EirTrade Aviation has invested in tooling to offer complete CFM56-3 teardown capabilities at its new facility in Dublin. This means that the experienced team at EirTrade can now provide the service alongside the CFM56-5A, -5B, -7B, -7BE engine types.
Steven Trowell, VP Technical at EirTrade explains that this new capability rounds out the Company’s focus on providing a complete disassembly solution for lessors, airlines, and MROs across its two facilities in Ireland. “We can now provide continuous line maintenance, parking, and preservation for narrowbody aircraft at Ireland West Airport in Knock through EirTrade Aviation Maintenance. We also have the capability to disassemble both wide and narrowbody airframes and CFM engines at the asset owner’s request, simplifying logistics and making it much easier for ferry flights from Europe/Africa/Middle East. In addition, we can offer free parking on-site for multiple aircraft of all sizes for lessors and airlines.”
From an engine teardown market perspective, Trowell observes that more CFM56-3 will be coming up for disassembly over the coming years as many of the freight B737 Classics are retired and replaced with B737NG BCFs. “We have invested to prepare our facility to provide a seamless service as the requirement for USM ramps up and engine feedstock becomes available. However, there is currently a shortage of material for these engines as freight and PAX operators continue to extend the usable life of these reliable engines and this is driving up the price of some of these USM components.”
Recently, EirTrade appointed Steven Trowell to the position of Vice President-Technical. Previously Hangar Manager, and also holding the role of Accountable Manager with EirTrade Aviation Maintenance, Steven was responsible for securing EASA Part 145 Line Maintenance approval for the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families of aircraft at the organisation’s facility in Ireland West Airport. He was also supervising manager for EirTrade’s recent ‘world’s first’ dismantling of two 787-800s in Prestwick. An experienced, hands-on aircraft engineer, this new role will see him spearhead new integrated services for customers as EirTrade underpins its significant business increase at its AFRA approved facilities in Ireland.
Commenting on his appointment, the CEO of EirTrade Aviation, Ken Fitzgibbon said, “Steven joins our enthusiastic management line-up, and we welcome his technical expertise as we expand globally. Aircraft disassembly processes contribute to sustainable resource management by facilitating the recycling and reclamation of valuable materials from retired aircraft. This reduces waste, conserves resources, and minimises the environmental impact of disposal. EirTrade’s airframe and engines disassembly facilities are accredited by AFRA (Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association) and as the industry surges ahead after the pandemic, we need a strong and responsive team that recognise the importance of sustainability and manages our customers’ environmental concerns effectively.”
