In the latest issue of Freighter Trends magazine, experts in aircraft engines offer their opinions on current trends and changes in the MRO market. 

Director of Engines at AJW, Wasim Akhtar, notes that one of the major trends the Group is seeing is the demand for leasing or spare parts for CFM56-5B, and this extends to the CFM56-7Bs as well. These engines are the go-to engine in terms of investment he says, and the recent spike in demand is primarily due to delayed shop visits, the ongoing after-effects of Covid, and parts and labour shortages.   

“Flying schedules have returned, and when flying comes back, that’s when repairs come back. You do the planned and unplanned repairs to keep flying,” he says.  

Akhtar discusses turn around times (TATs) and the demand for tech insertions (TI) engines due to companies wanting to do the right thing for the sake of the environment. AJW, for example, has committed to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and drives business awareness and action in support of achieving the Sustainability Development Goals by 2030, and others in the industry are starting to do the same.  

The article asks questions about the maintenance process for CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines and how these may differ from other engine types. Akhtar confirms that the maintenance processes for the CFN56 engine don’t differ vastly from the V2500 engine. He discusses the cost and extent of light scope repairs versus a full PR (Performance Restoration) shop visit and how AJW requests quotes for both types of repairs to make an informed and logical decision. The Group considers which of the shop visits would be most financially, commercially, and technically viable. He comments,  

“We always strive to do the engine repair in the best way possible while keeping the economics of the repair foremost in our minds” 

AJW's Director of Engines discusses the use of USM (Used Serviceable Material) to reduce overhaul costs but affirms that due to the high demand for USM, the price has risen significantly. He offers a more detailed explanation of the teardown and overhaul process and says, 

“Scoping engines in the correct way, sourcing the right material, and knowing the customer’s needs are the most important factors to consider.” 

AJW believes communication and solid relationships are vital when collaborating with the OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), the shops that are approved by the OEMS, and some of the partners. It is its heritage and experience that enables the Group to manage its parts and component inventory effectively. AJW has strategic global locations to best serve its customers and continues its expansion in Europe. Costs and TATs continue to be the biggest challenges, however, and these will continue well beyond 2026 before we see an alleviation in the situation.