Aerospace components specialist Ontic has launched CargoCare, a new maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service portfolio aimed at helping cargo operators reduce aircraft downtime and improve maintenance cost predictability.
The first offering under the new brand is an exchange-and-overhaul programme for Boeing 747 leading-edge flap drive units, a component that can be difficult to replace quickly following an unplanned removal.
The programme is designed to give operators faster access to serviceable replacement units while their removed components undergo overhaul, reducing the risk of aircraft remaining grounded while awaiting repairs.
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Under the arrangement, operators send an unserviceable flap drive unit to Ontic and receive a serviceable replacement from an exchange pool. Replacement turnaround times start from as little as 48 hours, according to the company.
The returned component is overhauled at Ontic’s MRO facility in Tewkesbury, UK, before being returned to the exchange pool for subsequent use. The system creates a continuous rotation of serviceable units for participating customers.
Flexible Exchange Options for Cargo Operators
CargoCare packages are tailored to individual operators’ fleet requirements and maintenance needs. Customers can choose between dedicated and shared exchange pools, allowing them to secure access to replacement components without necessarily maintaining additional spare inventory.
The programme also includes flat-rate overhaul pricing, an extended warranty and flexible commercial terms. Ontic said support would be available through its hubs across Europe, the Americas and Asia.
The approach is intended to improve cost visibility while helping cargo operators manage the operational consequences of unexpected component removals. For freight carriers, prolonged aircraft downtime can affect fleet availability, schedules and revenue, making access to replacement parts an important consideration in maintenance planning.
“Cargo operators can’t afford to have aircraft sitting on the ground waiting for a part to come back from overhaul. CargoCare takes that uncertainty away,” said Dave Mayne, MRO director for Europe and Asia at Ontic.
He added that the programme was designed to provide operators with a serviceable component quickly, predictable costs and support tailored to their fleet operations.
Expanding Support Across the Aircraft Lifecycle
The Boeing 747 leading-edge flap drive unit programme is the first service introduced under CargoCare. Ontic plans to extend the model to additional aircraft platforms and components as it expands its MRO portfolio.
The launch reflects the continuing importance of component availability and aftermarket support for cargo operators, particularly where specialised parts and overhaul capacity can affect aircraft utilisation.
Exchange programmes can help reduce the need for operators to wait for their own components to complete the repair process. Depending on fleet requirements and contract terms, they can also provide an alternative to purchasing and holding additional spare units.
For Boeing 747 operators, the new service offers another option for managing component maintenance and supporting fleet availability. Its effectiveness will depend on exchange-pool capacity, component demand and the ability to maintain an adequate supply of serviceable units.
CargoCare marks Ontic’s move towards a broader service model that combines component overhaul with planned replacement availability and more predictable maintenance costs.
