In a significant move to fortify their long-standing partnership, Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) and SunExpress have inked a comprehensive, long-term engine maintenance agreement. This pivotal contract, effective from 2025 through 2031, is centered on providing complete shop visit support for the CFM56-7B engines that power SunExpress’s fleet of Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft. This new chapter builds upon a foundation of trust and a previous contract established in 2018, signaling a reinforced mutual commitment to operational excellence and fleet growth.
For SunExpress, a key leisure carrier and a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, this partnership is a strategic cornerstone. With an ambitious expansion plan to grow its fleet from 85 to 166 aircraft by 2035, securing high-quality, flexible MRO services is paramount. The airline requires a provider capable of understanding its evolving operational needs, and AFI KLM E&M has consistently demonstrated the necessary technical expertise and reliability. The agreement ensures SunExpress receives the efficient, high-performance engine solutions required to sustain its network connecting Europe and Türkiye.
Leadership from both companies emphasized the trust and confidence inherent in this renewed collaboration. The potential to expand the relationship to include support for the next-generation LEAP-1B engines in the future further underscores the dynamic and forward-looking nature of this partnership. This long-term engine maintenance agreement is more than a service contract; it is a strategic alliance that provides SunExpress with the foundational support needed for its continued success and market growth.
