Tilleke & Gibbins acted as Thai counsel for Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M), a multi-product airline MRO, on the establishment of a joint venture with AAR Corp., a leading provider of aviation maintenance services. The new entity, xCelle Asia, will perform nacelle overhauls for next-generation aircraft and provide a full range of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services from its facility in Chonburi, Thailand. The transaction included establishing the facility and securing all required regulatory approvals.

The matter was led by Charupat Boon-Long and Nuriah Na Pikul, with support from Santhapat Periera. The team assisted with transaction structuring, regulatory compliance, and the documentation necessary for formation and operational readiness through to closing.

This project reinforces our active role in cross-border aviation and MRO sector transactions in the region. Learn more about our corporate and M&A capabilities and aviation expertise.