In a landmark announcement during the Egypt Defense Expo (EDEX) 2023, Safran Aircraft Engines and the Egyptian Air Force have joined forces through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the innovative EngineLife® services solution. This signifies a noteworthy development in the aviation sector, particularly in military aircraft, with a focus on improving the operational efficiency of the M88 engines propelling Egypt's esteemed fleet of 24 Rafale aircraft.
At the heart of this MoU is the all-encompassing coverage for through-life support (TLS) tailored specifically to the M88 engines. Operating on a by-the-hour basis, the agreement ensures guaranteed levels of availability, setting a new standard for fleet optimization. EngineLife®, crafted exclusively for armed forces utilizing the M88-powered Dassault Aviation Rafale, surpasses conventional maintenance by maximizing engine availability and significantly reducing the overall cost of ownership.
This groundbreaking service offering includes a suite of meticulously designed solutions. From the secondment of specialized personnel to support on-site mechanics and optimize maintenance operations, to technical support provided by dedicated teams to unleash the full potential of the M88 engines – every aspect is carefully considered. Furthermore, the management of all logistics flows between Safran Aircraft Engines and the customer ensures seamless coordination for optimal results.
Expressing satisfaction, Air Marshal Mahmoud Fouad Abdel-Gawad stated, “Safran Aircraft Engines has been a key partner supporting the Egyptian Air Force’s success for many years. We’re delighted to be strengthening our long-term partnership with the company through this MoU and look forward to seeing the benefits of EngineLife® for our fleet availability.”
Christophe Bruneau, Vice President, Military Engines at Safran Aircraft Engines, emphasized the significance of this collaboration. "Following the successful service entry of the M88 with Egypt’s Rafale fleet, we’re now stepping up our support arrangements to ensure our customer has the highest levels of engine availability for its flight operations."
Egypt's longstanding association with Safran Aircraft Engines dates back to 2015 when it became the first export customer to entrust its Rafale fleet, powered by the M88 engines. With this enduring partnership, the support arrangements are being elevated to new heights, reflecting Safran's commitment to ensuring the highest standards of engine availability.
As of November 2021, Egypt has confirmed the reception of 30 Rafale F3R between 2024 and 2026, further underlining the nation's commitment to advanced defense capabilities. The article also reveals the Egyptian Air Force's interest in acquiring the Rafale F4 variant once Dassault prepares it for foreign buyers.
A key aspect of this service offering is the collaborative approach to maintenance tasks between Safran Aircraft Engines and the user. This not only enables the Egyptian Air Force’s local on-base mechanics to benefit from the engine manufacturer’s extensive experience in TLS but also contributes to strengthening their skills. The strategy allows M88 operators to optimize fleet availability and exercise better control over operating costs.
Safran Aircraft Engines, renowned for designing, producing, and selling world-class commercial and military aircraft engines, stands as a beacon of excellence in the aviation industry. As the world’s leading supplier of engines for short and medium-haul commercial jets through CFM International, Safran continues to drive innovation and performance.
The signing of the MoU at EDEX 2023 marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between Safran Aircraft Engines and the Egyptian Air Force. The EngineLife® services solution, with its focus on M88 engines, is set to redefine through-life support and optimize fleet performance, setting a new benchmark for the aviation industry. As Egypt continues to strengthen its defense capabilities, the partnership between Safran Aircraft Engines and the Egyptian Air Force is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of military aviation.
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