XiamenAir Dreamliner Fleet Backed By AFI KLM E&M Component Expertise

Long-term agreement covers component support for six Boeing 787s.

Paris, Amstelveen, 4 November 2014 - XiamenAir (Xiamen Airlines) has opted for AFI KLM E&M expertise in support of the launch of its fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and subsequent component maintenance and overhaul services for the aircraft. The long-term contract between the two groups organizes component support for six Dreamliner aircraft operated by XiamenAir.

The expertise of an MRO/Airline group serving the 787
AFI KLM E&M designs and implements bespoke component support programs to allow airlines operating the 787 to launch their new aircraft with a limited investment. At the same time, the dedicated AFI KLM E&M pooling program allows them to benefit from substantial economies of scale.
These features, combined with the MRO’s global logistics network, its strong presence in Asia, and its ability to field an offering tailored to the requirements of XiamenAir, convinced the Chinese carrier to place its trust in AFI KLM E&M.

Numbers of airlines are relying on the know-how and competitive nature of the AFI KLM E&M component support offer. Xiamen is the 7th significant 787 operator and the first Chinese one to choose AFI KLM E&M as its long term 787 components support provider. AFI KLM E&M’s customers are interested in its unique dual profile as an MRO backed by a commercial airline which ordered the Dreamliner for its own fleet, a guarantee of in-depth knowledge of the aircraft and its operational requirements.

Franck Terner, Executive Vice President AIR FRANCE KLM E&M, said: "We are proud of the trust XiamenAir has placed in us when launching international passenger services with the 787, an important juncture in its history. We will do all we can to support their operations with reliable and economically competitive component support services of the highest technical quality."

About XiamenAir
XiamenAir (Xiamen Airlines) is the first local airline of the People’s Republic of China. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Xiamen, Fujian Province, it is majority-owned by China Southern Airlines. From its hubs at Xiamen Gaoqi, Fuzhou Changle, and Hangzhou Xiaoshan international airports, Xiamen Airlines mainly operates domestic and regional flights with its exclusively Boeing-built fleet. XiamenAir is currently gearing up to launch intercontinental flights to Europe with its new Boeing B787s. XiamenAir has been a member of the SkyTeam alliance since 21 November 2012.

About AFI KLM E&M
Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance is a major multi-product MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) provider. With a workforce of over 14,000, AFI KLM E&M offers comprehensive technical support for airlines, ranging from engineering and line maintenance to engine overhaul, aero structure and FTR support, as well as the management, repair and supply of aircraft components, structured around a powerful logistics network. AFI KLM E&M supports almost 1,300 aircraft operated by 150 major international and domestic airlines.

 

Aviation Week was not involved in the creation of this press release.