Winnipeg, Manitoba-- GE Canada and StandardAero have signed an agreement to build a new $50 million aircraft engine research and technology development centre in Winnipeg. The centre is expected to initially employ 10 with the potential to grow to 50 employees within five years. The design and construction of the facility at the airport could employ up to 200 workers.
The new centre will be built on land leased from the Winnipeg Airports Authority and operated by StandardAero. The facility will open later this year.
The aircraft engine research and technology development centre will develop advanced testing methodologies and equipment for GE Aviation's commercial and military aircraft engines. The centre will include test cell capabilities for engines up to 150 inches in diameter and up to 150,000 lbs of thrust as well as capabilities to accommodate high performance military engines. It will be equipped with a large wind generator for crosswind, ingestion and icing certification testing.
"GE Aviation and StandardAero have worked closely together for many years on maintenance and sustainment agreements for GE's CF34 engines and CFM International's CFM56 engines," said Colleen Athans, vice president and general manager of GE Aviation's assembly, test and overhaul operations. "This new facility will allow GE Aviation to have access to the latest research and development in engine testing as well as greatly expand our engine testing capabilities."
"GE's decision to choose StandardAero to support and operate this world-class test facility underscores their confidence in StandardAero's test cell sustainment capabilities," said Jim Henry, StandardAero Vice President, Technology Development. "Skills gained through the testing of GE's latest developmental engines will improve the precision of our engine maintenance, repair and overhaul testing activities, resulting in more consistent and higher performing engines."
"GE continues to invest and grow our presence in Canada," notes Elyse Allan, President and CEO of GE Canada. "The new test facility will expand our capabilities and industrial footprint in the country."
StandardAero, a Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) company with nearly $1.4 billion in annual revenue, specializes in engine maintenance, repair and overhaul, and nose-to-tail services that include airframe, interior refurbishments and paint for business and general aviation, air transport, and military aircraft. The company, part of the DAE Engineering division, forms a global services network of 12 primary facilities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Singapore and Australia, with an additional 14 regionally located service and support locations.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.