AirAsia Contracts AFI KLM E&M for A320neo Component Support

AirAsia and Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) have signed a component support agreement for the airline’s fleet of Airbus A320neo passenger jets, ultimately scheduled to number 304 aircraft.

The contract between the two groups includes component repair services and solutions designed to maximise aircraft availability, such as the provision of a local main base kit at AirAsia’s Kuala Lumpur facility.

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said, “We are delighted to find a strong partner in AFI KLM E&M and one that is as dynamic as us. Operating a new-generation aircraft at such a large scale requires adaptive, world-class support, and we have the utmost confidence that AFI KLM E&M will be able to provide us with the responsiveness, reliability and performance needed.”

AirAsia has already had an opportunity to test the effectiveness of the MRO solutions delivered by AFI KLM E&M, which currently provides component support for the fleet of A330s operated by AirAsia X, the AirAsia’s budget long-haul subsidiary. Thus far, that support contract has given the carrier total satisfaction, with the initial agreement signed in 2009 being extended in 2013.

Air France CEO Franck Terner, said, “We are very honored that AirAsia is extending its trust to us by awarding AFI KLM E&M with the support of its brand new A320neo fleet. I know that with Anne Brachet, AirAsia will find a careful and trusted partner for many years to come.”

Anne Brachet, EVP AIR FRANCE KLM Engineering & Maintenance, added, “This outstanding contract is further proof of the quality and reputation of the aircraft maintenance services that we provide. Following the fruitful partnership with AirAsia X, we are proud to welcome its parent airline, AirAsia, to our client portfolio and will strive to develop the same kind of trust-based partner relationship with it.”

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