SANTA ANA, Calif., April 20, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Featuring 14 colors, lowing ribbons and a multi-colored hibiscus, Leading Edge Aviation Services recently completed painting the first specialty aircraft, a 747-400 for its new customer, Malaysia Airlines (MAS).
According to Mike Manclark, CEO of Leading Edge Aviation Services (www.leadingedgecorp.com), portions of the exterior painting required free-hand painting treatment, a process that is used by only highly-experienced, specialty paint companies such as Leading Edge. "We used a fading technique for the ribbons which takes a steady hand and experienced painter," said Manclark. "It is this kind of commitment to quality and specialization that MAS wants to provide to its third party maintenance customers and that is why we have reached an agreement to provide in-house painting services in Subang, Malaysia."
With the success of the "Hibiscus" project, Leading Edge and MAS signed an agreement for Leading Edge to be the provider for all third party maintenance paint jobs at the MAS facility in Subang, Malysia.
At the Subang location, MAS offers complete engineering services, component repair and overhaul, major modifications, cabin upgrades, passenger to freighter conversions, approved winglet vendor and technical training, and now specialized painting and finishing services provided by Leading Edge.
"This is the next step in our global expansion for Leading Edge," Manclark said. "Asia is a burgeoning market, and now is the time to establish roots for the long haul." In addition, Manclark said the company found an ideal location in Asia where current and future customers can have aircraft painted. Leading Edge is the largest provider of commercial aircraft painting in the United States with a number of the world's largest air carriers as customers.
"Leading Edge Aviation Services is number one in aviation painting because we have the most capacity and expertise available," said Manclark, who founded Leading Edge more than 15 years ago. "We expanded our expertise and capacity in Asia to help Malaysia Airlines, and others, who are committed to taking customer service to new levels in the region."
About LEAS Corporation
Leading Edge Aviation Services, based in Santa Ana, California is the largest commercial aircraft painting company in the United States utilizing locations in Victorville, CA; Amarillo, TX; Greenville, MS; Greenville, SC; Crestview, FL; Waco, TX and Subang, Malaysia. Founded in 1989, Leading Edge Aviation Services also provides aircraft maintenance services, contract labor and commercial and military fuel systems servicing. Please call toll-free (800) 244-0576 or if outside the United States, dial (714) 556-0576 for more information.
Editor's note: Photos available upon request.