Ground Breaking Marks CFM56® MRO Growth for Pratt & Whitney


SHANGHAI China, Oct. 18 / -- Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Corp. company, and its joint venture partner, China Eastern Airlines, today broke ground on a new CFM56® engine overhaul facility in Shanghai. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to overhaul 200-300 engines per year and employ 800 people.

The facility, due to induct its first engine in 2008, will comprise approximately 23,000 sq. meters (250,000 sq. feet). Its in-depth repair capabilities, 10-meter test cell with capability of up to 75,000 pounds of thrust, and state-of-the-art information technology system will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to airline customers in China and the Asia Pacific region.

"Today we are pleased to witness the ground breaking of the facility, the largest CFM56® MRO center in the Asia Pacific region," said Mr. Cao Jianxiong, president of China Eastern Airlines. "The facility will definitely be the milestone in the partnership of China Eastern Airlines and Pratt & Whitney."

"This ground breaking event is of great importance to Pratt & Whitney," said Pratt & Whitney President Steve Finger. "Pratt & Whitney, together with China Eastern Airlines, will bring state-of-the-art engine service to Shanghai and provide China Eastern Airlines and other airlines in the region an excellent alternative for their CFM56® engine overhaul and repair needs."

Jim Keenan, senior vice president & general manager, Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners, said, "The facility is designed to meet today's highest environmental standards and is well-positioned to meet those expected in coming decades. We are thrilled to partner with China Eastern, a prominent airline with tremendous growth momentum. This is a great opportunity for both of our companies."

The facility is designed to meet the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Platinum standards. It will use extensive day lighting, a cool roof to reduce heat island effects, radiant heating in offices and the cafeteria, high performance insulation and windows, and rainwater collection for site irrigation and sanitary use. At least 12.5 percent of the site's energy needs are expected to come from renewable energy sources. This integrated design will improve the facility's overall environmental performance and reduce energy consumption.

China Eastern Airlines Co., Ltd., was established in June 1988 and maintained rapid growth over the past 19 years. It was successfully transformed into a shareholding company in 1997 and listed on the New York, Hong Kong and Shanghai stock exchanges. China Eastern Airlines is the largest operator of CFM56® engines in Asia Pacific, with over 270 CFM56® engines in its fleet and over 50 CFM56® engines on order through 2011.

Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners (GSP) is a total service provider for Pratt & Whitney, International Aero Engines, General Electric, Rolls-Royce and CFMI engines. In addition to engine overhaul and repair services, GSP provides customers improved engine performance and increased asset value through a broad portfolio of services including line maintenance, engine monitoring and diagnostics, environmentally-friendly on-wing water washes, leased engines, custom engine service programs and new and repaired parts.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries.

Source: Pratt & Whitney

CONTACT: Robin Salisbury of Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners,
+1-860-565-8220, robin.salisbury@pw.utc.com, or Jennifer Whitlow of Pratt & Whitney, +1-860-565-9600, jennifer.whitlow@pw.utc.com

Web site: http://www.pratt-whitney.com/

All Topics