Paris, Amstelveen, 18 September 2018 - AFI KLM E&M has signed an agreement to perform the full maintenance and repair of the LEAP-1A engines equipping Royal Brunei Airlines fleet of seven A320neos.

Of this contract for the new engine type, Michael Grootenboer, AFI KLM E&M SVP Group Engines Product, said: "As one of the world's major Airline MRO's, taking our first steps on the market for a new engine type is always significant. As we did previously with the GEnx, we want to be at the forefront of new technological and market developments. We are proud of this contract with Royal Brunei Airlines and wish to thank them for the confidence they have displayed in entrusting us with the engine maintenance for their latest generation medium haul fleet."

Proven trust a guarantee
This latest contract is not only a strategic juncture in the development of the AFI KLM E&M offer for the LEAP, it is also proof of renewed trust by the Brunei flag carrier, which has previously awarded component and APU support for its 787s to the Group as part of a long-term contract.

"It was quite natural for us to turn to AFI KLM E&M to support our LEAP engines," revealed Mr. Rob Woods, Head Engineering & Maintenance of Royal Brunei Airlines. "We have experience from the strength of our existing relationship, plus the international reputation of a player that has proven its worth on the engine maintenance market."

With this new contract, AFI KLM E&M has further strengthened its position in the region, where the Group has already signed a slew of component and engine support contracts.

AFI KLM E&M now approved for LEAP support, and operational
AFI KLM E&M obtained approval from the world's two main civil aviation authorities, EASA and the FAA, to support LEAP operations. The Group can already meet the needs of its clients when it comes to performing all on-wing/on-site work on LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines. Among other things it has demonstrated its capability with a first successful engine build-up for TUI fly Benelux.