Turkish Technic Plans CFM LEAP Engine Shop in Istanbul

Turkish Technic Advances Plans for CFM LEAP Engine Repair Facility in Istanbul

Turkish Technic is actively negotiating with CFM International to establish a dedicated repair facility for LEAP engines in Istanbul, a move that reflects the company’s strategic focus on enhancing operational reliability and independence for Turkish Airlines. Chairman Ahmet Bolat highlighted the significance of this development during the International Air Transport Association’s Annual General Meeting, noting that while complete independence in engine maintenance is unattainable due to reliance on manufacturer-supplied parts, possessing in-house repair capabilities for certain engine models offers a distinct advantage.

Expanding Fleet and Maintenance Needs

Turkish Airlines currently operates 28 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft equipped with CFM LEAP-1B engines, with an additional 35 aircraft on order. The airline is also contemplating a potential acquisition of up to 150 more 737 MAX jets, which would substantially increase the demand for LEAP engine maintenance services. On the Airbus front, Turkish Airlines has a backlog of 205 A320neo-family aircraft. While 48 of these are slated to be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines, the remainder may feature CFM LEAP-1A engines, further underscoring the necessity for expanded LEAP engine maintenance infrastructure.

Challenges and Market Implications

The establishment of a new LEAP engine shop presents several challenges, including securing regulatory approvals, recruiting and training specialized personnel, and integrating advanced technologies essential for servicing next-generation engines. This initiative is also poised to intensify competition within the regional maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) market for CFM LEAP engines. Industry analysts anticipate that increased competition could elevate operational costs for existing MRO providers and prompt them to enhance their capabilities or pursue strategic alliances.

Broader Expansion in Engine Services

This LEAP engine facility plan follows Turkish Technic’s recent integration into Rolls-Royce’s TotalCare aftermarket network, which will enable the company to service various Trent engine models from a new Istanbul-based facility. Bolat indicated that construction on the Trent engine facility is expected to commence within two to three months, with the first engines scheduled for induction starting in 2027. This expansion aims to support both Turkish Airlines’ widebody fleet and third-party customers.

Currently, Turkish Technic’s engine maintenance operations are centered at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport, where it services CFM56 and CF6-80E1 engines. Additionally, the company operates the Turkish Engine Center, a joint venture with Pratt & Whitney, specializing in repairs of International Aero Engines V2500-A5 and CFM56-7B engines.

As Turkish Technic advances its plans for the LEAP engine shop, it is positioning itself to become a significant player in the evolving engine maintenance sector, while managing the operational and competitive complexities inherent in such an expansion.