MRO & Manufacturing
GE Aerospace Invests $1 Billion in U.S. Manufacturing and Suppliers in 2026
GE Aerospace announces a $1 billion investment in 2026 to expand U.S. manufacturing capacity, create 5,000 jobs, and support suppliers.
This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace.
On March 9, 2026, GE Aerospace announced a $1 billion investment directed toward its United States manufacturing facilities and external supplier network. According to the company’s official press release, this capital injection marks the second consecutive year the aerospace giant has committed $1 billion to bolster its domestic production capabilities.
The comprehensive investment is designed to increase production capacity, accelerate the delivery of critical jet engines, and fortify the U.S. defense industrial base. Company officials stated that the initiative will create 5,000 new jobs across the country, positively impacting facilities in more than 30 communities spread across 17 states.
This announcement arrives as the global aerospace industry continues to navigate a robust post-pandemic recovery. Following the final phase of General Electric’s corporate breakup in April 2024, GE Aerospace has operated as a standalone, publicly traded entity. To meet surging aircraft orders and multi-year backlogs, the company has prioritized heavy investments in both its internal footprint and its external supply-chain.
According to the press release, the $1 billion capital injection is strategically allocated across several key operational areas, balancing commercial aviation needs with defense requirements.
GE Aerospace is directing hundreds of millions of dollars to sites that manufacture and assemble commercial engines, with a particular focus on the narrowbody CFM LEAP engine, which is produced through a joint venture with Safran. As part of this commercial focus, the company is investing $115 million into its Cincinnati, Ohio, headquarters to modernize infrastructure, expand advanced 3D metal printing capabilities, and increase test cell capacity.
Additionally, nearly $200 million will support facilities manufacturing high-pressure turbine durability kits. The company noted that these components are specifically designed to safely extend the “time on wing” for engines and introduce new systems that reduce the need for on-wing maintenance.
On the military side, over $275 million is earmarked for upgrading sites that produce defense engines and components. This allocation includes more than $40 million for machinery upgrades at the company’s Lynn, Massachusetts, facility. Over the past three years, GE Aerospace reports it has invested more than $600 million into its defense manufacturing sites. Recognizing industry-wide bottlenecks, the company is also allocating approximately $100 million directly to its external supplier base. These funds are intended to help suppliers acquire necessary tooling and equipment, streamline production schedules, and alleviate ongoing supply chain constraints.
“Maintaining U.S. aerospace leadership requires sustained investment in our people, our facilities, and the technologies that will define the future of flight. This investment is for our customers, our communities, and our country,” said H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace, in the company’s press release.
The human capital element of this announcement is substantial. GE Aerospace plans to hire 5,000 U.S. workers in 2026, encompassing both manufacturing and engineering roles. This hiring target matches the 5,000 employees the company successfully onboarded in 2025.
Since 2024, GE Aerospace has announced over $2.5 billion in cumulative investments across its U.S. manufacturing and supplier base. The company emphasized that this capital expenditure is in addition to the nearly $3 billion it spends annually on research and development.
We view this targeted $1 billion investment as a direct and necessary response to the persistent supply chain hiccups and labor shortages that have stretched engine delivery wait times across the aerospace sector. By carving out $100 million specifically for external suppliers, GE Aerospace is taking proactive steps to stabilize the broader manufacturing ecosystem, which is critical for reducing defects and ensuring reliable delivery timelines.
Furthermore, the heavy investment in the CFM LEAP engine aligns with a broader industry shift toward sustainability. As airlines prioritize fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions, scaling up production capacity for these next-generation engines is essential. Meanwhile, the substantial allocation to defense manufacturing underscores the strategic importance of maintaining a resilient U.S. defense industrial base amid ongoing global geopolitical tensions.
How much is GE Aerospace investing in its U.S. operations in 2026? How many jobs will this investment create? What specific areas are receiving funding?
Investment Breakdown and Strategic Focus
Commercial Aviation and Durable Parts
Defense Production and Supplier Support
Job Creation and Industry Impact
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The company is investing $1 billion into its U.S. manufacturing facilities and external supplier network.
GE Aerospace plans to hire 5,000 U.S. workers in 2026, matching its hiring figures from 2025.
The investment is broken down into over $275 million for defense production, hundreds of millions for commercial engine delivery (including $115 million for the Cincinnati HQ), nearly $200 million for durable parts production, and approximately $100 million for external supplier support.Sources
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
MRO & Manufacturing
UAMCO Gains FAA Certification to Expand LEAP Engine MRO Services
UAMCO receives FAA Air Agency Certificate, enabling expanded MRO services for US-registered aircraft and supporting the CFM LEAP engine network.
This article is based on an official press release from United Aerospace Maintenance Company (UAMCO) Ltd.
United Aerospace Maintenance Company (UAMCO) Ltd has officially received its Air Agency Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), marking a pivotal step in the company’s expansion into the United States aviation market. The certification, designated as Repair Station Certificate U1MY686E, authorizes the Cyprus-based maintenance provider to perform maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services on U.S.-registered aircraft and components.
