Aerospace

GE signs deal with GKN to produce aircraft components in India

General Electric (GE) has entered into agreements with GKN to manufacture aircraft components in India

GKN Aerospace and GE expand their strong partnership with a new, comprehensive agreement that covers original equipment production, new technology, and increased aftermarket involvement in the GEnx program.
The comprehensive agreement includes the introduction of sustainable new material solutions along with life-of-program contracts for the GEnx, CF6, GE90, and GE9X fan cases.
GKN Aerospace also joins the worldwide GEnx engine repair network, which maintains more than 2,000 operational engines.

GKN Aerospace and GE have strengthened their ongoing partnership in a number of top-notch engine projects, including the GEnx program, which is the fastest-selling high-thrust engine.

The new agreement focuses on three main areas: introducing new technology, making fan cases, and repairing complex engine structures on a large scale.

Airbus has inked new contracts with many Indian suppliers to manufacture commercial aeroplane components, supporting the Government of India’s “AatmaNirbharBharat” goal.

Airbus has signed contracts with Aequs, Dynamatic, Gardner, and Mahindra Aerospace for the supply of airframe and wing parts for the A320neo, A330neo, and A350 programmes.

Innovative Collaboration: GKN Aerospace and GE Enhance Engine Programs

The introduction of cutting-edge technology into the GEnx program will concentrate on using alternative materials, which are more environmentally friendly, for several products currently in use.

GKN Aerospace will offer its expertise in component design and its latest technologies to help reduce carbon emissions and costs in the GEnx program. Upgraded components are expected to be developed, tested, and integrated from 2024 to 2030.

Under the new agreement, GKN Aerospace has also secured long-term contracts. They will now supply 100% of the fan cases for GEnx, CF6, and GE90 engines, as well as 50% of the fan case assembly for GE9X engines throughout the program’s duration.

GE Sign Long-Term Deal for Engine Advancements

The enhanced partnership also includes GKN Aerospace becoming part of GE Aerospace’s repair network. They will provide specialized repair services for the GEnx engine, using their expertise in designing and manufacturing advanced components across their global repair network.

Joakim Andersson, President of GKN Aerospace’s Engines business, emphasized the long-standing and strong relationship with GE Aerospace, which has spanned over 40 years.

He stated that this new agreement will ensure continued collaboration to develop technologies and solutions for leading engines like the GEnx and CF6.

Kathy MacKenzie, Vice President of GE Aerospace’s commercial programs, expressed excitement about expanding their strategic relationship with GKN. She highlighted GKN’s design skills and production capacity, which will meet the strong demand for the GEnx engine, and their component repair services, which will offer cost-effective options for their service customers.

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.