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Press release

MTU Maintenance Fort Worth celebrates grand opening and inducts first LEAP-1B engine

| MTU opens $120M Fort Worth facility to drive North America growth 
| First LEAP 1B inducted marking start of Premier MRO services for MTU 
| Launch customer GOL Linhas Aéreas builds on 20 years with MTU

Fort Worth, Texas, July 8, 2026 | MTU Maintenance has officially opened its modernized Fort Worth facility and inducted its first CFM International LEAP 1B engine. The engine belongs to Brazilian airline GOL Linhas Aéreas (GOL), marking both the start of operations for the site and a new chapter in a long-standing customer partnership.

The grand opening was celebrated with employees, executives, customers and local representatives on site, underscoring the strategic importance of MTU’s growing presence in North America.

GOL, the launch customer, has partnered with MTU for over 20 years, starting with the CFM56 engine, predecessor to CFM LEAP engine. “We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with MTU as we celebrate this milestone today,” says Albert Pérez, GOL’s Chief Operating Officer. “MTU’s technical expertise and tailored support are crucial to our operations. We rely on their services to ensure the highest reliability and performance for our fleet.”

GOL operates over 60 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines. The Brazilian low-cost carrier was the first South American operator of this engine type.

Expanding MTU’s North American footprint

MTU is expanding its network and capacity globally, with Fort Worth as a Premier MRO provider and key location for North America. In addition to the CFM LEAP engine program, GE Aerospace GEnx services will be introduced to the site in due course.

“As one of the world’s leading engine MRO providers, we are systematically expanding our global footprint,” said Johannes Bussmann, Chief Executive Officer of MTU Aero Engines. “The opening of our Fort Worth facility demonstrates our commitment to growth, to our customers and to strengthening transatlantic partnerships. The site will be a cornerstone of our strategy to support next-generation engine programs at scale.”

Long-term investment and commitment

MTU is investing $120 million to upgrade the 43,000 sqm facility, which it has been expanding since relocating to the site in 2023 to enable full disassembly, assembly and test capabilities. “We are extremely proud of all our team has achieved in a short space of time and look forward to seeing our facility, the team and our customer base grow significantly in the coming years,” adds Gernot Sell, Managing Director, MTU Maintenance Fort Worth. The company’s commitment to the region is reflected in its workforce development: staffing is expected to grow  to more than 1,200 once the site is fully ramped up. An on-site training academy is already in operation, supporting the development of highly-skilled aviation professionals and ensuring long-term expertise for advanced engine programs.

MTU Maintenance is one of the leading providers of commercial engine maintenance services worldwide and carries out over 1,400 shop visits for a portfolio of over 30 engine types annually, making it second in the world for aftermarket services by shop visits. The company’s global workforce of over 7,000 engine experts serve more than 1,400 customers across its entire service portfolio, including asset management and leasing, on-site services and piece part repairs. In addition to Fort Worth, LEAP MRO support is also provided at MTU Maintenance Zhuhai and MTU Maintenance Hannover.

 

Contact

Victoria Nicholls
Senior Communications Manager
Cell: +49 (0) 171 375 544 7
victoria.nicholls@mtu.de
Cell: +49 (0) 171 375 544 7
victoria.nicholls@mtu.de

About MTU Aero Engines

MTU Aero Engines AG is a globally recognized expert in commercial and military aircraft engines. MTU‘s high-tech expertise ranges from the development and production of high-quality components to the final assembly of complete engines and the maintenance of aircraft engines and stationary gas turbines. In the financial year 2025, the DAX-listed company generated revenues of 8.7 billion euros. MTU technology can be found providing reliable thrust in one in three commercial aircraft worldwide. And every year, MTU maintains around 1,500 engines and industrial gas turbines. At 20 locations on five continents, more than 13,000 employees from over 80 nations contribute to safe global mobility. Together with other European engine manufacturers, MTU has also been ensuring and supporting the operational readiness of air forces for decades. To continue to benefit from the sustained growth of the aviation industry in the years to come, the company is investing in its expertise, industrial capacities and in future commercial and military engine concepts in Germany and worldwide. With the passion and innovative strength of its employees, MTU is shaping modern aviation – today, tomorrow and in the decades to come.