Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) and AerCap Holdings N.V. (“AerCap”) have announced today during Le Bourget, Paris Airshow 2025 that they have entered into exclusive negotiations to form a LEAP engine leasing joint venture to support AFI KLM E&M LEAP Premier MRO customers worldwide.
Building on their existing cooperation around lease engines, AFI KLM E&M and AerCap intend to jointly own and manage a fleet of CFMI LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines enabling uninterrupted Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX fleet operations, while engines are going for a quick-turn or performance restoration shop visit within the AFI KLM E&M MRO network.
The formation of this joint venture, which is subject to any necessary approval, will strengthen the parties’ strategic collaboration to leverage their combined and complementary expertise in engine leasing, asset management and MRO services providing comprehensive MRO support to customers all over the world. Furthermore, the joint venture will benefit LEAP engine operators worldwide by offering the combined experience of a global airline-MRO that operates and maintains 'new gen' aircraft and engines with that of a world-class aircraft and engine lessor.
”This partnership represents a new chapter in our strategic relationship with AerCap,” said Anne Brachet, EVP Air France-KLM Engineering & Maintenance. “In a LEAP spare market where access to spares will be key for operators, by pooling our respective strengths in engine leasing and MRO services, we are enhancing our ability to support LEAP engine operators with greater flexibility and operational continuity. This new joint venture reflects our shared commitment to delivering innovative, customer-focused solutions that meet the evolving needs of the global aviation industry.”
“We have been very pleased with the high level of service and support provided by Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance over the years,” said Tom Slattery, Executive Vice President, AerCap Engines. “This new venture not only underscores the strength of our strategic partnership but also reflects the mutual trust and commitment between our two companies and further demonstrates our confidence in AFI KLM E&M’s capabilities and our shared commitment to operational excellence. We look forward to advancing this successful collaboration through this new joint venture.”
