Pratt & Whitney has revealed a US$20 million (£15.7 million) investment to amplify the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities of its West Palm Beach engine centre for GTF engines. This enhancement aims to accommodate a 40% surge in capacity and is slated for completion by the latter half of 2025.
In anticipation of this growth, the facility will augment its workforce by 25% over the forthcoming year and will introduce vital equipment in machining, testing, cleaning and warehousing. Additionally, it will integrate innovative technologies pioneered at the recently announced North American Technology Accelerator.
West Palm Beach underwent a metamorphosis into a fully functional GTF MRO engine centre in mid-2021. It marked the first Pratt & Whitney site to adopt an automated system for assembling the high-pressure compressor (HPC) rotor and an enhanced overhead engine handling system. Since its implementation, Pratt & Whitney has observed over a 25% enhancement in HPC rotor yield and a 50% reduction in process turnaround time.
In 2023, Pratt & Whitney disclosed expansions at three GTF MRO facilities and initiated operations at five new shops to bolster the expanding GTF fleet. Presently, there are 16 operational GTF MRO engine centres globally, with an additional three set to commence operations by 2025.
The GTF MRO network constitutes an integral part of Pratt & Whitney EngineWise® solutions, offering operators a comprehensive range of aftermarket services that deliver enduring, sustainable value.
