Air France and Airbus have announced that the companies have entered into exclusive negotiations to establish a joint venture to provide worldwide Airbus A350 component maintenance services that would include supply chain management, repairs and creation of a worldwide pool of aircraft components.
The envisaged 50-50 Air France and Airbus joint venture would involve the transfer of aircraft components assets belonging to both partners into the joint venture’s pool.
The companies say the aim is to be operational by the first half of 2024 in line with all compliance requirement, subject to approval by all relevant authorities.
Anne Brachet, Executive Vice President Air France-KLM Engineering & Maintenance said: “This project aims to bring customers the best expertise of our two companies on a product as high-tech as the A350. We will be able to better respond to the needs of the market, and to guarantee the satisfaction of our customers over the long term, with support solutions that are always responsive, of high quality and at the right price”.
Cristina Aguilar, Senior Vice President Customer Services at Airbus commented: “We’re in the business of offering the very best service to our customers, and as the world’s A350 fleet grows, so does the necessary support. Air France-KLM Engineering & Maintenance and Airbus have a long-standing relationship and pooling our complementary A350 component skills and capabilities will deliver an enhanced service.”
