Paris, Amstelveen, Dubai, 13 November 2017 - Gulf Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain's national carrier, has entrusted maintenance of the APS5000 auxiliary power units (APU) equipping the airline's 10 new, incoming, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to AFI KLM E&M. The long-term contract includes a guarantee covering APU replacement. The repair services will be provided by AFI KLM E&M subsidiary EPCOR, global market leader for MRO support for APUs.Proven expertise
This latest contract, signed at the Dubai Air Show, marks the renewal of Gulf Air's trust in the AFI KLM E&M network. The collaboration between the two companies started several years ago with the repair of Gulf Air's CFM56 engines and the airline currently uses AFI KLM E&M services for component support on its existing fleet of A320s and A330s, and those of its Dubai-based AMES subsidiary for nacelle and radome repairs. EPCOR, for its part, has provided APU support for the Bahraini carrier's Airbus A330s for a number of years.Captain Waleed Abdulhameed Al Alawi, Gulf Air Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said: "EPCOR's proven TAT and service quality performance observed in the framework of our A330 APU contract convinced us to extend our partnership to this new type of APU and we are pleased to continue our relationship with them as we prepare to welcome new aircraft into our fleet."EPCOR Managing Director, Dennis Wetjens added: "Our leadership position for APU maintenance and repair means we can guarantee unrivaled reliability and experience for our clients. The renewed trust Gulf Air has honored us with is most definitely a bonus for our development in a region with fast-growing MRO requirements."About Gulf Air
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, commenced operations in 1950, becoming one of the first commercial airlines established in the Middle East. Today, Gulf Air is a major international carrier serving 42 cities in 25 countries spanning three continents.The airline operates double daily flights or more to 10 regional cities, in addition to select destinations in the Indian Subcontinent and Europe, from its hub at Bahrain International Airport. Gulf Air currently serves all its destinations with a combination wide and narrow body fleet totaling 28 modern aircraft with orders for 39 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft due for delivery commencing in early 2018. The modern fleet will herald a new era for Gulf Air as it continues to enhance its product and service offering. Renowned for its traditional Arabian hospitality, evidenced by the airline's signature family and business friendly products, Gulf Air is committed to being an industry leader and developing products and services that reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of its passengers.Gulf Air connects Bahrain to the world and, as such, is a key national infrastructure asset, serving as a powerful driver for the economy and supporting the Kingdom's on-going economic growth.Gulf Air has been the Title Sponsor of the FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX ever since it made history as the first Formula 1 Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East in 2004. In addition, the airline has been Official Carrier of the biennial Bahrain International Airshow since it was first held in 2010.
www.gulfair.comAbout EPCOR
EPCOR is a wholly owned subsidiary of KLM Engineering & Maintenance, part of the AIR FRANCE KLM group, holding EASA, CAAC, CAAV and FAR 145 certification. Within the group EPCOR provides MRO support for the APUs and pneumatic systems of a wide range of commercial aircraft. EPCOR maintains APUs on Boeing 737NG, 777 and 787 Airbus A320 (GTCP131-9A & APS3200), A330, A340 and the APS2300 APU for the Embraer 170/190 aircraft. EPCOR is a licensed and oeM warranty approved Honeywell and Pratt & Whitney AeroPower (former HSPS) Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) repair center. Besides the APU capability EPCOR also maintains and overhauls air cycle machines on 737, 777, 787 and Emb170/190, environmental control systems, starters, leading-edge flap drive units and many other pneumatic and nitrogen components installed on large commercial aircraft.
www.epcor.nlAbout AFI KLM E&M
Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance is a major multi-product MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) provider. With a workforce of over 14,000, AFI KLM E&M offers comprehensive technical support for airlines, ranging from engineering and line maintenance to engine overhaul, aero structure and fan thrust reverser support, as well as the management, repair and supply of aircraft components, structured around a powerful logistics network. AFI KLM E&M supports almost 2,000 aircraft operated by 200 major international and domestic airlines.
