MROs Expanding In Central America: Aeroman And Coopesa

Lee Ann Shay

Aeroman's Four Hangars

Aeroman operates 12 production lines in four hangars at San Salvador International Airport in El Salvador. _{^{(Photo credit: Aeroman)}}

Fifth Hangar Under Construction

Aeroman broke ground on Nov. 15, 2014 for a fifth hangar, which is scheduled to open in July. _{^{(Photo credit: Aeroman)}}

Hangar Capable of Widebody MRO

This hangar will measure 116,000 square meters and will be capable of holding any aircraft except for the A380. It will accommodate up to eight narrowbodies or two A330s and three narrowbodies simultaneously. This hangar will enable Aeroman to pursue widebody MRO. _{^{(Photo credit: Aeroman)}}

Room For Expansion

A second phase will include shops and a dedicated training building, and if workload dictates—there is space for a third, mirror-image hangar. _{^{(Photo credit: Aeroman)}}

Solid Workforce

Aeroman is consistently rated as a top employer in the Central American region and it offers very good benefits. As a result, Aeroman typically has hundreds of applicants for every job opening, allowing it to be very selective in whom it employs. “We then invest over two years in technical training before the new mechanic is released to the production lines. Aeroman's annual turnover rate is in the range of just 2%, which allows us to continue providing technical and skill based training for the duration of the mechanic’s career,” says Aeroman’s chairman. _{^{(Photo credit: Aeroman)}}

Coopesa From The Air

Coopesa operates out of these hangars at San Jose International Airport in Costa Rica. It completes lease returns, heavy maintenance, post delivery modifications, cargo conversions, interior work and painting. _{^{(Photo credit: Coopesa)}}

Aircraft MRO

Coopesa primarily works on Boeing 737s, 757s, MD-80s, Airbus A319s, A320s and Embraer E190s. About 55% of its MRO work is done for leasing companies.

Sidewall Panel Repairs

Coopesa added sidewall panel repair capability for A320s and 737NGs in late December. _{^{(Photo credit: Aviation Week/Lee Ann Shay)}}

Leading Edge Slat Repair

A technician is completing a leading edge slat repair on a 737-500 in Coopesa’s clean room in the composites shop. _{^{(Photo credit: Aviation Week/Lee Ann Shay)}}

Breaking Ground On March 18

Coopesa broke ground on March 18 for its new facility, which will accommodate six aircraft—up to the size of a Boeing 757. The MRO plans to open the facility 12-14 months after construction started. Coopesa also purchased land adjacent to where the first hangar will be so it can construct a second six-bay hangar. That one could open in 2017. _{^{(Photo credit: Coopesa)}}

Aeroman and Coopesa are the largest MRO providers in Central America. See how they are building their businesses by adding new capabilities and hangars.