AFI KLM E&M and ART Announce Engine Disassembly Joint Venture

PARIS -- Air France Industries (AFI), KLM Engineering & Maintenance (KLM E&M), and Aviation Repair Technologies Services (ART) announce the formation of an engine disassembly joint venture named Turbine Support International (TSI). The Air France-KLM Group is majority shareholder in TSI based at ART’s facilities at the Arkansas Aeroplex in Blytheville.

TSI disassembles, inspects and repairs engine parts from CF6-50, CF6-80 and CFM-56 engines. The recertified parts will be used to support engine repair activities for the AIR FRANCE KLM fleet and for other third party airlines and lessors. By directly sourcing surplus parts from engines, TSI will support AFI KLM E&M customers’ demands for low cost parts with short lead times while meeting the highest standards of service quality by combining ART’s state-of-the-art facilities and efficient maintenance systems with AFI KLM E&M’s market-leading technological expertise.

"ART is pleased to partner with AFI KLM E&M, one of the world’s largest engine repair providers, on this creative venture that further expands ART’s product line and provides a critical solution for the requirements of the engine repair industry," says Ben Quevedo, chairman of ART.

"TSI constitutes an excellent means of guaranteeing top-quality engine parts required by our engine shops at the best price possible. The joint venture also forms part of our expansion into the United States market and our continuous efforts to invest in engine repairs," says Bruno Delile, AFI KLM E&M Senior Vice President Business Development.