Air France has awarded Lufthansa Technik a six-year contract for the technical support of Honeywell HGT1700 auxiliary power units on its Airbus A350 fleet.

Lufthansa Technik has long been certified by the manufacturer Honeywell as an official partner for MRO of the HGT1700 and as an official warranty station for the APU type.

The services for Air France will cover a large part of the service portfolio, such as tests, repairs and overhauls, replacement of line replaceable units and life-limited parts as well as AOG (Aircraft On Ground) support and engineering services, Lufthansa Technik said.

Both labour and materials are billed on a ‘not-to-exceed’ model, allowing Air France to exercise full cost control over the agreed services at all times.

“Flying our A350s in the best operational conditions is a priority for the satisfaction of our passengers,” said Air France Industries’ executive vice president Géry Mortreux. “We know that we can rely on Lufthansa Technik’s exclusive solution and expertise to support the HGT1700 APUs equipping the new Airbus widebody aircraft.

“We have every confidence in their ability to deliver the high level of service we expect.”

Lufthansa Technik’s senior director corporate sales Europe Daniel Hepworth commented: “We are delighted to expand our relationship with Air France and honoured to support the APUs of its most advanced long-haul fleet.

“We continue to focus our service portfolio on the latest aircraft and engine types. Our APU shop is a world leader and already has a wealth of experience with the HGT1700. We really appreciate working with our partners at Air France. Together we will translate this accumulated expertise into the shortest possible turnaround times and best possible service levels for them, as we do for all our customers worldwide.”