AirAsia contracts AFI KLM E&M for Deployment of Massive A320neo Component Support

Bespoke repair and availability support solutions rolled out for AirAsia’s fleet of 304 A320neo
Paris, Amstelveen, Sepang: AirAsia and Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) recently inked a component support agreement for the airline’s fleet of Airbus A320neo passenger jets, ultimately scheduled to number 304 aircraft. AirAsia took delivery of its first A320neo on 7 September this year in Hamburg.

Signed in the presence of AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes and Air France CEO Franck Terner, 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.

Tailor-made solution for a mega-client
To earn the trust of AirAsia, the world’s largest low-cost carrier by passengers carried and jet fleet, AFI KLM E&M came up with an ultra-competitive support offer, specially tailored to the expectations of the carrier, which was looking for maximum aircraft availability. With its experience of large-scale support, whether for its parent airlines or its third-party airline clients, AFI KLM E&M is able to offer maintenance solutions for very large fleets like that operated by AirAsia.

At the signing ceremony held in Sepang, Malaysia, 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.”

Proof-driven quality
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 added: “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.”

For her part, Anne Brachet, EVP AIR FRANCE KLM Engineering & Maintenance, said: “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.”