GE Aerospace will invest more than $1 billion in its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) network and component repair locations worldwide over the next five years, the engine manufacturer announced, aiming to install more engine test cells and equipment needed to service the expanding commercial aviation sector, including engines for widebody and narrowbody jets.
Most of the investments will support growing demand for CFM International LEAP turbofan engines, the high-bypass turbofan engine that powers the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX series, the worlds’ most popular narrowbody aircraft. GE Aerospace noted that over 3,300 aircraft with LEAP engines are in service now, and over 10,000 more LEAP engines are currently on order.
CFM International is a developer of commercial aircraft engines jointly owned by GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. The partners manufacture, service, and support the CFM engines separately in their respective operations.
For 2024, GE’s investments in MRO plant expansions, new machinery, tooling, and safety enhancements will total $65 million in Ohio, Texas, Indiana, and Kansas; $55 million in Brazil; $60 million in Europe and the Mid East; and $45 million in the Asia Pacific region.
“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,” stated Russell Stokes, president and CEO of GE Aerospace. “With this major investment, we are reinforcing our longstanding focus on safety, quality, and delivery for our customers and the flying public.”
Since it was established as a new iteration of the General Electric organization in April of this year, GE Aerospace has announced plans to invest $650 million this year in its component manufacturing and supply chain operations in North America, and another $70 million for comparable operations in Europe, and $82 million for its engine MRO network in Brazil.
The new business also aims to hire more than 900 aerospace engineers during the current year.
