TRUEngine from CFM International is a bit of a joke! There is no point beating around the bush on this one. CFM International decided to take the nuclear option in its war against the PMA companies by introducing TRUEngine. The program excludes PMA by simply stating that a non-CFM part will affect all parts around it and thus the engine is “infected” with PMA-itis or something along those lines. The bottom line is that now all CFM owners must have full recorded proof that their engines have always been PMA free at all times and if they cannot, then the engine is rendered totally useless for part-out or sale.
This scenario has not simply been added to new technology as P&W will most likely do with its offerings, but it has been left fluid to backdate across all products. So an investor in CFM assets now has to spend a great deal in man hours getting records sorted out if they are to release the value in the engines. Of course what if down the line one of the operator has gone out of business, Malev for example, what then? Well at the moment the asset owner or manager is totally out on a limb with no recourse and a devalued asset.
Speaking to some of the largest investors in CFM materials gives a clear impression that this is a matter that even they cannot get traction on. Of course that is until they decide to order LeapX engines – At that point concessions will have to be made by CFM to secure orders.