Nouvelair Chooses Snecma Services for CFM56 Engine Maintenance

July 16, 2008
This contract extension follows the exclusive service contract signed in 2006, covering the DAC (double annular combustor) version of the airline’s CFM56-5B engines, for which the OEM shop already provides maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.

Farnborough, July 16, 2008 – Nouvelair, a privately owned Tunisian airline, has signed a contract extension with Snecma Services (SAFRAN Group) for maintenance of its CFM56-5A engines, further bolstering their partnership.

This contract extension follows the exclusive service contract signed in 2006, covering the DAC (double annular combustor) version of the airline’s CFM56-5B engines, for which the OEM shop already provides maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. Through this new 5-year exclusive contract, Snecma Services expands its relationship of mutual trust with the Tunisian airline.

“Snecma Services offers proven maintenance expertise, and their OEM label is an additional quality guarantee,” said Chokri Zarrad, chief executive officer of Nouvelair. “Furthermore, they have helped us reduce our costs by providing on-wing servicing. Their excellent customer relations and proven know-how in preventive maintenance, to delay engine removals, play a major role in enhancing the management of our operations.”

According to Denis Vercherin, chairman and CEO of Snecma Services, “The Nouvelair contract is further proof that Snecma Services delivers a comprehensive offering, spanning shop maintenance and associated services. We aim to provide top-flight MRO, as well as day-to-day customer support for fleet management.”

Founded in 1989, Nouvelair offers charter flights to more than 120 airports in 33 countries in Europe and North Africa. The company has grown steadily since the outset, and now carries more than 1.5 million passengers a year.

Snecma Services (SAFRAN Group) provides a full range of aero-engine support services to operators worldwide (airlines, armed forces, lessors, VIP transport, etc.) including: engine MRO, parts repair, engineering support (fleet management, remote diagnostics), LRU support, engine maintenance on site (EMOS), technical assistance, tools, technical documentation, test cell calibration, engine leasing, flight test support, customer support, mechanics training and more. Snecma Services operates three sites in France (Montereau, Saint-Quentin and Châtellerault) and has a Belgian subsidiary, Snecma Services Brussels. The company has also created a number of joint ventures with major airlines and manufacturers. Visit Snecma Services online at www.snecma-services.com.