Pratt & Whitney Canada (Booth 2010) has named Rico Taxi Aéreo Ltda. its second designated maintenance facility (DMF) in Brazil. The first Brazilian DMF named was ABA Manutencao de Aeronaves Ltda. Rico, which is based in Manaus, Amazonas, will offer services for the PT6A, the engine that powers Cessna Caravans and Embraer Bandeirantes. P&WC also appointed Renato Rafael a new Brazil general manager of business development.

Michel Toutant, v-p of customer service for P&WC, said, “Our new designated maintenance facility model—launched just a few days ago at Sindag in Canela, Brazil—reflects the importance of Brazilian customers to P&WC and our continued investment in the country to deliver rapid, flexible and tailored services and solutions. By working with Rico and its team of more than 70 employees, we can further extend our local maintenance capabilities, which are strengthened by our new DMF's deep industry expertise and customer knowledge.”

Along with ABA, Rico will provide maintenance services including hot section inspections. Both DMFs have access to P&WC’s global service network, which includes the company’s parts distribution center in Sorocaba, Brazil; specialized mobile repair technician teams; and seven field support representatives positioned throughout the country.

“There is a large population of PT6A-powered aircraft in Brazil, and ensuring we have the in-country expertise and resources to rapidly and seamlessly serve our expanding customer base is a top priority for P&WC,” said Toutant. “Rico will be uniquely positioned to collaborate with us to provide comprehensive maintenance services for PT6A-powered aircraft.”

P&WC’s most recent milestone was the production of it 100,000th engine in April 2017. The company will mark the occasion by recognizing employees and customers all families of products throughout the rest of the year.