Paris, Amstelveen, 25 June 2014. GainJet Aviation S.A. contracted AFI KLM E&M to carry out cabin modifications on a Boeing 737-400 68 seats VIP configuration, which they acquired from the AIR FRANCE KLM group in order to expand their fleet of VIP aircraft. The VIP aircraft charter operator will also rely on the expertise and reliability of AFI KLM E&M to provide component support for the same aircraft.
Supporting the client’s expanding fleet
The aircraft concerned is the third Boeing 737 to have entered service in GainJet’s expanding private executive fleet including a VIP Boeing 757. AFI KLM E&M’s subsidiary KLM UK Engineering, specializing in base maintenance (C-check) and cabin modifications on regional and single-aisle passenger aircraft, carried out the work at its Norwich facility to transform the aircraft into a comfortable business jet. The aircraft cabin has been completely refurbished and can now carry 68 passengers in reclining, leather-upholstered Business Class seats, while the baggage hold has been adapted to contain up to 5.7 tons of baggage.
Arjan Meijer, Managing Director of KLM UK Engineering Limited, said: “We are delighted to be working with GainJet and to help them develop their business jet fleet. We hope that this is the start of a long-term partnership and that we will be able to help them with other projects going forward.”
Ramsey Shaban, President of GainJet Aviation, stated: “The cabin modification project demonstrates KLM UK Engineering’s high quality standards and expertise. We provide top quality aircraft and services to our customers; therefore our suppliers and partners need to also provide such standards of service. We’ve found such a supplier in KLM UK Engineering and are happy to be working with them. After its upgrade, the aircraft is now in pristine condition and will efficiently support our on-going operational expansion in the VIP executive airliner market.”
High level component support
The two parties have now signed an exclusive agreement to organize full component support for this 737-400 aircraft. AFI KLM E&M has extensive know-how on the 737 product from both the operational and maintenance angles, enabling it to tailor its service offer precisely to customer requirements in terms of flexibility and reliability, and in this case, to GainJet.
Under the terms of the contract, AFI KLM E&M will provide MRO services across a wide array of Part Numbers (P/N) along with 24/7 Aircraft On Ground (AOG) support, committing to maximum component availability for GainJet’s 737-400.
About GainJet Aviation
GainJet Aviation is an Athens-based international private jet charter operator and management company. Its fleet comprises of a wide range of VIP aircraft based throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East to offer its customers a VIP travel solution best suited to their needs. GainJet Aviation’s fleet includes a VIP Boeing 757, VIP Boeing 737, Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream G450, Bombardier GLX, Challenger 604, and Embraer Legacy 600.
About KLM UK Engineering
KLM UK Engineering Limited is a leading regional aircraft and narrow body MRO, wholly owned by KLM and member of the AFI KLM E&M Network part of the AIR FRANCE KLM group. Services include base maintenance, line maintenance, and component sales, technical training and decommissioning of Airbus A20 Family, Boeing 737’s, Fokker 50/70/100 and BAe146/Avro RJ’s. KLM UKE recently unveiled its brand new facility for the dismantling and recycling of aircraft. KLMUKE has been based at Norwich International Airport for 40 years and employs approximately 427 people, plus has numerous Line Maintenance Stations including Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester. KLMUKE prides itself on having an experienced and skilled work force, delivering a superior service and high quality product at a competitive price.
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 FTR support, as well as the management, repair and supply of aircraft components, structured around a powerful logistics network. AFI KLM E&M supports almost 1,300 aircraft operated by 150 major international and domestic airlines.
www.afiklmem.com or mobile.afiklmem.com www.klmukengineering.com
