PARIS, FRANCE – AirAsia X signed a contract with Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) covering component support for its fleet of Airbus A330s. To drive its expansion, the Malaysian carrier has ordered 25 aircraft from the European airframer. It has already taken delivery of two aircraft and the remainder will go into service between now and 2013.
The contract includes repairs, pool access, and the corresponding logistics services for A330 components. It follows a first contract signed in 2007 for an A330 that AirAsia X used under an operating lease. AFI KLM E&M submitted at that time a proposal. Since then, the group has maintained a close commercial relationship with AirAsia X.
To further enhance its support, AFI KLM E&M will examine the possibility of developing local capabilities supported by growth at its Singapore logistics centre. Expanding the Singapore facility will also help sustain AFI KLM E&M operational activities on similar strategic contracts throughout the region, notably with the carriers Indigo and Kingfisher.
"We are very honored that AirAsia X chose us for such a significant support," says Alain Bassil, Air France Industries President. "This success clearly gives us an edge on the A330 segment throughout the region. The expansion of our Singapore logistics center will allow us to deliver high service level and to further expand our support to other operators in this important region of the world."
"At AirAsia and AirAsia X, we work with world class partners to ensure the best possible maintenance and services are provided for our fleet," says Azran Osman-Rani, AirAsia X CEO. "This is crucial in our low cost operations environment where aircraft utilization is high. We are confident that our collaboration with AFI KLM E&M will be for both parties' mutual benefit."
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