Virgin Atlantic, a longstanding customer, has reiterated its confidence in AFI KLM E&M, enlisting its component support services for a new fleet of A330neo aircraft.
Paris, Amstelveen, 19 October 2022 – From the historic Boeing 747 to latest-generation aircraft such as the 787 and A350, Virgin Atlantic and AFI KLM E&M have cultivated a prosperous and enduring relationship in the field of aviation maintenance, now spanning multiple decades and multiple products. Today, the two partners are adding a fresh page to this illustrious history, with the announcement of a new agreement dedicated to component support for an incoming fleet of A339neos. As one of the “big players” in the UK passenger aviation market, Virgin’s fleet will eventually comprise up to 16 A339neos. AFI KLM E&M is already preparing to deploy its solutions to the first of the airline’s A339neos, which has been named “Billie Holiday”, as well as those set to follow. The services provided will include flight-hour repairs, access to a spare parts pool, and the provision of a Main Base Kit for Virgin Atlantic’s facilities in London.
Destination: Quality
Through this latest agreement, Virgin Atlantic is extending and renewing its confidence in AFI KLM E&M for the maintenance of the latest product to join its fleet, the A339neo. The Airline-MRO Group has amassed invaluable expertise and experience with new-generation long-haul aircraft, as demonstrated via fleet servicing operations for its many airline customers around the world. The British operator’s decision also reflects its level of customer satisfaction with regards to the services provided by AFI KLM E&M in various areas of cooperation, most notably component support for the airline’s other fleets of new-generation long-haul aircraft (the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787).
Neil Ambidge, VP Engineering & Maintenance of Virgin Atlantic, observes: “for over 20 years, AFI KLM E&M has shown itself to be a benchmark partner for our airline in the field of aircraft component services, providing highly effective support on our current fleets, as well as on our A339neos from October 2022. We are already familiar with AFI KLM E&M’s ability to design and deliver high-level solutions to boost performance and competitiveness, as well as their capacity to take into account the requirements and constraints of an airline operation, given their status as an Airline-MRO. We have every confidence in their ability to continue providing the services and required level of performance, to support our new fleet of A339neos.”
Pierre Teboul, SVP Commercial at AFI KLM E&M, added: “the long history between our two groups illustrates AFI KLM E&M’s ability to build lasting partnerships with airlines, and to continue to deliver high-quality services across multiple products over the long term. We’re greatly honored at the latest display of confidence Virgin Atlantic has shown in us for A339neo component support, and are fully mobilized to support both the launch phase and the increasingly important role this new aircraft will play within their fleet.”