Air France and UTC Aerospace Systems have signed a long-term agreement to maintain the two types of nacelle systems on both General Electric and Rolls-Royce engines equipping the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The agreement negotiated with UTAS paves the way for AFI KLM E&M to implement MRO services for these products based on optimized processes, complex repairs and specific tooling. As a result, AFI KLM E&M is developing capabilities to handle shop or on-wing repairs to the component parts of the engine nacelles comprised of the thrust reversers, air intakes, fan cowls, exhausts, centre bodies of both Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 and General Electric GEnx engines. The agreement also includes access to a dedicated stock of spares that allows AFI KLM E&M to offer leasing or routine replacement services to its clients.
A delighted Frank Terner, Executive Vice President AIR FRANCE KLM Engineering & Maintenance, said: "The decision to develop this market space aligns with our Group's industrial strategy and with the opening of a new Aero structures facility Helios suited to new generation aircraft at Paris-CDG airport. AFI KLM E&M stands out from competition at the technical and commercial level being the unique actor with dual competency as an MRO and 787 operator. This adds value in terms of service, especially when it comes to on-wing maintenance and operator experience.