AFI KLM E&M signs A339neo support deal with Virgin Atlantic: Virgin Atlantic and AFI KLM E&M have signed a new agreement dedicated to component support for an incoming fleet of A339neos. As one of the “big players” in the UK passenger aviation market, Virgin’s fleet will eventually comprise up to 16 A339neos. AFI KLM E&M is already preparing to deploy its solutions to the first of the airline’s A339neos, which has been named “Billie Holiday”, as well as those set to follow. The services provided will include flight-hour repairs, access to a spare parts pool, and the provision of a Main Base Kit for Virgin Atlantic’s facilities in London. Through this latest agreement, Virgin Atlantic is extending and renewing its confidence in AFI KLM E&M for the maintenance of the latest product to join its fleet, the A339neo. The Airline-MRO Group has amassed invaluable expertise and experience with new-generation long-haul aircraft, as demonstrated via fleet servicing operations for its many airline customers around the world. The British operator’s decision also reflects its level of customer satisfaction with regards to the services provided by AFI KLM E&M in various areas of cooperation, most notably component support for the airline’s other fleets of new-generation long-haul aircraft (the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787).
CFM expands LEAP open MRO network: Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance has signed a CFM Branded Service Agreement (CBSA) for LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines. Under the terms of the CBSA, AFI KLM E&M will provide the full scope of LEAP Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) services for operators worldwide. Given the commercial success of the LEAP engine has enjoyed, demand for LEAP MRO services will grow rapidly in the coming years. In offering LEAP MRO services, AFI KLM E&M capitalises on its capabilities and expertise in both the operation and maintenance of its large portfolio of engines. “CFM is proud to have AFI KLM E&M join the LEAP MRO team,” said François Planaud, Executive Vice President Support and Services, for CFM parent company Safran Aircraft Engines. “The addition of such a major, reputable provider greatly enhances and strengthens our open MRO network. With its vast experience on engines such as the CFM56, GE90 and GEnx product lines, its innovative capabilities, and its ongoing focus on designing new solutions, AFI KLM E&M will undoubtedly make significant contributions to the continued development of world-class support for the LEAP engine, throughout its life.” Air France KLM’s choice to purchase 200 LEAP-1A engines to power its new fleet of Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft earlier in the year will also contribute to strengthening the company’s expertise in LEAP services.
Ampaire, AFI KLM E&M work on electric aviation: AFI KLM E&M and Ampaire have signed a memorandum of understanding that anticipates bringing the worldwide resources of AFI KLM E&M to the introduction and global support of electrified aircraft. The two companies intend to accelerate the introduction of sustainable aviation by utilising their respective core competencies. The MoU covers a broad range of mutual interests, from Aircraft Development, Maintenance Training & Support and Data Analytics. Ampaire, a leader in electric aircraft, is in the process of certifying the nine-seat, hybrid-electric Eco Caravan, with a service introduction planned for 2024. The company intends to expand its product line to larger hybrid-electric aircraft and eventually to fully electric aircraft as that technology becomes technically and economically feasible. Under the MoU, the companies anticipate developing training for a worldwide network of ground engineers, installing Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) upgrades and, potential component pooling and operational data analysis to ensure optimal support. This groundwork can be extended to collaborate on support of a 19-passenger aircraft.
Norse Atlantic Airways joins AFI KLM E&M’s 787 community: Norse Atlantic Airways has selected AFI KLM E&M to accompany the launch of its debut operations. The Norwegian airline made its maiden flight in June 2022, and has engaged the MRO provider’s component support services for its 12-aircraft fleet of Boeing 787s. The solutions package put together by AFI KLM E&M includes flight-hour repairs, access to a spare parts pool and a Main Base Kit, logistical assistance services, and the use of the Prognos predictive maintenance solutions. The move sees Norse Atlantic Airways joining AFI KLM E&M’s community of 787 operators from all over the world, who rely on its dedicated, expert services for new-generation long-haul aircraft. AFI KLM E&M has developed a service package that reflects the precise needs of Norse Atlantic Airways, allowing the airline to benefit from solutions with proven technical prowess. These economically competitive solutions are also adapted to the airline’s objectives, and focused on optimal component availability as initial operations get underway.
AFI KLM E&M, Ascendance explore VTOL maintenance: AFI KLM E&M and Ascendance Flight Technologies announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This memorandum will allow the two companies to explore potential collaborations in the coming months in four main areas: line maintenance, component repair, mechanics training and airworthiness management. Ascendance is working on one of the most promising vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (VTOL) projects in Europe. Called Atea, it consists of a five-seat aircraft with a 400 km range thanks to the Sterna propulsion architecture also developed by the start-up: a distributed hybrid electric motorisation, with a modular energetic approach to accept conventional fuel, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) up to Hydrogen. The certification activities regarding these technologies have officially started and an Atea prototype is expected to achieve its first flight in 2023.
Aeroitalia launches operations with support from AFI KLM E&M: Aeroitalia has enlisted AFI KLM E&M’s expertise on the 737 product to support the launch of its commercial aviation operations. The two companies have entered into an agreement providing component support for the young airline’s fleet of four Boeing 737-800s; as a result, AFI KLM E&M will implement a range of services including components repair, access to a spare parts pool, logistical support and the provision of local component stocks. AFI KLM E&M will assist Aeroitalia based on its longstanding experience in the 737/737NG, which has been cultivated and enhanced over the course of servicing both its parent fleets and many other airline customers over the past several years. With its expert solutions, combining the operator perspective with the skill set of an MRO services supplier, AFI KLM E&M delivers high-quality, high-performance component support adapted to the operational challenges of each individual operator, from the “big players” to aviation start-ups such as Aeroitalia. The new Italian airline will also benefit from robust logistical chains, sustained notably by our multiple daily connections between Amsterdam, Rome and Milano Linate, in order to guarantee steady, on-time supply when need arises.
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