1. Why should I pay more for a service that the completion center assures me will be taken
care of with no problems?
Although you may have been given reassurances that your aircraft completion will meet your expectations, approximately 80% of large aircraft owners employ a consultant to oversee their aircraft during the completion phase. The manufacturer will assign an employee to oversee the aircraft, however they have difficulty allocating the time and resources to your project due to the large volume of work. Each account manager will typically oversee 5 or more aircraft simultaneously. At MAC, each of our team of experts are working on your behalf and are committed to your project. The MAC team is working full time for you and is, in many cases, more knowledgeable, experienced, and certainly more focused on your aircraft than anyone else. Employing the MAC team is an insurance policy that you will get an aircraft that exceeds your expectations, the assurance that you are getting what you paid for, and that you have an advocate looking out for your interests by managing your asset on a full time basis.
Although you may have been given reassurances that your aircraft completion will meet your expectations, approximately 80% of large aircraft owners employ a consultant to oversee their aircraft during the completion phase. The manufacturer will assign an employee to oversee the aircraft, however they have difficulty allocating the time and resources to your project due to the large volume of work. Each account manager will typically oversee 5 or more aircraft simultaneously. At MAC, each of our team of experts are working on your behalf and are committed to your project. The MAC team is working full time for you and is, in many cases, more knowledgeable, experienced, and certainly more focused on your aircraft than anyone else. Employing the MAC team is an insurance policy that you will get an aircraft that exceeds your expectations, the assurance that you are getting what you paid for, and that you have an advocate looking out for your interests by managing your asset on a full time basis.
2. What are MAC’s competitive advantages?
MAC has many advantages over its competitors.
The business of completing aircraft has changed dramatically over the past decade and it now requires a dedicated team of experts to navigate the sophisticated processes involved. An individual from your company, or a single consultant, cannot physically handle all the details and activities that take place during the completion phase.The OEMs have brought the completion business “in-house” and away from independent centers, which have traditionally outperformed the manufacturers in terms of customer satisfaction. In the past two years, the production rates have increased dramatically to meet the sales backlog which currently (October 2007) extends out to mid-year 2011 for large aircraft (BBJ, ACJ, B747, A380, GX, GV, etc.) at many of the major manufacturers. In addition, the OEM’s have become much more focused on reducing costs and improving the efficiency of their internal manufacturing processes.
MAC has many advantages over its competitors.
- MAC has experience in successfully delivering, managing, operating VIP and private aircraft. This represents a cross section of OEM's thus providing a wealth of experience gained from the worldwide fleet and with interaction and knowledge of each OEM.
- Each of our team members working on your aircraft has over 20 years of aviation experience. We have the best players on our team with the largest amount of experience in the field they work in.
- MAC’s full time, on-site, completion management team provides our clients with timely, comprehensive and concise status reporting, allowing our customers to make the most informed decisions.
- MAC has developed strong, professional relationships with OEM executive and senior management. MAC can quickly and effectively resolves issues.
- MAC utilizes a disciplined program management process supported by comprehensive reporting and tracking tools. The fundamentals of our process involve:
Identifying and validating the tasks and lead times (work scope).
Applying resources (man-loading).
Forecasting and tracking the results (reports, action logs, and visibility).
- MAC is flexible in our approach to managing completion projects. We handle projects in a variety of ways and with different pricing options. The company is a small and specialized team and can make decisions on the depth of representation involved and can structure pricing accordingly.
- MAC has very satisfied customers and has successfully met the high expectations of our customers. MAC has ensured that they were delivered a very high quality product.
- MAC clearly understands the nuances of the completion process and has developed an effective network within the completion centers and with key equipment suppliers.
- We handle difficult and complex issues better than any of our competitors because we exhibit a professional hands on approach and judgment.
- Major corporations and multi-aircraft purchases utilize our service to track and ensure the product is delivered to their expectations.
- MAC has access to an experienced multidisciplinary team applied to each program:
Aerospace Engineers
Program Managers
Completion Directors
Aircraft Technicians
Designers
- Our diligence and attention to detail means MAC-managed aircraft have few open items, if any, at delivery and experience fewer entry-into-service issues.
- MAC’s flexibility and pro-active approach to issue resolution are highly regarded by customers and the OEM.
