Delta TechOps Adds Facilities, Capabilities for Next-Gen Engines

Delta TechOps invested $100 million in this test cell that has capability for a 150,000-lb.-thrust engine.

The new Delta test cell facility officially opened Feb. 21. Cutting the ribbon (left to right) are Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian; Mike Moore, senior VP maintenance operations; Don Mitacek, TechOps senior VP; and U.S. Senator David Perdue.

Inside the control room, Delta staff prepares to run the Trent XWB.

In addition to the new test cell, Delta invested in this 127,000 ft.2 engine shop, which will accommodate the Rolls-Royce XWBs and Trent 7000s that power the airline’s fleet of Airbus A350s and A330-900neos.

As it transitions to servicing new engines, such as the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF) and the new Rolls-Royce engines, Delta TechOps is investing in new tooling and machinery. Here is the PW1000 GTF engine shop.

Here is a Pratt & Whitney PW1500G, which powers Delta Air Lines’ Airbus A220s…

...As well as a Rolls-Royce Trent 7000.

Delta TechOps strives to become a life limited part (LLP) center of excellence for engines in early 2020.

Delta TechOps also is investing in in-house hot-section repairs, starting with the Pratt & Whitney PW2000.

Here is a Rolls-Royce Trent XWB, which powers the Airbus A350s and delivers 75,000-97,000-lb. thrust.

After turning on the pneumatic starter, the air discharged comes out as condensation, which looks like steam.