Oman Air has chosen Air France Industries KLM Engineering and Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) to provide flight hour support for the CFM56-7 power plants that equip the airline’s Boeing 737NG aircraft.
The long term contract was formally signed in Amstelveen, The Netherlands, by Oman Air CEO Paul Gregorowitsch and Ton Dortmans, Executive Vice President KLM E&M, in the presence of His Excellency Mohammed bin Harub bin Abdullah Al Said and KLM President and CEO, Dr Ing Pieter Elbers.
Oman Air’s decision was taken following receipt of a highly competitive offer and the new contract builds on a working relationship between the two companies that has existed for a number of years. It will enable the Airline to maintain its excellent record for safety, reliability and on-time performance for many years to come.
Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Gregorowitsch, commented: “AFI KLM E&M has a well-deserved, outstanding reputation for maintaining CF M56-7 power plants and we are pleased to be signing this new contract with the company. Oman Air’s over-riding priorities are the safety of its passengers and crew, the reliability of its aircraft and an excellent on-time performance. AFI KLM E&M’s expertise and professionalism will help us to maintain our unblemished record in each of these vital areas.”
Franck Terner, Executive Vice President AFI KLM E&M, added:
“We have worked regularly with Oman Air for several years. I am very pleased that the airline has now shown us this mark of trust by opting for our engine know-how.”
The new partnership was announce as Oman Air continues its ambitious programme of fleet and network expansion. This will see the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman increase its fleet size from 30 aircraft at the start of the programme to 70 aircraft by 2020. These are expected to comprise 25 wide-body and 45 narrow-body aircraft, with the vast majority of the narrow-body fleet consisting of Boeing 737s. Four additional 737s will join Oman Air’s fleet in 2016, in addition to two more 787 Dreamliners.
AFI KLM E&M is a major multi-product maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider. With a workforce of over 14,000, the company offers comprehensive technical support for airlines. This ranges from engineering and line maintenance to engine overhaul, aero structure and FTR support. AFI KLM E&M also offers the management, repair and supply of aircraft components, structured around a powerful logistics network. The company currently supports almost 1,500 aircraft operated by 200 major international and domestic airlines.