Air France-KLM and Airbus have initiated exclusive negotiations on establishing a joint venture focusing on Airbus A350 component support.
Details of the Proposed Collaboration
The potential alliance between Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance and Airbus envisions the formation of a global pool of aircraft components. This promises an enhanced commercial offering to their global customers.
Should these negotiations prove fruitful, the collaboration will take the shape of a balanced 50-50 joint venture between Air France and Airbus. This would involve merging certain aircraft component assets from both entities into the joint venture’s portfolio.
Escalating Demand for A350 Maintenance
With over 1,000 Airbus A350 aircraft on order and an additional 550 in active service worldwide, there is a clear, escalating demand for maintenance services. The proposed venture aims to address these needs comprehensively, offering expanded global coverage, increased capacity, and introducing innovative solutions.
Projected Timeline for the Venture
The Joint Venture is contingent upon meeting compliance requirements and securing approval from relevant authorities. Passing these, it will be operational by the first half of 2024.
Harnessing Collective Expertise
Anne Brachet, Executive Vice President of Air France-KLM Engineering & Maintenance, explained the venture’s goal. “This project aims to bring customers the best expertise of our two companies on a product as high-tech as the A350. We will be able to better respond to the market’s needs and guarantee our customers’ satisfaction over the long term with support solutions that are always responsive, of high quality, and at the right price.”
Adding to this, Cristina Aguilar, Senior Vice President of Customer Services at Airbus, noted the two are a good fit. “Air France-KLM Engineering & Maintenance and Airbus have a long-standing relationship. Pooling our complementary A350 component skills and capabilities will deliver an enhanced service.”
About Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance
A leading name in the Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO) domain, Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance boasts a robust workforce of over 12,800. Offering various technical services for airlines, their capabilities range from engineering and line maintenance to engine overhauls and component management. Their logistics network underpins their operations, ensuring timely and efficient service delivery. AFI KLM E&M supports almost 3,000 aircraft operated by 200 major international and domestic airlines. They have been actively offering Airbus A350 support since 2016. Learn more at www.afiklmem.com.