AerCap and AFI KLM E&M to lease LEAP spare engines in new venture

AerCap Holdings N.V. and Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) have entered into exclusive negotiations to establish a joint venture dedicated to leasing LEAP engines. This initiative is designed to support AFI KLM E&M’s LEAP premier MRO customers globally, ensuring consistent operational continuity for Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX operators.

The proposed joint venture, which remains subject to regulatory approval, will see both companies jointly owning and managing a pool of LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B spare engines. These will be used to maintain uninterrupted operations for airlines whose aircraft engines are undergoing quick-turn or performance restoration shop visits at AFI KLM E&M facilities. This arrangement aims to significantly improve fleet uptime and service reliability for operators of next-generation narrow-body aircraft.

The collaboration builds upon an already strong working relationship between AerCap and AFI KLM E&M in the field of lease engine support. It also combines the core strengths of both companies—AerCap’s global expertise in aircraft and engine leasing and asset management, and AFI KLM E&M’s deep experience as an airline-affiliated MRO with first-hand operational knowledge of new-generation aircraft.

Tom Slattery, Executive Vice President of AerCap Engines, praised the long-standing partnership and highlighted the value of AFI KLM E&M’s service capabilities. Anne Brachet, EVP at AFI KLM E&M, emphasised the importance of access to LEAP spare engines and noted that the joint venture would enhance flexibility and provide innovative, customer-focused support across the aviation sector.

The new venture is poised to offer a robust solution in a market where spare engine availability is increasingly critical, reflecting both companies’ shared commitment to operational excellence and industry innovation.