American engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney and Air New Zealand have unveiled plans for a 14,000 square meter expansion of their Christchurch engine centre.
This expansion, which will total $150 million to complete, will add maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engine in New Zealand, with capacity for up to 140 GTF engine overhauls planned annually by 2032.
"The Christchurch Engine Centre has a proven track record of delivering exceptional performance and quality with a highly capable workforce," said Shane Eddy, president, Pratt & Whitney. “With the Asia-Pacific region projected to experience the highest aviation growth globally over the next 20 years, it is a strategic imperative for us to invest here and partner with Air New Zealand as we continue to expand the GTF MRO network in support of the growing fleet.”
Construction of the facility expansion begins this month, and the first GTF engine overhaul is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand commented on the expansion, he said: "This project between Air New Zealand and global aviation leader Pratt & Whitney marks a significant investment to New Zealand's economy, helps expand our aviation industrial capability, and adds 200 high value jobs into the Canterbury region.”
The expansion will allow the airline to service its V2500 engines powering its A321ceo aircraft and PW1100G-JM GTF engines on the airline’s A320/A321neo aircraft.