HAECO partners with TESTFUCHS to develop first LEAP Elite test stands for Woodward components
HAECO, a leading global provider of aircraft engineering and maintenance solutions, has formed a new partnership with TESTFUCHS, an Austrian specialist in aerospace test systems. Announced at MRO Europe in Amsterdam, the partnership will see the two companies jointly develop the first proprietary LEAP Elite testing platform to provide OEM-quality testing and repair of critical Woodward fuel system components for CFM International LEAP engines. The platform is scheduled to enter full operation in the first quarter of 2028 following successful validation.
The partnership follows HAECO’s signing of an Elite Licensed Repair Service Facility (LRSF) agreement with Woodward earlier this year and marks an important step in expanding HAECO’s repair capabilities for Woodward components on LEAP engines. With this investment, HAECO is developing one of the industry’s first proprietary, OEM-authorised LEAP component repair capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.
The new LEAP Elite testing platform will consist of two dedicated test stands engineered to Woodward’s test specifications for Fuel Metering Units (FMUs), Splitter Control Units (SCUs) and Servo Valve Assemblies (SVAs) for LEAP engines. Upon entry into service, the platform will support HAECO’s OEM-authorised LEAP component repair capabilities, with every repaired component tested and verified in accordance with Woodward requirements before being returned to service.
George Edmunds, Group Director Components and Engine Services at HAECO, said: “The Elite LRSF agreement with Woodward represents a strategic commitment in establishing market-leading LEAP component repair capabilities, and our partnership with TESTFUCHS is a critical milestone in bringing these capabilities to market. By combining Woodward’s OEM expertise, TESTFUCHS’ world-class testing technology and HAECO’s established component repair capabilities, we are creating a first-of-its-kind capability in the region and reinforcing our position as a first mover in OEM-authorised LEAP component repair services in Asia-Pacific.”
John DiSilvestro, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Service for Woodward, said: “The Elite LRSF agreement we signed with HAECO in July is built on the principle that every repaired component must meet the same standards as a component repaired by the OEM. HAECO’s partnership with TESTFUCHS demonstrates a strong commitment to quality and will help bring reliable, OEM-authorised repair services for Woodward LEAP components closer to operators in the region.”
Thomas Koppensteiner, Head of Sales & Product Portfolio and Member of the Board at TESTFUCHS, said: “In aviation, a repaired component must be carefully restored to a condition that delivers the reliability and performance the end user expects from a new aircraft. There is no room for compromise. That is why we are developing these test stands hand in hand with HAECO and Woodward. We are proud that HAECO has entrusted us with this first-mover project, and we look forward to seeing it fully operational in 2028.”
The CFM International LEAP engine powers a significant and fast-growing share of the global narrowbody fleet. As more LEAP engines undergo their first shop visits, demand for licensed repair of associated Woodward components is expected to grow. Through this partnership with TESTFUCHS, HAECO is establishing the dedicated infrastructure and expertise to provide OEM-authorised LEAP component repair services for operators worldwide.
In the photo from left to right: Thomas Koppensteiner, Head of Sales TESTFUCHS | Gerald Steinhoff, Chief Commercial Officer at HAECO Group
Photo credit: © HAECO
