United Airlines Partners With FTAI Aviation For Engine Exchange

United Airlines entered into a multi-year Maintenance, Repair and Exchange agreement with FTAI Aviation Ltd. to manage CFM56-7B engines used in its Boeing 737 NG aircraft fleet. The deal allows FTAI to provide serviceable engines to the airline before scheduled removals, while FTAI purchases the unserviceable engines in exchange.

This arrangement aims to eliminate traditional shop visits for the covered engines. The program began with an initial group of engines in 2026 and will expand as more units require removal. FTAI will integrate the acquired engines into its existing maintenance, repair, and overhaul network inventory.

The exchange program expands a previous partnership between the two companies that covered United's V2500-powered fleet. Mike Leskinen, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Airlines, described the agreement as "an important step forward in our maintenance program for our Boeing 737 NG aircraft."