Flybe Aviation Services, one of the world's largest providers of regional aircraft engineering services, has standardised on Alto maintenance access platforms at the Flybe Walker Hangar, situated at Exeter International Airport. As part of a series of contracts valued at around £1million, Alto has supplied a complete bespoke solution including tail dock, fuselage and under-wing platforms along with access stairs, racks and benches.

Alto Tower Systems worked in partnership with Flybe Aviation Services, an approved EASA Part 145 maintenance organisation, to develop a bespoke maintenance solution for use during overnight checks, routine inspections and full defect rectifications around the clock. The access platforms have been designed for the current fleet of BAe146/RJ, DHC-8 200/300/400 and ATR 42/72 aircraft with ongoing design for Flybe's new fleet of Embraer 195s. They also enable Flybe to meet all the requirements of the latest 'working at height' directives

All Alto access platforms have aluminium structures and decking making them considerably lighter and easier to use than traditional systems. They can be stored outside when not in use as they do not rust and can be quickly and easily moved. Each set has soft edged buffers to avoid aircraft damage. The platforms are also colour coded according to the aircraft for which they have been designed. This enables staff to quickly deploy the correct system when required. The Alto system has also helped reduce costs by eliminating the need to hire in specialist scissor lifts and cherry pickers.

According to John Tenner, Maintenance Director for Flybe Aviation Services: "The Alto solution has been designed from the ground up to meet our specific requirements and is delivering significant improvements in productivity and higher levels of safety for our highly skilled workforce. It has improved the efficiency of the maintenance operation and helped to reduce critical turnaround times."

About Alto Tower Systems

Alto Tower Systems Ltd is an independent manufacturer of aluminium access platforms and ancillary products. It designs and manufactures specialist bespoke solutions for aviation maintenance operations as well as for the hire and rental industries.