Press archive detail

• PurePower® PW1000G geared turbofan successfully established in the marketplace
• Engine for A400M military airlifter making progress
• Maintenance markets in Asia and Middle East remain strong

Berlin, June 9, 2010 – In the current year, MTU Aero Engines expects the market to develop at least at the rate projected at the beginning of this year, in some areas perhaps at an even higher pace. “The passenger and cargo volumes carried by the airlines already markedly exceed initial expectations,” explained MTU CEO Egon Behle at the company’s press conference held today at the 2010 International Aerospace Exhibition and Conferences (ILA) in Berlin. Central topics at the press briefing were the geared turbofan, the engine powering the A400M military airlifter, and MTU Maintenance.

Geared turbofan headed for success
A highlight in the Munich company’s commercial OEM business is Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower® PW1000G geared turbofan. It had been at the ILA in Berlin two years ago that MTU had announced that it would take a 15-percent stake in the first two applications of this new engine program. The company’s workshare comprises the high-speed low-pressure turbine, a key component of the engine, and the forward four stages of the high-pressure compressor.

The geared turbofan is headed for success, having firmly established itself in the marketplace: It has been selected as the exclusive powerplant for Bombardier’s 100-seat CSeries, Mitsubishi’s MRJ regional jet and Irkut’s MS-21 short- to medium-haul airliner. First customers for these jets include Germany’s Lufthansa and Republic Airways from the U.S.; more than 400 firm and optional engine orders have already been received. MTU estimates the sales volume of the PW1000G at more than ten billion euros over the entire life of the program. “This makes the geared turbofan one of MTU’s most important future commercial engine programs,” said Behle.

Here is a rundown of the current program status: The geared turbofan demonstrator has passed all ground tests successfully and has also proven its capabilities in flight tests. Overall, the engine has accumulated 400 hours of testing, of which 120 on flying test beds. It successfully completed test flights on the wing of a Boeing 747 and Airbus A340. At present, a geared turbofan in the CSeries thrust class is being built for certification purposes. MTU has already delivered its modules for this engine to Pratt & Whitney. The first run is scheduled to take place this summer. There may be even greater market potential for the geared turbofan ahead: Should Airbus and Boeing decide to go forward with a re-engining program for the A320 or 737, respectively, the PW1000G would be the perfect choice. Commented Behle: “In this case, we would like to offer the engine through the IAE consortium, which continues to be our preferred market access route.”

A400M engine making good headway
The A400M military transport and its TP400-D6 engines began flight testing in December 2009. Two prototypes are being put through their paces. The results obtained so far are promising. The engine fully meets all requirements and specifications. This also holds true for the FADEC engine control system. “The first display of the A400M at this year’s ILA demonstrates that the program is making good headway,” explained Behle. “All parties involved firmly believe in the ultimate success of the A400M and its engine.”

Distinction for MTU’s commercial MRO
The commercial engine maintenance business, MTU’s third segment next to the OEM and defense businesses, shows clear signs of recovery. Major growth in this segment is expected to come primarily from China, the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. MTU Maintenance has established a presence in all regions and boasts a sound, diversified customer base comprising more than 100 airlines worldwide. Its current contract volume is worth more than five billion euros, according to MTU’s CEO.

MTU Maintenance has received impressive proof of the reputation it enjoys worldwide: The readers of the renowned international trade magazine Aircraft Technology Engineering & Maintenance (ATE&M) have chosen MTU Maintenance as the Best Engine MRO in the commercial area. What is special about the ATE&M award is that both the nominations and the winners are decided exclusively by customers and suppliers.

In May, MTU’s maintenance arm received the 2,500th V2500 engine for a shop visit. It is operated by Turkey’s Onur Air, a long-standing MTU Maintenance customer. The company is the leading maintenance provider for the V2500 worldwide. Another important engine in MTU Maintenance’s portfolio is the CF6, which powers wide-body aircraft. Air Canada recently sent its 250th CF6 to MTU Maintenance for repair and overhaul.

About MTU Aero Engines
MTU Aero Engines is Germany's leading engine manufacturer and a major player in the industry. The company operates affiliates around the globe and has a total workforce of some 7,600 employees. In fiscal 2009, MTU posted consolidated sales of around 2.6 billion euros. The engine specialist excels in low-pressure turbines and high-pressure compressors, as well as manufacturing and repair techniques. In the military arena, MTU is Germany's industrial lead company for practically all engines flown by the country's armed forces; in the commercial area, MTU Maintenance is the world's largest independent provider of engine maintenance services.