Air Côte d'Ivoire Chooses AFI KLM E&M Component Support for Its A319/320 Fleet
Paris, Amstelveen, 19 March 2019 - AFI KLM E&M and Air Côte d'Ivoire recently signed an agreement covering component support for the Ivoirian carrier's four A319-100s and two A320-200s. The contract covers the future A319neo and A320neo aircraft scheduled to join Air Côte d'Ivoire fleet from 2020. The services delivered by AFI KLM E&M include repairs, spares pool access, the provision of a Main Base Kit, and logistics support.
A partnership and support relationship
As an MRO group backed by an airline operating over 100 A320 family aircraft, AFI KLM E&M has built up a dual body of technical and operational expertise on this product that is unrivalled in Europe. This know-how means it can successfully deliver extremely high quality and reliable services tailored to the operational realities and limitations of its customer airlines. Air Côte d'Ivoire, which has relied on AFI KLM E&M solutions since it was formed in 2012, has decided to renew its trust in the MRO's support for its current and future fleet. Air Côte d'Ivoire's past experience of the MRO Group's services, the competitive nature of the offer submitted, the way its logistics (with two direct daily flights to Abidjan) and technical requirements were factored in (especially as regards the development of Air Côte d'Ivoire's own MRO capabilities) were all arguments that swung the balance in AFI KLM E&M's favor.
According to René Décurey, CEO of Air Côte d'Ivoire, "AFI KLM E&M is a great quality Maintenance partner for our airline, able to deliver services that ensure our operational continuity and ready to share its expertise. Since Air Côte d'Ivoire was incorporated, the MRO group has contributed to the development of our industrial capabilities via a support program and tailored training, so that their offer delivers genuine added value for us."
Fabrice Defrance, Senior Vice President Commercial, AFI KLM E&M, said: "We are delighted to continue our partnership with Air Côte d'Ivoire and will strive to continue providing them with the best possible support as they expand their operations. With other recent contracts, such as those signed with Air Senegal and Mauritania Airlines, AFI KLM E&M is successfully extending its footprint across the dynamic West Africa market."
About Air Côte d'Ivoire
Incorporated in 2012, the new Air Côte d'Ivoire airline operates passenger, air freight and airline maintenance services. From its hub at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny international Airport in Abidjan, the carrier serves 5 domestic and 19 regional destinations. At present, its fleet comprises ten aircraft, of which six are Airbus A320 family and four are Bombardier Q400s. In 2020 / 2021 it will be taking delivery of 1 A320neo and 2 A319neo aircraft. www.aircotedivoire.com
About 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.