AviTrader_Monthly_MRO_e-Magazine_2016-03

Industry Interview
27
In the hot seat.....
Keith Mwanalushi talks large engine MRO with Roberto Furlan, VP Engineering Engine Services at SR Technics.
AviTrader MRO: In terms of overhaul capacity
for new and upcoming large engines, what
investment or preparations have you made to
meet future demand?
Furlan: The priority for our engine business is
to optimise turnaround times and to control
the repair window. In order to achieve this, we
are continuously improving our in-house repair
capabilities. For instance, our shareholder
Mubadala Development Company recently
signed major contracts with both GE (GEnx) and
Rolls-Royce (TRENT XWB) for the maintenance
and repair of their respective large engines, and
SR Technics will use its long-standing know-how
to support the introduction of repair capabilities
for both engine types.
AviTrader MRO: New engine types entering
service will see advances in parts repair technologies
- Do you think we will see engine
parts repair requirements and methodologies
differ from previous engine generations? And
if so, how?
Furlan: We believe there will be major changes
in the repair processes in the future. That is not
only because composite parts like fan blades
and fan cases will be used extensively, but also
because new designs such as blisks (bladed rotors)
and other new materials such as titanium
aluminides will be utilised on a greater scale.
These changes in material and design will require
new advanced repair technologies.
AviTrader MRO: The Asia-Pacific region draws
much of the capability for large engine maintenance
but labour costs have steadily increased.
In your opinion what influence will this region
have on engine work in the year ahead?
Furlan: Costs have indeed risen in the Asia-
Pacific region, and we expect this to continue.
Nevertheless, what is already known today is
that the number of airlines and airplanes operating
in this region are set to increase, which
indicates growing demand for MRO services accordingly.
In response, OEMs are likely to seek
to control and provide MRO services locally.
We are also growing our business in Asia. SR
Technics has gained a competitive edge in the
region by having a local facility for component
repair in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in order to be
close to the customers.
AviTrader MRO: Currently, which large engine
types are you seeing the best demand for MRO
services, and are you seeing any new trends
with airlines in terms of large engine maintenance
strategies?
Roberto Furlan, VP Engineering Engine Services SR Technics.
Furlan: The OEMs will offer flight-hour agreements,
sign JV’s or establish a network of OEMcontrolled
shops. In addition, more and more
leasing companies will influence the MRO business
by using only OEM solutions. Also airlines
will look more for flight hour agreement models
and leasing offers.
PW4000 turbofan on inspection.
Photo: SR Technics
AviTrader MRO - March 2016