MRO & Manufacturing
GE Aerospace Boosts Jet Engine MRO Capacity in Brazil with Major Investment
GE Aerospace expands Celma Brazil facility to double MRO capacity, focusing on CFM LEAP engine with 400 new jobs and advanced maintenance operations.
GE Aerospace’s Big Bet on Brazil: Gearing Up for the Next Wave of Jet Engine Maintenance
The life of a commercial jet engine is a grueling cycle of extreme temperatures, immense pressures, and relentless performance demands. This reality makes MRO services a cornerstone of the global aviation industry, ensuring the safety and reliability of thousands of flights daily. In a significant move to meet future demand, GE Aerospace is undertaking a massive expansion of its Celma MRO facility in Brazil, a project that highlights the country’s growing importance as a global aerospace hub.
This expansion is not just a routine upgrade; it’s a strategic investment of R$430 million designed to nearly double the facility’s engine servicing capacity. The project centers on the burgeoning need for MRO services for the new generation of high-efficiency engines, particularly the CFM LEAP. As these modern powerplants begin to mature, the demand for their first major overhauls is surging, and GE is positioning its Brazilian operations to be at the forefront of this wave. The expansion is also set to create 400 new jobs, reinforcing GE’s long-standing commitment to the region.
With a history stretching back to the 1950s and as part of GE Aerospace since 1996, the Celma complex is already a critical asset. The new investment will elevate its capabilities, particularly at its Três Rios plant, transforming it into a world-leading center for LEAP engine maintenance. This move signals confidence in the local workforce and infrastructure, preparing for a future where advanced MRO services are more critical than ever.
The Core of the Expansion: The LEAP Engine
The primary driver behind this substantial investment is the CFM LEAP engine. Since entering service in 2016, the LEAP has become a dominant force in the single-aisle aircraft market. It is the exclusive engine for the Boeing 737 MAX and a key option for the Airbus A320neo family, two of the most popular commercial aircraft in the world. It also powers the Comac C919, further expanding its global footprint. As the first wave of these engines reaches its initial scheduled maintenance window, a massive demand for specialized MRO services has been created.
GE Aerospace’s expansion directly addresses this market need. The plan will increase the Celma facility’s overall capacity from servicing around 600 engines annually to over 1,000. The Três Rios facility, first established in 2018, will be the epicenter of this growth. Upon completion, it is set to become the largest MRO shop in the world dedicated to the CFM LEAP engine, capable of handling both the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B variants. This specialization is crucial for developing the deep expertise and efficiency required to service these advanced engines.
While the new facility focuses on the LEAP, the broader Celma complex will continue its work on a range of other critical engines, including the CF6, CFM56, and GEnx. This ensures that the site remains a versatile and comprehensive MRO hub, capable of servicing a diverse global fleet. The expansion builds upon a strong foundation of technical excellence, positioning the facility to handle both current and next-generation engine technologies.
“The Três Rios MRO shop will be the largest CFM LEAP* engine overhaul facility in the world, attracting customers from other continents and strengthening Brazil’s reputation as a key player in the aerospace industry.”, Julio Talon, GE Aerospace’s MRO leader for Brazil
Bolstering a Global Aerospace Hub
The R$430 million investment represents more than just an increase in capacity; it’s a significant boost to Brazil’s standing in the global aerospace industry. The creation of 400 new positions, many of which will be for highly skilled MRO technicians, brings the total GE Aerospace employment in the region to nearly 4,000. This not only provides valuable jobs but also deepens the pool of specialized talent within the country, fostering a robust ecosystem for aviation technology and maintenance.
To manage this scaled-up operation, GE will implement its proprietary “FLIGHT DECK” lean operating model. This system is designed to optimize the flow of parts and engine components throughout the MRO process, enhancing efficiency, reducing turnaround times, and maintaining the highest standards of quality. This focus on operational excellence is a key part of providing world-class MRO services, where safety and precision are paramount. The disciplined approach ensures that as volume increases, quality and reliability remain the top priorities.
The timing of this expansion is also symbolic, aligning with several key milestones. The inauguration of the new MRO shop is planned for 2026, which will mark Celma’s 75th anniversary and its 30th year as part of the GE Aerospace family. This confluence of events celebrates a long history of aviation excellence while firmly looking toward the future. The expansion is a testament to the successful partnership and the confidence GE has in its Brazilian operations to meet the challenges of the coming decades.
Conclusion: Powering the Future of Flight
GE Aerospace’s expansion in Celma is a calculated and forward-thinking move. It is a direct response to clear market dynamics, driven by the lifecycle of the workhorse LEAP engine. By investing heavily in the Três Rios facility, the company is not only preparing for a surge in MRO demand but is also establishing a global center of excellence for next-generation engine maintenance. This project is a powerful combination of increased capacity, advanced operational strategies, and significant job creation.
