Pratt & Whitney, a business unit of RTX, and Air New Zealand have commenced a significant US$150 million expansion at the Christchurch Engine Centre. The upgrade, covering an additional 14,000 square meters, is set to elevate maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for Pratt & Whitney’s fuel-efficient GTF™ engines. The facility aims to support up to 140 GTF engine overhauls annually by 2032, meeting the growing demands of the Asia-Pacific aviation market.
The construction phase of the expansion begins this month, with plans for the first GTF engine overhaul to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2026. Established in 1948 by Air New Zealand, the Christchurch Engine Centre has evolved over decades, partnering with Pratt & Whitney in 2001 to support JT8D and later V2500 engine models. The center currently employs over 400 skilled professionals and has successfully overhauled more than 1,500 V2500 engines produced by IAE International Aero Engines AG.
The investment is a substantial boost for New Zealand’s economy, creating approximately 200 high-value jobs within the Canterbury region. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised the project, emphasizing its economic significance and contribution to strengthening New Zealand’s industrial capacity in aviation. “This collaboration between Air New Zealand and Pratt & Whitney underscores a commitment to our economic growth and our position in the global aviation sector,” Luxon stated.
Pratt & Whitney President Shane Eddy highlighted the strategic importance of the Christchurch facility in supporting the projected growth of the Asia-Pacific aviation industry over the next two decades. “This expansion not only strengthens our MRO network for the GTF engine but also underscores our long-term partnership with Air New Zealand,” Eddy said.
The GTF engine, known for its superior fuel efficiency and sustainable design, reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 20% compared to previous-generation engines, while cutting noise pollution by 75%. Globally, GTF engines have already saved airlines 2 billion gallons of fuel and reduced carbon emissions by 20 million metric tons since their debut in 2016.
Air New Zealand Chair Dame Therese Walsh expressed the importance of the expansion for the airline’s fleet, which includes V2500 engines for the A320ceo and PW1100G-JM GTF engines for the A320/A321neo aircraft. “This facility expansion will allow Air New Zealand to conduct MRO operations locally, supporting our growing fleet and connecting New Zealanders with the world,” Walsh stated, noting the arrival of four additional Airbus aircraft over the next three years.
Aligned with Pratt & Whitney’s commitment to sustainability, the Christchurch Engine Centre expansion will incorporate green innovations and practices aimed at minimizing environmental impact, reinforcing the company’s dedication to ecological responsibility while fostering regional economic growth.