Dubai-based IER MRO Industries has partnered with U.S. parts specialist Chromalloy to expand alternative engine parts and repair services across the Middle East and Africa for the CFM International CFM56 engine.
Both parties announced the signing of a premium channel partnership on Sept. 23 to formalize an agreement that was first mooted last year. Under the terms of the deal, both companies will jointly develop opportunities involving Chromalloy’s Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) components, Designated Engineering Representative (DER) repairs and other aftermarket services for commercial narrowbody engines.
They also plan to assess opportunities involving locally positioned parts, repair services and logistics programs intended to improve material availability and decrease turnaround times.
The agreement supports IER MRO’s planned 1.4 million-ft.2. engine maintenance facility at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub in Dubai South. MRO Four, the first building slated to open at the new complex, will come online in late 2026. Once fully operational, the site will house full engine overhaul capabilities and twin-engine test cells.
Once operational, the facility will initially focus on CFM56-7B and Leap-1A and -1B engine programs. The company plans to eventually add International Aero Engines V2500 repair capabilities at the site. The engine shop is designed to combine engine and module repair and overhaul with AI-enabled operations, robotics, digital twin technology, advanced manufacturing and integrated digital systems.
IER MRO says the module facility is being designed to process approximately 2,000 major engine modules annually. Its intended customer base includes airlines, engine owners, lessors and third-party maintenance providers operating across the Middle East and Africa.
“This is an important strategic step for IER MRO and reflects the type of long-term industry partnership we are building around our new next-generation engine MRO business,” said IER MRO Chairman and CEO Larry Howie. Howie said the agreement is intended to give operators and asset owners greater aftermarket choice and stronger regional support as IER MRO develops its Dubai platform.
Chromalloy’s executive vice president for business development Russ Shelton said IER MRO’s investment provides a platform from which the company can expand access to its PMA parts and DER repairs in the region. “This agreement represents an important step in strengthening our presence and customer support in this growing market,” he said.
Chromalloy, headquartered in Palm Beach, Florida, provides alternative new parts, component repairs and used serviceable material for engine maintenance. The company says it has obtained FAA approval for more than 60 gas-path PMA components, which have accumulated more than six billion flight hours to date.
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