www.afiklmem.com or mobile.afiklmem.com AFI KLM E&M voted MRO of the Year 2015 and 2016 by Aviation Week Magazine
AFI KLM E&M voted MRO of the Year 2014, 2015 and 2016 by Airline Economics
This latest contract, signed at the Dubai Air Show, marks the renewal of Gulf Air's trust in the AFI KLM E&M network. The collaboration between the two companies started several years ago with the repair of Gulf Air's CFM56 engines and the airline currently uses AFI KLM E&M services for component support on its existing fleet of A320s and A330s, and those of its Dubai-based AMES subsidiary for nacelle and radome repairs. EPCOR, for its part, has provided APU support for the Bahraini carrier's Airbus A330s for a number of years.Captain Waleed Abdulhameed Al Alawi, Gulf Air Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said: "EPCOR's proven TAT and service quality performance observed in the framework of our A330 APU contract convinced us to extend our partnership to this new type of APU and we are pleased to continue our relationship with them as we prepare to welcome new aircraft into our fleet."EPCOR Managing Director, Dennis Wetjens added: "Our leadership position for APU maintenance and repair means we can guarantee unrivaled reliability and experience for our clients. The renewed trust Gulf Air has honored us with is most definitely a bonus for our development in a region with fast-growing MRO requirements."About Gulf Air
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, commenced operations in 1950, becoming one of the first commercial airlines established in the Middle East. Today, Gulf Air is a major international carrier serving 42 cities in 25 countries spanning three continents.The airline operates double daily flights or more to 10 regional cities, in addition to select destinations in the Indian Subcontinent and Europe, from its hub at Bahrain International Airport. Gulf Air currently serves all its destinations with a combination wide and narrow body fleet totaling 28 modern aircraft with orders for 39 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft due for delivery commencing in early 2018. The modern fleet will herald a new era for Gulf Air as it continues to enhance its product and service offering. Renowned for its traditional Arabian hospitality, evidenced by the airline's signature family and business friendly products, Gulf Air is committed to being an industry leader and developing products and services that reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of its passengers.Gulf Air connects Bahrain to the world and, as such, is a key national infrastructure asset, serving as a powerful driver for the economy and supporting the Kingdom's on-going economic growth.Gulf Air has been the Title Sponsor of the FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX ever since it made history as the first Formula 1 Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East in 2004. In addition, the airline has been Official Carrier of the biennial Bahrain International Airshow since it was first held in 2010.
www.gulfair.comAbout EPCOR
EPCOR is a wholly owned subsidiary of KLM Engineering & Maintenance, part of the AIR FRANCE KLM group, holding EASA, CAAC, CAAV and FAR 145 certification. Within the group EPCOR provides MRO support for the APUs and pneumatic systems of a wide range of commercial aircraft. EPCOR maintains APUs on Boeing 737NG, 777 and 787 Airbus A320 (GTCP131-9A & APS3200), A330, A340 and the APS2300 APU for the Embraer 170/190 aircraft. EPCOR is a licensed and oeM warranty approved Honeywell and Pratt & Whitney AeroPower (former HSPS) Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) repair center. Besides the APU capability EPCOR also maintains and overhauls air cycle machines on 737, 777, 787 and Emb170/190, environmental control systems, starters, leading-edge flap drive units and many other pneumatic and nitrogen components installed on large commercial aircraft.
www.epcor.nlAbout AFI KLM E&M
Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance is a major multi-product MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) provider. With a workforce of over 14,000, AFI KLM E&M offers comprehensive technical support for airlines, ranging from engineering and line maintenance to engine overhaul, aero structure and fan thrust reverser support, as well as the management, repair and supply of aircraft components, structured around a powerful logistics network. AFI KLM E&M supports almost 2,000 aircraft operated by 200 major international and domestic airlines.
www.afiklmem.com or mobile.afiklmem.com AFI KLM E&M voted MRO of the Year 2015 and 2016 by Aviation Week Magazine
AFI KLM E&M voted MRO of the Year 2014, 2015 and 2016 by Airline Economics
