At AFI KLM E&M, the innovation mindset is part of everyday life. Whether using its own resources or working with partners, AFI KLM E&M is constantly developing groundbreaking solutions for practical, high value-added applications for airline MRO processes. These efforts are now visible through "The MRO Lab - Adaptive Innovations" signature.
After consolidating its internal system for showcasing and mainstreaming innovation earlier this year, AFI KLM E&M is now striving to get its customers and the markets in general to recognize the wealth and strength of its capital of innovation. For several years now, the Group has been at the forefront of R&D in the quest for original solutions that will have a substantial impact on its own and its clients' aircraft maintenance processes.
20 years of Innovation ideas "Made in AFI KLM E&M"
As an airline/MRO, AFI KLM E&M, puts all its innovations into practice and tests them as part of its maintenance operations on behalf of its AIR FRANCE and KLM parent airlines before building them in to the programs dedicated to its clients.
Since its creation, the innovation program, called DIP for Developing Innovation Program, has been breeding more than 100,000 ideas in Air France Industries. Aged 20, the program is in top form, with some 4,000 suggestions submitted last year, including 200 ideas turned into operational projects. At Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, participatory innovation is driven by the Moonshine program part of the KLM E&M Lean strategy. When an end-user - a mechanic, or perhaps a pilot or a flight attendant - reports a problem they have encountered, a Moonshine project is launched to find a solution. Deployed in 2010, the project is now spreading throughout KLM, and to date, some 27 projects have been completed under the Moonshine banner.
"The MRO Lab - Adaptive Innovations signature is a privileged vehicle for communicating with our clients on innovation topics and everything we do to provide ever-more effective services," says James Kornberg, Director Innovation AIR FRANCE KLM Engineering & Maintenance. "Visitors to the afiklmem.com website can access an "MRO Lab" page where they can learn more about the innovation catalogue and policy that we have developed over the years, with several close-ups of major or emblematic creations, often inspired by our staff in the front line or as part of collaborative programs."
Support for start-up
As part of a fast-changing environment, AFI KLM E&M also intends to extend its approach to innovation in the outside world. This is especially the case with its participation in the "Starburst Accelerator" program, a business incubator dedicated to innovative aviation start-ups. Starburst Accelerator was set up in 2014, and inaugurated its Paris premises on 23 March this year.
