Engines

AFI KLM E&M inaugurates latest French engine MRO facility

AFI KLM E&M inaugurates latest French engine MRO facility.
The Single Roof project is a pivotal undertaking, both industrially and organizationally, in the context of AFI KLM E&M's Engine maintenance endeavors.

The new facility stands as the focal point of the ambitious Single Roof project that will cement AFI KLM E&M’s position as a front-runner in Engine Maintenance industry standards.

AFI KLM E&M recently marked a ceremony for the inauguration of its state-of-the-art Engine shop at the Orly platform. This impressive facility stands as the focal point of the ambitious Single Roof project, aimed at cementing AFI KLM E&M’s position as a front-runner in Engine Maintenance industry standards. It’s also a testament to the company’s commitment to the latest-generation aviation products, including CFM International LEAP (Airbus A320neo & Boeing 737MAX), Trent XWB (A350), and Pratt & Whitney PW1500G (A220). This milestone represents a significant stride towards the culmination of a project initiated in 2019, with its foundation laid in 2021. The entirety of the “Single Roof” initiative is scheduled for completion in early 2024, coinciding with the finalization of the revamped Building 34 (Henri Farman), now seamlessly integrated into the new facility.

The Single Roof project is a pivotal undertaking, both industrially and organizationally, in the context of AFI KLM E&M’s Engine maintenance endeavors. Alongside the construction of the new building – which effectively bridges the Constellation and Henri Farman workshops, unifying them under one roof – the project encompasses a comprehensive overhaul of operational processes. The primary objective is to enhance efficiency in engine maintenance turnaround times. Notably, nearly 250 personnel have actively participated in the co-construction process, contributing to the definition of new processes and workspaces throughout the project’s timeline.

Géry Mortreux, EVP, Air France Industries, said “Single Roof is more than just an industrial development project. It speaks to AFI KLM E&M’s desire to project its Engine Maintenance operations into the future, at a time when the industry is turning a corner toward new-generation platforms. It also constitutes a promise of efficiency and comfort for our teams, thanks to optimized working spaces designed with their users in mind. It also manifests AFI KLM E&M’s long-term involvement in the local area, combined with the desire to boost employment and develop the talents of the future.”

The establishment of this cutting-edge, 4,200m² facility, replete with advanced industrial resources, coupled with the implementation of the new organizational structure, is poised to achieve a remarkable 15% reduction in engine processing times. Moreover, besides facilitating the maintenance of next-generation engines that align with the Air France-KLM Group’s decarbonization objectives, the facility’s design focuses on minimizing AFI KLM E&M’s carbon footprint, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

This significant investment underscores AFI KLM E&M’s position as a trailblazer in state-of-the-art maintenance infrastructure, complementing the already well-established performance of the Amsterdam and CDG engine workshops. These workshops also include the testing of very large engines.

By establishing this modern industrial facility at Orly and positioning itself as a pioneer in new-generation engine services, AFI KLM E&M underscores its confidence in the future and the long-term prospects of its operations in the Ile-de-France region. Moreover, the development of this enduring infrastructure is closely aligned with a substantial commitment to local employment and the nurturing of career opportunities for young individuals in the area. In a broader sense, Single Roof is poised to serve as a significant catalyst for employment generation and the integration of young apprentices into AFI KLM E&M’s local initiatives.

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Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M), a renowned multi-product MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) provider, boasts a workforce exceeding 12,800 individuals. AFI KLM E&M offers comprehensive technical support for airlines, encompassing engineering and line maintenance, engine overhaul, aero structure and fan thrust reverser support, and aircraft component management, repair, and supply through an extensive logistics network. The company provides extensive technical assistance to nearly 3,000 aircraft operated by 200 major international and domestic airlines.