Mike Martin/DUBAI
Air France Industries has unveiled a new service at Dubai 2000 - D-checks on Airbus Industrie's A320s in just 31 days. That is seven to 10 days faster than any competitor, says Pierre Yves Reville, vice-president marketing and sales.
"We have reduced the time to create a new product for customers," he says. "Air France was the launch customer on the A320 and we have drawn on the experience of doing 50 D-checks on the type. We understand better than anyone what the problems are.
"We have been able to reduce the time through changing shift patterns and working at night. When you save seven to 10 days in time that translates into cash for the airlines."
Meanwhile, Reville says that Air France Industries - which has the maintenance contract for Emirates Airlines engines - has just won a new contract with Aeroflot and says it is progressing well on its SriLankan work.
The full maintenance contract covers Aeroflot's four Boeing 767 aircraft and includes a training programme for Aeroflot's staff.
The SriLankan work involves reconfiguring the interiors of the airline's Airbus Industrie A340-300s in line with sister airline Emirates' standards. It includes installing new seats and in-flight entertainment equipment.
"On the back of this work, we are looking to increase our market share in the Gulf," says Reville.
He adds that Air France Industries now markets its services under the Customised Fleet Service banner with the emphasis on listening to the customer and offering a flexible service tailored to their needs. "Every customer is different and has different needs and so the first thing we do when we meet the customer is just listen."
Source: Flight Daily News