A220 Operators Increase MRO Support

bulgaria air airbus a220-300
Credit: Bulgaria Air

Air France Industries / KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) has signed a pair of contracts with European carriers to support their Airbus A220 fleets.

The MRO provider will provide what it describes as “comprehensive component support” for Croatia Airlines’ incoming fleet of A220-300s, while it will expand similar services to the existing aircraft operated by Bulgaria Air.

AFI KLM E&M described the agreement with the Croatian national carrier as marking “a significant step in enhancing the operational reliability and performance of Croatia Airlines’ new-generation aircraft.”

Under the deal, AFI KLM E&M will offer a range of component support services, including repairs, access to a dedicated pool of spares and logistics support. “The collaboration will ensure optimal aircraft availability and reliability,” the company said.

“AFI KLM E&M ‘s expertise and extensive support network are invaluable as we introduce the A220 to our fleet,” Croatia Airlines’ technical director, Tomislav Imprić added. “This partnership ensures that we can maintain the highest standards of safety and efficiency.”

Croatia Airlines is about to undergo a complete refleeting, with its current portfolio of an A320, five A319s and six De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s being replaced by 15 A220s, both -100 and 300 variants. The first two aircraft are scheduled to arrive this year.

Meanwhile, the MRO provider will increase its A220 component support to Bulgaria Air.

Through the partnership, the Bulgarian flag-carrier will receive a range of component support solutions designed to optimize aircraft availability and reduce maintenance costs. This will include the provision of OEM parts, on-site technical services, component repairs, and access to an inventory of spares.

“With this extended collaboration, we can further enhance the reliability and comfort of our flights, providing a seamless travel experience for our valued customers.”, Bulgaria Air’s COO and accountable manager, Georgi Georgiev said.

Alan Dron

Based in London, Alan is Europe & Middle East correspondent at Air Transport World.