- MAC continues to raise the bar for uncompromising quality and workmanship and our competitors are reacting to our leadership position.
- Our track record.
The business of completing aircraft has changed dramatically over the past decade and it now requires a dedicated team of experts to navigate the sophisticated processes involved. An individual from your company, or a single consultant, cannot physically handle all the details and activities that take place during the completion phase.The OEMs have brought the completion business “in-house” and away from independent centers, which have traditionally outperformed the manufacturers in terms of customer satisfaction. In the past two years, the production rates have increased dramatically to meet the sales backlog which currently (October 2007) extends out to mid-year 2011 for large aircraft (BBJ, ACJ, B747, A380, GX, GV, etc.) at many of the major manufacturers. In addition, the OEM’s have become much more focused on reducing costs and improving the efficiency of their internal manufacturing processes.
The primary focus has been to increase production rates while reducing the manufacturing costs. Although there is a great number of areas where this is beneficial, it also decreases the flexibility available to the customer. The OEM’s have entered into partnerships with various sub-contractors to provide services and components on your aircraft. These relationships require constant management and coordination to keep your schedule on track and ensure the aircraft you receive exceeds your expectations. It requires a team of experts to stay on top of this.
It is also critical to understand the supply chain, as well as their processes and procedures, to ensure that when the major components and installations come together in the aircraft, they are consistent with the fit, form, function, as well as the workmanship and the quality you expect. MAC has been through this process, and understands both the network and supply chain. It is a solid investment decision to employ a team of experts well versed in a variety of disciplines on the completion of your aircraft.
A significant difference in completion management has come about due to the popularity and sales of large VIP and business aircraft such as the A380, B747, B787, ACJ and BBJ. Each of these interiors is totally unique and bespoke. Thus the oversight and customer representation is vital from the outset of design, specification, and then the turnkey process from delivery to the completion center through to redelivery – on time and on cost. Compliance and certification is a major factor in these completions and expert representation is paramount.
4. Why do I need full time support?
A great deal of activity takes place every day to build an interior in an aircraft. In fact, it is not uncommon that it takes twice as many man-hours to build the interior as it does to build the green aircraft. On the completion of a wide body aircraft (excluding the green aircraft) there is an average of 3000 work tasks or activities, the majority of which are interdependent (this is commonly referred to as a critical path item). Add to this the number of tasks which could conceivably be rescheduled due to late releases from engineering, ordering parts late, delivery of parts that are late, parts which are rejected or misplaced, the resources required to do the work are not available, an item fails a burn test, designs don’t work as designed, etc. and you can see how quickly this can start affecting the schedule.
A full time experienced team working for you that has been through the process will keep the project moving forward. Problems don’t schedule themselves for when you’re there. Someone needs to be there to mitigate and manage risks, and when problems arise you need a team to be on-site to manage and develop work-around plans as well as be accountable to you.
As the aircraft transitions from one workstation to the next there are a number of handoffs which occur. Not having a team on your aircraft at all times to provide continuity and consistency will likely lead to errors and omissions, which may only be picked up later in the program leading to delays and additional costs. In many cases, reworked items are not as good as those which are built correctly the first time. Having our company, with a team of advocates overseeing your asset every day, is critical to the success of the project and exceeding your expectations.
5. Someone from our flight operations team has already completed three aircraft and we were going to send him. What can you do that he cannot?
You and your department know the business of flight operations and keeping your aircraft safe and operational. At MAC we specialize in the completion and entry into service of large business aircraft. While someone from your flight department may have worked on completions in the past, we work on completions every day, supporting flight operations with snag free entry into service. We understand the aircraft, its performance, its deficiencies, the latest Avionics and complex Cabin Management Systems and above all, we know the OEMs at every level from Senior Management to installers on the shop floor.
We are comprised of a comprehensive and multi-disciplined staff, specialized with skill sets that are specific. Our team consists of program managers, certified mechanics and technicians, interior designers, aerospace engineers and completions coordinators with hands-on experience on every major manufactured aircraft flying.
First and foremost, we work to supplement your company’s expertise with a team of product experts who have knowledge of the OEMs completion processes, understand the nuances and methodologies of the completion center and quite simply know how to get it done to exceed your expectations. In fact, we work diligently to include the flight department as part of our team or our focal point to your organization. We are in constant communication with your flight department and when you go into service with the aircraft, your flight department is well prepared by MAC to begin operating the aircraft.
