MRO & Manufacturing
AerCap and GE Aerospace Partner on GE9X Engine Lease Pool Management
AerCap and GE Aerospace sign a 7-year agreement to manage lease pools for the GE9X engine supporting Boeing 777X operations with enhanced aftermarket services.
The aviation industry is witnessing a pivotal development with the announcement of a seven-year agreement between AerCap Holdings N.V. and GE Aerospace for lease pool management services of the GE9X engine. This partnership is not only a testament to the evolving dynamics between lessors and manufacturers but also a strategic move to support the forthcoming entry into service of the Boeing 777X, which will exclusively utilize the GE9X engine.
As the world’s largest commercial turbofan engine, the GE9X represents a leap in technological advancement, promising improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Ensuring robust aftermarket support for this engine is crucial for airlines and lessors alike. The AerCap-GE Aerospace agreement addresses this need by establishing a comprehensive support network that will be essential as the 777X begins commercial operations.
This arrangement highlights the increasing importance of collaborative partnerships in aviation, where manufacturers and lessors work together to reduce operational risks and maximize fleet reliability. The agreement extends beyond the GE9X, reinforcing AerCap’s role as a key player in engine leasing and support for a range of GE engine models.
The seven-year agreement between AerCap and GE Aerospace is comprehensive in scope. AerCap will provide a suite of lease pool management services for the GE9X engine, including shop visit management, lease return coordination, technical services, and lease documentation support. This partnership builds on an already established relationship, with AerCap supporting other GE engine models such as the GEnx, GE90, CF6, and CF34.
The GE9X engine, designed exclusively for the Boeing 777X, is a significant technological milestone. With its advanced materials, higher bypass ratio, and enhanced fuel efficiency, the GE9X is positioned as a cornerstone of the next generation of wide-body aircraft. However, the introduction of such new technology also brings unique challenges, particularly in terms of maintenance, spare parts availability, and operational reliability during the early years of service.
By entrusting AerCap with lease pool management, GE Aerospace aims to mitigate these challenges. AerCap’s global reach and experience in engine leasing allow it to coordinate spare engine availability, manage maintenance events efficiently, and ensure that airlines operating the 777X can minimize downtime and operational disruptions.
“This agreement further strengthens our partnership with GE Aerospace and extends our engine leasing relationship into the next decade. It also adds GE’s newest technology engine, the GE9X, to our servicing capability, leveraging our existing industrial network to provide world-class support to GE Aerospace and their customers.”, Tom Slattery, Executive Vice President of AerCap Engines
Engine leasing plays a crucial role in airline operations, particularly during periods of scheduled maintenance or unexpected technical issues. The availability of a well-managed lease pool allows airlines to access spare engines, reducing the risk of prolonged aircraft groundings and maintaining high levels of fleet utilization. This is especially important for new engine models like the GE9X, where the initial supply of spare engines and parts is limited.
The agreement signals strong market confidence in the Boeing 777X program and the wide-body aircraft segment. As airlines prepare for the entry into service of the 777X, having a reliable support infrastructure in place is a key consideration for fleet planning and operational readiness. The partnership between AerCap and GE Aerospace addresses these needs by providing a safety net for operators, ensuring that maintenance events do not translate into extended ground time. While the financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed, the strategic value lies in risk mitigation and operational continuity. The move aligns with broader industry trends where manufacturers and lessors collaborate to offer integrated aftermarket solutions, enhancing the overall value proposition for airline customers.
“This agreement is an important building block to ensure when the GE9X enters service, our customers have a robust network of support to keep their 777X fleets flying reliably and safely.”, Russell Stokes, President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services for GE Aerospace
The AerCap-GE Aerospace agreement reflects a wider industry movement towards collaborative aftermarket services. As new aircraft and engine technologies are introduced, the complexity of maintenance and support increases. Manufacturers are increasingly partnering with experienced lessors and service providers to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place ahead of time.
GE Aerospace’s ongoing investment in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities further supports this trend. By expanding MRO capacity, enhancing training, and introducing advanced tooling, GE is positioning itself to meet the demands of the GE9X’s entry into service. This proactive approach reduces the risk of supply chain bottlenecks and helps maintain high service standards for airline customers.
The agreement also carries implications for the future of engine leasing. As airlines continue to seek flexibility in fleet management, the role of lease pools and third-party service providers is likely to grow. The success of this partnership could set a precedent for similar arrangements across other engine programs and manufacturers.
