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
Deutsche Aircraft Implements Supply Chain Strategy for D328eco Turboprop
Deutsche Aircraft aligns supply chain and production milestones for the D328eco, targeting first flight in 2026 and service entry in 2027 with a new CO₂-neutral assembly line.
This article is based on an official press release from Deutsche Aircraft.
On May 19, 2026, German regional aircraft manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft announced a disciplined and resilient supply chain strategy for its in-development D328eco turboprop programme. According to the company’s official press release, the strategy is designed to synchronize industrial preparation and supplier readiness directly with the aircraft’s development milestones, avoiding the common industry pitfall of relying on forward assumptions.
Led by Patricia Ferrari, Vice President of Supply Chain, the organization is currently prioritizing the D328eco’s upcoming first flight campaign, which is targeted for the second half of 2026. The immediate focus is on validating technical configurations and material flows before committing to full-scale industrial ramp-up.
We are seeing a deliberate shift in how regional aircraft manufacturers approach production. By deferring certain industrial activities until validated data is available, Deutsche Aircraft asserts that its revised timeline, with entry into service now planned for the fourth quarter of 2027, has provided crucial lead time to build resilience against ongoing global aerospace supply chain bottlenecks.
A Development-Led Supply Chain Framework
The newly announced supply chain framework is built upon a risk-aware approach to industrialization. According to the company’s statements, the strategy is supported by four core pillars designed to safeguard the timeline toward entry-into-service.
Four Core Pillars of Resilience
As detailed in the press release, the four pillars include a scalable framework that evolves dynamically with the programme, securing supplier capability based strictly on demonstrated performance, risk-based prioritization of long-lead items, and operational agility to preserve flexibility in the timing of the industrial ramp-up.
To support this agile framework, Deutsche Aircraft has partnered with SupplyOn to achieve 100% paperless, fully digital control of its global supplier network. Industry reports indicate that the company’s Tier 1 supplier network, comprising nearly 90 suppliers, was finalized in 2025.
“The role of our supply chain organisation is clear: to support development and the first flight campaign with precision and reliability.”
Aligning Industrialization with Programme Milestones
The D328eco is a next-generation, 40-seat regional turboprop based on the heritage of the Dornier 328. Designed for short- and medium-range operations, it features upgraded performance, modern avionics, and full compatibility with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Bringing this aircraft to market requires precise alignment between engineering, supply chain, and final assembly.
First Flight and Final Assembly Preparations
According to the revised schedule confirmed by the manufacturer, the first test flight of the D328eco is targeted for the second half of 2026, with certification, initial deliveries, and entry into service scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2027. To accommodate this production, a new 60,500-square-meter, CO₂-neutral Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Leipzig/Halle Airport is scheduled to open in May 2026. Once fully operational, the facility will have an annual production capacity of up to 48 aircraft.
“The additional lead time provided by our revised program schedule has enabled us to strengthen our industrial base.”
Visnakova, who was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer in February 2026, noted that final assembly line development, supplier integration, and long-term planning are all aligned to avoid the production challenges seen elsewhere in the industry.
Digital Integration and Commercial Restructuring
Beyond physical supply chain logistics, Deutsche Aircraft has invested heavily in digital infrastructure to ensure a smooth transition from design to manufacturing.
Building a Virtual Engineering Environment
In March 2026, the company deployed Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform to create a model-based digital engineering environment. This integration allows the engineering team to simulate system behavior and structural loads before physical manufacturing begins, further reducing supply chain waste and mitigating risk.
“Establishing a robust digital engineering platform is vital for the entire lifecycle of the D328eco to fulfill customer expectations.”
AirPro News analysis
At AirPro News, we observe that Deutsche Aircraft’s strategy to defer certain industrial activities until data is validated is a direct and necessary response to industry-wide vulnerabilities. The global aerospace sector has been severely impacted by supply chain disruptions over the past few years, including raw material shortages, such as titanium, supplier capacity constraints, and logistics bottlenecks. By prioritizing demonstrated supplier performance over optimistic projections, Deutsche Aircraft is aiming to prevent the costly production delays currently plaguing larger original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Furthermore, with increasing regulatory pressure regarding emissions, the D328eco’s compatibility with 100% SAF and the company’s focus on eco-friendly production methods position the aircraft favorably within the shifting landscape of regional aviation. The decision to prioritize suppliers that align with its own sustainability goals is likely to become a standard practice across the aerospace sector in the coming decade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the D328eco?
The D328eco is a next-generation, 40-seat regional turboprop developed by Deutsche Aircraft, designed for short- and medium-range operations and fully compatible with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
When is the first flight of the D328eco scheduled?
According to the company’s latest timeline, the first test flight is targeted for the second half of 2026.
Where will the aircraft be manufactured?
The aircraft will be assembled at a new 60,500-square-meter, CO₂-neutral Final Assembly Line at Leipzig/Halle Airport, scheduled to open in May 2026.
