Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) has announced a new joint venture with Global Engine Maintenance (GEM) to establish an engine test cell facility in West Palm Beach, Florida. The venture, named Willis Global Engine Testing (WGET), will combine WLFC's extensive experience in aircraft engine leasing and aviation services with GEM's expertise in CFM56 engine overhauls.
The partnership aims to address the significant shortage of engine test cell facilities across North America, which currently limits the efficient return of engines to service. The new facility will improve turnaround times for shop visits, benefitting WLFC, GEM and third-party customers. By pooling their respective strengths, both companies seek to mitigate risk, optimise operations and accelerate their entry into this critical segment of the aviation maintenance sector.
Initially, the facility will focus on testing CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines, widely used in commercial aviation. However, there are plans to expand capabilities to accommodate newer-generation engines in the future. The joint venture is expected to break ground on the new site by late 2025.
WLFC, a leader in aircraft engine leasing and asset management, continues to invest in expanding its aviation services. This latest move enhances its ability to offer integrated solutions while strengthening its presence in the engine maintenance market. For GEM, the partnership marks an important step in broadening its global engine MRO footprint, further solidifying its reputation in the CFM56 maintenance sector.
The project is set to provide much-needed testing capacity in North America, supporting airlines, lessors, and maintenance providers in keeping aircraft engines operating efficiently.
