Vietjet, CFM International exploring engine MRO deal

CFM International and Vietjet have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) under which the companies to assess if Vietjet can develop its own solution for engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for LEAP engines in Vietnam. Under the terms of the LOI, CFM would propose a consulting agreement to provide Vietjet with advisory services related to the assessment of engine MRO requirements, capabilities, infrastructure, workforce, and industry considerations associated with a potential local maintenance solution in Vietnam. The initiative comes as Vietjet expands its large next-generation fleet. Future LEAP engine MRO capability could support the airline’s long-term operations while helping Vietnam develop high-value aerospace services, train internationally qualified engineers, and strengthen its role in the global aviation supply chain. “Vietnam represents one of the most dynamic aviation markets in the world, and we are pleased to further strengthen our relationship with Vietjet by evaluating engine maintenance capabilities in the country,” said Gaël Meheust, President and CEO of CFM International. “CFM would bring its global experience to provide Vietjet with a comprehensive evaluation that supports the Vietnamese government’s vision for the continued development of the country’s aerospace industry.” Nguyen Thanh Son, CEO of Vietjet, said: “A strong aviation industry needs more than a modern fleet and an extensive network. It needs deep technical expertise and highly skilled people. Our work with CFM is an important part of Vietjet’s ambition to build a more complete aviation ecosystem in Vietnam. We hope this initiative will lay the groundwork for latest-generation engine maintenance capability, develop world-class engineering talent, and enable Vietnam to take on a greater role in the global aviation value chain.” CFM has powered Vietjet’s growth since the airline took delivery of its first CFM56-powered Airbus A320ceo aircraft in 2014. The airline currently operates 50 CFM56-powered A320ceo and A321ceo aircraft. The relationship is entering a new phase through Vietjet’s recent 200-aircraft Boeing 737-8 order that includes 737-8s and 737-8-200s powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines. GKN Aerospace expands North Charlestown engine components facility (PHOTO: GKN Aerospace) GKN Aerospace marked the start of construction on its North Charlestown facility expansion, a $16 million investment that will increase capacity for critical aero-engine components and support future growth across the company’s engine component operations. The project will add approximately 57,000 square feet, bringing the site’s total footprint to nearly 97,000 square feet. Once complete, the expanded facility will support future business growth, workforce expansion and a broader range of manufacturing activities. Joakim Andersson, President Engines, GKN Aerospace, said: “Today marks an important milestone for our North Charlestown site and for GKN Aerospace’s U.S. operations. This investment will help us grow our capacity in the U.S. as demand from our engines customers continues to rise. It is an important step as we strengthen our ability to support customers and grow our business for the long term.” Construction marks the next phase of the investment announced earlier this year. The expansion will introduce additional manufacturing capabilities, including turning operations, surface finishing and non-destructive testing (NDT). These capabilities will enable additional manufacturing processes to be carried out on site, helping improve efficiency and reduce lead times. Tomas Lindsta, Senior Vice President, OE Product Solutions, GKN Aerospace, said: “This expansion gives us the space to grow our team, increase production capacity and broaden our capabilities. By bringing more manufacturing processes in-house, we can further develop our employees’ skills, gain greater flexibility and respond more effectively to our customers’ evolving needs as our business continues to grow.” Kelly Ayotte, Governor of New Hampshire, said: “New Hampshire is proud to be a leader in the aerospace and defense industry, and GKN Aerospace’s expansion here is a testament to what is possible when industry investment and workforce development come together. We will continue to expand pathways to careers in aerospace and other high-demand fields, ensure our workforce has the skills and training necessary to grow this important industry, and keep New Hampshire a hub for innovation.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]