Ampaire and Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance Lay the Foundations to Advance Electric Aviation
AFI KLM E&M and Ampaire have signed a memorandum of understanding that anticipates bringing the worldwide resources of AFI KLM E&M to the introduction and global support of electrified aircraft. The two companies intend to accelerate the introduction of sustainable aviation by utilizing their respective core competencies. The MoU covers a broad range of mutual interests, from Aircraft Development, Maintenance Training & Support and Data Analytics.
Ampaire, a leader in electric aircraft, 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 as that technology becomes technically and economically feasible.
Under the MoU, the companies anticipate developing 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. This groundwork can be extended to collaborate on support of a 19-passenger aircraft.
Kevin Noertker, Ampaire founder and CEO, stated: “Ampaire and AFI KLM E&M will work together to explore maintenance support for game-changing low-emissions aircraft 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.”
In constant search of innovations and solutions at the cutting edge of technologies, the ambition is to make AFI KLM E&M the preferred partner on maintenance training development for electrical aircraft. It may include the use of modern solutions like augmented reality and virtual reality. The companies are also planning 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 anticipates a future with expanded new ways of air transportation options hand-in-hand with lower emissions. We have chosen to collaborate with Ampaire because their approach is visionary and also extremely methodical and practical, which means these beneficial technologies can be already introduced in the very near future.”
