Air France-KLM's maintenance division has established a US joint venture specialising in disassembly of engines.
It will hold a majority share in the venture, Turbine Support International, at the site of partner Aviation Repair Technologies in Blytheville, Arkansas.
The ownership split has not been disclosed.
Aviation Repair Technologies deals with maintenance, engineering, aircraft cleaning and other services.
The joint venture will concentrate on disassembly, inspection and repair of engine parts for General Electric CF6-50 and CF6-80 powerplants, as well as CFM International CFM56s.
Air France Industries and KLM Engineering & Maintenance say the recertified parts will be used for engine repair on the Air France-KLM fleet as well as for third-party customers.
"By directly sourcing surplus parts from engines, Turbine Support International will support our customers' demands for low-cost parts with short lead times - while meeting the highest standards of service quality," they add.
Aviation Repair Technologies chairman Ben Quevedo says the partnership is a "creative venture" that will provide a "critical solution" for the engine-repair industry.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
