Chinese low-fare carrier Spring Airlines has signed a long-term contract with MRO provider AFI KLM E&M for the exclusive support of components for its 78-strong Airbus A320 fleet.
The power-by-the-hour (PBH) contract covers mainly components within avionics. In order to optimise the airline’s operations, repairs will be carried out in ‘closed loop’ mode by subsidiary AFI KLM E&M Components China in its Shanghai workshop, close to Spring’s bases at Shanghai’s two airports Hongqiao and Pudong.
AFI KLM E&M Components China is a wholly owned subsidiary of AFI KLM E&M and was launched in 2013, with avionics components repair its initial activity. It was certified by the CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China) in November that year, obtaining EASA Part 145 approval two years later and an FAA 145 repair station licence last year.
Wang Yu, Spring Airlines’ chairman, said: “We appreciated the quality and competitiveness of AFI KLM E&M’s offer, as well as the flexibility of its PBH model. Given its reputation in the global MRO market and the proximity offered by its Shanghai facility, we have full confidence in AFI KLM E&M’s ability to meet our expectations.”
Paul Sun, CEO of AFI KLM E&M Components China, described the award as a “major, long-term contract. It marks a key step in the development of our workshop for companies in China and Asia. We will be committed to putting all of AFI KLM E&M’s expertise to work for Spring Airlines’ operational performance.”
Spring Airlines was formed in 2005 and is headquartered in Shanghai, currently flying over 130 routes across China and internationally.
