MRO & Manufacturing
GE Aerospace Deploys 360 Foam Wash Technology in Global MRO Shops
GE Aerospace expands its 360 Foam Wash engine cleaning technology across global MRO shops to improve inspection accuracy and reduce turnaround times.
This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace.
On May 22, 2026, GE Aerospace announced the global deployment of its proprietary 360 Foam Wash jet engine cleaning technology across its network of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) shops. Originally utilized primarily for on-wing maintenance by airline operators, the technology is now being integrated directly into MRO facilities to clean engines prior to inspection.
The system serves as an innovative alternative to traditional water wash methods. By injecting a specially formulated foam solution that penetrates deeply into engine components, the process removes accumulated dust and dirt particles more effectively. According to the company’s press release, this transition offers significant improvements in engine performance, sustainability, fuel efficiency, and shop turnaround times.
With global supply-chain constraints and high travel demand placing immense pressure on aviation maintenance, the ability to expedite engine overhauls is increasingly critical. By thoroughly cleaning engines before teardown and inspection, GE Aerospace aims to improve the quality and accuracy of the inspection process itself, directly benefiting MRO turnaround times.
Technical Integration and Fleet Compatibility
The 360 Foam Wash Process
The 360 Foam Wash system relies on a proprietary chemical foam solution rather than standard water. When injected into the engine, the foam expands and penetrates internal components, breaking down hardened debris and environmental particulates that traditional water washes often leave behind. According to GE Aerospace, this thorough removal of debris helps lower engine exhaust temperatures, improve compressor efficiency, and restore overall engine performance.
Approved Engine Programs and Adoption
The wash is currently approved for use on multiple major GE Aerospace engine programs. Based on the official release and supplementary industry data, compatible models include the GE90, GEnx, and CF34, alongside previous approvals for the CF6 and the Engine Alliance GP7200 engines.
Since initial testing began in 2017, GE Aerospace and its customers have completed over 6,500 washes on fielded or in-service engines. More than 10 airline customers currently hold technical licenses to perform the wash on their fleets. Notably, the technology has been fully implemented by operators for all GEnx engines in the Middle East, a region where harsh, dusty environments heavily impact engine wear and time on wing.
Operational and Environmental Benefits
Boosting Efficiency and Turnaround Times
For MRO shops, the primary advantage of the 360 Foam Wash lies in operational efficiency. Cleaning the engine prior to teardown ensures that parts are free of obscuring grime, which improves the accuracy of subsequent inspections. This pre-cleaning step is vital for reducing the time an engine spends in the shop, allowing airlines to return their assets to service more rapidly.
Sustainability Milestones
When utilized for on-wing maintenance, the system improves “time on wing”, the duration an engine can remain operational before requiring removal for maintenance, and enhances fuel efficiency. Early adopters have reported significant environmental benefits. For example, industry data indicates that in 2021, Etihad Airways projected a reduction of over 7,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions in a single year simply by switching from water to the 360 Foam Wash.
Broader MRO Modernization Strategy
A Billion-Dollar Investment
The deployment of the 360 Foam Wash is part of a much larger, aggressive investment strategy by GE Aerospace to modernize and expand its aftermarket services. In 2024, the company committed to investing over $1 billion into its MRO shops over a five-year period to increase capacity and integrate new technologies. The foundation for this rollout was laid in December 2022, when GE Aerospace announced a $14 million investment to build the Services Technology Acceleration Center (STAC) in Springdale, Ohio, designed to incubate and scale MRO innovations.
Pairing Foam Wash with AI
The foam wash technology complements other recent technological advancements within GE’s MRO network. In 2025, the company deployed a new AI-enabled Blade Inspection tool to improve the consistency and accuracy of engine inspections. The 360 Foam Wash ensures that engine parts are thoroughly cleaned before these AI systems or human technicians perform their evaluations, maximizing the effectiveness of the diagnostic tools.
“We’re working closely with our customers to develop innovative engine maintenance technologies to keep their fleet flying. Expanding 360 Foam Wash across our overhaul network is the next step in advancing engine durability and availability for customers.”
, Nicole Jenkins, Chief Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Engineer, GE Aerospace
AirPro News analysis
At AirPro News, we view the global MRO deployment of the 360 Foam Wash as a highly strategic move that addresses two of the aviation industry’s most pressing challenges: supply chain bottlenecks and sustainability mandates. With GE Aerospace supporting an installed base of approximately 50,000 commercial and 30,000 military aircraft engines, any incremental improvement in shop turnaround times yields massive dividends for global fleet availability.
