AerFin has achieved a key milestone in expanding its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. The company has completed its first top case repair on a CFM56-5B engine at its in-house facility.
The repair followed a bird strike that damaged blades inside the high-pressure compressor (HPC). Instead of replacing the entire section, AerFin engineers removed the compressor top case to access and replace only the affected blades. This targeted method, performed under a precise engine manual procedure, avoided the need for a full overhaul or replacement.
The result delivered clear benefits. Costs were reduced, turnaround time shortened, and the aircraft returned to service faster.
This latest success builds on another major milestone. In June, AerFin carried out its first engine module swap, replacing a damaged module with a serviceable unit. Together, these achievements show the company’s rapid progress in handling complex engine repairs internally.
AerFin’s move to its 116,000 ft² headquarters at Indurent Park, Newport, in January has been pivotal. The larger site doubled its engine MRO capacity, expanding to 26 bays and supporting up to 200 quick turn shop visits per year. The facility also underpins AerFin’s global growth, following new hubs in Singapore and Miami last year.
Chief Operating Officer Simon Bayliss said the top case repair marks “an important step in developing our engine shop capability.” He credited the team’s expertise and the advanced facilities for enabling smart, cost-efficient solutions that keep aircraft flying.