6. What makes MAC different from others in the industry?
Some of our key differences are listed below:
It is also critical to understand the supply chain, as well as their processes and procedures, to ensure that when the major components and installations come together in the aircraft, they are consistent with the fit, form, function, as well as the workmanship and the quality you expect. MAC has been through this process, and understands both the network and supply chain. It is a solid investment decision to employ a team of experts well versed in a variety of disciplines on the completion of your aircraft.
A significant difference in completion management has come about due to the popularity and sales of large VIP and business aircraft such as the A380, B747, B787, ACJ and BBJ. Each of these interiors is totally unique and bespoke. Thus the oversight and customer representation is vital from the outset of design, specification, and then the turnkey process from delivery to the completion center through to redelivery – on time and on cost. Compliance and certification is a major factor in these completions and expert representation is paramount.
4. Why do I need full time support?
A great deal of activity takes place every day to build an interior in an aircraft. In fact, it is not uncommon that it takes twice as many man-hours to build the interior as it does to build the green aircraft. On the completion of a wide body aircraft (excluding the green aircraft) there is an average of 3000 work tasks or activities, the majority of which are interdependent (this is commonly referred to as a critical path item). Add to this the number of tasks which could conceivably be rescheduled due to late releases from engineering, ordering parts late, delivery of parts that are late, parts which are rejected or misplaced, the resources required to do the work are not available, an item fails a burn test, designs don’t work as designed, etc. and you can see how quickly this can start affecting the schedule. A full time experienced team working for you that has been through the process will keep the project moving forward. Problems don’t schedule themselves for when you’re there. Someone needs to be there to mitigate and manage risks, and when problems arise you need a team to be on-site to manage and develop work-around plans as well as be accountable to you.
As the aircraft transitions from one workstation to the next there are a number of handoffs which occur. Not having a team on your aircraft at all times to provide continuity and consistency will likely lead to errors and omissions, which may only be picked up later in the program leading to delays and additional costs. In many cases, reworked items are not as good as those which are built correctly the first time. Having our company, with a team of advocates overseeing your asset every day, is critical to the success of the project and exceeding your expectations.
5. Someone from our flight operations team has already completed three aircraft and we were going to send him. What can you do that he cannot?
You and your department know the business of flight operations and keeping your aircraft safe and operational. At MAC we specialize in the completion and entry into service of large business aircraft. While someone from your flight department may have worked on completions in the past, we work on completions every day, supporting flight operations with snag free entry into service. We understand the aircraft, its performance, its deficiencies, the latest Avionics and complex Cabin Management Systems and above all, we know the OEMs at every level from Senior Management to installers on the shop floor.
We are comprised of a comprehensive and multi-disciplined staff, specialized with skill sets that are specific. Our team consists of program managers, certified mechanics and technicians, interior designers, aerospace engineers and completions coordinators with hands-on experience on every major manufactured aircraft flying.
First and foremost, we work to supplement your company’s expertise with a team of product experts who have knowledge of the OEMs completion processes, understand the nuances and methodologies of the completion center and quite simply know how to get it done to exceed your expectations. In fact, we work diligently to include the flight department as part of our team or our focal point to your organization. We are in constant communication with your flight department and when you go into service with the aircraft, your flight department is well prepared by MAC to begin operating the aircraft.
6. What makes MAC different from others in the industry?
Some of our key differences are listed below:
- We are an individual consultancy team, and we offer highly specialize consultancy due to the experience level of our team. However, we feel that it is best value to our clients that only if and when outside expert advice is required that we go outside the company to seek this from our advisory pool.
- The multiskilled team at MAC and the level of experience and expertise of our team members.
- Our product knowledge and the product specific experience we have.
- MAC aircraft deliveries have few, if any, open items at delivery.
- Our accountability is to our customer. MAC is not a small team with an affiliation to others, which ensures accountability.
- Our contacts and network with the supply chain and within the OEM facilities.
- Our proactive approach to issue resolution.
- Our focus is on building and strengthening relationships for our clients and OEMs to ensure a smooth transition into service followed by solid in-service support.
