World Aero's Managing Director, Phil Randell, says his UK-based company works predominantly with Boeing 737NG wheels and brakes, primarily because of the huge numbers of aircraft in service. Many of these aircraft are also with smaller airlines that operate a fleet of 10 to 20, which is an ideal size to deal with as it provides regular throughput and often offers opportunities to provide additional services. The increasing amount of repair work carried out on carbon brakes is not just a reflection of the technology's acceptance in the industry, but also that the market value of steel brakes is now very close to the overhaul costs, making quality repairs difficult to deliver. OEM pricing for brake spares is high, and reduced labour costs are the only way to compete, which is not always possible to achieve. In addition, many older wheels are spares heavy, as the usual job specification is to replace, rather than repair, especially on items susceptible to corrosion. On newer items, Inconel bolts require little maintenance.
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