The 2016 Farnborough International Airshow proved to be a landmark event for MTU Aero Engines, Germany’s leading engine manufacturer. Demonstrating robust performance and innovation, MTU secured orders valued at approximately one billion euros, translating to over 1 billion US dollars. This significant achievement underscores the strong market position of MTU and the continued demand for their cutting-edge aviation technology, particularly the Pratt & Whitney PW1000G Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine family. Reiner Winkler, MTU Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the strategic importance of this technology, stating, “The geared turbofan technology continues to be in very high demand among airlines. For MTU, the GTF will be the most important propulsion concept of the future.” This success at Farnborough positions MTU for continued growth in both OEM and aftermarket sectors, particularly in the lucrative short- and medium-range aircraft, regional jet, and business jet markets.
Geared Turbofan Engines Drive Order Success
The star of MTU’s Farnborough performance was undoubtedly the Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine family. Leading the charge was the PurePower® PW1100G-JM engine, selected for a substantial number of Airbus A320neo aircraft. Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air placed a significant order, joined by commitments from German airline Germania, AerCap Holding N.V., and another undisclosed leasing company. Collectively, these deals accounted for the purchase of 251 A320neo aircraft powered by the PW1100G-JM. This substantial vote of confidence from major airlines and lessors highlights the operational efficiency and economic benefits of the GTF technology in the competitive narrow-body aircraft market.
Beyond the A320neo, MTU also secured orders for other GTF variants. The PW1200G and PW1900G engines were selected to power Mitsubishi’s MRJ90 regional jets and Embraer’s next-generation E-Jets E2, respectively. Swedish lessor Rockton, becoming the first European customer, signed a letter of intent for 20 Mitsubishi MRJ90s. Embraer also garnered orders for 20 E-Jets E2 from Arkia Israeli Airlines and Indonesian carrier Kalstar Aviation. These wins across different aircraft segments demonstrate the versatility and broad appeal of the GTF architecture.
Widebody and Legacy Programs Contribute to Billion-Euro Success
MTU’s success at Farnborough extended beyond the GTF family, encompassing both widebody and legacy engine programs. Russia’s Volga-Dnepr Group chose the GE Aviation GEnx engine to power 16 Boeing 747-8F freighter aircraft. While MTU’s share in the GEnx program is significant, this order demonstrates their continued relevance in the widebody market segment.
Furthermore, orders were placed for the IAE V2500 engine, which powers the current generation Airbus A320ceo family. Leasing giants BOC Aviation, AWAS Aviation Capital Limited, and an unnamed leasing company collectively ordered V2500 engines for 39 Airbus A320ceo aircraft. These orders for a well-established engine program indicate the ongoing demand in the aircraft leasing market and MTU’s sustained presence across different engine types.
MTU: A Powerhouse in Aero Engine Technology
MTU Aero Engines AG stands as a technological leader in the global aerospace industry. Their expertise spans critical engine components, including low-pressure turbines, high-pressure compressors, and turbine center frames, as well as advanced manufacturing and repair techniques. MTU is a key partner in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of high-tech components for commercial OEM programs, with their parts found in approximately 30% of active aircraft worldwide. Beyond OEM, MTU Maintenance ranks among the top 5 global service providers for commercial aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines. In the military sector, MTU is Germany’s leading industrial partner for virtually all military engines. With a global network and a strong focus on innovation, MTU’s performance at the 2016 Farnborough Airshow, securing orders exceeding 1 billion euros and 1 billion US dollars, highlights their continued success and strategic direction in the aerospace industry.
