On June 30, 2014, Johann Panier officially took up his duties as chief executive officer of Barfield Inc., a new Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance subsidiary following its recent acquisition from Sabena Technics.
Barfield is a supplier of MRO services specializing in component support, and providing services ranging from repairs to flight hour solutions including spares support, the design of test equipment, and the distribution of spare parts. The company employs 230 staff at three U. S. facilities in Miami, Phoenix, and Louisville.
An alumnus of the Ecole Nationale des Arts et Métiers, holding an MBA from France’s HEC business school and Six Sigma Green Belt, Johann Panier began his career with Dedienne Aerospace, a company specializing in Ground Support Equipment (GSE), in Toulouse and then in Miami. In 2002, he moved to Air France Industries where he held various positions, such as head of department for equipment and engine purchasing. Subsequently he was appointed head of the External Repairs product line. Since 2012, he was leading major projects for AFI KLM E&M Business Development.
“I am proud of this appointment and delighted to be able to count on staff who are dedicated to their company and to their customers, and enthusiastic at the idea of joining the network of a world-renowned MRO,” Panier said. “I am confident in the company’s growth prospects, and convinced that the impact of synergies within the network will propel the combined Barfield/AMG to the rank of major, competitive player serving the whole Americas market.”