Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M), a multi-product Airline MRO, and AAR CORP., a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, announced today they have signed an agreement to form a joint-venture in the Asia-Pacific region to support nacelles of "new gen" aircraft. This is the second joint venture to be formed by the companies. The first was formed in 2021 by Triumph Product Support, which was acquired by AAR earlier this year, and AFI KLM E&M to serve the Americas region.

Located in AAR's Chonburi, Thailand, facility, the joint-venture will perform "new gen" nacelle maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, including on-wing/on-site inspections, and ensure extensive part availability for their valued customers. Together, AFI KLM E&M and AAR are dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of the aviation industry and maintaining their well-known reputation for excellence in MRO services. The combination of an independent MRO with a global airline-MRO will provide unparalleled service and support for operators. The formation of the joint venture is subject to regulatory approval and serves as an addition to the worldwide network for nacelle service.

"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," said Benjamin Moreau, AFI KLM E&M's Senior Vice President of Strategy & Business Development.

"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," said Jim Berberet, AAR's Senior Vice President of Component Services. "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."