Low-cost carriers generally start out as vigorous MRO outsourcers. As they grow and achieve fleet scale, many bring more work inside and may even think about doing third-party work for other airlines.

That seems to be happening at Batam Aero Technic (BAT), Lion Air’s maintenance unit. BAT has completed its first overhaul of a Honeywell Auxiliary Power Unit 131-9B. 

Lion Air’s more than hundred Boeing 737NGs, are standard equipment on all NGs, can be selected on the Airbus A320 family and were chosen for Airbus A220s. “This accomplishment marked another step ahead in BAT Engine and APU MRO service in region,” says Customer Service Manager Hadi Sarjono.  

BAT’s APU shop capabilities were developed in partnership between BAT and Turbine Aero Repair, Thailand, formerly Triumph Aviation Services Asia. The project-was managed by BAT’s engine and APU department at BAT’s MRO Complex at in Batam, Indonesia. 

The first requirement for the overhaul was attained in September, 2019, when BAT received certification for APU 131-9-series overhauls and repairs from Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

Now BAT’s APU shop is pursuing FAA 145 certification. Sarjono estimates that could eventually add 50% to BAT’s potential APU overhaul volume. 

BAT’s APU shop occupies 1,680 square meters and has seven production bays. It has a gated process and was designed to handle up to 48 APUs annually. “The gated process has been proven to be effective in handling complex process with efficient resources arrangement,” Sarjono says. 

The APU overhaul capability has so far saved money for Lion Group with its ability to work on Lion Air components. But Sarjono is hopeful the capability will also be extended to third-party airlines.