AFI KLM E&M and Rolls-Royce have announced the conclusion of an incremental agreement for the maintenance and repair of Trent XWB engines powering Airbus A350 aircraft. This new agreement will reinforce AFI KLM E&M as a valued partner in the British engine manufacturer’s global support network. Based on its Airline-MRO DNA, AFI KLM E&M is setting up full maintenance capabilities for the engine type covering its entire life cycle.

This partnership builds on the agreement signed between the two groups in 2014 as part of Air France-KLM Group’s acquisition of the Airbus A350 aircraft. As a reminder, the airline has ordered 38 A350s, of which 20 have been delivered so far.

This new agreement with Rolls-Royce feeds into the Airline-MRO strategy deployed by AFI KLM E&M, which is based on the continuous development of industrial capabilities in order to support its parent fleets as well as worldwide operators. AFI KLM E&M is confirming and boosting its leading position in the maintenance of new-generation platforms, having established industrial capabilities for the GE90, GEnx, and more recently LEAP and PW1500 engines.

Anne Brachet, Executive Vice President Air France-KLM Engineering & Maintenance, commented:

“We’re honored by the confidence Rolls-Royce has shown in us vis-a-vis our capacity to establish industrial repair processes for these engines, and to deliver world-class support. With this agreement, AFI KLM E&M is further expanding its influence in the after-sales market for Very Large Engines and new-generation products, providing support for both the Air France-KLM fleet and, with some products, also operators all around the world.”

Dominic Horwood, Services Director at Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace, stated:

"We are delighted to welcome AFI KLM E&M into the Rolls-Royce CareNetwork. AFI KLM E&M joins our expanding global network as a valued partner with a long heritage of MRO experience that will enhance our overhaul and repair capabilities for the Trent XWB-84 engine. We look forward to forging a long-standing collaboration with AFI KLM E&M to support our capable, competitive and flexible network.”