Virgin Australia has signed a 10-year ‘TrueChoice’ overhaul agreement with GE Aerospace covering the airline’s fleet of CFM56-7Bs.

These engines power Virgin Australia’s Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft – of which the airline currently operates 78, with plans to extend to 84 aircraft through 2023.

Virgin Australia’s chief operations officer Stuart Aggs said the agreement demonstrated the company’s commitment to its 737 fleet for the long term.

“We are pleased to have secured this agreement with GE Aerospace, a company that upholds the highest global standards in aircraft engine production and maintenance,” he said. “Not only will this agreement ensure Virgin Australia’s access to world-class engine maintenance expertise, but it will deliver significant efficiencies to the airline. This agreement is another example of our ongoing commitment and focus on creating a simplified and efficient business.”

The TrueChoice suite of engine maintenance offerings incorporate an array of GE capabilities and customisations across an engine’s lifecycle, the manufacturer said. All TrueChoice offerings are underpinned by GE data and analytic capabilities and experience to help reduce maintenance burden and service disruptions for customers, it added.

“GE Aerospace is honoured to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for the Virgin Australia fleet, extending an important relationship that was established when the airline began operations 22 years ago,” said GE Aerospace’s president and CEO, commercial engines and services Russell Stokes. “This agreement ensures Virgin Australia’s engines will receive the highest quality material and workmanship that a trusted OEM can deliver, to help keep their aircraft engines in top performing condition.”