MTU Maintenance, the German-based global engine service provider, has announced the expansion of its MRO portfolio in the United States to include LEAP and GEnx engines. As part of this strategic move, its Fort Worth, Texas location will evolve from an on-site service center into a full disassembly, assembly, and test facility, enabling complete overhauls for these two key engine types.
CTS Engines, a U.S.-based engine maintenance provider specializing in mature engine platforms, has been selected by GE Aerospace as an official offload partner for MRO support of the CF6-80E1 engine, which powers the Airbus A330. The partnership strengthens GE’s global maintenance network and reinforces CTS’s position as a trusted provider for widebody engine services.
Contrail Aviation Support, a U.S.-based provider of aircraft engine solutions and aftermarket services, has announced the appointment of Tom Keeler as its new Vice President Technical. Keeler brings decades of aviation industry experience and is expected to play a critical role in enhancing Contrail’s technical operations as the company expands its global footprint.
AAR (US) has announced the signing of an exclusive Distribution and License Agreement with BELAC, a subsidiary of Chromalloy (US), for PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) high-pressure turbine blades developed for PW4000 engine platforms. This agreement strengthens AAR’s position as a leading distributor of high-performance aftermarket aerospace components.
Pratt & Whitney (US) has reported a strong fourth quarter (4Q) 2024 performance, with sales increasing by 18% to $7.5 billion and operating profit rising 32% to $504 million. The results reflect higher demand for commercial and military engines, as well as robust aftermarket services growth.
Rolls-Royce (UK) has welcomed the arrival of the first Trent 1000 engine at its state-of-the-art MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility in Dahlewitz, Germany. This milestone signifies the beginning of Trent 1000 maintenance operations at the facility, further strengthening Rolls-Royce’s global MRO capabilities.
3TOP Aviation Services (UK) has announced the acquisition of an Airbus A318, serial 2931, along with its associated engines, serials 577823 and 697130. The ex-Tarom aircraft was recently ferried to the ecube facility in Spain, where it will be dismantled for material recovery.
Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) (France) has provided financing for the acquisition of ten LEAP-1B engines by Phoenix Aviation Capital (Ireland) and AIP Capital (US). These engines are scheduled for delivery in 4Q 2024 and will be leased to a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively addressing concerns related to the LEAP-1B engine, used on the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, through its standard continued operational safety process. The initiative involves close collaboration with key stakeholders, including Boeing, engine manufacturer CFM International, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
China Southern Airlines has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualified purchasers for the sale of 10 owned Boeing 787-8 aircraft and two GEnx-1B70/P2 spare engines. The aircraft and engines are scheduled for delivery to successful bidders during 2025 and 2026. The deadline for submitting bids is November 25, 2024.
