AFI KLM E&M will provide component support for the A350s operated by Delta Air Lines, which recently took a 10% equity stake in Air France-KLM.
AFI KLM E&M has entered into an agreement with Delta Air Lines to provide component support for the U.S. carrier's entire Airbus A350 fleet as well as a reciprocal component agreement which takes advantage of Delta TechOps component capabilities.
Delta took delivery of the first of 25 A350s on 13th July.
The maintenance solutions to be performed by AFI KLM E&M cover component repairs and access to its A350 spares pool, primarily in the U.S. and Europe.
AFI KLM E&M is the only MRO organisation providing A350 component support to airlines based in Europe, Africa, Asia and now Americas.
This latest agreement bolsters a long-standing relationship between Delta and Air France-KLM, which includes a trans-Atlantic joint venture and an equity position that Delta plans to take in Air France KLM Group.
The latter move is part of a broader series of measures announced in July, including the creation of a single global joint-venture between Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic; and the strengthening of its partnership with China Eastern Airlines. Both commercial alliances will be strengthened by capital links:
- Air France-KLM will acquire Virgin Group’s 31% stake in Virgin Atlantic for £220m.
- Delta and China Eastern will each acquire a 10% equity stake in Air France-KLM.