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Asia-Pacific’s newest nacelle repair facility has received regulatory approval to offer MRO and rotable support for the nacelles on General Electric GEnx, Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 and CFM Leap-1A engines.
Named xCelle Asia, the FAA- and EASA-certified facility in Chonburi, Thailand, is a joint venture (JV) between U.S.-based AAR and Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M).
The two companies also have an existing JV in Arkansas—xCelle Americas—that offers similar support services for GEnx and CFMs Leap-1A and -1B nacelles.
“We are looking forward to replicating our current success in the Americas by combining the experience of AAR’s highly regarded Component Services team in Thailand with AFI KLM E&M’s global network,” AAR SVP of component services Jim Berberet said.
Both facilities will be equipped with tooling to support shifts in nacelle design. Speaking to Aviation Week earlier this year, Berberet noted that new-generation nacelles feature toward one-piece composite designs to help with weight reduction in systems like fan reversers.
“Lighter-weight composite bondments using one-piece designs eliminate fastener rows, and brackets allow for weight reduction,” he said.
He also noted changing geometries, saying, “The size and shape of the new-generation nacelles have been redesigned to accommodate noise suppression. The units are larger, and translating cowl lengths have been extended to address the flow of engine fan exhaust air.”
For a full analysis of how nacelles are becoming lighter, stronger and less complex, see the Engine Yearbook 2026.
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