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RTX's Pratt & Whitney Opens Expansion Site at Eagle Services Asia Facility in Singapore

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Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, expands its Singapore engine center, Eagle Services Asia, by 48,000 square feet to boost its GTF capacity by two-thirds. The expansion showcases a commitment to industrial growth and customer support, integrating cutting-edge technology like robotics and automation for enhanced MRO performance.
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The expansion of Pratt & Whitney's engine center in Singapore is a strategic move that aligns with the growing demand for its Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines. The addition of a 48,000 square-foot facility represents a significant increase in capacity, allowing the company to overhaul more engines and reduce turnaround times for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. This development is particularly beneficial for airlines operating GTF-powered aircraft, as it promises enhanced service availability in the Asia Pacific region, which is a critical market for commercial aviation.

From a market perspective, this expansion could strengthen Pratt & Whitney's competitive position in the MRO sector. By leveraging advanced technologies such as robotics, automation and machine learning, the company is poised to improve operational efficiency and safety, which could lead to cost savings and higher customer satisfaction. This may translate into increased market share and potentially higher revenues for Pratt & Whitney, thereby positively impacting the financial performance of its parent company, Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX).

The aerospace industry is witnessing a surge in demand for fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly engines, with the GTF engine being a front-runner in this space. Pratt & Whitney's investment in expanding MRO capabilities is a direct response to the growing GTF fleet. By 2025, the company anticipates a network of 19 active GTF MRO shops globally, indicating a robust aftermarket service infrastructure. This expansion is not only a testament to the success of the GTF engine but also a strategic initiative to capture the aftermarket revenue that is crucial for the long-term profitability of aerospace companies.

Furthermore, the integration of transformative technologies in MRO processes is expected to set new industry standards. Pratt & Whitney's approach to automating complex procedures such as high-pressure compressor rotor stacking and utilizing collaborative robots (cobots) to assist human inspectors could become a benchmark for efficiency and safety in engine maintenance. As airlines and leasing companies often consider the availability and quality of MRO services when selecting engine options, Pratt & Whitney's enhanced capabilities could influence future engine selection decisions and fleet renewals.

From a financial standpoint, the capital investment in expanding the MRO facility could lead to significant operational leverage for Pratt & Whitney. By increasing the throughput of engine overhauls and reducing labor-intensive tasks through automation, the company is likely to see improved margins on its MRO services. Additionally, the increased capacity may allow the company to secure more service contracts, which are typically high-margin and provide a stable revenue stream.

Investors in Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) will likely monitor the impact of this expansion on the company's aftermarket services revenue, which is a key driver of profitability in the aerospace sector. The ability to service a larger number of engines efficiently could also serve as a hedge against cyclical downturns in new engine sales, making the company's revenue streams more resilient. It is important to note that such expansions are capital-intensive and may affect short-term cash flows; however, the long-term benefits are expected to outweigh these initial costs.

SINGAPORE, Feb. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- (SINGAPORE AIRSHOW) Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, today announced the official opening of a 48,000 square-foot expansion of its Singapore based engine center, Eagle Services Asia (ESA). The facility will grow its GTF capacity by two-thirds this year.

"This expansion demonstrates our commitment to building industrial capacity by continuing to invest in our strategic sites around the world to support our customers," said Shang Meleschi, vice president of Aftermarket Operations – Asia Pacific and Türkiye at Pratt & Whitney. "We are bringing together talent from our engine center, technologies from the Singapore Technology Accelerator and innovative practices from across Pratt & Whitney to improve MRO performance for our GTF fleet."

The transformative technology insertion applied across both ESA sites integrates robotics, automation and machine learning to increase efficiency, lower stress on machine operators and increase safety for key MRO processes.

These innovations include fully automated high-pressure compressor (HPC) rotor stacking, a Receive-in-Check Cobot that augments the work done by human inspectors and a robotic arm to install and remove HPC bearing sleeves.

ESA, a joint venture between SIA Engineering Company and Pratt & Whitney, is a member of the Pratt & Whitney GTF™ MRO network. Since introducing GTF MRO capability in 2019, the facility has already completed over 500 GTF engine overhauls.

In 2023, Pratt & Whitney announced three GTF MRO facility expansions and six shop activations to support the growing GTF fleet. There are currently 15 active GTF MRO engine centers around the world, with seven locations in the Asia Pacific region including ESA in Singapore, Korean Airlines in Korea, IHI and MHIAEL in Japan, MTU Maintenance Zhuhai and AMECO in China, and China Airlines in Taiwan. By 2025, the company expects to have 19 active GTF MRO shops worldwide.

The GTF MRO network is part of Pratt & Whitney EngineWise® solutions, which provide operators with a full range of aftermarket services resulting in long-term, sustainable value. Visit prattwhitney.com/enginewise for more information.

About Pratt & Whitney 
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. To learn more, visit www.prattwhitney.com.

About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of $68.9 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com.

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SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What is the name of the expanded engine center in Singapore by Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business?

The expanded engine center is called Eagle Services Asia (ESA).

What technology is integrated into the ESA sites for increased efficiency and safety in MRO processes?

The ESA sites incorporate robotics, automation, and machine learning to enhance efficiency, reduce operator stress, and improve safety in key MRO processes.

How many GTF engine overhauls has the facility completed since introducing GTF MRO capability in 2019?

The facility has completed over 500 GTF engine overhauls since introducing GTF MRO capability in 2019.

How many active GTF MRO engine centers are there globally, including in the Asia Pacific region?

There are currently 15 active GTF MRO engine centers worldwide, with seven locations in the Asia Pacific region.

What is the expected number of active GTF MRO shops worldwide by 2025 according to the company?

The company expects to have 19 active GTF MRO shops worldwide by 2025.

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