Saudi Arabia-based start-up airline, Riyadh Air, has selected EPCOR, a subsidiary of Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M), to provide full maintenance support for the APS5000 Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.

The long-term agreement covers comprehensive MRO and modification services, on-wing support, line replaceable unit (LRU) coverage, and availability of the APS5000 APU. EPCOR will also deliver predictive maintenance services via its Prognos® for APU platform, helping Riyadh Air optimise reliability and minimise unplanned downtime.

Developed in close collaboration between both companies’ engineering and commercial teams, the customised support package is tailored to meet Riyadh Air’s fleet expansion and performance requirements.

“This partnership transcends a mere service agreement; it embodies a growing relationship founded on mutual trust and a shared commitment to operational excellence,” said Heidi Haveman, managing director of EPCOR. “We are honoured to support Riyadh Air in their endeavour to establish a world-class airline and look forward to leveraging our extensive expertise in APS5000 maintenance to contribute to their visionary goals.”

Martin Eiba, acting chief operating officer at Riyadh Air, said: “At Riyadh Air, our goal is to deliver an exceptional passenger experience powered by reliability and innovation. This long-term partnership with EPCOR ensures that our fleet receives the highest standard of technical support from one of the most respected names in APU maintenance. It also demonstrates our commitment to building enduring global relationships aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest national carrier, is preparing to commence operations in 2025 and has committed to building a technologically advanced and environmentally efficient fleet.

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