AFI KLM E&M to provide maintenance solutions for Air Tahiti Nui 787 fleet support

Extending a long-standing relationship, two contracts, organizing component and engine support for the French carrier's fleet of four Boeing 787-9s were signed between AFI KLM E&M and Air Tahiti Nui .The solutions delivered by the MRO group include repairs and pool access for the Component Support aspect, shop visits, engineering and logistics support for the nine GEnx-1B powerplants equipping Air Tahiti Nui's 787-9s, and line maintenance support at airports in Los Angeles, Paris, and Narita.

With this latest partnership, the two groups are extending a long-standing partnership, as AFI KLM E&M has supported Air Tahiti Nui's fleet of A340-300s for many years, so the French carrier recognizes and appreciates the high quality of AFI KLM E&M services. The MRO has developed a bespoke offering to maintain the airline's new fleet of 787-9s, with a custom package of services covering component, engine and airframe support.

Mathieu Béchonnet, Air Tahiti Nui's Managing Director said: "We are well acquainted with the quality of the services delivered by AFI KLM E&M for having used them for many years with our fleet of A340s. We have no doubt that the MRO Group will be equal to this new partnership and offer us optimal support for the initial operations of our fleet of 787-9s."

Anne Brachet, Executive Vice President AIR FRANCE KLM Engineering & Maintenance, added: "We are proud that Air Tahiti Nui is renewing its trust in us with this latest cooperation agreement and showing how much it values the quality of our partnership. We will do our utmost to show that we are worthy of their trust by continuing to deliver high-level support tailored to their operational requirements."

Product expertise 
As an MRO belonging to an airline group that itself operates 787s, AFI KLM E&M has developed a level of operational and technical know-how on this new-generation aircraft covering every aspect of maintenance and overhaul that is unmatched anywhere in the market. For customers such as Air Tahiti Nui, this expertise constitutes a guarantee of flawless operational and economic performance and reliability.

As Raymond Topin, Air Tahiti Nui Executive Vice-President Operations, explained: "The technical and operational know-how developed by AFI KLM E&M for 787 support is a compelling promise of efficiency, reliability, and responsiveness for Air Tahiti Nui. We are convinced that we will benefit from a portfolio of expert services allowing us to maximize our fleet maintenance as regards both operational and cost management."

Ton Dortmans, Executive Vice President KLM E&M, said: "This partnership illustrates the strength and complementarity of the capabilities developed within the AFI KLM E&M network around the 787 product, helping us to meet airlines' specific needs. Our Group is accordingly able to align with demand from customers like Air Tahiti Nui, delivering airframe expertise from Paris, and Components and Engines solutions from Amsterdam."

Air Tahiti Nui is a French airline based in French Polynesia. It was founded in 1996 to link the archipelago to the rest of the world. From its hub at Tahiti Fa'a'a international airport, and relying on partnerships and code-share agreements, it serves 39 major destinations worldwide. Air Tahiti Nui operates a mixed fleet of Airbus A340s and Boeing 787-9s, scheduled to be gradually replaced by four Boeing 787-9s by 2019.
www.airtahitinui.com