Ultimately, this expansion solidifies Brazil’s role as an indispensable part of the global aviation supply chain. As the new facility comes online, it will play a crucial role in keeping a significant portion of the world’s single-aisle fleet flying safely and efficiently. It is a story of strategic growth, technological advancement, and a long-term commitment to a region that has proven itself to be a vital partner in the aerospace industry.
FAQ
Question: What is the main purpose of the GE Aerospace expansion in Brazil?
Answer: The primary goal is to nearly double the facility’s engine MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) capacity from around 600 to over 1,000 engines per year, with a specific focus on meeting the growing global demand for servicing the CFM LEAP engine.
Question: How many jobs will the expansion create?
Answer: The expansion is expected to create 400 new jobs, increasing GE Aerospace’s total employment at its Brazil operation to nearly 4,000 people.
Question: What is the CFM LEAP engine?
Answer: It is a modern, high-efficiency jet engine that powers some of the world’s most popular single-aisle commercial aircraft, including the Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A320neo family.
Question: When will the new facility be operational?
Answer: The expansion work is scheduled for completion by the fall of 2025, with the official inauguration of the new MRO shop planned for 2026.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
MRO & Manufacturing
Safran Opens $140M LEAP Engine MRO Facility in Mexico
Safran Aircraft Engines inaugurated a $140M LEAP engine maintenance facility in Querétaro, targeting 350 shop visits annually by 2030.
Safran Aircraft Engines officially opened a $140 million maintenance facility in Querétaro, Mexico, on July 1, 2026, expanding its capacity to service the rapidly growing global fleet of CFM LEAP engines. The new shop adds significant infrastructure to the manufacturers footprint in the Americas, targeting the high-volume narrowbody market.
The facility is part of a broader €1 billion global investment strategy by the company to scale its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) network. The CFM LEAP engine powers next-generation narrowbody aircraft, including the Airbus A320neo family and the Boeing 737 MAX, both of which are seeing increased shop visit demand as early-delivery airframes mature.
Scaling LEAP engine maintenance in the Americas
The comprehensive MRO hub in Querétaro spans a total footprint of 50,000 square meters. Safran projects that by 2030, the two maintenance facilities located at the site will be capable of handling 350 LEAP engine shop visits annually. The site also features a new test cell designed to perform 350 engine tests per year by the end of the decade.
In a press release issued to mark the opening, Stéphane Cueille, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines, stated that the inauguration strengthens the Querétaro hub’s role at the center of the company’s maintenance ecosystem in the Americas.
Workforce growth and training initiatives
The new engine shop will employ 450 people when operating at full capacity. This expansion adds to the existing workforce across the four Safran Aircraft Engine Services Americas facilities in Querétaro, which currently stands at 1,450 employees. Safran projects the total headcount for its Querétaro operations will reach 2,000 by 2030.
To support this rapid workforce expansion, the company established an onsite training center in partnership with local educational institutions. The center is designed to train 300 inspectors and technicians annually, creating a direct pipeline of qualified personnel for the MRO hub.
“With continued investment in Mexico and around the world we will address the growing global demand for LEAP engine maintenance while continuing to deliver world class support to our customers in the region,” Cueille said.
Global MRO network expansion
The Querétaro engine shop inauguration aligns with Safran Aircraft Engines’ €1 billion global investment plan. To support the expanding CFM LEAP engine fleet, the company recently opened similar maintenance facilities in India, Morocco, and Belgium.
The broader Safran Group is also increasing its footprint in Mexico across other divisions. On June 10, 2026, Safran Landing Systems announced an expansion of its global MRO capabilities, which included its separate Querétaro site, to support landing gear maintenance for Boeing 787, Airbus A350, and Airbus A330 aircraft.
AirPro News analysis
The aggressive expansion of Safran’s MRO network underscores the industry-wide pressure to keep next-generation narrowbody fleets operational. As the CFM LEAP engine matures and the installed base on Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft grows, shop visit demand is accelerating. We view the $140 million investment in Querétaro as a strategic move to localize heavy maintenance near major North and South American operators, reducing turnaround times and logistical bottlenecks. The concurrent focus on local workforce training highlights a critical challenge in the MRO sector: securing the qualified technicians required to meet projected maintenance volumes over the next decade.
Sources: Safran Group
Photo Credit: Safran Group
MRO & Manufacturing
Daher Aircraft Opens MRO Center at Jonzac-Neulles Airport
Daher Aircraft inaugurated a 6,000 sq-meter MRO facility at Jonzac-Neulles Airport on July 3, 2026, replacing its former Merpins site.
Daher Aircraft officially opened a 6,000-square-meter maintenance, overhaul, and logistics center at Jonzac-Neulles Airport (LFCJ) on July 3, 2026, consolidating its regional support operations and gaining direct runway access for on-aircraft services.