According to the company’s announcement on March 6, 2026, this approval confirms that UAMCO meets the FAA’s rigorous regulatory, safety, and quality standards. The certification is expected to significantly widen the facility’s customer base, allowing it to service U.S. operators and lessors in addition to its existing European (EASA) jurisdiction.
The move comes at a critical time for the global aviation supply chain, which is currently navigating a capacity crunch for engine maintenance. By securing FAA approval, UAMCO solidifies its role within the CFM International LEAP MRO network, providing essential capacity for the engines that power the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX families.
The FAA certification serves as a regulatory bridge, enabling UAMCO to support its partners on a global scale. In November 2024, the company signed a significant “offload agreement” with GE Aerospace, designating UAMCO to handle “quick-turn” workscopes for LEAP engines. This capability is designed to reduce turnaround times for airlines and help alleviate bottlenecks in the global maintenance network.
UAMCO’s CEO, John Savvides, emphasized the strategic importance of this regulatory milestone in the company’s official statement:
“Achieving FAA approval represents a significant milestone in UAMCO’s growth and international development. It strengthens our ability to support the CFM International (CFM) LEAP MRO network and our valued partner, GE Aerospace worldwide with maintenance services performed under globally recognized regulatory oversight.”
The company’s facility in Larnaca, Cyprus, which was officially inaugurated in January 2025, is now positioned to serve as a dual-certified hub (EASA and FAA) for narrowbody engine maintenance. This dual capability is essential for MRO providers aiming to capture traffic from major international lessors who often require FAA release certificates regardless of where the aircraft is currently operating.
The timing of this certification aligns with broader industry forecasts regarding maintenance demand. Market analysis has long predicted that 2026 would see a peak in engine MRO requirements as new-generation fleets mature and deferred maintenance from the post-pandemic era comes due. The CFM LEAP engine family, having experienced one of the fastest ramp-ups in commercial aviation history, is a primary driver of this demand. UAMCO’s focus on “quick-turn” repairs, targeted interventions such as seal replacements or sensor upgrades, allows operators to address specific technical issues without inducting engines for full, months-long overhauls. By adding FAA-approved capacity for these services, UAMCO helps keep aircraft in service and minimizes grounding times for U.S. and international carriers.
Savvides credited the achievement to the company’s workforce, stating in the press release:
“This accomplishment reflects the dedication, professionalism, and technical excellence of our entire team.”
The certification of UAMCO is more than a procedural victory for a single MRO shop; it represents a necessary release valve for the pressurized LEAP engine market. With the major engine OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) facing immense pressure to deliver new engines while simultaneously supporting the aftermarket, third-party and partner shops like UAMCO are becoming critical infrastructure.
Cyprus’s geographic location offers a strategic advantage, bridging Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. However, without FAA certification, the facility was effectively locked out of the massive U.S. leasing and operator market. This approval removes that barrier, likely ensuring a steady stream of induction slots for the Larnaca facility throughout the remainder of 2026. We expect this to facilitate deeper integration with GE Aerospace’s overflow requirements, as the OEM seeks to offload quick-turn work to trusted partners to free up its own shops for heavy overhaul work.
UAMCO Secures FAA Certification, Strengthening Global LEAP MRO Network
Strategic Expansion and Industry Impact
Addressing the 2026 MRO Demand Surge
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: UAMCO
MRO & Manufacturing
Curtiss-Wright and Averna Partner on Aerospace Test Systems
Curtiss-Wright and Averna collaborate to develop custom test systems supporting electromechanical actuators for aerospace applications.
This article is based on an official press release from Averna and Curtiss-Wright.
Averna, a global leader in test and quality solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Curtiss-Wright’s Sensors & Actuation division to develop five custom aerospace test systems. Announced on March 3, 2026, this collaboration aims to support the development and qualification of Curtiss-Wright’s next-generation electromechanical actuators (MEA), a critical component in the aviation industry’s shift toward more electric aircraft architectures.
According to the official announcement, the partnership is designed to meet stringent performance and safety requirements while maintaining high manufacturing efficiency. The initiative comes as Curtiss-Wright seeks to scale its production capabilities for high-performance actuation systems used in commercial and defense aerospace sectors.
The agreement focuses on the delivery of five distinct test systems that span the product lifecycle, from Research & Development (R&D) to mass production. While the specific proprietary names of the systems were not disclosed in the initial release, industry reporting indicates these systems are engineered to address the complex demands of modern flight control technology.
According to details released regarding the partnership, the systems are expected to address several critical testing phases:
Brian Couch, Segment Manager for Aerospace & Defense at Averna, highlighted the technical depth of the solution in a statement regarding the deal.
“Our solution includes a customized framework, secure data management, and full integration with Curtiss-Wright’s manufacturing execution systems.”
Brian Couch, Segment Manager – Aerospace & Defense, Averna
This partnership underscores a broader trend in the aerospace sector: the transition from traditional hydraulic systems to electromechanical actuators (MEA). MEAs offer significant weight savings and reliability improvements, contributing to “greener” aviation technologies. However, these systems require rigorous testing protocols that differ significantly from hydraulic predecessors, necessitating precise electrical power analysis and software validation.
