Gallery: Inside KLM UK Engineering’s Norwich MRO Hangars

KLM UK Engineering anticipates the end of KLM's Boeing 737 maintenance by around 2029, and Transavia’s by 2030.

Maintenance demand varies throughout the year. Transavia France is one of KLM UK Engineering’s major winter customers.

Left: KLM UK Engineering typically sends radar overhauls to other component specialists such as KLM. Right: With the amount of access panels removed from the fuel tank of this 737 and its interior empty, it is likely in the middle of its heavy check.

KLM UK Engineering handles consumables through a vending machine system provided by a third-party supplier for speed and accountability.

The MRO sector struggled to attract workers back post-pandemic, and Brexit further limited workforce mobility, particularly from the EU to the UK.

Left: Leading edges, fairings and slats are brought in for repair and repainting. The facility only paints component parts, not entire aircraft, as that is handled by a separate team. Right: Job cards, work orders and material usage are meticulously recorded for customer invoicing and internal analysis.

KLM UK Engineering tracks maintenance tasks through a combination of digital systems and manual paperwork.

Some of the components on racks in the hangar are there primarily to allow access to the cabin, rather than because they specifically require work.

The facility has a CNC milling machine, which is used for fabricating parts, including structural components and custom parts from solid blocks of material.

Heat protection blankets, such as those pictured here, prevent engine heat from transferring outward. The repair involves a process similar to welding and soldering but adapted for thin materials.

Aircraft seats are removed and refurbished during every major check. The ones pictured here, from Transavia and KLM aircraft, were undergoing structural checks, cosmetic repairs and cleaning.

These Transavia seats were undergoing modifications to include a USB socket installation for in-flight charging.

This Boeing 737-800 belongs to the Bahrain Defense Force. Maintenance is calendar-driven rather than based on flight hours or cycles.