Riyadh Air Signs Long-Term APU Support Deal with EPCOR for Fleet Reliability

Riyadh Air and EPCOR Sign Long-Term APU Support Deal: A Strategic Leap for Fleet Reliability

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national airline, has taken a significant step toward operational readiness by signing a long-term agreement with EPCOR, a subsidiary of Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M). The partnership focuses on comprehensive maintenance support for the APS5000 Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) installed on Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.

This deal is a cornerstone in Riyadh Air’s broader ambition to become a leading global carrier aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. It also highlights the increasing reliance on predictive maintenance and digital technologies in the aviation Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector. EPCOR’s expertise in APS5000 systems and its use of the Prognos® predictive analytics platform offer Riyadh Air a strategic advantage in operational efficiency and reliability.

As the airline industry continues to rebound from pandemic-related disruptions, strategic partnerships like this one are becoming essential for mitigating supply chain risks and ensuring long-term fleet availability. This article explores the details of the agreement, its implications, and its relevance in the context of global aviation trends.

Background: Understanding APS5000 and Riyadh Air’s Fleet Strategy

The APS5000 APU: Backbone of the Boeing 787

The APS5000 is an all-electric APU developed by Pratt & Whitney specifically for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Unlike traditional APUs, the APS5000 is designed to support the 787’s “more-electric” architecture, which replaces many hydraulic and pneumatic systems with electrical ones. This design enhances fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.

Key features of the APS5000 include a bleedless design, a single-shaft variable-speed turbine, and the ability to operate at altitudes up to 43,100 feet. These attributes make it a critical component for the 787’s performance, particularly on long-haul international routes where reliability is non-negotiable.

Given the complexity and importance of the APS5000, maintaining its operational readiness is essential. This is where EPCOR’s expertise becomes invaluable, offering Riyadh Air a partner with deep technical knowledge and global experience in APU maintenance.

Riyadh Air’s Vision and Fleet Expansion

Launched in 2023, Riyadh Air is a central pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a global logistics and tourism hub. The airline has ambitious plans to connect over 100 destinations by 2030.

To support this vision, Riyadh Air has placed orders for 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 25 Airbus A350-1000s. These wide-body aircraft will serve as the backbone of its long-haul operations. Additionally, the airline is expected to utilize narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A321neo for regional connectivity.

The agreement with EPCOR ensures that the APS5000 units on the Dreamliner fleet receive consistent, high-quality maintenance, reducing the risk of unplanned groundings and enhancing overall fleet reliability.

“This long-term partnership ensures our fleet receives the highest standard of technical support… aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”, Martin Eiba, Acting COO, Riyadh Air

Core Components of the EPCOR Agreement

Scope of Services

The partnership between Riyadh Air and EPCOR is comprehensive in scope. It includes full Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for the APS5000 units, ensuring end-to-end support for the airline’s Dreamliner fleet. This includes on-wing support, LRU (Line Replaceable Unit) coverage, and modification services.

One of the standout features of the agreement is the integration of EPCOR’s Prognos® platform. This predictive maintenance tool uses advanced analytics to monitor the health of APUs in real-time, allowing for early detection of potential issues and minimizing unscheduled maintenance events.

By leveraging Prognos®, Riyadh Air can optimize maintenance schedules, reduce operational disruptions, and extend the lifecycle of its APU assets. This aligns with broader industry trends favoring digital and data-driven MRO solutions.

EPCOR’s Global Expertise

EPCOR brings a wealth of experience to the table. As a subsidiary of AFI KLM E&M, the company supports over 90 airlines worldwide and manages more than 1,000 APUs annually. EPCOR is also responsible for over 30% of global APS5000 maintenance, making it one of the most experienced providers in this niche sector.

The company holds exclusive licenses for several APU models, including the Honeywell 331-350 and 131-9C. This specialization allows EPCOR to offer tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of different aircraft platforms.

Its track record with airlines such as Air Canada, Gulf Air, and Kuwait Airways underscores its ability to deliver consistent, high-quality MRO services. For Riyadh Air, this partnership provides a level of assurance that is particularly valuable during its formative years.

Operational and Strategic Benefits

The deal offers multiple benefits for Riyadh Air. First, it ensures high fleet availability by reducing APU-related downtime. With LRU coverage and on-wing support, the airline can maintain tight operational schedules without compromising safety or reliability.

Second, the use of predictive maintenance helps in cost management by avoiding expensive emergency repairs and optimizing part replacement cycles. This is especially important for a new airline operating on a tight budget and aggressive expansion timeline.

Lastly, the partnership supports Riyadh Air’s long-term strategy of building a world-class airline rooted in technological innovation and operational excellence.

Industry Context and Broader Implications

Trends in the APU and MRO Market

The global APU market is witnessing a shift toward electric systems and sustainability. Models like the APS5000 are gaining traction due to their efficiency and lower environmental impact. This aligns with broader industry goals of reducing carbon emissions and improving fuel economy.

Simultaneously, the MRO sector is embracing digital transformation. Predictive analytics platforms like Prognos® are becoming standard tools for optimizing maintenance operations. These technologies not only reduce costs but also enhance safety and reliability.

By adopting these innovations, Riyadh Air positions itself at the forefront of modern aviation practices, setting a benchmark for other emerging carriers.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Aviation Goals

Riyadh Air is more than just a new airline; it is a strategic vehicle for achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives. The Kingdom aims to increase annual passenger traffic to 330 million and become a top-five global air transit hub by 2030.

Investments in fleet expansion, digital platforms, and international partnerships are all part of this roadmap. The EPCOR agreement fits squarely within this framework, ensuring that Riyadh Air’s technical foundation is as robust as its commercial ambitions.

Furthermore, the deal contributes to job creation and economic diversification by fostering a high-tech, service-oriented aviation sector within the Kingdom.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite its promise, Riyadh Air faces several challenges, including aircraft delivery delays and the complexities of launching a new airline in a competitive market. However, securing reliable MRO partnerships helps mitigate some of these risks.

Looking ahead, Riyadh Air may explore similar agreements for its Airbus A350-1000 fleet and expand its digital ecosystem to include customer-facing platforms for booking, accommodations, and transportation.

As the airline prepares for its official launch, its collaboration with EPCOR serves as a model for how strategic planning and technical partnerships can drive success in the aviation industry.

Conclusion

The long-term APU support agreement between Riyadh Air and EPCOR represents a critical milestone in the airline’s journey toward full operational readiness. By entrusting a significant component of its fleet maintenance to a globally recognized expert, Riyadh Air ensures that its Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be supported by best-in-class technical services.

More broadly, the deal exemplifies how emerging airlines can leverage strategic partnerships to navigate complex operational landscapes. As Riyadh Air moves closer to its 2025 launch, its focus on innovation, reliability, and global collaboration positions it as a strong contender in the international aviation arena.

FAQ

What is the APS5000 APU?
The APS5000 is an all-electric Auxiliary Power Unit developed by Pratt & Whitney for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It supports the aircraft’s electrical systems and enhances fuel efficiency.

Who is EPCOR?
EPCOR is a subsidiary of AFI KLM E&M that specializes in APU and pneumatic component maintenance. It supports over 90 airlines globally and is a leading provider of APS5000 maintenance services.

How does predictive maintenance benefit Riyadh Air?
Predictive maintenance, enabled by EPCOR’s Prognos® platform, helps Riyadh Air anticipate technical issues before they occur, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Sources

Aviation Business News, EPCOR, Boeing, Vision 2030 Saudi Arabia