Launched in 1998 to carry out maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) work on Rolls-Royce engines operated by American Airlines, the joint venture between American and Rolls-Royce, Texas Aero Engine Services (TAESL), is to come to an end in January 2016. There are approximately 600 employed at the facility in Fort Worth, Texas, of whom 500 are represented by the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU). TAESL is responsible for repairing and overhauling the RB211 engine, which American has on its Boeing 757 fleet, and the Trent 800 engine, which is on American’s Boeing 777 aircraft. The facility has the capacity to overhaul 300 large engines in a calendar year.
In a joint statement issued on behalf of American and Rolls-Royce, they confirmed that “The combination of reductions in demand and lack of future growth opportunities for the business has led Rolls-Royce to request the closure of TAESL, which American Airlines has accepted.” American also confirmed that it will offer continued employment opportunities for all 500 TWU-represented mechanics. They also confirmed that TAESL work done for other airlines, as well as American, “will begin moving to other Rolls-Royce approved MRO facilities in consultation with TAESL’s current customers.”
American SVP-Technical Operations, David Seymour, said “Our primary concern is for American Airlines team members working at TAESL.” He then added that “Unfortunately, there simply isn’t enough work to sustain the cost of operating this facility. We will work with the TWU to create some additional new maintenance opportunities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as well as offer continued employment throughout American at other locations for those who desire it.”
Correction: In yesterday’s article on ICAO talks over the Black Sea corridor we erroneously referred to Malaysia Airlines’ flight MH370. The flight in question was MH17.
