Toulouse, November 7th, 2023
AFI KLM E&M American subsidiary Barfield, signed an agreement with Viva Aerobus to provide Donecle’s drone solution for A320 fleet inspections.
Paris, Amstelveen, Miami, Mexico City, 7th of November 2023 – Barfield Inc., a subsidiary of Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) in the Americas, enters into an agreement with Viva Aerobus to provide Donecle’s Drone Solution for A320 Fleet Inspections. Barfield has been the official distributor of Donecle’s drones in the Americas for almost three years.
With the Donecle’s drone solution, Viva Aerobus can conduct indoor and outdoor aircraft inspections and train their operators. This approach to aircraft inspections represents a milestone in the digitalisation of their maintenance activities.
“This strategic partnership is more than just an agreement; it’s a significant step forward in our mission to bring cutting-edge solutions to our customers and partners in the Americas,” says Gilles Mercier, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Barfield. “We are honored to contribute to Donecle’s extension in the drones’ market,” adds Mercier”
“Thanks to Donecle´s unique and cutting-edge technology, we speed up our maintenance processes, improve our efficiency and increase reliability in our inspections, at the same time, it makes it easier for us to carry out traceability analysis by its data storage service,”, said Francisco Morgado Morfin, Engineering and Maintenance Director of Viva Aerobus.
Donecle, based in France, specialises in drones for inspection. The core of their innovative solution is an autonomous drone designed to perform inspections without a pilot and GPS. This solution integrates a drone and a software suite that facilitates mission assignment and uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to detect any damage and defect on the aircraft’s skin directly from a tablet interface.
This contract marks a new step in Barfield and Donecle‘s vision of enhancing the efficiency and safety of aircraft maintenance operations. Barfield will ensure support and service for VivaAerobus.
About Barfield Inc
Barfield consists of 400 employees across its facilities in Miami, Phoenix, Louisville and Atlanta. With its leading facilities, Barfield can satisfy the needs of customers operating commercial or regional fleets in North, Central and South America. From MRO Services to Distribution and Ground Support Test Equipment (GSTE), Barfield provides complete tailor-made support programs for A320 family, 737, Bombardier, Dash 8, ATR 42 & 72 and Embraer 170 & 190 aircraft to operators in need of inventory and logistics solutions, repair management programs, engineering and fleet support, and component reliability management. Barfield is part of the AFI KLM E&M network, a major MRO provider.
About Viva Aerobus
Created 16 years ago, Viva Aerobus is Mexico’s leading ultra low-cost airline. It started operations in 2006 and today it operates the youngest Latin American fleet with 79 Airbus: 45 Airbus A320 and 34 Airbus A321. With a clear vision to give all people the opportunity to fly, Viva Aerobus has democratized the airline industry with the lowest fares in Mexico and the lowest cost structure in America, making their flights the best value offer.
About AFI KLM E&M
Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance is a major multi-product MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) provider. With a workforce of over 12,800, AFI KLM E&M offers comprehensive technical support for airlines, ranging from engineering and line maintenance to engine overhaul, aero structure and fan thrust reverser support, as well as the management, repair and supply of aircraft components, structured around a powerful logistics network. AFI KLM E&M supports almost 3,000 aircraft operated by 200 major international and domestic airlines.