#Poland #GE Aerospace #Lufthansa Technik #XEOS #Środa Śląska

XEOS: Pioneering Engine Maintenance in Poland

On March 24, 2025, GE Aerospace celebrated the opening of its latest venture, XEOS, a highly advanced engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility located in Środa Śląska, near Wrocław, Poland. This joint effort between GE Aerospace and Lufthansa Technik is specifically designed for the servicing of CFM International LEAP engines, which are pivotal for modern narrowbody aircraft like Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX.

Commitment to the Aerospace Industry

Alan Kelly, GE Aerospace's general manager for LEAP services, emphasized the company’s dedication to meeting the growing MRO needs for CFM LEAP engines, while also committing to the Polish market. With a robust presence in Poland for 30 years, GE Aerospace employs over 2,000 individuals across six facilities and collaborates with eight local universities and more than 1,000 local suppliers. This substantial investment underscores GE's strategy to cultivate a skilled workforce in the aerospace sector, bolstered by initiatives such as the Next Engineers program in Warsaw.

The XEOS facility will initially handle LEAP-1B engine shop visits and has plans to expand its capabilities to include LEAP-1B test cell operations shortly. Additionally, it will focus on increasing both overhaul capacity and repair services.

Supporting Local Airlines and the Aerospace Sector

Christian Seitler, Senior Director of New Engine Types at Lufthansa Technik, remarked on the significance of XEOS, especially after LOT Polish Airlines selected Lufthansa Technik for the maintenance of CFM LEAP-1B engines just a couple of months prior to the inauguration. The collaboration between Lufthansa Technik and LOT Polish Airlines reflects a shared commitment to quality and local expertise, with LOT’s first engine already inducted at the new facility.

Head of Powerplant at LOT Polish Airlines, Maciej Maciejewicz, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the benefits that a facility of this caliber, staffed with talented professionals, will bring to both their airline and the Polish aerospace sector.

Overview of XEOS

The XEOS facility spans 35,000 square meters and is equipped with various sophisticated features, including an engine preparation hall, main assembly and disassembly areas, a clean-and-inspect line, multiple repair stations, a hands-on engine training center, and advanced testing capabilities. These cutting-edge facilities utilize GE Aerospace's proprietary lean operating system, FLIGHT DECK, to ensure optimal operational efficiency.

Robert Burton, managing director of XEOS, revealed that the workforce at XEOS is currently 250 strong and is projected to grow. With training engines on-site, the facility is poised to quickly build capabilities and develop a skilled workforce within the Wrocław region, further solidifying Poland's emerging position in the aerospace industry.

For over 25 years, GE Aerospace has powered LOT Polish Airlines with various engines, including CFM56-3, CFM56-7B, and the LEAP-1B for the Boeing 737 Classic, Next-Generation, and MAX aircraft. Moreover, GE has extended its support to the Polish Air Force and secured an order for T700 engines intended for military helicopters.

Conclusion

As GE Aerospace continues to innovate and invest in Poland, the inauguration of the XEOS facility is a clear indicator of the company's commitment to meeting the aviation industry's evolving needs while nurturing local talent and capabilities. The future looks promising for Poland's aerospace sector, bolstered by GE Aerospace's steadfast support and leadership in propulsion technology.