Virgin Atlantic Renews Contract With AFI KLM E&M

PARIS, AMSTELVEEN – On Dec. 17, 2008, UK carrier Virgin Atlantic extended its component support and pool access contract with Air France Industries (AFI) and KLM Engineering & Maintenance (KLM E&M).

KLM E&M has provided maintenance services for Virgin Atlantic’s fleet of B747-400s since 1994. The pool access component covers door-to-door delivery of B747-400 parts.

As a sign of excellent relations between the two partners, on July 1, 2008, Virgin Atlantic had already signed an airframe contract running through to Dec. 31, 2010.

"Virgin Atlantic are extremely pleased to be continuing our relationship with AFI KLM E&M on the B747-400 airframe maintenance and component support," says Steve Griffith, Director of Engineering at Virgin Atlantic Ltd. "In a very demanding and competitive environment AFI and KLM E&M consistently deliver to our exacting high standards, on-time and with exceptional quality and technical expertise. This is a partnership built on trust that delivers value to both Virgin Atlantic and AFI and KLM E&M."

"It is a great honor for AFI KLM E&M to have been chosen by this successful airline by continuing the services it requires for maintaining and enhancing its position in a very competitive passenger market both at London Gatwick and London Heathrow," says Peter de Swert, Executive Vice President KLM E&M. "These long-term contracts enable Virgin Atlantic and AFI KLM E&M to work on streamlining the processes between the organizations for on-time delivery of aircraft from heavy maintenance and the daily release of aircraft in operation. AFI KLM E&M are proud to be among Virgin Atlantic’s main supply chain vendors."