Pratt & Whitney Looks to Broaden MRO Footprint
By Perry Flint, ATW Daily News | Mar. 30, 2007
Pratt & Whitney wants to grow its presence in the maintenance, repair and overhaul aftermarket beyond powerplants, Global Service Partners Senior VP and GM Jim Keenan said.
Pratt aims "to broaden our portfolio to become a full-service MRO provider," he said. As a first step, it has developed a composite repair capability currently focused on nacelles and thrust reversers. It also is exploring the possibility of supporting wheels and brakes, landing gear and additional engine-related components, either on its own or in partnership with another company already active in those areas, he said. However, it would not compete with sister company Hamilton Sundstrand in the component MRO market.
In terms of geography, Pratt's "first priority" is the Asia/Pacific, where it recently announced an engine MRO joint venture with China Eastern and is exploring options in India.
The company currently derives approximately half of its US$11 billion in annual revenues from MRO activities, with the lion's share coming from large commercial engines. The MRO segment is growing faster than original equipment sales and that trend could accelerate when it brings its CFM56-3 parts to market.
Program Director-Global Material Solutions James Pennito said Pratt recently completed a test of gas path parts totaling 170 hr. and 1,000 cycles. The parts ran in the same CFM56 as original, serviceable and repaired parts. The company is tearing down the engine to inspect the parts with results expected very soon.
Certification of the first PMA parts is expected at the end of June and continuing through the end of the first quarter of 2008, according to Pennito. FAA-mandated tests to support the certification program for the life-limited parts will take place in July and September. At present United Airlines is the only customer for Pratt's PMA parts, but it expects to announce a second airline customer in the next "60-90 days."