Paris, Amstelveen, 4 April 2011 – Alain Bassil, Air France EVP Operations, was presented today with the first FRA 145 certification from the Chief of Staff of the French Air Force, General Jean-Paul Palomeros.
Following the publication on 7 December 2006 of a decree on airworthiness rules for military and State aircraft, the French Defense Ministry began to draft standards for military aircraft maintenance. Basing itself on the documents published by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) concerning civil aviation maintenance, the Defense Ministry has now drafted a set of FRA regulations for military aircraft.
Air France applied for FRA 145 approval governing military aircraft maintenance in the spring of 2010. The facilities that would be used in military activities were audited in November 2010 and January 2011 by the DSAE State Air Safety Department, the French Air force, and the DGA State Defense Procurement Agency. The audit was successfully achieved and the Ministry of Defense awarded accordingly Air France Industries with its very first FRA 145 approval.
Recognition for special know-how on military aircraft
Air France Industries has been providing maintenance, repair and modification services for the French Air Force’s AWACS and C135 aircraft for many years. The company has a special interest in military markets and has developed specific capabilities and processes to maintain state aircraft.
Alain Bassil, Air France Executive VP, Operations said: “In winning this certification, we have demonstrated not only the great trust which the French State places in us, but also our know-how and competencies on military products.”
Within the next two months, moving on from this initial success, AFI will submit a further application, this time for FRA 21J and FRA 21G approval covering modifications and production to military aircraft.
About AFI KLM E&M
Air France Industries and KLM Engineering & Maintenance, which joined forces following the Air France KLM merger, are world-leading multi-product MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) providers with a joint workforce of over 14,000, offering comprehensive technical support for airlines, ranging from engineering and line maintenance to engine overhaul, as well as the management, repair and supply of aircraft components, structured around a powerful logistics network. AFI KLM E&M supports more than 1,230 aircraft operated by 150 major international airlines.
www.afiklmem.com
