MTU Maintenance Zhuhai opens second test cell

MTU Maintenance Zhuhai has opened its second test cell, located in Jinwan, at a ceremony with CAAC representatives, local government and representatives from China Southern and MTU Maintenance. Having received CAAC, EASA and FAA approval for PW1100G-JM engines at the beginning of June, the 60,000 lb thrust test cell is now up and running and will ramp-up to an annual capacity of 260 tests. The PW1100G-JM engine is the Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine for the Airbus A320neo-family aircraft.

“The new test cell will both increase our MRO capacity, in particular for the PW1100G-JM engine, as well as improve our through-put and speed of execution,” said Michael Schreyögg, Chief Programme Officer, MTU Aero Engines. “We are excited to support the growing GTF fleet and in particular, cater to and exceed our customers’ requirements in the Asian region. Furthermore, a training centre is currently being built at MTU Maintenance Zhuhai that will train up to 100 engine mechanics each year for both facilities and ensure the availability of highly qualified personnel to support the ramp-up”.

The MTU Maintenance Zhuhai and Jinwan facilities will benefit from their proximity to Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Macao. Service teams can be dispatched to the customers in the region in no-time. The current MTU Maintenance Zhuhai shop has an advanced machinery and performs 80% of parts repairs in-house. In addition to China Southern, MTU Maintenance Zhuhai serves over 90 customers from China, Asia and around the world, including International Aero Engines, Saudia Airlines and All Nippon Airways, as well as Chinese Shenzhen Airlines, Xiamen Airlines and Hainan Airlines. The new shop will also provide MRO to third-party customers.