Iberia Maintenance has achieved full operational status for servicing RTX’s Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines at its La Muñoza facility.
Located next to Madrid-Barajas Airport, the center now offers comprehensive engine overhaul services, including disassembly, assembly, and advanced testing capabilities.
Several GTF engines are already undergoing maintenance at the state-of-the-art facility, marking the successful launch of these enhanced services.
MRO Capability Expansion
The company significantly expanded its capabilities in 2022 by joining the GTF maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) network. This strategic move enables them to service the PW1100G-JM engine, which powers the increasingly popular Airbus A320neo family.
To support this important expansion, Iberia Maintenance made substantial investments in MRO technologies, implementing advanced systems for grinding, balancing, and test data collection. The company also expanded its technical workforce, bringing in additional skilled mechanics to meet the growing demand for GTF maintenance services.
“This milestone represents significant progress for our organization,” says Enrique Robledo, Chief Technology Officer at Iberia Maintenance. “We’re now fully equipped to handle both traditional and next-generation engines that will serve the aviation industry for decades to come.”
“By expanding our maintenance capabilities and technical expertise, we can better serve a broader customer base and meet evolving industry demands. This advancement strengthens our position as a leading MRO provider committed to meeting our customers’ diverse needs.”
Rob Griffiths, Senior Vice President of Commercial Engines Operations at Pratt & Whitney, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership. “With over 90 years of MRO experience and proven success maintaining V2500 engines, Iberia Maintenance brings invaluable expertise to our network.”
“As our newest active facility, they expand our global presence to 18 locations and provide top-tier service to our European customers as demand continues to grow. Their established reputation and technical capabilities make them an ideal partner in our expanding GTF MRO network.”
The partnership aligns perfectly with IAG’s ambitious fleet modernization plans, which include 47 GTF-powered Airbus A320neo family aircraft. Currently, the Iberia Group operates five of these modern aircraft, with more deliveries scheduled for the coming years.
Industry Problems with PW1100G-JM Engine
The aviation sector has seen significant supply chain issues and parts problems with the PW1100G-JM engines. These issues have led to disruptions and groundings for airlines operating Airbus A320neo aircraft equipped with these engines.
- Technical issues: The engines have encountered technical problems that have required inspections and repairs.
- Parts shortages: There have been shortages of spare parts, delaying maintenance and repairs.
- Overhaul delays: The turnaround time for overhauling engines has been longer than expected, contributing to the disruptions.
- Groundings: Many aircraft have been grounded due to engine issues, impacting airline operations and passenger travel.
Iberia’s approval for GTF engine servicing greatly extends their capabilities, and brings greater control and oversight of maintenance and overhaul processes.
About Iberia Maintenance
Iberia Maintenance delivers premium MRO services to IAG airlines, OEMs, and industry clients worldwide. Their comprehensive expertise covers most IAG Airbus fleets, including the advanced A320neo, with specialized engine maintenance capabilities for both V2500 and GTF engines. Operating from strategic hubs in Madrid and Barcelona, they offer extensive component services across multiple ATA chapters.
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