MTU Maintenance introduces additional test capabilities for CFM56-7B engines

MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg has achieved the next step in obtaining their CFM56-7B test capability after a successful audit by the German aviation authority, the Luftfahrtbundesamt (LBA). In addition, MTU Maintenance Dallas has received approval by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to test the engine model after a recent, successful correlation of its own test cell – making it MTU's first dedicated ON-SITEPlus services site to also include a testing facility.

For the location situated just south of the German capital, the test cell approval, which additionally certifies it under FAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations, signals the completion of its CFM56-7B portfolio expansion. This means that MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg can conduct the full range of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) workscopes on the engine model, including testing, at one site.

André Sinanian, Managing Director and SVP at MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg, says, at a time when capacities in the industry are tight, having testing capabilities for CFM International's CFM56-7B at multiple locations, including MTU Maintenance Zhuhai, allows MTU Maintenance – the world's leading independent provider of customized MRO solutions for aero engines – to enhance its service provisions and flexibility globally. The CFM56 is currently the most popular and in-demand engine MRO program worldwide.

"The ability to test CFM56-7B engines in Europe, North America and Asia within an independent network is quite unique to MTU because customers from any market in the world have near-immediate access to our comprehensive services," notes Sinanian, whose location also centrally manages the global ON-SITEPlus services operations. "Expanding our capabilities and capacity across locations enables us to better serve the MRO needs for the prolific CFM56 and to continue MTU Maintenance's success story."

Last year, MTU conducted more than 130 shop visits on the CFM56-7B network-wide. MTU Maintenance Dallas moved to a new 41,000-square-meter (440,000 square feet) facility at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport last year. The Texan facility holds approvals from EASA, the FAA and multiple other certifications from regulatory agencies across the globe, and its on-site and near-wing maintenance portfolio includes CFM56-3/5B/7B; CF34-3/8/10E; CF6-80C2/E1; GE90-110/115B; PW2000 and V2500 engines. Besides the CFM56-7B, MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg's MRO portfolio includes the CF34-8/10E, as well as the PW200, PW300 and the PW800's LPT module.