Paris, Amstelveen, 19 March 2010 – In December 2009, AFI KLM E&M opened a new exhaust nozzle repair shop at Schiphol Airport. AFI KLM E&M teamed with Aeronca, Inc., a subsidiary of Magellan Aerospace USA, Inc., in Middletown, Ohio ... In achieving this latest capability, AFI KLM E&M is the only European MRO certified by the manufacturer for the repair of its exhaust nozzles.
In February 2009, AFI KLM E&M began developing its new repair shop, notably investing in a combined welding and sanding booth and a “mate” tool, which holds the inner and outer skins of an exhaust nozzle centered while it is being assembled. There are only two mate tools in existence, one at Aeronca and the second at AFI KLM E&M. The investment gives AFI KLM E&M an undeniable edge over non-certified competitors. Personnel carrying out the repairs are all highly skilled and have received on-the-job training from Aeronca experts. Repair work, applying lean principles, began with the AIR FRANCE KLM fleet of B747 and B767 exhaust nozzles.
Large-scale development prospects
The market for this highly-specialized product offers very high development potential. In addition to work generated by the AIR FRANCE KLM E&M fleet and third-party customers, AFI KLM E&M can also count on working with Aeronca’s European based customer portfolio.
Wide range of aircraft covered by repairs
Since December, the repair shop has been fully equipped to handle all repairs on engine exhaust nozzles equipping B737s, B747s, B767s, A330s, MD-11s, and GE90s. A number of customers have already contracted with AFI KLM E&M to benefit from the new service.
Highly-reputed MRO
Keith Wyman, Aeronca Director of Sales and Marketing, said at the grand opening of the repair shop in December, “We were looking for a European partner and are delighted to team up with AFI KLM E&M, which enjoys an excellent reputation in the MRO market. The repair shop, located at their Schiphol facility, together with the skills of their personnel, is a perfect fit for our requirements. We are looking forward to a long-term relationship with them.”
A one-stop service provider for all exterior components
“AFI KLM E&M is proud to be working with Aeronca,” said Peter de Swert, Executive Vice President KLM E&M. “As a result, we have been able to develop a new capability not only for the benefit of our parent companies’ fleets. Those of our third-party customers will also gain access to this type of major repair carried out in Europe. AFI KLM E&M can now also serve as a one-stop shop for engine components.”
About Magellan Aerospace
Magellan Aerospace is one of the worlds most integrated and comprehensive aerospace industry suppliers. Magellan designs, engineers, and manufactures aeroengine and aerostructure assemblies and components for aerospace markets, advanced products for military and space markets, and complementary specialty products. Magellan is a public company whose shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MAL), with operating units throughout Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. Aeronca, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Magellan Aerospace USA, Inc., is a manufacturer of airframe structures and jet engine components.
About AFI KLM E&M
Air France Industries and KLM Engineering and 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 14,000, offering comprehensive technical support for airlines, ranging from engineering and line maintenance to engine overhaul and the management, repair and supply of aircraft components, structured around a powerful logistics network. Together they support more than 1,230 aircraft and serve upwards of 150 major international airlines.
For more info, connect to www.afiklmem.com.
