AFI KLM E&M modifies Dragon Air Leasing A320 for Chinese Airline

At the customer’s request, AFI KLM E&M successfully took up the challenge of delivering the aircraft two weeks ahead of schedule while complying with the standards set by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and CAAC, the Civil Aviation Administration of China, so that Juneyao Airlines could operate it during China’s peak October holiday period.

To meet the requirements of its Juneyao Airlines customer, Dragon Aviation Leasing placed its trust in the experience of AFI KLM E&M for both modifications and certification. AFI KLM E&M oversaw the contract end-to-end, including the Part 21 engineering component and the Part 145 cabin modifications under both CAAC and EASA regulations. The modification transformed the A320 belonging to Dragon Aviation Leasing from a single-class configuration into a two-class “Business” and “Economy” version, a task that included the installation of new fittings and cabin partitions.

Flexibility and Service Quality

In addition to its ability to manage complex products, AFI KLM E&M demonstrated its considerable organizational flexibility. At the request of Dragon Aviation Leasing, the MRO agreed to modify its program and the resources allocated to its engineering operations. The outcome was that AFI KLM E&M was able to release the aircraft ahead of schedule to meet the operating requirements of its customers. Dragon Aviation Leasing thus satisfied the demands of its own client and optimized the aircraft leasing revenues.

“”As a Lessor”,” , explained Jean-Louis Chevrot, Dragon Aviation Leasing CEO, “we wish to offer the highest standard of service to our airline customers, so we looked for a reliable MRO providing not only technical skills but also flexibility to the specific situation and the ability to meet the deadline. Compliance with CAAC regulations was also part of the challenge. The answers provided by AFI gave satisfaction and augur well for a mutually productive relationship between AFI, Dragon Aviation Leasing, and its airline customers.”

Tailor-made solutions for leasing companies

“Leasing companies and their own airline customers are working in a continuously moving environment,” reports Benjamin Moreau, Key Accounts Director at AFI KLM E&M. “Based on this, we develop tailor-made solutions for lessors and enhance flexibility to fit their expectations and contribute to the whole value chain. For this particular project, listening to the local specifics led us to adapt the initial schedule and deliver the aircraft two weeks sooner earlier than originally scheduled, allowing the airline to operate an extra aircraft during the Chinese holiday week, and Dragon Aviation Leasing to increase its customer’s satisfaction even further. We are honored and happy to contribute to their successes.”

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 09-Feb-10