SR Technics breaks ground for re-activation of its second test cell for the GTF, LEAP and CFM56 engines

SR Technics together with Safran Test Cells unit of Safran Aero Boosters, reached another milestone by starting the construction work for reactivation of its second test cell to expand its test capabilities and capacities at Zurich Airport.Following the signing of contracts in 2022 with IAE to become a member of the global MRO network that maintains the new Pratt & Whitney turbofan engine PW1100G-JM “GTF", and the conclusion of the General Support License Agreement for LEAP-1B with CFM International, SR Technics has started increasing its footprint at the engine shop in Zurich, Switzerland.

Together with Safran Test Cells, Flughafen Zurich AG, and local architects and engineers, SR Technics works to revitalize and redesign its second test cell to meet aerodynamic and acoustic requirements, enabling the testing of the new engine types: PW1100G-JM, LEAP-1A & -1B as well as CFM56-5B & -7B. The so-called “Test Cell 2” will be enlarged to a seven-by-eight- meter cross-section and will receive state-of-the-art data acquisition and instrumentation systems, with a testing capacity for more than 200 engines per year.

In addition, SR Technics and Safran Test Cells have designed Test Cell 2 with environmental compatibility and sustainability in mind, introducing fit-for-purpose equipment for the lowest energy consumption and innovative technology, such as thermal waste heat recovery.

This challenging project requiring close collaboration between operations and the construction site, is being jointly managed by SR Technics, Safran Test Cells and local planners to ensure on-time commissioning and entry-into-service by mid-2024.

Following the groundbreaking ceremony, local contractors will partially demolish and rebuild Test Cell 2 over the next few months as planned. Safran Test Cells will simultaneously provide and install all the necessary aero-acoustic elements and systems for testing the respective engines.

Jean-Marc Lenz, Chief Executive Officer at SR Technics commented: “The groundbreaking is the first milestone of the growth path of SR Technics. Our goal is to double our business in the next five years. We are building infrastructure in Zurich, opening new production facilities and increasing our workforce with around 500 people within the next few years to extend our capabilities for the maintenance, repair and overhaul services for the GTF and LEAP engines.”  

Jérôme Morhet, Test Cells Senior Vice President a t Safran Aero Boosters said: “It has been a very productive year working with the SR Technics team. We finalised the design of the test cell equipment and launched their manufacture. We also took a big step forward together by validating our initial theoretical hypothesis: rehabilitating a compact test cell to make it compatible with the new generations of engines. A great experience that has enabled us to consolidate our expertise in the refurbishment of compact test cells using our high-performance aero-acoustic solutions.” 

"SR Technics' commitment to Zurich as a location is very gratifying for Zurich Airport. Maintenance has a long tradition here and the planned further development will secure demanding technical jobs in Switzerland in the long term. We are therefore happy to develop the real estate and infrastructure along the requirements of our partners." says Lydia Naef, Chief Real Estate Officer of Flughafen Zurich AG.