MRO provider AFI KLM E&M has received approval from the US Federal Aviation Authority, clearing it to carry out on-wing and on-site work on LEAP-type engines.
The company’s MRO Group has “passed a new milestone in the industrialisation and marketing of its maintenance services dedicated to the new-generation powerplant,” it said.
After gaining approval from EASSA, it has been granted approval by the FAA and is accordingly continuing to ramp up its LEAP industrialisation programme. It is also now therefore able to offer its services to North American airlines operating the new-generation LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines. The scope of that work may include engine build-up services, borescope inspections, or changing Line Replaceable Units (LRU).
Anne Brachet, executive vice-president, said: “FAA approval is a further milestone in the development of our dedicated LEAP maintenance offering. AFI KLM E&M is now approved to offer its services to all operators of the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines equipping the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX worldwide. The Air France KLM Group is already providing initial LEAP support for operators, and in particular has successfully carried out an engine build-up workscope for TUI Group, chalking up experience prior to carrying out more complex workscopes, especially Quick Turn operations.”
Regarding the work for TUI, AFI KLM E&M said it had successfully completed an engine build-up on a LEAP-1B engine for the airline group at its Amsterdam-Schiphol facility, thus demonstrating “its ability already to take charge of light maintenance on CFM’s new-generation engine and to meet early needs of operating airlines.”
Engine build-up operations involve mounting all the related components (supports, ducting, electrical harnesses, LRUs, etc.) on a basic engine block.
TUI Group, which earlier this year took delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX out of a total order of 72 ordered for its various airlines, called on AFI KLM E&M to perform the build-up on a spare LEAP-1B.
Written by: Mark Thomas
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