Case Study: AirTran Airways' Long-Term Partnership with D Check Developments for Tooling & Emergency Support

Client Overview

Company: AirTran Airways (formerly ValueJet)
Industry: Commercial Aviation
Location: United States
Engines Supported: Rolls Royce BR715, CFM56-7B
Partner Since: 1997

AirTran Airways, previously operating as ValueJet, is a prominent U.S.-based airline that has relied on D Check Developments for more than two decades. From landing gear tooling to specialized engine support, the airline has consistently trusted D Check to deliver fast, high-quality solutions tailored to their evolving maintenance needs.

Challenge

As AirTran expanded its operations and modernized its fleet, the airline faced several complex tooling and repair support needs:

Launch of new aircraft maintenance programs requiring reliable gear-handling tools.
Emergency engine repair needs, often requiring skilled on-site machinists.
Custom-built solutions for specialized components like thrust reversers, nose cowls, and Integrated Drive Generators.
An increasing demand for responsive, high-quality vendor partnerships in time-sensitive environments.

Solution

D Check Developments began supporting AirTran (then ValueJet) in 1997 with the delivery of the first production Omni Arm Landing Gear Changer. The relationship quickly grew into a strategic partnership with D Check providing:

Custom-engineered tooling for engine components and aircraft structures.
Fast-response emergency services to assist with critical engine repairs, especially for the Rolls Royce BR715 and CFM56-7B.
Purpose-built equipment such as:
- Thrust reverser & nose cowl turnover slings
- Engine work stands
- IDG jacking, positioning, and clocking devices
Direct access to skilled machinists and support personnel, even under tight timelines or difficult working conditions.

Results

Two decades of continuous partnership

Spanning multiple aircraft and engine platforms.

Minimized downtime during emergency repairs

Thanks to D Check’s rapid response and precision tooling.

Improved maintenance efficiency

With customized equipment designed for AirTran’s exact requirements.

Ongoing trust

Ongoing trust in D Check’s ability to meet or exceed expectations with every project.

Client Testimonial

“AirTran Airways and D-Check Developments, Inc. have enjoyed a long-standing relationship since the inception of D-Check in 1997.

D-Check is a reliable partner, always responding to our diversified needs quickly, efficiently, and correctly to assure timely repairs in often difficult conditions. We will continue to use D-Check’s services in the future, trusting the quality of their work to always meet or exceed our expectations.”

— Richard Sartini, Director of Powerplants, AirTran Airways

About D Check Developments

Founded in 1997, D Check Developments is a trusted U.S.-based manufacturer of custom tooling and support equipment for the aviation industry. Known for its Omni Arm tool, hands-on service, and ability to engineer tailored solutions, D Check helps commercial carriers, MROs, and aviation professionals optimize maintenance workflows and respond to urgent repair needs with confidence.