MTU Maintenance Dallas is create “significant” new capacity by relocating from its current base in Grapevine, Texas to a larger facility at nearby Fort Worth Alliance Airport.

The new climate-controlled shop will have 430,000sq ft of space – an increase of 400 per cent compared to the previous location, MTU said.

The move is scheduled for the second quarter of 2023, with no operational impact during the relocation period.

The new facility will also enable engine testing on-site for the first time. The test cell will be able to support engines with up to 100,000 pounds of thrust, and is planned to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2023.

“It is great to see that the expansion of our ON-SITEPlus network continues to make progress,” said MTU Aero Engines’ chief program officer Michael Schreyögg. “This allows us to better serve our customers, further strengthening existing relationships and building new ones. With our customised and flexible on-site and near-wing services, we are responding to the increased market trend towards smaller, lower-cost workscopes and quick-turns.”

MTU said the new facility gave it flexibility to add additional engine types to the maintenance portfolio in Dallas in the near future.

MTU Maintenance Dallas’ general manager Nezam Moghadassian commented: “The expanded operations, with the addition of the engine testing capability, will allow MTU Maintenance Dallas to offer our customers comprehensive, one-stop maintenance solutions at one of the largest on-site service and level one maintenance facilities in North America.”