AFI KLM E&M Sign Long-Term Engine Maintenance Agreement with Shenzhen Airlines and Kunming Airlines
Paris, Amsterdam, Shenzhen, Kunming – China 13th of October 2025 - Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M), a world leader in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, is delighted to announce the extension of its strategic partnership with Shenzhen Airlines and its subsidiary, Kunming Airlines, following the successful award of a three-year engine maintenance agreement. Covering the period from 2025 to 2027, this new contract includes comprehensive maintenance for CFM56-7B engines.
A Milestone in a Trusted Partnership This award marks a significant step forward in the enduring relationship between AFI KLM E&M and Shenzhen Airlines Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. Shenzhen Airlines Company Limited is a state-owned enterprise headquartered in Shenzhen. It was established in 1992. To date, it has ranked as the fifth largest airline in mainland China. Its fleet consists of over 200 aircraft, Its routes connect almost all provincial capitals and key cities in China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan of China, the United Kingdom, Spain, Qatar, Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asian countries. AFI KLM E&M began providing CFM56-7B engine maintenance services to Shenzhen Airlines decade ago. The partnership between AFI KLM E&M and Shenzhen Airlines demonstrates its ability to deliver on turnaround times and quality commitments. This performance was instrumental in building the trust that has now led to this expanded contract.
The new agreement will see all engine maintenance services performed at the renowned KLM Engine Facilities in Amsterdam, leveraging AFI KLM E&M’s advanced technical capabilities and extensive experience with the CFM56-7B engine, one of the world’s most widely used powerplants.
Tommaso Auriemma, Vice President Sales Asia Pacific at AFI KLM E&M stated: “Our teams are committed to delivering reliable, top-quality maintenance while maintaining flexibility to adapt to our partners’ evolving operational needs. As airlines face the ongoing challenges of fleet optimization and peak engine removal cycles, our tailored slot management and global AOG support will ensure Shenzhen Airlines and Kunming Airlines continue to operate at the highest standards of safety and efficiency. We are proud to support Shenzhen Airlines and Kunming Airlines as they continue to grow their operations in China and beyond.”
Mr. Wu Jun, Vice President of Shenzhen Airlines Co., Ltd., stated, "Choosing AFI KLM E&M as one of the primary suppliers for the repair of the CFM56-7B engine is a strategic decision made by the company to ensure the reliability and operational efficiency of our fleet. We believe that with the company's extensive experience in engine maintenance and its global service capabilities and network, the company can achieve better growth and ensure the safety of passenger travel."
About Shenzhen Airlines
Shenzhen Airlines Company Limited is a state-owned enterprise headquartered in Shenzhen. It was established in 1992 and launched its maiden flight in 1993. As of July 2025, Shenzhen Airlines’ fleet consists of over 200 aircraft. It has an annual transport capacity of nearly 40 million passengers. Adhering to the safety philosophy of "doing things right every time", Shenzhen Airlines has kept an excellent safety record for a long time. Adhering to the service philosophy of "natural and considerate at all times", Shenzhen Airlines aims to offer superior services. Since 2012 when Shenzhen Airlines officially joined the Star Alliance, it has started rapid development of international routes. Currently, passengers can choose from the routes of Shenzhen Airlines and its alliance members, which cover 189 countries and regions and reach nearly 1,200 destinations.
About Kunming Airlines
Kunming Airlines Co., Ltd. is a local airline headquartered in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, with Kunming Changshui International Airport as its main operating base. Established in 2007, it officially launched operations in 2009. Fully owned by Shenzhen Airlines and affiliated to the Air China Group, it serves as a major force in collaborating with Shenzhen Airlines to expand the Yunnan market from the Greater Bay Area and a key component of the Air China Group's strategic layout in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Kunming Airlines mainly operates Boeing 737 series aircraft and has built a route network centered on Kunming, covering over 30 key domestic cities (including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, etc.) and opening international routes to Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand. As an important player in Yunnan's aviation market, it plays a crucial role in actively responding to China's "Belt and Road" Initiative, facilitating regional economic development and upgrading the tourism industry.
About AFI KLM E&M
Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance is a major multi-product MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) provider. With a workforce of over 12,800, AFI KLM E&M offers comprehensive technical support for airlines, ranging from engineering and line maintenance to engine overhaul, aero structure, and fan thrust reverser support, as well as the management, repair, and supply of aircraft components, structured around a powerful logistics network. AFI KLM E&M supports almost 3,000 aircraft operated by 200 major international and domestic airlines.
