Empire Aerospace adds ERJ 145s to MRO service

Empire Aerospace – a subsidiary of U.S.-based cargo operator Empire Airlines – said it has expanded its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service to now include the Embraer ERJ 145 regional jet aircraft. Until now, Empire had focused most of its MRO work over the last 10 years on turboprop aircraft, including ATRs, Dash 8s, EMB 120s, Saab 340s and Cessnas.

Citing a “lack of growth” for turboprop operations in the North American market, Empire said the amendment to its Operations Specifications to include the ERJ jets will provide the company with additional market opportunities with operators of regional jet aircraft.

The decision to add ERJ 145 capability came about following discussions made with operators at the two most recent Regional Airline Association conventions in St. Louis and Cleveland. Empire also sought help from its customers and the Federal Aviation Administration in amending its Ops Specs.

Empire Aerospace, headquartered in Idaho, provides heavy maintenance service to several U.S.- and Canada-based regional carriers, as well as aircraft modifications. Its parent company, Empire Airlines, employs 350 people and operates air cargo flights for FedEx in 15 U.S. states, along with inter-island passenger airline services for Hawaiian Airlines. Another division, Empire Unmanned, provides unmanned aerial surveillance and analysis services for agriculture and related industries.