AFI KLM E&M and Air Austral Sign Expanded Engine Support Contract for 777 Fleet

Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) and Air Austral recently signed an agreement to provide engine support for the airline's fleet of three Boeing 777 aircraft. The terms of the contract include spare engine availability and repair. 

The agreement was formally celebrated during the Paris Air Show 2025 Le Bourget, one of the aviation industry’s most prestigious global gatherings, underscoring the strategic importance of the contract and its role in shaping high-reliability operations for Air Austral’s long-haul network. AFI KLM E&M is pleased to announce the extension and reinforcement of its comprehensive maintenance support agreement with Air Austral. The renewed agreement underscores AFI KLM E&M’s commitment to providing end-to-end technical services tailored to meet the evolving needs of airline operators worldwide. 

This enhanced agreement specifically focuses on supporting Air Austral’s Boeing 777 fleet, which plays a pivotal role in the airline’s long-haul operations—most notably on the flagship route between Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Réunion Island (RUN). The 777 aircraft are central to Air Austral’s network and long-haul capacity, and their operational reliability is critical to the airline’s performance and customer satisfaction. As part of this agreement, AFI KLM E&M will ensure the availability of a spare GE90-115 engine. The agreement also includes access to bare engine accessories during the entire period of engine shop visits, allowing Air Austral to optimize its planning and reduce downtime during scheduled maintenance events. This integrated support solution reflects AFI KLM E&M’s commitment to efficient engine lifecycle management and its ability to adapt to airline-specific operational constraints. This renewed collaboration marks another milestone in the relationship between AFI KLM E&M and Air Austral. By aligning technical capabilities with strategic needs, both companies are demonstrating their commitment to operational resilience. 

Vincent Guerin Technical Director of Air Austral commented; "Our Boeing 777 aircraft are the backbone of our intercontinental service, and ensuring their performance is a top priority. We require a maintenance partner that offers not only technical excellence but also deep understanding of our operational realities. AFI KLM E&M has consistently delivered both. Their proven ability to support GE90 engines and respond rapidly to any situation gives us the confidence we need to operate at the highest standards." 

"We are honored to continue with Air Austral, a long-time customer that places safety, efficiency, and reliability at the heart of its operations. Our team is deeply familiar with the GE90 engine and 777 aircraft, and we’re proud to bring that expertise to support such a critical fleet. This contract reaffirms our position as a trusted partner, offering customized, high-performance MRO solutions that help airlines achieve operational excellence—wherever and whenever needed" stated by Aymeric Mechin, Vice President Commercial Middle East & Africa at Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance.