French airline Air Austral has signed up Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) to provide engine support for its fleet of three Boeing 777 aircraft.

The terms of the contract, signed at the Paris Air Show 2025, include spare engine availability and repair.

The new deal is an extension and reinforcement of AFI KLM E&M’s comprehensive maintenance support agreement with Air Austral, underscoring AFI KLM E&M’s commitment to providing end-to-end technical services tailored to meet the evolving needs of airline operators worldwide.

Air Austral’s Boeing 777 fleet plays a pivotal role in the airline’s long-haul operations – most notably on the flagship route between Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Réunion Island (RUN).

As part of this agreement, AFI KLM E&M will ensure the availability of a spare GE90-115 engine. The agreement also includes access to bare engine accessories during the entire period of engine shop visits, allowing Air Austral to optimise its planning and reduce downtime during scheduled maintenance events.

Vincent Guerin, technical director of Air Austral, said: “Our Boeing 777 aircraft are the backbone of our intercontinental service, and ensuring their performance is a top priority. We require a maintenance partner that offers not only technical excellence but also deep understanding of our operational realities.

“AFI KLM E&M has consistently delivered both. Their proven ability to support GE90 engines and respond rapidly to any situation gives us the confidence we need to operate at the highest standards.”

Aymeric Mechin, vice president of commercial, Middle East & Africa at AFI KLM E&M, said: “We are honoured to continue with Air Austral, a long-time customer that places safety, efficiency, and reliability at the heart of its operations. Our team is deeply familiar with the GE90 engine and 777 aircraft, and we’re proud to bring that expertise to support such a critical fleet.

“This contract reaffirms our position as a trusted partner, offering customized, high-performance MRO solutions that help airlines achieve operational excellence – wherever and whenever needed.”

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