The seven-year lease pool management agreement between AerCap and GE Aerospace marks a significant step in supporting the introduction of the GE9X engine and the Boeing 777X. By leveraging AerCap’s expertise and global network, GE Aerospace is ensuring that operators of its newest engine will benefit from a robust and reliable support infrastructure from day one.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this one will be instrumental in managing the complexities of new technology introduction. The collaboration between AerCap and GE Aerospace not only addresses immediate operational needs but also sets the stage for future innovation in aftermarket support and engine leasing.
Question: What is the GE9X engine?
Answer: The GE9X is the world’s largest and most powerful commercial turbofan engine, designed exclusively for the Boeing 777X aircraft. It incorporates advanced technologies for improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Question: What services will AerCap provide under this agreement?
Answer: AerCap will offer lease pool management services for the GE9X engine, including shop visit management, lease return coordination, technical services, and lease documentation support.
Question: Why is this agreement significant for the aviation industry?
Answer: The agreement ensures a robust support network for the GE9X engine as it enters service, helping airlines minimize downtime and operational risks. It also reflects a broader industry trend of collaboration between manufacturers and lessors to provide integrated aftermarket solutions.
Question: Are the financial terms of the agreement public?
Answer: No, the financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed.
AerCap to Provide GE Aerospace with Lease Pool Management Services for GE9X Engine: Significance and Industry Context
Details of the AerCap and GE Aerospace Agreement
Scope and Strategic Importance
Operational Impact and Market Confidence
Broader Industry Trends and Future Implications
Conclusion
FAQ
Sources
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
MRO & Manufacturing
GA Telesis Expands Asia-Pacific Reach with South Korean Approval
GA Telesis Engine Services secures South Korean MOLIT certification to offer engine overhaul services and signs new deal with MIAT Mongolian Airlines.
This article is based on an official press release from GA Telesis.
GA Telesis Engine Services (GATES), the Helsinki-based engine maintenance subsidiary of GA Telesis, has announced a major expansion of its operational capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. According to an official company press release, GATES has received Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) certification from South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT). This certification authorizes the facility to perform full overhaul services on specific engine models for South Korean airlines.
In a simultaneous development, the company confirmed a new engine maintenance agreement with MIAT Mongolian Airlines. These announcements mark a strategic push by GATES to establish itself as a primary independent alternative to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) facilities in a region heavily reliant on narrowbody aircraft.
The newly acquired MOLIT approval is a critical regulatory milestone for GATES. Under South Korea’s Aviation Safety Act, foreign repair stations must undergo a rigorous audit of their quality control systems and technical procedures before they are permitted to release South Korean-registered aircraft to service. By securing this certification, GATES can now bid directly for heavy maintenance contracts with South Korean carriers without requiring third-party approvals.
According to the press release, the MOLIT approval covers full overhaul authority for three major engine types:
This scope is particularly significant given the composition of the South Korean commercial fleet. Market data indicates that the CFM56-7B is the primary engine for the country’s low-cost carriers (LCCs), including Jeju Air, T’way Air, and Jin Air, which operate substantial fleets of Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Additionally, the CF6-80C2 remains in service with major carriers like Asiana Airlines and Korean Air for their widebody operations.
“This approval allows us to bring our world-class engine maintenance solutions directly to South Korean airlines, offering them a competitive alternative for their fleet requirements.”
, Statement from GA Telesis Press Release
Alongside the regulatory news, GATES announced a definitive agreement with MIAT Mongolian Airlines for the maintenance of its CFM56-7B engines. MIAT, the national flag carrier of Mongolia, operates a fleet centered around the Boeing 737-800. This contract underscores the technical capabilities of the Helsinki facility and provides MIAT with a maintenance partner located strategically between its Asian and European route networks.
The agreement validates GATES’ strategy of targeting operators who require flexible, cost-effective maintenance solutions outside of the traditional OEM network. By utilizing the Helsinki facility, MIAT gains access to a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) environment while maintaining logistical efficiency for its fleet. The Rise of Independent MROs in Asia
The entry of GATES into the South Korean market represents a shift in the regional Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) landscape. Historically, South Korean airlines have relied heavily on OEM-affiliated shops, such as the Korean Air Tech Center, or major regional players like ST Engineering. These relationships often come with rigid pricing structures and capacity constraints.
