Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) and SunExpress, a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, have signed a new, long-term agreement for the maintenance of CFM56-7B engines. This contract marks a new chapter in the partnership between the two companies and will span from 2025 through 2031.
Under the terms of the agreement, AFI KLM E&M will provide comprehensive shop visit support services for the CFM56-7B engines powering SunExpress’ fleet of Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft. The renewed cooperation builds on an earlier contract signed in November 2018. With this new agreement, both companies signal a mutual commitment to restore and expand their working relationship, providing SunExpress with the high-quality, flexible MRO services needed to sustain its fleet growth and operational excellence.
Cemil Sayar, Chief Operations Officer of SunExpress, stated: “Our partnership with AFI KLM E&M is built on trust, reliability, and a shared commitment to operational excellence. As our fleet continues to grow, it is critical to work with partners who understand our evolving operational needs. Through our partnership, AFI KLM E&M has consistently demonstrated technical expertise and flexibility we value, and we are pleased to extend our ongoing collaboration.”
Martijn de Vries, Vice President at KLM Engine Services commented: “We are honoured to renew and strengthen our partnership with SunExpress. We are committed to delivering efficient, and high-performance engine solutions that support SunExpress in maintaining its excellent operational standards. The potential to expand this relationship into LEAP-1B support further reflects the trust and confidence between our teams.”
SunExpress is operating a fleet of 85 Boeing 737 aircraft this summer. The airline has ambitious expansion plans, with the fleet projected to grow to 166 aircraft until 2035. This growth, coupled with its role as a key leisure carrier between Europe and Türkiye, increases the importance of strategic partnerships with reliable, expert MRO providers.
EPCOR, Norse Atlantic Airways announce MRO deal for APS5000 support
EPCOR,, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance, and Norse Atlantic Airways announced the signing of a long-term comprehensive repair and maintenance agreement for Norse Atlantic’s fleet of twelve Boeing 787 Dreamliners powered by the APS5000 APU.
This agreement marks the first collaboration between Norse Atlantic Airways and EPCOR, ushering in a new era of operational excellence and reliability for Norse Atlantic’s trans-Atlantic operations. Under the terms of the agreement, EPCOR will deliver full repair and maintenance services for the APS5000 APUs across Norse Atlantic’s Boeing 787 fleet. Leveraging EPCOR’s extensive experience and technical expertise, Norse Atlantic can expect enhanced operational reliability, minimised aircraft downtime, and greater predictability in maintenance costs. These are all crucial factors in supporting the airline’s ambitious growth and commitment to passenger satisfaction.
For Norse Atlantic Airways, the advantages of this long-term agreement are clear. By partnering with a trusted and proven MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) provider, Norse Atlantic ensures the highest standards of fleet performance and component care. The predictability of maintenance costs and optimised repair cycles will help reduce overall operational expenses, while the expertise provided by EPCOR will help keep Norse Atlantic’s aircraft flying efficiently and on schedule.
AFI KLM E&M inducts 101st LEAP-1A, 1B
Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) announced the inducting of its 101st CFM LEAP 1A and 1B engines — an important milestone in its expanding support of the LEAP engine family.
Recent inductions included comprehensive Quick Turns, such as the replacement of HPT Blades, Shrouds, LLPs, Radial Drive Shafts, Reverse Bleed System (RBS) work scopes, and Performance Restoration Shop Visits (PRSV). These complex operations demonstrate AFI KLM E&M’s growing expertise and pivotal role in the global LEAP engine aftermarket, reinforcing its commitment to providing high-quality, cost-effective solutions for the aviation industry. The milestone repairs were completed at AFI KLM E&M’s world-class facilities in Orly, France, and Schiphol, the Netherlands. With dual LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B capabilities and advanced test cell infrastructure, at both shops, AFI KLM E&M, offers extensive slot availability, and is ramping up to handle up to 300 LEAP engines annually. The company’s Global On Wing Services Team supports numerous LEAP MRO events on site and is extending its global reach.
“Reaching our 101st LEAP 1A and 1B engine repair event is a proud achievement, reflecting the trust our customers place in us,” said Martijn de Vries, Vice President KLM Engine Services “Our expertise in LEAP engine MRO allows us to provide sustainable, OEM-aligned solutions that extend engine lifespan and reduce maintenance costs,”
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