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Pratt & Whitney and MTU Aero Engines Strengthen GTF MRO Network Collaboration

In a significant move to bolster maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX (NYSE: RTX), has announced a partnership with MTU Aero Engines. This collaboration aims to expand the GTF overhaul capacity across MTU's facilities, responding to the increasing demand for GTF MRO services globally.

Expansion of Capacity

Under the terms of this agreement, MTU will enhance its annual capacity to accommodate up to 600 shop visits, positioning itself as one of the prominent service providers within the Pratt & Whitney GTF™ MRO network. This initiative underscores Pratt & Whitney's commitment to accelerating engine turnaround times while addressing the needs of customers around the world.

Dave Emmerling, Pratt & Whitney's Vice President of Aftermarket and Partnerships for GTF engines, emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating, "Increasing MRO output is a top priority as we work to return engines to service as quickly as possible and position ourselves for long-term support of the growing GTF fleet."

A Longstanding Partnership

The collaboration between Pratt & Whitney and MTU dates back to 2015, when MTU Maintenance Hannover was designated as one of the earliest service locations for the PW1100G-JM engine. Since then, MTU has achieved notable milestones, including the recent induction of its 1000th shop visit for this engine type. To further solidify this partnership, Pratt & Whitney and MTU have agreed to extend the contract for MTU Maintenance Hannover by an additional five years to meet escalating demand.

Joint Ventures Fueling Growth

Moreover, advancements are underway at EME Aero, a joint venture between MTU Aero Engines and Lufthansa Technik. Since starting operations in 2019, EME Aero has completed over 500 shop visits for PW1100G-JM and other GTF models. To cater to the increasing throughput, construction of a second test cell commenced in 2023, which is expected to become operational soon.

In addition, MTU Maintenance Zhuhai, another joint venture with China Southern Airlines, became part of the GTF MRO network in 2020. The new MTU Maintenance Zhuhai Jinwan branch has already inducted its first engine and aims to achieve an annual capacity of 260 shop visits dedicated to the PW1100G-JM model.

A Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

As part of the GTF MRO network, MTU plays a vital role in various aspects of the GTF engine's lifecycle, which includes design, manufacturing, and maintenance. Ottmar Pfaender, Senior Vice President of Commercial Engine Programs at MTU, highlighted their critical contributions, stating, "MTU has played key roles in the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of the GTF engine, the most fuel-efficient choice for today's single aisle aircraft."

The Pratt & Whitney GTF MRO network consists of top-tier MRO companies, spanning 20 facilities across four continents, alongside additional locations capable of quick turnarounds. These services are part of Pratt & Whitney's EngineWise® solutions, designed to deliver sustainable value to engine operators over the long term.

Industry Leadership and Future Outlook

Pratt & Whitney's expertise in the aerospace sector is underpinned by a robust portfolio, making it a global leader in aircraft engine design and manufacturing. The company is committed to addressing future challenges while enhancing global mobility in the aviation industry.

MTU Aero Engines, a preeminent authority in the field of aircraft engines, continues to invest in its capabilities and aims to remain at the forefront of both commercial and military aviation. With ambitious targets and a steadfast commitment to advancing technology, both companies are poised to influence the future of aviation.

In summary, the collaboration between Pratt & Whitney and MTU Aero Engines signifies a robust response to the growing demands for MRO services in the aerospace industry. By expanding their capacities and enhancing operational efficiency, they are ensuring that they are well-positioned to support the evolving needs of their customers well into the future.