7. How is your relationship with the OEMs?
MAC respects and values our customers, so naturally we assist these operators in building a long term working relationship with the OEM. After the completion is finished and you put the aircraft into service, you rely on the OEM for service, parts and training. MAC builds the trust and works together with the OEM toward the common goal, your ultimate satisfaction and a long term relationship with the OEM.
8. Your competition says they provide the same services for much less. Why?
Simply stated, they don’t. At MAC we view the services that our competitors provide as an incomplete package since it takes much more to ensure your aircraft meets your expectations and level of quality. The value we bring to our clients goes well above what the competition offers.
MAC can be a management firm or an individual consultant. MAC has access to highly qualified staff and has relationships with independent engineers, designers and mechanics that are best suited to cover all the tasks individually. The value of our cohesive team and approach has consistently yielded many successful deliveries by not relying on outside assistance and being accountable to our clients.
9. Can you save me money?
As you know, managing the completion of a $40-$150 million aircraft is a complex process, with many opportunities for errors and delays. While many of the solitary completion consultants are knowledgeable, the sheer size of these projects makes it impossible for them to adequately protect your investment through every step of the process.
MAC typically saves our customers time and resolves issues to our customer’s satisfaction which equates into dollars. We have saved significant dollars when we negotiate the contract, spec the aircraft and define the completion. By planning and defining the specifications up-front, we can eliminate unforeseen items that lead to costly change orders. Maintaining your schedule means getting your aircraft on time and snag free, as your assets need to be operating and not being reworked or delayed at delivery. Our proactive approach to resolving issues, when they arise, helps to ensure your aircraft will be without snags at delivery.
10. How does the MAC implemented management style improve the completion of my aircraft?
MAC handles each project as a mega project. There are 3 key aspects of a project. These are:
MAC respects and values our customers, so naturally we assist these operators in building a long term working relationship with the OEM. After the completion is finished and you put the aircraft into service, you rely on the OEM for service, parts and training. MAC builds the trust and works together with the OEM toward the common goal, your ultimate satisfaction and a long term relationship with the OEM.
8. Your competition says they provide the same services for much less. Why?
Simply stated, they don’t. At MAC we view the services that our competitors provide as an incomplete package since it takes much more to ensure your aircraft meets your expectations and level of quality. The value we bring to our clients goes well above what the competition offers.
MAC can be a management firm or an individual consultant. MAC has access to highly qualified staff and has relationships with independent engineers, designers and mechanics that are best suited to cover all the tasks individually. The value of our cohesive team and approach has consistently yielded many successful deliveries by not relying on outside assistance and being accountable to our clients.
9. Can you save me money?
As you know, managing the completion of a $40-$150 million aircraft is a complex process, with many opportunities for errors and delays. While many of the solitary completion consultants are knowledgeable, the sheer size of these projects makes it impossible for them to adequately protect your investment through every step of the process.
MAC typically saves our customers time and resolves issues to our customer’s satisfaction which equates into dollars. We have saved significant dollars when we negotiate the contract, spec the aircraft and define the completion. By planning and defining the specifications up-front, we can eliminate unforeseen items that lead to costly change orders. Maintaining your schedule means getting your aircraft on time and snag free, as your assets need to be operating and not being reworked or delayed at delivery. Our proactive approach to resolving issues, when they arise, helps to ensure your aircraft will be without snags at delivery.
10. How does the MAC implemented management style improve the completion of my aircraft?
MAC handles each project as a mega project. There are 3 key aspects of a project. These are:
Definition of tasks and scope of work.
Applying resources and highly qualified people.
Tracking results through our reports.
MAC has a proactive philosophy to managing each project, which means that we clear all issues and discrepancies as they arise. Our reports are tangible evidence of our work, our deliverables and instead of being reactive to the completion center, we are proactive due to our team approach and relationship to the OEM at all levels.
11. We’ve already completed the specification.
Although the completion specification has been signed or completed, there is a great deal of work and activity which remains to be done. Typically 3 or 4 meetings are needed to properly define the drawings and content. There is also the inspection of the woodwork, the seats and tracking the service bulletins on the green aircraft. Even though the specification may be signed, there is still a lot of work to do to ensure a successful project.
12. We have our own designer.
MAC is flexible to work with your designer or the designer supplied by the OEM or Completion Center. We also provide design services for some of our customers. The designer is one of the team members required whereas the key to a successful project is the team and the MAC program management system.