FTAI Aviation has expanded its engine exchange partnership with United Airlines to include CFM56-7B engines powering the carrier’s Boeing 737 Next Generation fleet, building on an existing agreement covering V2500 engines.
Under the expanded multi-year Maintenance, Repair and Exchange (MRE) agreement, FTAI will provide serviceable replacement engines to United ahead of scheduled engine removals. The arrangement is designed to allow the airline to replace engines without sending the affected units through conventional shop visits.
As part of the programme, FTAI will acquire United’s removed and unserviceable engines and add them to its inventory for maintenance, repair and refurbishment through its MRO network. The exchange model is intended to reduce aircraft downtime while providing greater predictability in engine maintenance costs.
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The expanded CFM56-7B programme began with an initial group of engines in 2026 and is expected to grow as more engines reach their scheduled removal dates. FTAI and United will coordinate replacement engine deliveries with the airline’s maintenance requirements.
United operates a substantial fleet of Boeing 737NG aircraft powered by CFM56-7B engines, expanding the scope of FTAI’s engine exchange activities with the carrier.
The companies have not disclosed the number of engines covered by the expanded agreement or its financial terms.
