Air New Zealand, Pratt & Whitney Launch Engine Center Expansion

Air New Zealand and Pratt & Whitney are expanding their joint venture engine maintenance center in Christchurch, New Zealand, to allow it to add capability for geared turbofan (GTF) engine overhauls.

The 14,000-m2 (150,695-ft.2) expansion is estimated to cost $150 million, with construction work due to start this month. The first GTF overhauls are expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2026. The partners said the expansion will give the Christchurch Engine Center capacity for up to 140 GTF engine overhauls per year by 2032.

The engine center was established in 1948, and the joint venture arrangement began in 2001. The center currently specializes in V2500 engines for New Zealand and overseas customers, and employs about 400 people.

“The Christchurch Engine Center has a proven track record of delivering exceptional performance and quality with a highly capable workforce,” said Shane Eddy, president of Pratt & Whitney. 

“With the Asia-Pacific region projected to experience the highest aviation growth globally over the next 20 years, it is a strategic imperative for us to invest here and partner with Air New Zealand as we continue to expand the GTF MRO network in support of the growing fleet,” Eddy added.

Air New Zealand has PW1100G GTF engines on 18 of its Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, according to the Aviation Week Network Fleet Discovery database. Three of the neos are listed as inactive. The carrier’s A320ceos are powered by V2500s.