Cabin retrofits are a standard and regular undertaking for all airlines, and especially for leading operators such as Air France and KLM. Around once a decade, the Group performs a major modernization upgrade on its long-haul fleets, in particular for Business Class. But what happens to the hundreds of seats removed during these operations?
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A new lease for life seats
A new lease of life for seats
The ability to sell on or repurpose aircraft seats once used by our airlines is one of the various aspects of added value brought by our Airline-MRO DNA, and can generate significant operational and economic advantages for operators.
A bumper supply of seats
The answer is simple: the seats either fall into the hands of the Cabin Modifications teams, are put into storage or are sold on the second-hand market to airlines or leasing companies. These buyers gain access to “serviceable” seats at competitive prices, with optimized availability lead time compared to the purchase of a new product, thereby allowing them to cover their needs. The savings involved are significant:
“By way of example, 6,000 Business seats installed in 2007 were removed and recovered as part of an upgrade campaign in the late 2010s. These can be re-sold within a much shorter timeframe, and at a price that’s about 5 times lower than new ones. The buyers also benefit from Air France-KLM’s know-how in terms of quality – options, ergonomics, comfort, etc. – and the experience of our maintenance teams when performing modifications to meet customer needs.”
Julien Blondeau and Stéphane Petit
Business Development Managers for Cabin Modifications
From simple maintenance to modification/rebranding services
At the end user’s request, the seats may undergo a simple servicing/reconditioning process, be modified or adapted to suit the buyer’s brand requirements or be equipped with new IFE systems. Adjoining furnishings can also be produced.
“Second-hand seats offer real added value for buyers, both in economic and operational terms, in particular for leasing companies who need to be able to perform fast cabin turnarounds between leases. They also carry benefits in terms of sustainability, as they encourage the upcycling of products. By establishing large stockpiles, we can also serve customer needs across several planes at a time. The seats meet the highest standards in terms of quality, compliance and traceability, with each one receiving an airworthiness certificate (after reconditioning) or a Service Bulletin (following a modification).”
Next up it will be the turn of full-flat Business seats, first installed in 2014, to be removed and put up for sale on the second-life market. Notice to prospective buyers: it’s time to buckle up!
