With more than 3,300 CFM International Leap-powered aircraft in service and more than 10,000 additional engines currently in backlog, GE Aerospace is earmarking an increasing portion of its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) investments to support the high-bypass turbofan engines that power the Airbus A320neo, the Boeing 737 Max, and the Comac C919.
Overall, GE Aerospace plans to invest more than $1 billion over five years in its MRO and component repair facilities worldwide. The investments will help create capacity to meet growth in both the widebody and narrowbody installed base by adding additional engine test cells and equipment. The funding also will add cutting-edge technology, including enhance inspection techniques, to reduce turnaround times for customers and expand component repair capability within its overhaul shops.
“Our customers are experiencing strong air travel demand, and we are investing to increase our capacity and efficiency so we can meet their growing needs and keep their planes flying safely and reliably,” said Russell Stokes, president and CEO of commercial engines and services at GE Aerospace. “With this major investment, we are reinforcing our longstanding focus on safety, quality, and delivery for our customers and the flying public.”
In 2024, GE Aerospace regional repair and overhaul facilities across the globe will receive $250 million. A major part of the MRO funding this year provides for construction of a new services technology acceleration center (STAC) near Cincinnati, Ohio. Opening in September 2024, STAC will help accelerate the deployment of innovative services approaches, including enhanced inspection technologies that detect emerging issues sooner and reduce airplane downtime for customers.
GE Aerospace’s MRO facilities keep more than 40,000 commercial aircraft engines flying. Customer services include engine disassembly and reassembly, maintenance, repair, and inspection, as well as testing.