Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) and AAR Corp have signed an agreement to form a joint venture in the Asia-Pacific region to support nacelles of ‘new gen’ aircraft.

To be located at AAR’s Chonburi, Thailand, facility, the joint venture will focus on nacelle MRO services including on-wing/on-site inspections, and to ensure extensive part availability.

This marks the second joint venture between the companies. The first, established in 2021, was a collaboration between Triumph Product Support – acquired by AAR earlier this year – and AFI KLM E&M to serve the Americas region.

AFI KLM E&M and AAR claim that the combination of an independent MRO with a global airline-MRO will provide unparalleled service and support for operators.

Benjamin Moreau, senior vice president of strategy and business development at AFI KLM E&M, said: “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, said: “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 to meet the needs of the largest fleet in the APAC region, and we plan continue to cover additional engine nacelle types in the future.”

The formation of the joint venture is subject to regulatory approval.

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