As an independent provider, GATES is positioned to compete on turnaround time (TAT) and workscope flexibility. For LCCs operating on tight margins, the ability to perform targeted repairs, rather than mandatory full overhauls, can result in significant cost savings. The “hospital shop” concept, which focuses on surgical repairs to return engines to service quickly, is likely to appeal to carriers like T’way Air and Jeju Air as their fleets age and maintenance events become more frequent.
Furthermore, the timing of the MOLIT approval coincides with a high demand for CFM56 shop visits globally. As supply chain issues continue to plague the new engine market (LEAP and GTF), airlines are holding onto older aircraft longer, increasing the need for reliable maintenance capacity for legacy engines like the CFM56 and CF6.
The GATES facility is located at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in Finland. According to company data, the site spans 180,000 square feet and features an integrated test cell capable of handling engines with up to 100,000 lbs of thrust. The facility has an annual capacity of approximately 200 engines.
With the addition of the South Korean MOLIT certification, GATES now holds approvals from major global regulators, including:
This broad regulatory portfolio allows the company to serve a diverse customer base across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, reinforcing its status as a premier independent engine maintenance provider.
GA Telesis Engine Services Secures South Korean Regulatory Approval, Expands APAC Footprint
Breaking Barriers in the South Korean Market
Authorized Engine Types
Strategic Partnership with MIAT Mongolian Airlines
AirPro News Analysis
Facility Capabilities and Global Reach
Sources
Photo Credit: GA Telesis
MRO & Manufacturing
ITP Aero to Acquire Aero Norway, Expanding CFM56 MRO Services
ITP Aero signs agreement to acquire Aero Norway, enhancing aftermarket capabilities for CFM56 engines and expanding its European MRO presence.
ITP Aero, a global leader in aerospace propulsion, has signed a binding agreement to acquire Aero Norway, a specialized maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider focused on CFM56 engines. According to the company’s official announcement, the transaction is expected to close during the first half of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
The acquisition represents a significant expansion of ITP Aero’s aftermarket capabilities. By integrating Aero Norway’s facility in Stavanger, Norway, ITP Aero aims to reinforce its status as a leading independent player in the aerospace services sector. The move follows a trajectory of aggressive growth for the Spanish propulsion company since its acquisition by Bain Capital in 22.
Aero Norway operates out of a facility at Sola Airport in Stavanger, employing a workforce of over 200 skilled technicians. The company has established a reputation for high-quality engine maintenance, specifically for the CFM56 engine family, serving a global client base of airlines, lessors, and asset managers.
In its press statement, ITP Aero highlighted that the two companies possess “highly complementary strengths.” The deal combines Aero Norway’s deep expertise in engine overhaul with ITP Aero’s existing engineering capabilities and component repair infrastructure. This synergy is designed to offer a more comprehensive suite of services to the aftermarket sector.
This agreement is the latest in a series of strategic moves by ITP Aero. In 2023, the company acquired BP Aero in the United States and was recently selected to join Pratt & Whitney’s GTF MRO network. These steps are part of a broader “2030 Strategic Plan” which aims to double the size of the business and increase the global workforce by 50% by the end of the decade.
While the press release focuses on corporate synergies, the acquisition underscores a critical trend in the current aviation landscape: the extended dominance of the CFM56 engine. As new-generation engines like the LEAP and GTF face supply chain delays and durability challenges, airlines are keeping older aircraft powered by CFM56 engines in service longer than originally planned.
Industry data suggests that approximately 20,000 CFM56 engines will remain in service through 2025. Consequently, the demand for maintenance shop visits is projected to peak between 2025 and 2027. By acquiring a specialist shop like Aero Norway, ITP Aero is effectively positioning itself to capture high-value work during this period of “structural undersupply” in the narrowbody market. This “Golden Tail”, the long, profitable tail end of an engine program’s lifecycle, provides a stable revenue runway for MRO providers capable of handling heavy overhauls. The crossover point where new-generation engine shop visits outnumber CFM56 visits is not expected until later in the decade, making capacity for legacy engines a premium asset today.
Leadership from both organizations emphasized the value of combining their respective technical strengths. Eva Azoulay, CEO of ITP Aero Group, described the agreement as a key component of the company’s roadmap.
“The signing of this binding acquisition agreement marks a significant milestone in our strategic roadmap. This acquisition reinforces our ambition to become a leading independent player in the aerospace aftermarket.”
, Eva Azoulay, CEO of ITP Aero Group
Neil Russell, CEO of Aero Norway, noted that the merger would unlock synergies beneficial to their customer base.
“By combining the complementary strengths of ITP Aero and Aero Norway, we will unlock significant synergies that enhance our competitiveness and deliver even greater value to our customers.”