Bret Sprague, Vice President and General Manager of Aerospace Actuation at Curtiss-Wright, emphasized the importance of this collaboration for meeting development targets. “This collaboration… is critical to the success of developing our next generation of actuators while supporting our aggressive development timelines. It’s a strategic investment that strengthens our global competitiveness.”
Bret Sprague, VP/GM Aerospace Actuation, Curtiss-Wright
The integration of Averna’s test systems into Curtiss-Wright’s manufacturing floor represents a significant step toward “Industry 4.0” in aerospace defense. By connecting test rigs directly to a Manufacturing Execution System (MES), Curtiss-Wright is likely aiming to establish a “digital thread”, a continuous flow of data that tracks a component’s history from design through testing to final installation.
Furthermore, the timing of this partnership is notable. Following Averna’s acquisition by Spherea in late 2025, Averna has leveraged increased global scale and financial backing. This allows the company to execute large-scale, multi-system contracts that require strict adherence to security protocols, such as ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance, which is vital for Curtiss-Wright’s defense contracts.
The primary goal is to develop five custom test systems that will support the qualification and mass production of Curtiss-Wright’s next-generation electromechanical actuators.
It highlights the industry’s move away from hydraulic systems toward electric actuation. It also demonstrates the increasing importance of secure, data-driven manufacturing environments to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
The systems likely include Dynamic Load Test Rigs, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulators, and Environmental Stress Screening (ESS) units, all integrated via a secure data management platform.
Curtiss-Wright and Averna Partner to Develop Next-Generation Aerospace Test Systems
Scope of the Collaboration
Strategic Context: The Shift to Electromechanical Actuation
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the Curtiss-Wright and Averna partnership?
Why is this partnership significant for the aerospace industry?
What specific technologies are involved?
Sources
Photo Credit: Averna
MRO & Manufacturing
StandardAero Signs MRO Deal with AviLease for LEAP and CFM56 Engines
StandardAero partners with AviLease to provide MRO services for LEAP-1A, LEAP-1B, and CFM56-7B engines across North America.
This article is based on an official press release from StandardAero.
StandardAero (NYSE: SARO) has finalized a General Terms Agreement (GTA) with global aircraft lessor AviLease to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for CFM International engines. The agreement covers the next-generation LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines, as well as the widely used CFM56-7B, supporting AviLease’s growing portfolio of commercial-aircraft.
According to the company’s announcement, this partnerships establishes a framework for StandardAero to support AviLease’s global leasing activities through its network of MRO facilities in North-America. The deal highlights the increasing demand for independent aftermarket support as lessors seek reliable maintenance capacity for both current and new-technology engine fleets.
AviLease, headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is an aircraft lessor backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The company aims to become a top-10 global player in the sector and currently manages a portfolio of 200 aircraft on lease to 53 airlines customers. The new agreement with StandardAero ensures that AviLease has access to responsive MRO support for its assets.
Olivier Ruffet, Vice President of Sales, EMEA at StandardAero, emphasized the importance of the relationship in a statement:
“StandardAero is delighted to establish a relationship with AviLease through this new agreement, which will enable our teams of LEAP and CFM56 engine MRO experts to provide responsive support to AviLease and its airline customers.”
StandardAero will execute the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B services at its 810,000-square-foot facility in San Antonio, Texas. The company became the first non-airline CFM Branded Service Agreement (CBSA) holder for these engines in the Americas in March 2023. In addition to engine overhaul, StandardAero’s Component Repair Services team has industrialized more than 475 component repairs for the LEAP family to date.
For the CFM56-7B, which powers the Boeing 737 Next Generation, StandardAero will utilize its long-standing facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as well as its newer capabilities at DFW International Airport in Texas. The addition of the DFW location provides redundancy and increased capacity to meet the strong demand from operators and asset owners.
This agreement underscores the critical role of independent MRO providers in the modern aviation ecosystem. As new-generation engines like the LEAP enter their major maintenance cycles, capacity at OEM shops is often constrained. By securing a GTA with a major independent provider like StandardAero, AviLease mitigates the risk of maintenance bottlenecks for its lessees. Furthermore, StandardAero’s decision to expand CFM56-7B capabilities to DFW reflects the enduring longevity of the 737NG fleet. Despite the delivery of newer MAX aircraft, the global fleet of NG aircraft remains a workhorse, requiring sustained and flexible MRO support well into the 2030s.
What engines are covered by this agreement? Where will the maintenance work be performed? Who is AviLease?
StandardAero Signs MRO Agreement with AviLease for LEAP and CFM56 Engines
Strategic Partnership with AviLease
Expanding MRO Capabilities
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The agreement covers CFM International LEAP-1A, LEAP-1B, and CFM56-7B engines.
LEAP engine services will be conducted in San Antonio, Texas. CFM56-7B services will be performed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and at DFW International Airport, Texas.
AviLease is a global aircraft lessor based in Saudi Arabia, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), with a portfolio of 200 aircraft.
Sources
Photo Credit: StandardAero
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