The Air France-KLM Group and Saudia signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) that lays the foundation for a strengthened cooperation in the fields of passenger transport and aircraft maintenance.
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Already partners within the SkyTeam alliance, Air France-KLM and Saudia aim to foster stronger ties in order to:
– Improve connectivity between their home markets of France, the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia. Under this agreement, Air France-KLM and Saudia will significantly expand their existing codeshare and interline commercial agreements, thereby providing customers with more travel options between and beyond their respective hubs. The agreement also includes initiatives to optimize operations and improve customer experience, notably through terminal co-location at key airports.
– Enhanced MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) cooperation, with Air France Industries-KLM Engineering and Maintenance (AFIKLM E&M) being awarded a firm minimum of 50% of the maintenance work on Saudia’s GE90 engines (used on Boeing 777 aircraft), including the localization of the process of module assembly and disassembly for these engines. Saudia will also consider AFIKLM E&M for all future key MRO sourcing processes.
Going forward, Air France Industries-KLM Engineering and Maintenance and Saudia Technic will jointly explore the opportunity of establishing a joint venture for GEnx engines (used on Boeing 787 aircraft). The agreement is intended to expand and localize Saudia’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, in line with Saudia’s ongoing effort to foster local talent and capabilities.
The various initiatives listed remain subject to approvals by the relevant authorities.
This winter, Air France-KLM will operate up to 10 weekly flights to/from Saudi Arabia, with the notable introduction of direct service to Jeddah from Paris-Orly and Lyon, operated by Transavia France. Air France Industries-KLM Engineering and Maintenance currently provides MRO services to over 200 airline customers worldwide – including Saudia, and supports over 3,000 aircraft worldwide thanks to a team of 12,800 experts.