FTAI and United Airlines Expand Engine Exchange Program to CFM56-7B
Key Highlights
- ➤FTAI and United expand their engine exchange relationship to designated CFM56-7B engines
- ➤Multi-year MRE agreement replaces United’s traditional shop visits with FTAI engine exchanges
- ➤Program began with an initial group in 2026 and will expand as additional engines require removal
- ➤FTAI acquires United’s unserviceable engines as feedstock for its MRO network
- ➤United expects the relationship to improve Boeing 737 NG fleet utilization
Expert Statements
Joe Adams, Chairman and CEO of FTAI
“United is one of the most respected operators in our industry, and its decision to adopt FTAI’s engine exchange program is a meaningful endorsement”
Joe Adams, Chairman and CEO of FTAI
“This agreement allows United to keep its aircraft flying and its maintenance costs predictable, while FTAI takes on the shop visit. We are honored to be selected by an operator of United’s caliber.”
Mike Leskinen, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Airlines
“This is an important step forward in our maintenance program for our Boeing 737 NG aircraft”
Mike Leskinen, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Airlines
“This growing relationship will help us improve utilization for this important part of our fleet as we fly more customers to more destinations.”
NEW YORK, Oct. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FTAI Aviation Ltd. (Nasdaq: FTAI; the “Company” or “FTAI”) today announced a multi-year Maintenance, Repair and Exchange (“MRE”) agreement with United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAL; “United”), one of the world’s largest CFM56-7B operators, under which FTAI is providing engine exchanges in lieu of traditional shop visits. The companies’ exchange relationship began with United’s V2500-powered fleet and has been extended to designated CFM56-7B engines with the program structured to grow over its term.
Under the MRE program, FTAI delivers a serviceable engine ahead of each of United’s scheduled removals and then purchases United's unserviceable engine in exchange, sparing the airline the cost and downtime of a traditional shop visit. FTAI adds each acquired engine to its inventory as feedstock for its MRO network. The program started with an initial group of engines in 2026 and will continue to expand over its term as additional engines come due for removal, with FTAI and United jointly planning deliveries against the airline's removal schedule.
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