maintenance (www.monarchaircraftengineering.com).

Managing director Chris Dare said: “Our new Northampton facility will enable us to more effectively and efficiently support our burgeoning line and base maintenance facilities across the UK.

“This multi-million-pound investment in new facilities, equipment and — most importantly — skilled engineering talent is an integral part of our long-term growth plan and will play a vital role in our success in the years ahead.”

The company has provided maintenance, repair and overhaul services for more than 50 years and has significant experience working with some of the world’s leading airlines.

Since becoming an independent MRO provider in October 2017, MAEL has announced a wide range of new agreements, with airlines that include Virgin Atlantic Airways, China Airlines, Wizz Air and Icelandair.

It has permanent year-round facilities at nine airports in the UK, where it provides all levels of maintenance support for Airbus, Boeing, Embraer and Bombardier aircraft.