Pratt & Whitney celebrated the first anniversary of the overhaul capability for the GTF PW1100G-JM engine at Eagle Services Asia (ESA) in Singapore, a joint venture with SIA Engineering Company.

The line capability is part of the $85 million modernisation of the facility, which is one of three GTF engine centres in Asia-Pacific.

The modernised facility is designed to handle multiple engine overhaul lines for a variety of engine models – PW4000 family, GP7200 and now the GTF PW1100G-JM engines.

This includes reconfiguring ESA’s engine test capability to accommodate the GTF engine model. Following the induction of the first GTF PW1100G-JM variant overhaul in January 2019, ESA is now on track to more than double the number of GTF engines processed this year.

Brendon McWilliam, executive director, Aftermarket Operations, Asia-Pacific, said:

“More than 60 per cent of our global GTF fleet is currently flying in this region, and Asia-Pacific is home to a number of carriers that operate GTF-powered Airbus A320neo aircraft in their fleet.

“It is, therefore, a strategic business investment for ESA to support the aftermarket needs of our customers for next-generation engines and mature models alike. Building GTF repair and manufacturing capabilities in Singapore is a key focus for Pratt & Whitney.”

Adopting advanced technologies, automating some processes, going wireless and ensuring continuous learning and development for employees in its operations has further enhanced engine overhaul from disassembly to reassembly and testing.

Leading expert trainers from Pratt & Whitney were also flown in to groom employees based locally on disassembly, assembly and testing as part of the company’s knowledge transfer practice. In addition, benchmarking trips to Pratt & Whitney and other engine centres around the world were also conducted to strengthen the local knowledge base at ESA.

Singapore is a member of the global network of MRO facilities that service the GTF engines. The GTF MRO network spans three continents, comprised of engine centers operated by the industry’s leading MRO companies.

They include Pratt & Whitney, MTU Aero Engines (MTU), Japanese Aero Engines Corporation (JAEC), Lufthansa Technik (LHT) and Delta TechOps. A possible future inclusion is the Korean Air Maintenance and Engineering Division, following selection by Korean Air of the GTF engine to power up to 50 Airbus A321neo aircraft.

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