When will the D328eco enter service?
Certification, initial deliveries, and entry into service are currently scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2027.
Sources:
Deutsche Aircraft Official Press Release,
Photo Credit: Deutsche Aircraft
MRO & Manufacturing
Avio Network Acquires JAT Tehnika to Expand MRO Services in Serbia
Avio Network finalized the acquisition of JAT Tehnika, enhancing its MRO capabilities with plans for modernization and expanded services in Serbia.
This article is based on an official press release from Avio Network.
On May 11, 2026, Belgrade-based Avio Network officially announced the completion of its acquisitions of JAT Tehnika, a prominent maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider located at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport in Surčin, Serbia. According to the official press release, this transaction is a cornerstone of Avio Network’s growth strategy, designed to significantly expand its technical capabilities, infrastructure, and market reach across Europe.
We note from supplementary industry research that the deal involves Avio Network acquiring a 99.38% stake in the historic MRO facility. The acquisition positions the company to capitalize on the post-pandemic recovery of the global airline industry, fleet expansions, and the corresponding surge in demand for cost-effective maintenance services.
The Details of the Acquisition
Transition of Ownership
The formal Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) was initially signed in December 2025, according to verified public data. Following regulatory clearance from Serbia’s competition authority, the deal was finalized in May 2026. The financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed.
In the company press release, Avio Network CEO Aleš Luci highlighted the strategic value of the purchase, emphasizing the immediate access to certified maintenance facilities and a highly skilled workforce.
“This acquisition represents a strategic investment in scalable infrastructure and proven operational excellence. JAT Tehnika brings a strong foundation… that are fully aligned with our vision of building a leading regional MRO platform.”
The press release confirms that JAT Tehnika will continue to serve its current clients without interruption during the transition period, with Avio Network planning to introduce additional commercial opportunities under its ownership.
Contrasting Profiles: From Niche Services to MRO Giant
Avio Network’s Rapid Ascent
Founded in 2017 and headquartered at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, Avio Network began as a niche aviation services provider focusing on aircraft washing and cleaning. Public industry data shows the company expanded its portfolio in 2022 by obtaining licenses for aircraft towing and pushback, eventually entering the line maintenance sector. Prior to this acquisition, Avio Network operated with approximately 90 employees, serving clients such as Air Serbia, easyJet, Lumiwings, Leav, and DAT.
JAT Tehnika’s Historic Legacy
In stark contrast to its new parent company’s relatively recent founding, JAT Tehnika boasts roots dating back to 1927 with the founding of the airline Aeroput. Established in its current corporate form in 2006, the facility spans approximately 480,000 square meters and features three hangars capable of accommodating both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft.
JAT Tehnika holds critical international certifications, including EASA PART-145, FAA FAR 145, and EASA PART-21J (European Design Certificate). Notably, in August 2023, the facility completed the first passenger-to-cargo conversion of a Boeing 767-300 aircraft in Europe, a milestone achieved in collaboration with Israeli Aerospace Industries.
Strategic Rationale and Market Context
Planned Investments
Avio Network plans to implement targeted investments aimed at modernizing JAT Tehnika’s facilities, improving digital capacities, and optimizing operational efficiency. The official release notes these upgrades will strengthen the company’s competitive position in both narrow-body and wide-body maintenance segments.
AirPro News analysis
At AirPro News, we view this acquisition as a fascinating shift in the Southeast European aviation landscape. The contrast in scale is particularly striking: a relatively young company with roughly 90 employees has successfully taken over a massive, historic MRO facility with nearly a century of legacy. This move signals a highly ambitious transition for Avio Network from line maintenance and ground handling into heavy, comprehensive MRO services.
Furthermore, this transaction must be viewed within the broader context of regional market restructuring. JAT Tehnika was previously owned by Avia Prime, a Czech-based aviation group controlled by Hartenberg Holding, which acquired the Serbian MRO during its 2019 privatization. Industry research indicates that Avia Prime is executing a strategic divestment from the Balkans; in late 2025, the group agreed to sell its Slovenian maintenance subsidiary, Adria Tehnika, to the European low-cost carrier easyJet.
This broader exit by Hartenberg Holding from the aviation sector underscores a shifting competitive landscape where major airlines are increasingly bringing maintenance in-house to control operating costs. By keeping JAT Tehnika under regional ownership, Avio Network is securing a strategically vital industrial asset for the Western Balkans, ensuring Belgrade remains a competitive hub for aircraft maintenance in Southeast Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of JAT Tehnika did Avio Network acquire?
According to public industry data, Avio Network acquired a 99.38% stake in JAT Tehnika.
Will current JAT Tehnika clients be affected by the change in ownership?
No. The official press release states that JAT Tehnika will continue to provide services to its current clients without interruption.
What are Avio Network’s future plans for the facility?
