Air France Industries KLM Engineering and Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) has inducted its first GTF engine from manufacturer Pratt & Whitney.
The maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services company first joined Pratt and Whitney’s GTF MRO network last year, offering disassembly, assembly and test services for the PW1500G engines used by the Airbus A220 family of aircraft.
AFI KLM E&M joined the network shortly after sister company Air France ordered 60 of the A220-300 aircraft, which are powered by GTF engines, with the option of adding 60 more. The airline currently operates 24 aircraft.
AFI KLM E&M executive vice-president Anne Brachet said: “With the induction of our first GTF engine, we’re growing our capabilities with today’s most advanced technologies.
“Our ability to overhaul geared turbofan engines strengthens our expertise in the world’s most innovative architectures, so we’re ready to meet the needs of current and future operators – many of them right here in Europe.”
The induction of a GTF engine by the MRO company is an example of the growing network for GTF engine maintenance, with MRO services now offered for the engines at 13 different locations around the world.
According to Pratt and Whitney, the GTF engine is notable for being a geared propulsion system with sustainability benefits, such as being the quietest, most efficient and most environmental engine in its class.
Marc Meredith, vice president of GTF Engine Aftermarket at Pratt & Whitney, took the opportunity to highlight the company’s successes this year with two facility expansions and three partner shop activations already.
Meredith said: “With the fleet growing at such a rapid pace, it is more critical than ever to ensure that our network has world-class MRO providers like AFI KLM E&M to provide top-notch services in close proximity to our customers.”
Maintenance for the GTF engine is especially important after a successful week for Airbus at the 2023 Paris Air Show, which included orders for at least nine A220-300s.