Furthermore, the financial context cannot be ignored. Services represent a massive portion of GE Aerospace’s revenue, with the Commercial Engines and Services (CES) unit generating $33.3 billion in 2025, 75% of which came from services. By pairing proprietary chemical cleaning with AI-enabled robotics, GE is actively protecting and expanding its highly lucrative aftermarket business while providing tangible fuel-burn reductions for its airline customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GE Aerospace’s 360 Foam Wash?
It is a proprietary engine cleaning system that injects a specially formulated foam into an aircraft engine to remove dust and dirt more effectively than traditional water washes, restoring compressor efficiency and lowering exhaust temperatures.
Which engines are compatible with the 360 Foam Wash?
The system is currently approved for multiple engine programs, including the GE90, GEnx, CF34, CF6, and the Engine Alliance GP7200.
How does the foam wash benefit the environment?
By thoroughly cleaning the engine and restoring its performance, the foam wash reduces fuel burn. This directly translates to lower carbon dioxide emissions, helping airlines progress toward their net-zero sustainability goals.
Sources
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
MRO & Manufacturing
JCB Aero Gains Part 145 Approval for Boeing 737 Family
JCB Aero receives Part 145 approval for Boeing 737 base and line maintenance, expanding beyond its Airbus MRO operations in Auch, France.
JCB Aero has secured Part 145 maintenance approval to perform base and line maintenance on the Boeing 737 aircraft family, expanding the French facility’s capabilities beyond its established Airbus operations.
The approval, received in August 2026 and announced by the company on September 3, 2026, covers the Boeing 737-600, Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800, and Boeing 737-900 variants. Located in Auch, near Toulouse, the subsidiary of the AMAC Aerospace Group initially launched its MRO operations in October 2024 with a focus on Airbus airframes.
Expanding MRO capabilities in Auch
The addition of Boeing 737 maintenance authorization allows JCB Aero to capture a broader segment of the narrowbody market. The company stated it has already begun issuing quotations for Boeing operators and expects to induct the first 737 airframes into its hangar in the coming months.
This expansion follows a period of high utilization for the Auch facility. Earlier in 2026, AMAC Aerospace reported full hangar capacity at the site, driven by maintenance and modification projects on Airbus Corporate Jets, specifically the ACJ318 and ACJ319 platforms.
Management perspective on the Boeing approval
The certification aligns with recent leadership transitions at the company, including the March 2026 appointment of Sébastien Kubler as Chief Operating Officer. Kubler previously served as the technical director of production and engineering for the firm.
In a statement regarding the new certification, Kubler highlighted the strategic value of the dual-manufacturer capability:
“Receiving this Boeing approval marks an important milestone in the development of JCB Aero’s MRO activities. Adding the Boeing 737 family to our existing Airbus capabilities enables us to serve a wider range of customers and further strengthens our position as a flexible and responsive MRO partner. This achievement is also a great recognition of the commitment and expertise of our teams.”
AirPro News analysis
Securing Part 145 approval for the Boeing 737 family represents a logical progression for JCB Aero as it matures its MRO footprint in southern France. By diversifying its capabilities to include both major narrowbody platforms, the facility reduces its exposure to single-manufacturer fleet dynamics. We view this dual-platform capability as a standard requirement for independent MRO providers seeking to maximize hangar utilization and attract mixed-fleet operators.
Sources: JCB Aero, AMAC Aerospace
Photo Credit: JCB Aero
MRO & Manufacturing
AnimaWings Selects SAMCO for A220 Base Maintenance
AnimaWings signs SAMCO as A220 base maintenance provider and inducts another A220-300 via Maastricht Aachen Airport.
Romanian operator AnimaWings has inducted another Airbus A220-300 into its growing fleet following the completion of livery and engineering work by SAMCO Aircraft Maintenance and MAAS Aviation. The aircraft’s release to service coincides with a formal agreement signed on September 3, 2026, designating SAMCO as the base maintenance provider for the airline’s A220 operations.
The preparation of the new narrowbody aircraft took place at Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) in the Netherlands. According to a company statement, SAMCO partnered with neighboring facility MAAS Aviation to provide an integrated induction solution for the carrier.
