AFI KLM E&M teams up with electric aircraft builder Ampaire

When airlines operate electric aircraft to get passengers to their destinations in the future, these planes will need service and maintenance. Ampaire, a leader in electric aircraft, and Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) have decided to cooperate in this area.

AFI KLM E&M is to become the preferred partner of Ampaire on maintenance training development for electrical aircraft. It may include the use of modern solutions like augmented reality and virtual reality.

Ampaire is in the process of certifying the nine-seat, hybrid-electric Eco Caravan, with a service introduction planned for 2024. The company intends to expand its product line to larger hybrid-electric aircraft and eventually to fully electric aircraft. AFI KLM E&M will supply training for a worldwide network of ground engineers, installing Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) upgrades and, potential component pooling and operational data analysis to ensure optimal support. The services of AFI KLM E&M may be extended to collaboration on support of a 19-passenger aircraft.

According to Ampaire, AFI KLM E&M is to offer maintenance support on a worldwide basis. “AFI KLM E&M’s powerful global network and strong expertise will give operators everywhere high technical confidence in new propulsion systems. These systems will also provide optimized maintenance costs compared to conventional turbines.”