AerFin, the aviation asset specialist that buys, sells, leases and repairs aircraft, engines and parts, has marked a significant milestone in the growth of its MRO operations following its first top case repair on a CFM56-5B engine at its in-house engine shop.
The repair was required after the engine experienced a bird strike during service, which damaged blades within the High-Pressure Compressor (HPC). By removing the compressor top case, AerFin’s engineers were able to access the HPC and replace only the individual damaged blades. This precise intervention follows a special procedure set out in the engine manual and avoids the need for a larger-scale repair or replacement.
The approach delivers tangible benefits for the customer – reducing both cost and turnaround time, while ensuring the aircraft returns to service quickly and reliably.
This achievement follows the shop’s first engine module swap in June this year, when AerFin’s engineers successfully replaced a damaged module with a serviceable unit, demonstrating their growing ability to manage complex in-house repairs. Both milestones reflect the significant expansion of AerFin’s MRO capability since relocating its headquarters to Indurent Park, Newport in in January this year.
The 116,000 sq ft facility has provided the additional capacity and resources needed to scale up services, while also supporting AerFin’s wider global growth, with new hubs opened in Singapore and Miami last year. The move to Indurent Park doubled AerFin’s engine MRO capacity, expanding to 26 engine bays and enabling up to 200 quick-turn shop visits annually.
“This top case repair represents an important step in the development of our engine shop capability,” said Simon Bayliss, AerFin’s chief operating officer. “It demonstrates the expertise of our team and the value we can deliver to customers by providing smart, efficient solutions that keep aircraft flying and costs under control. The move to Indurent Park has been transformative, giving us the space and state-of-the-art facilities to grow our in-house capability at pace and better support our customers worldwide.
This first top case repair underscores AerFin’s commitment to expanding its in-house expertise and strengthening its engine MRO offering, With expanded facilities, a growing global footprint and a proven track record of complex engine repairs, AerFin is well placed to deliver flexible, cost-effective solutions across the full lifecycle of its customers’ engines.”