MTU Maintenance Zhuhai has opened its second test cell, located in Jinwan, China. Having received CAAC, EASA and FAA approval for PW1100G-JM engines at the beginning of June, the 60,000 lb thrust test cell is now up and running and will ramp up to an annual capacity of 260 tests. The PW1100G-JM engine is the Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine for Airbus A320neo family aircraft.

Chairman of the Board of MTU Maintenance Zhuhai Wu Rongxin stated: “We are delighted to be opening the test cell in Jinwan today, it is a great milestone in this project and will not only support both facilities in their operations but also the growth of the aviation sector in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.”

Building of the test cell commenced prior to the rest of the site, due to the continued strong demand at MTU Maintenance Zhuhai, following on from the introduction of LEAP engines in 2019 and PW1100G-JM engines in 2020 and in addition to the CFM56 and V2500 engines already being served. It takes MTU Maintenance Zhuhai’s total technical test capability to 710 engines a year and supports both sites’ ramp-up. The Jinwan site will primarily focus on PW1100G-JM and V2500 engines, is expected to start operations in 2025 and ramp up to a capacity of 260 shop visits.

“The new test cell will both increase our MRO capacity, in particular for the PW1100G-JM engine, as well as improve our throughput and speed of execution,” adds Michael Schreyögg, Chief Program Officer, MTU Aero Engines.