Chromalloy reported a new distribution and license agreement with AAR for “parts manufacturing approval” for PW4000 high-pressure turbine blades. Supplied through Chromalloy’s wholly owned subsidiary Belac LLC, the turbine blades will help AAR – a global aerospace supply, repair, and engineering group – to ensure reliable stockpiles of critical components for high-bypass turbofan engines.
The deal is comparable to one linking Belac and AAR for turbine blades for GE CF6-80C2 engines, also installed for widebody commercial aircraft.
Financial details of the multi-year agreement were not disclosed.
The Pratt & Whitney PW4000 is a high-bypass turbofan engine frequently installed as the power plant for wide-body commercial jets, including the Airbus A330 and Boeing 747-400, 767/KC-46, and 777.
Chromalloy manufactures components for the gas turbine aftermarkets, covering aerospace, military, aero-derivative, and energy/industrial gas turbine products.
Chromalloy’s investment casting foundry in Tampa produces directionally solidified (DS) and single-crystal oriented castings, which are finished as turbine blades and vanes nearby at Belac, in Oldsmar, FL.
“Belac products are engineered to provide enhanced durability and deliver downstream cost savings. By collaborating with AAR, we are able to offer additional engine material options and enhance supply chain reliability for the global aviation market,” stated Mike Zerbe, general manager.
Parts manufacturer approval (PMA) agreements allow service providers like AAR to source Federal Aviation Administration-authorized components from sources other than the OEM, which helps to maintain a reliable inventory of critical parts that meet airworthiness standards.
The Illinois-based group is a global network for commercial and military aircraft maintenance services and parts supply, including high pressure turbine blades for the PW4000 engine.
“AAR is focused on delivering cost-saving solutions to our global customer base,” according to AAR’s senior vice president of Parts Supply Sal Marino. “We are pleased to expand AAR’s engine portfolio and support the continued growth of our product offerings through this relationship with Chromalloy.”