Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) and Beijing General Aviation (BGAC) have created a maintenance joint venture – AFI KLM E&M-BGAC Line Maintenance; although it will thankfully be known as Bejing Line Maintenance International (BLMI).
The new entity results from Chinese government policy which is encouraging foreign companies to partner with Chinese companies.
The joint venture is due to begin operations in April and it will provide line maintenance services for aircraft in the Air France KLM fleet at the Beijing airport, before extending its service to customer airlines operating in China.
At a ceremony hold at BAIC (Mother Company of BGAC) headquarters in Beijing on February 27, BGAC chief executive Ling Zhuanghuai said: “This agreement is an important milestone for our group, which aims to become a leading aircraft line maintenance player on the Chinese market. AFI KLM E&M is globally recognized for its MRO expertise and service quality and will be our best ally in achieving our objectives.”
Anne Brachet, Executive Vice President AIR FRANCE KLM Engineering & Maintenance (E&M), said: “We are delighted with this opportunity to strengthen our international line maintenance capabilities. In BGAC, AFI KLM E&M has found a Chinese partner with a strong local foothold and reputation, which is a guarantee of success for the future joint venture”.