PH-BHE back in the air

After almost five months away from KLM operations, on Friday 29th November 2024, KLM's B787-9 registration PH-BHE, made its return to the route network. This re-entry follows an extensive inspection and complex repair due to damage to the tail sustained during turbulence over the Andes mountains. On 23rd July 2024, after returning from Buenos Aires, PH-BHE underwent an extensive inspection in consultation with KLM Engineering and Boeing. The inspection was carried out by KLM Engineering & Maintenance. During this inspection, three damages were discovered on the right side of the aircraft, near the vertical tailplane below the KLM logo. These findings led to a detailed repair proposal by Boeing in collaboration with KLM E&M, which had to be carefully prepared due to the specific damage in section 48. Given the complexity of the repair, the specific equipment required, and detailed knowledge, KLM E&M and KLM Fleet Services decided, after extensive consultation, to have the repair carried out by a Boeing Aircraft on Ground (AOG) team. A key part of the repair was the removal of the entire vertical tailplane to gain better access to the damaged area. On 18th October 2024, a full Boeing AOG team, consisting of 27 specialists, began the repair. The entire repair, including the disassembly and assembly of the vertical tailplane, was completed successfully and on schedule within 25 days, on 11th November 2024. This permanent repair was approved by the US aviation authority FAA and declared airworthy by Boeing, in accordance with all regulations and guidelines. Following completion of the work by KLM E&M, KLM conducted a test flight on 28th November 2024. This flight was designed to confirm that all systems were fully operational after five months of downtime, allowing the first passenger flight to be carried out without problems. On 29th November 2024, the PH-BHE finally performed a commercial flight.

In January 2025, the PH-BHE won’t be seen at Schiphol for a fortnight, as the aircraft will be receiving a new coat of paint in the United States. This planned decoration has nothing to do with the recent repair. Thanks to all involved for successfully completing this complex repair. Jorgen Hoogendoorn KLM E&M AOG Manager PH-BHE