ABX Air adds maintenance business

ABX Air adds maintenance business    ABX Air said it has landed a $1.1-million contract from USA JetAirlines to modify eight DC-9 aircraft with special high-altitude equipment.
   The Airborne Express cargo airline since split off when DHL Worldwide Express purchased Airborne's ground network last month has an option to retrofit four additional aircraft in 2005.
   The Federal Aviation Administration is requiring all aircraft to have Reduced Vertical Separation Minima equipment installed to operate above 29,000 feet by Jan. 20, 2005. ABX has developed an RVSM product for its DC-9 fleet and is marketing this expertise to other airlines. ABX said the incremental business has 'decent margins.'
   The RVSM equipment allows aircraft to operate at altitudes above 29,000 feet, resulting in decreased fuel burn and thus lower operating costs, according to ABX Air.
   DHL is ABX Air's primary customer, but the airline also provides charter service. Wilmington, Ohio-based ABX Air operates 115 aircraft.