KLM contract for Roll-Royce

has awarded

an eight-year contract worth over £53m to overhaul and maintain the

engines powering its fleet of more than 40 Fokker 100 and Fokker 70 aircraft.

Michel Coumans, KLM Cityhopper’s CEO, said: 'We have a long-standing relationship with Rolls-Royce, so we understand the benefits of maintenance services provided by the manufacturer. We get the highest service levels by using the maintenance provider that knows the engine best.'

Under the contract, Rolls-Royce will carry out all full and mid-life overhauls at its East Kilbride Aero Repair and Overhaul facility in Scotland, with engineering support being supplied by Rolls-Royce Deutschland in Dahlewitz.

Steve Redden, Senior Vice President Europe said: 'This contract, including a new service concept, demonstrates our commitment to KLM Cityhopper and to providing innovative solutions that will keep driving down the cost of operating Fokker aircraft for all operators.'

KLM Cityhopper has been using Rolls-Royce engines since the 1980s and started commercial operations with the Tay engine during the 1990s.