Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) and Ampaire have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) paving the way for future collaborations.
LOS ANGELES, October 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — AFI KLM E&M and Ampaire have signed a memorandum of understanding to use AFI KLM E&M’s global resources for the introduction and global support of electrified aircraft. The two companies aim to accelerate the adoption of sustainable aviation by leveraging their respective core competencies. The MoU covers a wide range of common interests, from aircraft development, maintenance training and support to data analysis.
Ampaire and AFI KLM E&M will explore maintenance support for pioneering low-emission aircraft worldwide.
With experience into the future
Ampaire, a leading provider of electric aircraft, is in the process of certifying the nine-seat hybrid-electric Eco Caravan, with the service scheduled to launch in 2024. The company intends to expand its product line to include larger hybrid-electric aircraft and eventually all-electric aircraft as this technology becomes technically and economically feasible.
As part of the MOU, the companies plan to develop training for a global network of ground engineers, install Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) upgrades and potential bundling of components, and analyze operational data to ensure optimal support. This foundational work can be expanded to collaborate in support of a 19-passenger aircraft.
Kevin NorkerFounder and CEO of Ampaire, stated, “Ampaire and AFI KLM E&M will work together to explore maintenance support for groundbreaking low-emission aircraft globally. 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 offer optimized maintenance costs compared to traditional turbines.”
In the constant search for innovations and state-of-the-art solutions, the goal is to make AFI KLM E&M the preferred partner for the development of electric aircraft maintenance training. This can include the use of modern solutions such as augmented reality and virtual reality. The companies also plan to collaborate on STC installations of Ampaire’s hybrid-electric upgrades through the airline’s global MRO network.
Ton Dortmans, EVP KLM Engineering & Maintenance, said: “This MoU envisions a future of expanded new capabilities in air transportation hand in hand with reduced emissions. We chose to work with Ampaire because their approach is visionary and also extremely methodical and practical, which means that these beneficial technologies can be introduced in the very near future.”
About Ampaire
los Angeles-based Ampaire was founded in 2016 with the aim of becoming the world’s most trusted developer of practical, compelling electric aircraft. The company is converting existing passenger aircraft to hybrid electric propulsion – the fastest and most efficient approach to making commercial electric air travel a reality using available technology. The company eventually intends to offer upgraded and all-new hybrid electric aircraft as well as all-electric aircraft. Ampaire technology is scalable to large regional aircraft.
Ampaire has achieved a number of industry firsts since the maiden flight of its testbed aircraft powered by Electric EEL technology in 2019. Its demonstration aircraft for the EEL market has flown non-stop from los Angeles to san francisco and the longitude of the United Kingdom. In 2022 it flew a route of 1,135 miles en route from LA to the EAA Air Venture Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. www.ampaire.com
About AFI KLM E&M
Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance is a major multi-product MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) provider. With over 12,800 employees, AFI KLM E&M provides comprehensive technical support for airlines structured from engineering and line maintenance to engine overhaul, aircraft structure and fan thrust reverser support, as well as aircraft component management, repair and delivery, and an efficient logistics network. AFI KLM E&M supports nearly 3,000 aircraft operated by 200 major international and domestic airlines.
www.afiklmem.com
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SOURCE Ampaire, Inc.
