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
ExecuJet Belgium Earns EASA and FAA Approval for Falcon 6X
ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium secures EASA and FAA certification for Falcon 6X line and heavy maintenance plus AOG support.
ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium has secured regulatory approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to perform line and heavy maintenance on the Dassault Falcon 6X.
Announced in a company press release on July 13, 2026, the dual certification allows the Brussels-based facility to service the growing global fleet of the 5,500-nautical-mile range business jet. The approval also expands the company’s Dassault MRO GoTeam capabilities to include aircraft-on-ground (AOG) support for the Falcon 6X.
Expanding global support for the Falcon 6X
In addition to EASA and FAA certification, the Brussels facility received maintenance approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bermuda, the Department of Civil Aviation of Aruba, and the Office of the Director of Civil Aviation in Guernsey. These combined authorizations enable ExecuJet Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Services to support a wide registry of international operators.
Matthijs Hutsebaut, Regional Vice President for Europe at ExecuJet MRO Services, highlighted the operational impact of the new certifications.
“EASA and FAA are the world’s two most internationally recognised civil aviation regulators. This approval is significant as it means we are now internationally certified to do line and heavy maintenance on all in-production Falcon aircraft types,” Hutsebaut stated.
According to the company, there are currently more than 30 Dassault Falcon 6X aircraft operating worldwide. Hutsebaut noted that demand for maintenance and support services is scaling alongside the active fleet. He added that the combination of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) expertise and AOG capabilities positions the facility to provide comprehensive support to operators.
Broader network growth and recent milestones
The Falcon 6X approval in Belgium follows a series of recent capability expansions across the ExecuJet MRO Services global network, which operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation.
On June 11, 2026, the Belgium facility completed an extensive heavy maintenance project on a Dassault Falcon 7X. That project included an engine change, avionics upgrades, and the installation of a Starlink satellite communications system.
The company is also expanding its heavy maintenance footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. On June 3, 2026, ExecuJet MRO Services Australasia announced the expansion of its Dassault Falcon 7X heavy maintenance capabilities at its Sydney facility, with C-checks scheduled to commence in October 2026.
AirPro News analysis
As new clean-sheet aircraft designs like the Dassault Falcon 6X enter service and build flight hours, the availability of certified maintenance infrastructure becomes a critical factor for operator dispatch reliability. By securing EASA and FAA approvals at a major European hub, Dassault Aviation is leveraging its wholly-owned ExecuJet MRO Services subsidiary to capture aftermarket revenue while ensuring its newest flagship operators have immediate access to heavy maintenance and AOG recovery. We expect to see similar capability rollouts across other ExecuJet MRO Services regional hubs as the Falcon 6X fleet matures and approaches its first major scheduled maintenance intervals.
Photo Credit: ExecuJet MRO Services
MRO & Manufacturing
Jet Access Maintenance Becomes Starlink Dealer Amid Price Hike
Jet Access Maintenance joins the Starlink dealer network as SpaceX raises aviation hardware costs 38% and doubles its top-tier monthly plan.
Jet Access Maintenance has secured authorization as a Starlink dealer, expanding its in-flight connectivity upgrade offerings across three maintenance facilities on the same day SpaceX implemented a massive pricing restructure for its aviation internet service.
In a press release issued on July 7, 2026, the company confirmed it will now evaluate, acquire, install, and support Starlink Aviation solutions. The authorization allows Jet Access Maintenance to perform the upgrades at its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana; Nashville, Tennessee; and West Palm Beach, Florida.
Expanding MRO connectivity capabilities
The addition of Starlink hardware sales and activation support integrates into the company’s broader aircraft modernization initiatives. Installations will be completed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified technicians.
The MRO provider will handle ongoing maintenance, technical support, and integration with existing avionics systems for business aviation operators. Scott Dillon, President of Jet Access Maintenance, stated in the release that connectivity is an increasingly important part of the ownership and flight experience.
“By adding Starlink to our offering, we’re expanding the solutions available to our clients and helping them identify the connectivity platform that best supports their aircraft and mission requirements,” Dillon said.
SpaceX restructures Starlink Aviation pricing
The Jet Access Maintenance announcement coincides exactly with a major shift in Starlink’s business model. On July 7, 2026, SpaceX notified customers of a significant pricing restructure for its Starlink Business Aviation plans.
According to reporting by Aviation Week and Corporate Jet Investor, the top-tier Aviation Global Unlimited plan doubled in price from $10,000 to $20,000 per month. SpaceX also introduced a new mid-tier option, the Aviation Regional Unlimited plan, priced at $12,500 per month. This regional plan restricts unlimited data usage to a single continental region.
Hardware costs for business jets also saw a substantial increase. Holstein Aviation reported that the cost for Starlink Aviation hardware installation rose by approximately 38 percent, jumping from $145,000 to $200,000. Official Starlink Support documentation confirms these new rates take effect for existing customers on August 7, 2026.
AirPro News analysis
We note that the timing of this dealer authorization places Jet Access Maintenance in a unique position. The company is entering the Starlink dealer network just as the product undergoes its most significant pricing and tier-structure shift to date.
The 38 percent increase in hardware costs and the doubling of the global unlimited data plan alter the value proposition for mid-light jet operators. While Starlink remains a highly sought-after low-latency connectivity solution, the new $200,000 hardware baseline and $12,500 minimum monthly commitment will likely shift the primary upgrade market toward heavy jet and ultra-long-range aircraft operators. Jet Access Maintenance will need to navigate this new pricing reality as it pitches modernization initiatives to its existing client base.
Sources: Jet Access Maintenance, Aviation Week, Corporate Jet Investor, Starlink Support, Holstein Aviation
Photo Credit: Jet Access Maintenance
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
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