SHANGHAI China , Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney, a UnitedTechnologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, and its joint venture partner, ChinaEastern Airlines, today broke ground on a new CFM56(R) engine overhaulfacility in Shanghai . Once fully operational, the facility is expected tooverhaul 200-300 engines per year and employ 800 people.
The facility, due to induct its first engine in 2008, will compriseapproximately 23,000 sq. meters (250,000 sq. feet). Its in-depth repaircapabilities, 10-meter test cell with capability of up to 75,000 pounds ofthrust, and state-of-the-art information technology system will providemaintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to airline customers in China and the Asia Pacific region.
"Today we are pleased to witness the ground breaking of the facility, thelargest CFM56(R) MRO center in the Asia Pacific region," said Mr. CaoJianxiong , president of China Eastern Airlines. "The facility will definitelybe the milestone in the partnership of China Eastern Airlines and Pratt &Whitney."
"This ground breaking event is of great importance to Pratt & Whitney,"said Pratt & Whitney President Steve Finger . "Pratt & Whitney, together with China Eastern Airlines, will bring state-of-the-art engine service to Shanghai and provide China Eastern Airlines and other airlines in the region anexcellent alternative for their CFM56(R) engine overhaul and repair needs."
Jim Keenan , senior vice president & general manager, Pratt & WhitneyGlobal Service Partners, said, "The facility is designed to meet today'shighest environmental standards and is well-positioned to meet those expectedin coming decades. We are thrilled to partner with China Eastern , a prominentairline with tremendous growth momentum. This is a great opportunity for bothof our companies."
The facility is designed to meet the U.S. Green Building Council'sLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED(R)) Platinum standards.It will use extensive day lighting, a cool roof to reduce heat island effects,radiant heating in offices and the cafeteria, high performance insulation andwindows, and rainwater collection for site irrigation and sanitary use. Atleast 12.5 percent of the site's energy needs are expected to come fromrenewable energy sources. This integrated design will improve the facility'soverall environmental performance and reduce energy consumption.
China Eastern Airlines Co., Ltd., was established in June 1988 andmaintained rapid growth over the past 19 years. It was successfullytransformed into a shareholding company in 1997 and listed on the New York, Hong Kong and Shanghai stock exchanges. China Eastern Airlines is the largestoperator of CFM56(R) engines in Asia Pacific, with over 270 CFM56(R) enginesin its fleet and over 50 CFM56(R) engines on order through 2011.
Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners (GSP) is a total service providerfor Pratt & Whitney, International Aero Engines, General Electric, Rolls-Royceand CFMI engines. In addition to engine overhaul and repair services, GSPprovides customers improved engine performance and increased asset valuethrough a broad portfolio of services including line maintenance, enginemonitoring and diagnostics, environmentally-friendly on-wing water washes,leased engines, custom engine service programs and new and repaired parts.
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and serviceof aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines.United Technologies, based in Hartford , Conn., is a diversified companyproviding high technology products and services to the global aerospace andcommercial building industries.
CFM and CFM56 are trademarks of CFM International Robin Salisbury Jennifer Whitlow Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners Pratt & Whitney 860-565-8220 860.565.9600 [email protected] [email protected]SOURCE Pratt & Whitney
