Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) and American low-cost airline JetBlue have signed an agreement that will see AFI KLM E&M provide full support for over 200 components on the airline’s fleet of A220 aircraft.

JetBlue has ordered 100 of the new-generation narrow-body aircraft from Airbus to replace its Embraer 190 fleet and assist their current A320 route structure.

The programme includes repairs, provision of on-site stock (OSS) and access to a pool of A220 Inventory.

AFI KLM E&M’s North American affiliate, Barfield, is set to manage the delivery of these services and provide support to JetBlue.

Gregg Brown, vice-president technical operations at JetBlue, said: “The solutions provided by AFI KLM E&M offer a solid balance of proximity, economic efficiency and operational reliability.

“We are very happy with the support the group currently provides us and are confident this will continue with the A220 fleet.”

The Barfield teams have been supporting the New York-based low-cost airline’s A320 aircraft for 10 years.

Pierre Teboul, senior vice-president commercial at AFI KLM E&M, said: “We’re honoured that JetBlue has once again demonstrated its confidence in our teams. The longstanding relationship between our two groups is moving to the next level as JetBlue becomes the first airline on the American continent to benefit from AFI KLM E&M’s A220 support solutions.”