This article is based on an official press release from Rolls-Royce and additional reporting by Anadolu Agency and Aviation Week.

Rolls-Royce and Turkish Technic Break Ground on $300 Million Istanbul Maintenance Hub

Rolls-Royce and Turkish Technic have officially broken ground on a new, state-of-the-art aero engine maintenance facility at Istanbul Airport (IST). The ceremony, held on January 8, 2026, marks a pivotal expansion of the Rolls-Royce global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) network. According to a press release from Rolls-Royce, the project represents a significant deepening of the strategic partnership between the British engine manufacturer and the maintenance arm of Turkish Airlines.

The new facility is designed to support the growing global fleet of Rolls-Royce Trent engines, specifically following Turkish Airlines’ historic order for 80 Airbus A350 Commercial-Aircraft placed in late 2023. With an investment value of approximately $300 million, the site is scheduled to become operational by the end of 2027. Once fully mature around 2036, the facility is projected to handle up to 200 engine shop visits annually.

This development falls under the Strategic Türkiye Enhanced Programme (STEP), a framework established to bolster Türkiye’s aerospace capabilities over the next 15 years. By establishing this center, Turkish Technic solidifies its position as a key player in the global civil aviation supply chain, while Rolls-Royce secures critical capacity for its “TotalCare” service network.

Operational Capabilities and Scope

The new maintenance center will operate as an Authorized Maintenance Center (AMC) within the Rolls-Royce network. While it remains an independent center under Turkish Technic’s management, it will adhere strictly to Rolls-Royce’s maintenance standards. The facility will focus on three specific engine types that power modern wide-body aircraft:

• Trent XWB-84: Powering the Airbus A350-900.
• Trent XWB-97: Powering the Airbus A350-1000.
• Trent 7000: Powering the Airbus A330neo.

According to data provided in the announcement, the facility is expected to create approximately 1,000 new jobs, with over 900 of those being highly qualified technical positions. This influx of skilled labor is intended to enhance local technical capabilities, with provisions in the agreement to repair 20% of engine parts domestically within Türkiye.

Economic Impact and Revenue Projections

The economic implications of the project are substantial. Turkish Technic projects that the facility will generate approximately $1.5 billion in annual revenue once it reaches full capacity. Furthermore, the center is expected to contribute roughly $700 million annually to the Turkish economy through service exports by maintaining engines for third-party international airlines.

“Breaking ground on Turkish Technic’s new state-of-the-art facility is a significant milestone for our global MRO network… We’re significantly increasing our global MRO capacity by 2030, and today’s announcement marks another step on that journey.”

, Rob Watson, President – Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce

Strategic Context: The STEP Initiative

The groundbreaking is the physical realization of agreements announced in May 2025 and the broader STEP initiative unveiled in 2024. The program aims to develop Türkiye’s aerospace industry through partnership with Airbus and Rolls-Royce. The urgency for this facility is driven by Turkish Airlines’ status as the world’s largest operator of Trent XWB engines following their massive fleet expansion.

Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board for Turkish Technic and Turkish Airlines, emphasized the scale of the ambition in his remarks at the ceremony:

“This initiative will elevate us to the third-largest MRO company globally… We’re making a $300 million investment and creating a facility capable of servicing 200 engines annually by 2036.”

, Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board, Turkish Technic

AirPro News Analysis

Supply Chain Resilience in the MRO Sector

The establishment of this facility at Istanbul Airports is a strategic maneuver by Rolls-Royce to decentralize its MRO capacity. Historically, heavy reliance on facilities in Western Europe and Asia has created bottlenecks during periods of high demand. By placing a major hub in Istanbul, a geographic bridge between East and West, Rolls-Royce effectively hedges against regional disruptions.

Furthermore, the aggressive timeline to be operational by late 2027 suggests that Rolls-Royce is prioritizing capacity growth to match the delivery schedules of the A350s ordered during the post-pandemic aviation boom. For Turkish Technic, this moves them up the value chain from airframe maintenance to high-value engine overhaul, a segment with higher margins and deeper technical barriers to entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new facility open?

The facility is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2027.

Which engines will be serviced there?

The center will service the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84, Trent XWB-97, and Trent 7000 engines.

How much is being invested in the project?

The specific Investments for this facility is approximately $300 million.

Is this facility only for Turkish Airlines?

No. While it supports Turkish Airlines’ fleet, it will also serve third-party global customers as part of the Rolls-Royce authorized network.

Sources: Rolls-Royce Press Release, Anadolu Agency, Aviation Week