Jeroen Lodewijks - Project Manager A321/A320 Intro

To start with a cliché ‘an awful lot of hard work went into bringing the A32N into E&M. It has become a totally different introduction than we expected. Airbus treats us differently as customers than we are used to from other manufacturers.

In the beginning of the introduction project, it was a bit of a puzzle. We had to deal with delivery delays and an enormously complicated change to IT. Stocking parts and equipment on time was also a challenge. But in the end, we as KLM E&M have everything we need to make the Entry into Service a success.

When I look back at the flexibility and cooperation with all colleagues involved, that is where the greatest success lies. We're not there yet, on 16th September the first commercial flight will take place. Until then, we still have to go through some hoops such as In-Flight training and Circuit flying with the A32N Cockpit Crew.

"I would like to thank everyone who has helped to land the A32N successfully within E&M!"

Bart Bouwman - Project Manager A32N Entry into Service Component Services

For Component Services, the A321/A320 neo is not entirely new anymore. CS has had the privilege of acting as supplier for Transavia as well. Everyone knows by now that KLM, together with Transavia and Transavia France, chose the Airbus A321/A320 NEO for fleet renewal. In addition, the three operators joined forces to work out the fleet specification.

This initiative was then continued for component availability and maintenance; the three operators also jointly chose to place this with AFI Material Services as well as KLM Component Services. In doing so, CS was able to benefit from the years of experience the AFI MS colleagues had already built up and their large existing pool. But MS could also learn from CS, because for the first time CS will no longer manage the A32N components in CROCOS, but in SAP P51; the system in which in the future all other KLM E&M and Air France Industries aircraft types will be included.

Throughout the EIS process, it was great to notice that all parties were focused on the group interest. A great example is the joint Main Base Kit, ‘MBK’ being the package of components needed to support the aircraft's operation at homebase. Part of this is now in the large warehouse in H14, and the other part is at Schiphol-Centre in the KLM warehouse near gate F6. From both warehouses, CS can now quickly deliver these components to Transavia or KLM AMT's.

"At CS, we have since experienced that Transavia's A32Ns is a reliable aircraft type, so that bodes well for the future!"