United Technologies Corp. and KLM seek to expand strategic alliance

Citation

(2000), "United Technologies Corp. and KLM seek to expand strategic alliance", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 72 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2000.12772dab.019

United Technologies Corp. and KLM seek to expand strategic alliance

United Technologies Corp. and KLM seek to expand strategic alliance

Keywords: United Technologies, KLM, Maintenance

United Technologies Corp. and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines recently announced that they have entered into discussions to expand their current after-market relationship, with the ultimate goal of providing full "nose to tail" aircraft, component and engine maintenance services.

In October 1999, KLM and UTC's Hamilton Sundstrand subsidiary formed a joint venture to repair pneumatic systems. The parties are now discussing broadening the relationship, which would create a joint venture between UTC's Pratt & Whitney unit and KLM.

Initially, the broader alliance under consideration would focus on engine overhaul and component repair, combining the complementary competencies of KLM's extensive maintenance business with those of UTC's Hamilton Sundstrand and Pratt & Whitney units.

The joint venture would build on the airline's existing global CF6 overhaul operation and add overhaul work on P&W's PW4000 engines for customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The combined operation would be housed in a new 250,000 square foot (25,000 square metres) facility at Schiphol Airport, which would be funded jointly by the parties.

The objective would be to create a full service aircraft maintenance network, which may include other parties, to provide global support and a total-care solution designed to better serve customers.