, Neil Russell, CEO of Aero Norway
ITP Aero reports that it has tripled its earnings since 2022 and is currently implementing a long-term business plan that spans civil, defense, and MRO segments. The company was advised on legal M&A matters regarding this transaction by Baker McKenzie.
Pending regulatory clearance, the integration of Aero Norway into the ITP Aero Group will finalize in 2026, solidifying the company’s footprint in the European MRO market.
Sources:
ITP Aero to Acquire Aero Norway, Strengthening Position in CFM56 Aftermarket
Strategic Expansion in the MRO Sector
AirPro News Analysis: The “Golden Tail” of the CFM56
Executive Commentary
Future Outlook
Photo Credit: ITP Aero
MRO & Manufacturing
AkzoNobel Invests €50 Million to Upgrade US Aerospace Coatings Facilities
AkzoNobel invests €50 million to expand and modernize aerospace coatings production in Illinois and Wisconsin, enhancing capacity and supply chain resilience.
This article is based on an official press release from AkzoNobel.
AkzoNobel has officially announced a significant investments of €50 million (approximately $52–55 million) to modernize and expand its aerospace coatings capabilities in North America. According to the company’s announcement on December 18, 2025, the project will focus on upgrading its flagship manufacturing facility in Waukegan, Illinois, and establishing a new distribution center in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
This strategic move aims to increase production capacity and shorten lead times for airline and Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) customers. By enhancing its supply chain infrastructure, AkzoNobel intends to address the growing demand for air travel and the subsequent need for advanced aerospace coatings.
The investment centers on the Waukegan facility, which currently serves as AkzoNobel’s largest aerospace coatings production site globally. The site employs approximately 200 people and houses a dedicated color center. According to the press release, the capital injection will fund the installation of new machinery and automated processes designed to handle larger batch sizes.
To further optimize operations, the company is relocating its warehousing and distribution activities to a new facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. This relocation is intended to free up floor space at the Waukegan plant, allowing for a focus on complex, customized chemical manufacturing.
Patrick Bourguignon, Director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings, emphasized the forward-looking nature of the investment:
“This investment will increase our comprehensive North American supply capability and solidify our position as a frontrunner in the aerospace coatings industry. Demand for air travel is expected to grow significantly… and we want to make sure our customers are able to meet that demand.”
A key component of the upgrade is the introduction of a “Rapid Service Unit” dedicated to faster turnaround times for the MRO market. The company states that the new infrastructure will include a “liquid pre-batch area” and “high-speed dissolvers” to accelerate production.
Martijn Arkesteijn, Global Operations Director for AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings, noted that these improvements are designed to enhance flexibility for customers: “We’ll be able to provide current and future customers with even more flexibility through the delivery of large batch sizes, better responsiveness to market needs and shorter lead time for color development.”
While AkzoNobel’s announcement focuses on internal efficiency, this investment arrives during a period of intensified competition within the North American aerospace sector. Earlier in 2025, rival manufacturer PPG announced a massive $380 million investment to construct a new aerospace coatings plant in Shelby, North Carolina.
In our view, AkzoNobel’s strategy differs significantly from its competitor’s greenfield approach. Rather than building new capacity from scratch, AkzoNobel is executing a targeted upgrade of existing assets. This “efficiency war” suggests that the company is betting on agility and technology upgrades, specifically the ability to deliver custom colors and small batches quickly via its new Rapid Service Unit, rather than simply expanding raw volume output.
The upgraded facilities are also aligned with the aviation industry’s push for decarbonization. AkzoNobel highlighted that the investment supports the production of its “Basecoat/Clearcoat” systems, which are lighter than traditional coatings. Reducing paint weight is a critical factor for airlines seeking to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Furthermore, the new automated processes are expected to reduce chemical waste and solvent use. The facility upgrades will likely support the increased production of chromate-free primers, meeting stricter regulatory requirements in both the United States and the European Union.
By localizing more storage and production capacity in North America, AkzoNobel also aims to bolster supply chain resilience, addressing vulnerabilities exposed during the post-pandemic aviation recovery.
AkzoNobel Announces €50 Million Upgrade to US Aerospace Coatings Operations
Strategic Expansion in Illinois and Wisconsin
Operational Efficiency and the “Rapid Service Unit”
AirPro News Analysis: The Competitive Landscape
Sustainability and Technology Integration
Sources
Photo Credit: AkzoNobel
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