Integrated maintenance and livery operations
The induction process required coordination between specialized aviation service providers at the Dutch airport. MAAS Aviation completed the aircraft painting and livery application, while SAMCO managed the regulatory and engineering requirements necessary for commercial operations.
SAMCO utilized its European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 21 approval to manage the workscope preparation and design elements of the induction. Following the physical painting process, the maintenance provider officially released the aircraft into commercial service under its Part 145 certification. In its announcement, SAMCO stated the co-located collaboration ensured a “smooth transition from the paint shop to the skies.”
AnimaWings fleet expansion and maintenance strategy
The recent aircraft delivery aligns with a broader operational partnership between the Romanian carrier and the Dutch maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider. AviTrader reported that on September 3, 2026, AnimaWings officially selected SAMCO to provide tailored base maintenance services for its expanding Airbus A220 fleet to ensure long-term operational availability and reliability.
AnimaWings is currently executing a fleet modernization strategy with a stated target of operating 18 aircraft by the end of 2027. The airline has centered this growth on the Airbus A220-300. According to Skies Mag, the aircraft type delivers a 25% reduction in fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft, supporting the carrier’s efficiency targets.
AirPro News analysis
We view the co-location of specialized aviation services at regional hubs like Maastricht Aachen Airport as a significant advantage for growing carriers. By utilizing adjacent facilities for painting and engineering release, operators can minimize non-revenue repositioning flights and reduce overall aircraft downtime. For a carrier like AnimaWings scaling rapidly toward an 18-aircraft fleet, securing a dedicated base maintenance provider that can also manage induction workflows provides critical operational stability during a period of high growth.
Sources: SAMCO Aircraft Maintenance
Photo Credit: AnimaWings
MRO & Manufacturing
RECARO Aircraft Seating Launches R4 Premium Class Seat
RECARO officially introduced the R4 premium seat on Aug 25, 2026, with EASA certification for the Boeing 787.
RECARO Aircraft Seating officially introduced the R4 premium class seat on August 25, 2026, marking the successor to its decade-old PL3530 model. Initial deliveries of the new seating system began in June 2026, with entry into commercial service expected later in the year.
In a press release issued from its Schwaebisch Hall, Germany headquarters, the manufacturer detailed the R4’s focus on enhanced ergonomics, privacy, and accessibility. The seat is currently certified under European Technical Standard Orders (ETSO) by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for installation on the Boeing 787, with additional airframe certifications in progress.
Design and passenger experience upgrades
The R4 introduces several modern amenities designed to address evolving passenger expectations in widebody premium cabins. Key features include a six-way adjustable headrest with integrated neck support, side ambient lighting, and privacy wings equipped with an integrated reading light. For in-flight entertainment, the seat accommodates a 16-inch integrated monitor.
The design also incorporates functional workspace and connectivity improvements. Passengers have access to an extra-wide single-plate tray table featuring a soft open and close mechanism, an integrated Personal Electronic Device (PED) holder, and customizable power options. The seat features a side console with dedicated access designed specifically for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM).
Strategic positioning and certification
The launch of the R4 builds upon the foundation of the PL3530, which RECARO originally introduced to the market in 2015. By securing initial ETSO certification for the Boeing 787, RECARO positions the R4 to capture widebody premium economy and regional business class retrofit and line-fit opportunities.
Mark Hiller, CEO and Shareholder of RECARO Aircraft Seating and CEO of RECARO Holding, highlighted the strategic importance of the new product line.
“We are proud to introduce the R4, the latest addition to our Premium Class portfolio. Building on the success of the PL3530, the R4 reflects our commitment to combining comfort, ergonomics, and premium features in a seating solution designed to meet the evolving expectations of both airlines and passengers.”
AirPro News analysis
The introduction of the R4 underscores a broader industry trend where seat manufacturers are elevating premium economy products to mirror the business class standards of previous decades. By integrating features like 16-inch monitors and enhanced privacy wings, we see RECARO directly targeting airlines looking to monetize the growing demand for premium leisure travel. The specific inclusion of PRM-accessible consoles also indicates a proactive approach to upcoming accessibility mandates in major aviation markets. Securing EASA certification for the Boeing 787 first is a logical entry point, given the aircraft’s heavy utilization on long-haul routes where premium seating demand is highest.
Sources: RECARO Aircraft Seating
Photo Credit: RECARO Aircraft Seating
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