GE Aerospace to invest $1 billion to expand, upgrade MRO facilities

Aircraft Engine Producer GE Aerospace announced that it will invest over $1 billion over the course of five years in its global maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and component repair facilities.

Of this, $60 million is designated for GE’s Middle East and European facilities, which include their MRO operations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Doha, Qatar, the release said.

The majority of the funding will be allotted to meeting the rising demand for CFM LEAP engines, high-bypass turbofan engines, manufactured by CFM International, a joint venture of GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines which splits 50/50 in ownership.

These investments will help GE Aerospace create capacity to meet growth in both the widebody and narrowbody installed base by adding additional engine test cells and equipment.

“With this major investment, we are reinforcing our longstanding focus on safety, quality, and delivery for our customers and the flying public,” GE Aerospace President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services, Russell Stokes said.

The funding also will add cutting-edge technology, including enhanced inspection techniques, to reduce turnaround times for customers as well as expand component repair capability within its overhaul shops.

A major part of the MRO funding this year provides for construction of a new Services Technology Acceleration Center (STAC) near Cincinnati, Ohio. Opening in September 2024, STAC will help accelerate the deployment of innovative services approaches, including inspection technologies that detect emerging issues sooner and reduce airplane downtime for customers.  

Earlier this year, General Electric successfully spun out its energy and aviation divisions, creating GE Aerospace as a stand-alone corporation. Over 450 engine orders were placed with the company during the Dubai Airshow in 2023.