AAR CORP. and Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) have partnered to establish a new joint venture focused on maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for next-generation aircraft nacelles in the Asia-Pacific region. This venture marks the second collaboration between the two companies, following a 2021 joint venture with Triumph Product Support, acquired by AAR earlier this year, to serve the Americas region.
The new facility will be based in AAR's Chonburi, Thailand, location, specialising in advanced nacelle MRO services. Its offerings will include on-wing and on-site inspections, alongside ensuring robust part availability for customers. By combining the strengths of an independent MRO provider and a global airline MRO, the joint venture aims to deliver top-tier service and support for operators in the region.
Both companies emphasised their commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the aviation industry while maintaining their reputations for excellence. The venture will contribute to a global network of nacelle service providers, enhancing support for operators with increased efficiency and reliability. Regulatory approval is pending for the official formation of the partnership.
Benjamin Moreau, Senior Vice President of Strategy & Business Development at AFI KLM E&M, commented on the new joint venture: “This partnership with AAR strengthens both our positions in the Asia-Pacific region. Our expertise, local proximity, and sustainable supply chain will ensure superior MRO services with enhanced efficiency, reliability, and part availability.”
Jim Berberet, Senior Vice President of Component Services at AAR, highlighted the joint venture's strategic advantage: “By combining the experiences and innovative approaches of AAR and AFI KLM E&M, we are able to expand our nacelle capabilities portfolio and support an extensive network of operators. Our joint venture will be positioned with strong capability to meet the needs of the largest fleets in the APAC region, and we plan to continue to cover additional engine nacelle types in the future.”
This collaboration strengthens both companies' foothold in the Asia-Pacific region, setting new benchmarks for nacelle MRO services while aligning with industry advancements.
