Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have forged a new partnership. This collaboration entails an engine support agreement, catering to 32 CFM56-5B engines that power PAL’s Airbus A320ceo fleet.
Stepping Up Cooperation During Expansion
This development comes at a significant time for PAL, as it continues its aggressive expansion. The airline has reestablished its global network of nonstop flights to destinations spanning Asia, North America, Oceania, and the Middle East, in addition to maintaining a strong domestic presence within the Philippines.
The relationship between AFI KLM E&M and PAL isn’t new. The former has been the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) partner for PAL for several years. It has played a key role in maintaining the GE90 engines on PAL’s long-haul Boeing 777 aircraft. With this new agreement, AFI KLM E&M will take on extensive work scopes for the CFM56-5Bs, which includes both in-shop and on-site tasks.
Expanding Services, Maximizing Support
Under this partnership, AFI KLM E&M will conduct 10 shop visits and 22 Quick Turn operations, some of which will take place at PAL engineering facilities in Manila. The engine support agreement further solidifies an already robust relationship that includes support for GE90 and CFM56-5B products and recently expanded to include Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) support for PAL’s 777 and A330 fleets.
During the pandemic, AFI KLM E&M showcased its flexibility by assisting PAL through a restructuring phase and adapting its services to meet the airline’s needs.
Ensuring High-Performance and Cost-Effective Operations
The tailored work scopes for the CFM56-5B engines, coupled with the potential provision of two spare engines and access to the Prognos for Engines predictive maintenance system, assures PAL of a superior support package. The key focus is on ensuring asset availability and reducing the cost of ownership.
According to Alvin Limqueco, Acting CFO and SVP Supply Chain Management of PAL, “It is important for our airline to be able to rely on a stable partner that is attentive to our specific needs and goals, in both good times and bad. We look forward to continued solid cooperation with AFI KLM E&M as we carry out PAL’s mission of connecting the Philippines with the world in a way that boosts tourism and economic growth.”
Pierre Teboul, SVP Commercial at AFI KLM E&M, expressed delight at this fresh chapter in their longstanding relationship with PAL, saying their teams have developed a bond of mutual trust, enabling strong partnerships and collaborative solution design to boost PAL’s operational performance.
Source: Asian Aviation
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