Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance  (AFI KLM E&M) has signed an incremental agreement with Rolls-Royce for the maintenance and repair of the Trent XWB – the exclusive engine used to power Airbus A350 aircraft.

AFI KLM E&M will set up full maintenance capabilities for the engine type covering its entire lifecycle.

The agreement is said to reinforce AFI KLM E&M as a valued partner in Rolls-Royce’s global support network.

It builds on a previous 2014 agreement between the two groups as part of Air France-KLM Group’s acquisition of the Airbus A350 aircraft.

This new agreement with Rolls-Royce falls in line with the Airline-MRO strategy deployed by AFI KLM E&M, which is based on the continuous development of industrial capabilities in order to support its parent fleets and worldwide operators.

Anne Brachet, executive vice president of AFI KLM E&M, said: “We’re honoured by the confidence Rolls-Royce has shown in us vis-à-vis our capacity to establish industrial repair processes for these engines, and to deliver world-class support.

“With this agreement, AFI KLM E&M is further expanding its influence in the after-sales market for Very Large Engines and new-generation products, providing support for both the Air France-KLM fleet and, with some products, also operators all around the world.”

Dominic Horwood, services director at Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace, said: “AFI KLM E&M joins our expanding global network as a valued partner with a long heritage of MRO experience that will enhance our overhaul and repair capabilities for the Trent XWB-84 engine.”