Air France Industries KLM Engineering and Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) has adapted to the post-Covid supply chain challenge amid continuing uncertainty about when the situation will “normalize.”
Speaking at the Paris Air Show on June 16th, Anne Brachet, executive vice president of AFI KLM E&M, said the business is preparing to announce a new “collaboration” on spare engine supply as it seeks to offset the impact of fresh investments in the supply chain challenge.
Due to these challenges, the Air France-KLM unit is taking on more repair work along with regular line maintenance activities, particularly to address commercial engine issues.
Brachet ultimately hopes that the industry will “go back to basics,” allowing OEMs, MROs and airlines to focus on their core tasks without addressing supply chain uncertainties. But that balance is still in some way, she suggests.
“Supply is not at normal levels,” she said. “I learned how to manage it.
“We invest a lot of investments and, of course, it affects the cost of the airline at the end.
“But the situation is not normal. That's what's at the very top of negotiations with key suppliers.”
Brachet points out that while supply chain situations are “better than a year ago”, it is not clear when pre-Covid service levels can be achieved.
Certainly, she says she has employees in the business today, has participated in the post-Covid period and has never experienced “normality.”
“What is their normal performance? They've never seen a normal performance,” she said.
“When will we go back to it?” Brush asks. “I don't know today.”
The key to AFI KLM E&M is the “agility”, investment and training staff to address related challenges.
Attracting and retaining these employees is an ongoing challenge for businesses in the “fight for talent.”
