LOT Polish Airlines has reaffirmed its confidence in Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M), signing a new long-term agreement that will see the MRO provider continue supporting the airline’s Boeing 737 MAX fleet until the end of 2033.
The renewed contract expands the scope of the existing partnership to cover a total of 31 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, ensuring the Polish flag carrier has continued access to component support as it grows and modernises its narrowbody fleet.
The latest agreement builds on a relationship that has developed over many years and reflects the increasingly important role that reliable maintenance partnerships play as airlines work to keep aircraft flying amid ongoing supply chain pressures and growing demand for maintenance services.
Expanded Support for a Growing Fleet
As part of the agreement, AFI KLM E&M will continue providing its Boeing 737NG/MAX component support programme, supplying a comprehensive range of services designed to keep LOT’s aircraft operating efficiently.
The package includes component pooling, repair and overhaul services, logistics management and access to replacement components whenever they are required. These services help airlines reduce costly aircraft downtime while avoiding the expense of maintaining large inventories of spare parts.
For an airline operating busy schedules across Europe, having quick access to serviceable components can make the difference between an aircraft returning to service within hours rather than remaining grounded for days.
The renewed contract ensures LOT can continue relying on AFI KLM E&M’s established support network as its Boeing 737 MAX fleet expands over the coming years.
Long-Term Planning Through 2033
The agreement gives both companies stability well into the next decade.
Rather than negotiating shorter-term maintenance arrangements, LOT has chosen to secure long-term support for one of the most important aircraft types in its fleet. The Boeing 737 MAX has become central to the airline’s European operations, offering lower fuel consumption, improved operating economics and greater efficiency compared with previous-generation aircraft.
By extending the agreement through 2033, the airline gains certainty over component availability while allowing its engineering and operations teams to plan with greater confidence.
The contract also demonstrates the value airlines continue to place on established maintenance partners with proven technical expertise and extensive logistics capabilities.
Partnership Built on Experience
AFI KLM E&M has supported LOT Polish Airlines’ Boeing operations for years, developing a working relationship that has evolved alongside the airline’s fleet renewal programme.
The decision to increase the number of covered aircraft while extending the contract for several more years highlights the success of that collaboration.
Modern aircraft maintenance extends well beyond repairing individual components. Today’s MRO providers manage sophisticated supply chains, coordinate global logistics, oversee component inventories and provide technical expertise that helps airlines maximise fleet availability.
That level of support has become increasingly valuable as operators continue facing delays in parts availability and longer repair turnaround times across the aviation industry.
AFI KLM E&M Welcomes the Extension
Marcel Kuijn, Vice President Sales Europe at AFI KLM E&M, said the renewed agreement reflects the confidence LOT continues to place in the company’s people and technical capabilities.
He said the decision to both expand the contract and extend it until 2033 demonstrates the trust the airline has built in AFI KLM E&M’s component support solutions over many years.
Kuijn added that the company remains committed to helping LOT maintain strong operational performance while supporting its fleet expansion plans throughout the duration of the agreement.
The extension further strengthens AFI KLM E&M’s position as one of Europe’s leading providers of Boeing 737 component support, serving airlines across the continent and beyond.
LOT Focuses on Reliability
Dorota Dmuchowska, Chief Operating Officer of LOT Polish Airlines, said dependable partnerships have become more important than ever as airlines navigate an increasingly demanding operating environment.
She said extending the agreement with AFI KLM E&M allows LOT to continue building on a partnership that has consistently delivered dependable support while ensuring stable component availability for its operations.
According to Dmuchowska, the renewed collaboration will continue helping the airline maintain safe, reliable and cost-effective operations while supporting the long-term growth of its Boeing 737 MAX fleet.
Her comments reflect a wider trend across the aviation industry, where airlines are increasingly prioritising long-term maintenance partnerships to improve resilience and reduce operational risk.
Why Component Pooling Matters
Component pooling has become a key strategy for airlines seeking to reduce maintenance costs without compromising reliability.
Instead of purchasing and storing every spare part themselves, airlines gain access to shared inventories managed by specialist MRO providers. When a component needs replacing, a serviceable unit can be delivered quickly, allowing aircraft to return to service with minimal disruption.
For high-utilisation fleets such as the Boeing 737 MAX, this approach improves dispatch reliability while reducing capital tied up in spare parts.
It also allows airlines to benefit from economies of scale, as maintenance providers manage inventory, repairs and logistics across multiple operators.
Supporting Future Growth
The agreement arrives as LOT Polish Airlines continues investing in fleet renewal and network expansion. The Boeing 737 MAX remains a cornerstone of those plans, serving destinations across Europe and supporting the airline’s strategy of operating a more efficient and environmentally friendly fleet.
For AFI KLM E&M, securing the contract extension reinforces its reputation as a trusted long-term maintenance partner capable of supporting airlines through every stage of fleet growth.
As demand for aircraft maintenance continues to rise worldwide, partnerships like this are becoming increasingly valuable. Airlines are looking beyond simple repair services, seeking providers that can deliver integrated maintenance solutions, dependable logistics and rapid access to critical aircraft components.
With support now secured through 2033, both LOT Polish Airlines and AFI KLM E&M have reinforced a partnership that has already stood the test of time. The expanded agreement provides the airline with the confidence that its growing fleet of 31 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will continue receiving the component support needed to maintain high levels of reliability, efficiency and operational performance well into the next decade.
For more on LOT, see: LOT Polish Airlines Selects Honeywell Avionics for Next-Generation 737 MAX Fleet
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