ACIA and GE Aerospace Partner for CF34-10E Engine Maintenance Support

Strategic Maintenance Partnership: ACIA Aero Leasing and GE Aerospace’s TrueChoice Agreement for CF34-10E Engine Support

The recently announced TrueChoice maintenance agreement between ACIA Aero Leasing and GE Aerospace represents a strategic alignment in the regional aviation sector, enabling ACIA’s expansion of Embraer E1 jet leasing operations through comprehensive CF34-10E engine support. This partnership leverages GE Aerospace’s predictive maintenance capabilities and data analytics to enhance operational efficiency while addressing industry-wide challenges like aircraft delivery delays and aftermarket service demands.

The collaboration occurs against a backdrop of global MRO market growth projected to reach $119 billion in 2025 and significant geopolitical shifts, including recent U.S. approvals for GE engine exports to China’s COMAC. Both companies stand to strengthen their competitive positions, ACIA in regional aircraft leasing and GE Aerospace in expanding its service portfolio, while navigating evolving supply-chain dynamics and sustainability imperatives in commercial aviation.

Background of ACIA Aero Leasing

Corporate Evolution and Fleet Composition

ACIA Aero Leasing was established in 2004 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with operational offices in France, the UK, and South Africa. The company has grown into a specialized regional aircraft lessor, managing a fleet of nearly 70 aircraft, including both passenger and freighter variants. These aircraft are leased to operators across more than 22 countries, reflecting ACIA’s expansive global reach and strategic partnerships.

ACIA’s leasing portfolio primarily includes ATR turboprops and Embraer E-Jets, with a focus on offering comprehensive solutions that go beyond aircraft leasing. These include freighter conversions, engine management, and maintenance support, often in collaboration with IPR Conversions, a sister company holding STCs for ATR cargo modifications.

By focusing on regional aircraft, ACIA fulfills a niche market need, particularly in developing aviation markets where infrastructure and operational flexibility are critical. This specialization has allowed the company to build long-term relationships with operators needing reliable, cost-efficient aircraft solutions.

Market Positioning and Financial Growth

ACIA has demonstrated a steady growth trajectory, evolving from a freighter-centric lessor to a balanced provider of both passenger and cargo aircraft. Its customer base includes scheduled airlines, charter operators, and logistics firms. The company’s ability to offer aircraft with integrated maintenance and conversion options provides a competitive edge in the market.

In June 2025, ACIA secured a significant financial milestone by expanding its syndicated credit facility. The $52 million refinancing deal, led by Investec Bank and supported by institutional investors such as Ninety One and Sanlam Alternative Investments, provides the capital flexibility needed for fleet expansion, particularly into the Embraer E1 platform.

This financial backing not only reflects investor confidence but also supports ACIA’s strategic shift toward more modern, fuel-efficient regional jets, aligning with global trends in fleet modernization and emissions reduction.

GE Aerospace and TrueChoice Engine Services

GE Aerospace’s Industry Role

GE Aerospace is a dominant force in the global aviation propulsion sector, with an installed base of over 44,000 commercial engines. The company has a long history of innovation, from producing the first U.S. jet engine to investing in sustainable technologies like the CFM RISE program and hypersonic testing capabilities.

Its commercial services division accounts for a significant portion of its revenue, emphasizing the importance of aftermarket services in its business model. In 2024, GE Aerospace announced a $1 billion investment to expand and modernize its MRO facilities worldwide, aiming to reduce turnaround times and enhance service capabilities for new-generation engines.

This focus on services and digital transformation positions GE Aerospace as a key player in supporting airline and lessor operations through predictive maintenance and data analytics.

TrueChoice Services and Capabilities

The TrueChoice suite offers flexible engine maintenance solutions tailored to the operational and financial needs of aircraft operators and lessors. These include Flight Hour agreements, fixed-cost overhaul packages, and time and material-based services. The program is designed to reduce maintenance-related disruptions and optimize engine performance.

Key features of TrueChoice include real-time engine health monitoring, predictive analytics, and material planning. These capabilities help operators reduce unscheduled maintenance events and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. For lessors like ACIA, the program provides cost predictability and enhances the value proposition to lessees.

TrueChoice has been adopted by numerous airlines and leasing companies globally. Previous agreements with Royal Air Maroc and SA Airlink have demonstrated measurable improvements in cost efficiency and operational reliability, validating the program’s effectiveness across various fleet types.

Details of the ACIA-GE Aerospace Agreement

Agreement Scope and Engine Specifications

The agreement between ACIA and GE Aerospace covers the CF34-10E engines, which power the Embraer E190-E1 and E195-E1 aircraft. These engines are known for their reliability and performance, featuring a bypass ratio of 5.4:1 and a thrust rating of up to 20,400 pounds.

Under the TrueChoice agreement, GE Aerospace will provide comprehensive MRO services, including scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, component repairs, and compliance with airworthiness directives. The contract also includes digital documentation and asset tracking through GE’s Asset Transfer System, streamlining lease transitions and maintenance recordkeeping.

This level of support ensures that ACIA can confidently expand its Embraer E1 fleet with a maintenance solution that meets regulatory standards and operational demands.

Executive Insights and Strategic Alignment

Mark Dunnachie, ACIA’s SVP Commercial, emphasized the strategic fit of the agreement: “We see the E1 E-Jet platform as an excellent complement to our turboprop portfolio. By concluding this TrueChoice agreement with GE Aerospace, we will be able to source and acquire E1 aircraft for onward leasing to our customer base with a competitive solution already on the table for the CF34-10E engine overhaul.”

Russell Stokes, President and CEO of GE Aerospace’s Commercial Engines and Services, echoed this sentiment: “GE Aerospace is honoured that ACIA Aero Leasing selected us to maintain its Embraer E1 engine fleet. This TrueChoice agreement will ensure their engines are maintained to the highest standards to ensure outstanding engine reliability and performance.”

These statements reflect a shared vision of operational excellence and customer-centric service delivery, reinforcing the strategic value of the partnership.

Conclusion

The ACIA-GE Aerospace TrueChoice agreement marks a significant development in regional aircraft leasing and engine maintenance services. For ACIA, it provides a robust maintenance framework that supports its fleet expansion into Embraer E1 jets, enhancing its market offering. For GE Aerospace, it strengthens its position in the MRO market and showcases the scalability of its TrueChoice services.

As the aviation industry continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery, supply chain challenges, and sustainability goals, such partnerships will play a crucial role in shaping future operational models. The integration of digital tools, predictive maintenance, and flexible service agreements positions both companies to adapt and thrive in an evolving global landscape.

FAQ

What is the CF34-10E engine?
The CF34-10E is a high-bypass turbofan engine developed by GE Aerospace, used primarily on Embraer E190 and E195 regional jets.

What does the TrueChoice agreement include?
It includes maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, predictive maintenance, real-time analytics, and flexible payment structures tailored to operator needs.

Why is this agreement significant for ACIA?
It supports ACIA’s strategic expansion into the Embraer E1 platform with a competitive and reliable engine maintenance solution, enhancing its leasing value proposition.

Sources

AviTrader, GE Aerospace, Oliver Wyman