The Jinwan site will primarily focus on PW1100G-JM and V2500 engines and will be operational from 2025.
Following certification for Pratt & Whitney’s PW1100G engine earlier this month, MTU Maintenance Zhuhai has opened its second test cell in China to accommodate the narrowbody engine type.
The 60,000-lb.-thrust test cell is located at the new MTU Maintenance Zhuhai Jinwan Branch and has an annual capacity of around 260 tests. The facility is located 20 min. from MTU’s existing facility in Zhuhai.
The Jinwan site will primarily focus on PW1100G-JM and V2500 engines, and will be operational from 2025.
Once fully operational, the Jinwan site, a joint venture with China Southern Airlines, is targeting the training of 50-100 engine maintenance mechanics annually and a reduction to engine turnaround times.
MTU gained approval at the location in early June for the PW1100G-JM for Airbus A320neo aircraft from the FAA, European Union Avation Safety Agency and the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The certification builds on its existing capabilities at the Zhuhai facility, which include Leap, PW1100G-JM, CFM56 and V2500 engines.
MTU Maintenance Zhuhai says the new test cell gives it capacity for approximately 710 tests annually.
Zhuhai Wu Rongxin, chairman of the board of MTU Maintenance, says the new test cell will not only support both facilities in their operations, but also the growth of the aviation sector in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.
“The new test cell will both increase our MRO capacity, in particular for the PW1100G-JM engine, as well as improve our throughput and speed of execution,” adds Michael Schreyögg, chief program officer at MTU Aero Engines.
