Safran and AFI KLM E&M to create joint venture for aircraft engine parts repair

Safran Aircraft Engines and Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the creation of a joint company dedicated to the repair of aircraft engine compressor blades. The new company’s business will specifically concern CFM56 engines from CFM International (Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families), the GE90 from General Electric (powering the Boeing 777) and the GP7200 from the Engine Alliance (for the Airbus A380). The two partners will invest over 20 million euros in the new company, which will be owned 51% by Safran Aircraft Engines and 49% by AIR FRANCE KLM; it is scheduled to start operations in late 2017. The company will be based in France, at the Sars et Rosière business park in the community of La Porte du Hainaut (northern France). The new plant will cover 15,000 m², and offer all the machinery and equipment needed to repair engine parts, including high-tech metallurgical processes. After reaching full production capacity in 2020, the company should have a total of 200 to 250 employees. It will apply innovative management methods, largely based on team creativity and employee empowerment.