Engine Aftermarket Heats Up In Shannon

The engine aftermarket in Shannon, Ireland is enjoying a growth period following the opening of an expanded facility by Lufthansa Technik Turbine Shannon (LTTS).

The 22,200 ft.² Engine Parts and Accessories Repair (EPAR) facility will give Lufthansa Technik the capability to repair engine manifolds and expand its engine repair footprint in Shannon to 1.1 million ft.²

It has also resulted in 25 new jobs, although LTTS needs more to satisfy surging demand for engine maintenance.

“The diversification and expansion of our core MRO services portfolio has happened fast and the LTTS team has worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition," said LTTS CEO Michael Malewski.

"I believe we have some of the best people in the world working for us at each of our three locations, but we need even more as we experience rapid post-pandemic recovery," he adds.

Malewski highlighted a particular need for more experienced aviation engineers, as well as qualified mechanics and engineers from any field interested in moving into the aviation industry.

Another Shannon engine specialist in rude health is lessor Shannon Engine Support (SES), a joint venture between Aercap and Safran Aircraft Engines.

“SES has been generating a strong performance this year driven by the ongoing engine supply and demand factors,” said Aercap’s chief financial officer, Peter Juhas, in a recent earnings presentation

SES recorded $74 million of lease rental income from the Irish company, a steep rise from $12 million the year before.

This was partly the result of supply chain challenges that have held back deliveries of new narrowbody aircraft. This forces airlines to use and maintain older equipment such as the CFM56 for longer, and also limits the flow of new-generation engines that they can own—rather than lease—as spares.

Recruitment challenges at facilities like LTTS also help by pushing out overhaul times and extending the need for spare engines.