The addition of the 60,000 lb thrust test cell brings MTU Maintenance Zhuhai’s total technical test capability to 710 engines per year and supports the ramp-up of both sites.
MTU Maintenance Zhuhai, a leading provider of aircraft engine maintenance, has opened its second test cell in Jinwan, marking a significant milestone for the company. The inauguration ceremony, attended by representatives from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), local government officials, and executives from China Southern and MTU Maintenance, celebrated the launch of the 60,000 lb thrust test cell. With approvals from CAAC, EASA, and FAA received in early June 2023, the facility is now operational and expected to reach an annual capacity of 260 tests. The test cell will primarily serve the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines, which power the Airbus A320neo family aircraft.
Wu Rongxin, Chairman of the Board of MTU Maintenance Zhuhai said, “We are delighted to be opening the test cell in Jinwan today; it is a great milestone in this project and will not only support both facilities in their operations but also the growth of the aviation sector in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.”
The test cell is part of the new facility, MTU Maintenance Zhuhai Co., Ltd. Jinwan Branch, located in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China. It is situated a short distance from MTU Maintenance Zhuhai’s existing facility and was built ahead of the rest of the site due to the strong demand for services. This demand has increased following the introduction of LEAP engines in 2019 and PW1100G-JM engines in 2020, in addition to the ongoing servicing of CFM56 and V2500 engines.
The addition of the test cell brings MTU Maintenance Zhuhai’s total technical test capability to 710 engines per year and supports the ramp-up of both sites. The Jinwan facility will primarily focus on PW1100G-JM and V2500 engines and is expected to commence operations in 2025 with a capacity of 260 shop visits.
Michael Schreyögg, Chief Program Officer of MTU Aero Engines said, “The new test cell will both increase our MRO capacity, particularly for the PW1100G-JM engine, as well as improve our throughput and speed of execution. We are excited to support the growing GTF fleet and, in particular, exceed our customers’ requirements in the Asian region.” He also mentioned the construction of a training center at MTU Maintenance Zhuhai, which will annually train up to 100 engine mechanics for both facilities, ensuring the availability of highly qualified personnel to support the ramp-up.”
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With their proximity to major cities such as Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Macao, both MTU Maintenance Zhuhai and Jinwan facilities enjoy strategic advantages in terms of customer support. Service teams can be dispatched promptly to customers in the region. The current MTU Maintenance Zhuhai shop boasts advanced machinery and performs 80 percent of parts repairs in-house. The company serves over 90 customers from China, Asia, and around the world, including China Southern, International Aero Engines, Saudia Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Shenzhen Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, and Hainan Airlines. The new facility will also offer MRO services to third-party customers, further expanding MTU Maintenance Zhuhai’s market reach.
