Ground has been broken at the MTU Maintenance Zhuhai Jinwan branch, marking the start of construction of a second facility for engine disassembly, assembly, and testing for joint venture partners MTU Aero Engines and China Southern Airline Company.
The new facility will have an initial capacity of 260 shop visits, focus on Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM and V2500 engines, and will enter operations in 2024. It will operate under MTU Maintenance Zhuhai and its licenses and approvals.
Construction on the 150,000 m² plot of land begins with a 65,000 lbf test cell. “We are delighted to be breaking ground on schedule today,” says Michael Schreyögg, Chief Program Officer, MTU Aero Engines. “At MTU, we believe in the future of the aviation industry and the growth and strength of the narrow-body engine market in Asia. As such, we are committed to the expansion of our network and excited to be moving forward with this project.”
MTU Maintenance Zhuhai is also in the process of planning the construction of a training center at its original site in Zhuhai where up to 150 students per year will be trained from 2023 onwards. “Through this training center we will be investing in our most important asset, our staff,” says Jaap Beijer, President and CEO of MTU Maintenance Zhuhai. “We will be able to meet our ambitious staff ramp-up needs and guarantee the high quality of education we require.” Upon completion, MTU Maintenance Zhuhai Jinwan will grow to a workforce of around 600, in addition to MTU Maintenance Zhuhai’s current workforce of 1,100 highly qualified employees.