Avio Network has committed to targeted investments in the modernization of facilities, the improvement of digital capacities, and the optimization of operational efficiency.
Sources:
Photo Credit: JAT Tehnika
MRO & Manufacturing
NASA Ground Crews Maintain Diverse Fleet at Armstrong Flight Center
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center ground crews maintain a diverse fleet including F-15s, Pilatus PC-12, and the X-59 Quesst with rigorous inspections and maintenance.
Keeping NASA Flying: The Unsung Heroes of Aircraft Readiness
Behind every high-speed research flight and high-altitude science campaign at NASA is a dedicated team of ground maintenance professionals. Based primarily at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, these specialized crews ensure that a highly diverse fleet of civilian, military, and experimental aircraft operate safely and reliably.
According to an official press release from NASA, maintaining this varied fleet requires immense agility. Because these aircraft fly at different speeds, carry highly specialized hardware, and operate under varying mission parameters, the ground crews must constantly adapt to new challenges to keep the agency’s aeronautics and science advancements on track.
The Anatomy of a NASA Ground Crew
Maintaining NASA’s fleet requires a highly coordinated team with specialized roles. The official agency report outlines a structured hierarchy designed to maximize safety and efficiency on the flightline.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
At the helm of each aircraft’s maintenance is the Crew Chief, who bears ultimate responsibility for the structural and operational integrity of the plane. They are supported by Avionics Technicians, who focus on navigation, communication, and flight control systems, as well as specialized Mechanics who handle physical repairs and part replacements. Quality Assurance Personnel oversee all work to ensure it meets strict safety standards.
“There is a crew chief assigned to every aircraft. The crew chief is responsible for the integrity of that aircraft, and at the end of the day, his signature and the pilot’s together are what constitutes that the aircraft is safe for flight,” stated Jose “Manny” Rodriguez, NASA Armstrong Gulfstream G-IV Crew Chief, in the NASA release.
Adapting to a Diverse and Expanding Fleet
As of 2026, NASA has expanded its fleet at the Armstrong Flight Research Center, requiring ground crews to adapt to new airframes and experimental technologies. Recent additions include two F-15 fighter jets and a Pilatus PC-12 turboprop.
The maintenance teams are also tasked with managing legacy high-altitude platforms like the ER-2 Earth resources aircraft, alongside cutting-edge experimental planes.
“It’s difficult at times to work with different airplanes from both the civilian and military sides, but it’s very rewarding to see that we have the capability and the expertise to keep these aircraft flying,” Rodriguez noted.
The X-59 Quesst and Experimental Maintenance
Ground crews are currently managing scheduled maintenance and rigorous inspections for NASA’s newest X-plane, the X-59 Quesst, which is designed for quiet supersonic flight. Teams frequently remove panels for thorough visual inspections of internal systems to confirm airworthiness.
“Inspections are a very important part of the airworthiness process for a brand new airplane. We have to inspect this aircraft more frequently than other aircraft,” explained David Mcallister, Operations Lead for the X-59.
Rigorous Maintenance Protocols
To ensure the safety of these multi-million dollar assets, ground crews perform continuous, rigorous maintenance. Routine tasks include checking ejection seats, fueling the aircraft, and constantly replacing parts that degrade with each flight, such as brakes, wheels, wiring, and hardware.
Once maintenance is complete, the aircraft is towed to the flightline. Before takeoff, the assigned NASA pilot and the crew chief conduct a final safety walk-around. Furthermore, maintenance crews actively track each flight to ensure mission completion. If an aircraft is forced to return to base early, the ground crew is immediately on standby to troubleshoot and repair the issue.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that NASA’s approach to fleet maintenance highlights a unique operational challenge rarely seen in commercial aviation. While commercial airlines typically operate standardized fleets to streamline maintenance and reduce costs, NASA’s Armstrong facility must maintain a mixed inventory of legacy military jets, civilian turboprops, and one-of-a-kind experimental X-planes.
This requirement for hyper-adaptability places an extraordinary burden on the ground crews. The successful integration of new assets like the F-15s and the Pilatus PC-12 in 2026, alongside the highly sensitive X-59 Quesst, underscores the elite training and flexibility of these aviation technicians. Their ability to pivot from standard civilian maintenance to experimental supersonic protocols on a daily basis is a critical, yet often overlooked, pillar of American aerospace innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are NASA’s primary aircraft maintenance operations located?
NASA’s primary aircraft maintenance operations are based at the Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.
What new aircraft did NASA add to its Armstrong fleet in 2026?
According to the NASA release, the agency recently added two F-15 fighter jets and a Pilatus PC-12 to its fleet.
Who has the final say on whether a NASA aircraft is safe to fly?
The assigned NASA pilot and the Crew Chief must both sign off on the aircraft’s safety after conducting a final pre-flight walk-around.
Sources: NASA
Photo Credit: NASA
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