Max Kingsley-Jones/PARIS
Air France Industries (AFI), the French carrier's maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) arm, is targeting a larger slice of the third-party maintenance market as it explores potential tie-ups with its SkyTeam alliance partners. The business - a profit centre, but not a separate division - has major facilities at the Paris airports of Charles de Gaulle and Le Bourget, as well as Toulouse-Blagnac.
AFI will "pursue an aggressive policy for market share", says Alain Bassil, executive vice president (VP) Air France Industrial Resources. It will target "new markets by creating partnerships with existing players, and through the acquisition of existing facilities".
Third-party work accounts for 34% of AFI business, with growth focusing on high-value MRO sectors, such as engine and component overhaul. AFI already has an MRO tie-up with SkyTeam partner Delta Air Lines for the Americas, and this could be developed into a joint branding by next year. VP marketing and sales Pierre Reville says the operations are "complementary" with "no overlap". Talks are also in progress with SkyTeam member Korean Air.
Source: Flight International
