This MoU will allow the AFI KLM E&M and Ascendance to explore potential collaborations in line maintenance, component repair, mechanics training and airworthiness management.
AFI KLM E&M and Ascendance Flight Technologies have collectively announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This memorandum will allow the two companies to explore potential collaborations in the coming months in four main areas: line maintenance, component repair, mechanics training and airworthiness management.
Ascendance is currently working on what according to the company is one of the most promising vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (VTOL) projects in Europe. Called Atea, it consists of a 5-seat aircraft with a 400 km range due to the Sterna propulsion architecture also developed by the start-up. Atea is a distributed hybrid electric motorization equipped with a modular energetic approach to accepting conventional fuel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) up to Hydrogen. The certification activities regarding the above-mentioned technologies have officially commenced and a prototype of Atea is expected to achieve its first flight in 2023.
“We are honored to receive this signal of interest from a major player in the field of aircraft maintenance. In parallel with our efforts to develop a new type of aircraft, it is very important for us to prepare the future of its operations today, in conjunction with the best experts in our industry. Maintenance is obviously at the center of our customers’ concerns and this collaboration with AFI KLM E&M is a major step towards providing them reliable solutions,” said Jean-Christophe Lambert, Co-founder and CEO, Ascendance.
ATEA is the future of vertical mobility. This aircraft is a vertical take-off and landing aircraft designed as a clean, quiet and efficient alternative to the helicopter and will be presented in partnership with ADP at the 2024 Olympics. With a range of 400 km, a reduction in carbon emissions of up to 80% and a fourfold reduction in noise emissions, it is suitable for urban and regional use (passenger transport, tourism, medical emergencies, logistics and surveillance).
“At AFI KLM E&M, we have always been on the lookout for the best innovations in aviation. In particular, we are very interested in electric and hydride electric propulsion technologies, which are set to be future business drivers over the next decade. I believe that this type of cooperation is in the general interest and is a further illustration of the general mobilization of our industry to decarbonize aviation – a collective effort in which AFI KLM E&M is of course fully involved,” said Géry Mortreux, EVP, Air France Industries.
AFI KLM E&M according to the company, with its experience as an airline-MRO, will be able to answer Ascendance Flight Technologies’ questions about the issues and challenges involved in developing maintenance policies for the aircraft that are operationally and financially efficient.