The purpose-built facility in France’s Charente-Maritime Department replaces the manufacturer’s previous site in Merpins, located 25 kilometers to the north. According to a press release issued by the company, the relocation ensures continuity for existing service contracts while providing the physical capacity to expand its support network for a diverse fleet of civil and military aircraft.
Expanded capabilities and runway access
The transition to Jonzac-Neulles Airport provides Daher Aircraft with direct access to a 1,370-meter runway. This infrastructure addition allows the company to perform on-aircraft maintenance and technical support that was not feasible at the landlocked Merpins location.
The center offers a broad portfolio of services, operating both under direct contract and as a supplier. Supported aircraft range from Airbus helicopters operated by the French Gendarmerie to training airplanes manufactured by Cirrus Aircraft and Grob Aircraft.
The facility houses specialized workshops for composite airframe repair, painting, welding, landing gear hydraulics, battery overhaul, and Level 2 non-destructive testing.
Legacy fleet support and regional investment
A primary function of the new hub is maintaining the global fleet of approximately 3,000 legacy general aviation and training aircraft produced by SOCATA, Daher Aircraft’s predecessor. The center will provide spare parts supply, repair services, and replacement part manufacturing for the SOCATA TB and Rallye aircraft families under the company’s Part 21J Design Organization Approval.
Local government authorities, specifically the Communauté des Communes de Haute Saintonge, spearheaded the construction of the facility. The project was initiated under former president Claude Belot and inaugurated with current president and Jonzac mayor Christophe Cabri in attendance.
“This inauguration marks another important step in Daher Aircraft’s commitment to further strengthening our global support network and the comprehensive services it provides,”
said Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher Aircraft. He credited the local government’s support as instrumental in completing the project.
The operation currently employs 32 personnel who transferred from the former Merpins site. Daher Aircraft projects the workforce will increase to approximately 40 employees by the end of 2026.
AirPro News analysis
The relocation to Jonzac-Neulles Airport represents a logical infrastructure upgrade for Daher Aircraft. By securing direct runway access, the company eliminates the logistical friction of transporting aircraft components over land for overhaul and opens the door to fly-in maintenance services. We view this as a strategic consolidation that protects Daher’s lucrative legacy support business while positioning the facility to capture third-party maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) contracts for other general aviation manufacturers.
Sources: Daher Aircraft
Photo Credit: Daher Aircraft
MRO & Manufacturing
Honeywell Wins $249M Army Contract for CH-47 Chinook Engine MRO
Honeywell Aerospace secures a $249M U.S. Army contract to overhaul T55-GA-714A engines for the CH-47 Chinook fleet through May 2029.
Honeywell Aerospace has secured a $249 million contract from the U.S. Army to provide repair and overhaul services for the T55-GA-714A turboshaft engines powering the Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter fleet.
The three-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) agreement, announced in a June 2026 press release, ensures a continuous supply of serviceable powerplants for the military through May 2029. The U.S. Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal officially awarded the Contracts on May 21, 2026.
Commercial processes drive military maintenance efficiency
Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) work will take place at Honeywell’s aerospace headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. The company is applying commercial aviation maintenance methodologies to its military engine overhaul program to increase throughput and reduce turnaround times.
Brian Laughton, Senior Director and Site Leader of the Phoenix repair facility, stated that the T55 line utilizes the same processes applied to the company’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified lines for business jet turbofan engines.
Capitalizing on these proven commercial processes has enabled us to double our capacity in the facility and reduce cycle time to ensure we are meeting delivery commitments to our customers.
Legacy and evolution of the T55 engine program
The T55 engine originally entered service in 1961. Over the past six decades, Honeywell has manufactured more than 6,000 T55 engines, accumulating approximately 12 million flight hours across the CH-47 and MH-47 variants.
The powerplant has undergone significant upgrades since its introduction. The current T55-GA-714A variant produces approximately 5,000 shaft horsepower, representing a threefold increase in output compared to the original 1960s design. The engine currently supports the U.S. Army and more than 15 international military operators.
Dave Marinick, President of Engines & Power Systems at Honeywell Aerospace, noted the company’s long-term commitment to the platform, stating that Honeywell looks forward to continuing its support for the engine program for decades to come.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that cross-pollinating commercial FAA-certified maintenance practices into military depot-level work is becoming a critical strategy for aerospace Manufacturers. By doubling facility capacity without necessarily expanding the physical footprint, Honeywell is addressing the persistent supply chain and turnaround time bottlenecks that have challenged military readiness in recent years. The $249 million valuation for a three-year period highlights the intense operational tempo and heavy utilization of the global Chinook fleet.
Sources: Honeywell Aerospace
Photo Credit: Boeing
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