SilkAir, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has chosen Messier-Bugatti-Dowty (Safran) to supply and support wheels and carbon brakes on its upcoming fleet of Boeing 737 Next Generation commercial jets. These aircraft will be delivered starting in February 2014.

The operational advantages offered by Messier-Bugatti-Dowty’s carbon brakes for the 737 Next Generation are well known: weight savings of 770 pounds (350 kg) per aircraft compared with conventional steel brakes, which in turn reduces both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. They also offer greater endurance (over 2,200 landings per overhaul) and a three-fold reduction in maintenance costs.

Maintenance services for these wheels and brakes were awarded to SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC). SIAEC brings a highly skilled and experienced workforce to the long-term partnership between Messier-Bugatti-Dowty and SIAEC in support of MRO activities in the region.

This complete package reflects SilkAir’s trust in Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, which already provides the wheels and brakes for the airline’s entire A320 fleet.

“Our long-standing relationship with Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, coupled with the reliability of its products, were the decisive factors in our selection of their wheels and carbon brakes for our new Boeing 737 Next Generation fleet,” added Leslie Thng, Chief Executive of SilkAir.

According to Vincent Mascré, Chairman and CEO of Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, “This contract further consolidates our dominant position in the Asian market, and our world leadership in wheels and carbon brakes, not only on the 737NG, but in the global market for all commercial airplanes equipped with carbon brakes.”