The Unsung Assets: Protecting Value in High-Mileage Jet Engines

Market research indicates that engines with a well-documented history of proper handling and storage command significantly higher resale and lease values in the open market compared to those that do not meet these criteria. What’s more, engine leasing companies, as well as MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities with a reputation for using certified equipment, can negotiate lower premiums with their insurers, as these best practices translate into lower risk for the insurer. As such, the benefits of protecting high-mileage jet engines extend beyond operational benefits and include financial savings. So, how do these organisations protect the value of their engines? We guide you on the tried and proven approaches.

Protecting Jet Engines in the Long Term

Besides fetching a lucrative price in the open market and paying less in insurance premiums, organisations that take good care of their jet engines enjoy a wide range of operational benefits. These include faster return-to-service periods, which reduce the aircraft-on-ground time and longer engine lifespans. But how do they achieve these perks?

1. The Use of Certified Engine Stands

Jet engines may be bulky, but in reality, they are very sensitive machines, more so to external pressures. As such, if an organisation uses the wrong engine stand when handling these machines, they can easily damage them, either by applying too much pressure or not providing the necessary support, which can cause slips and falls. Unfortunately, these mishaps can result in permanent engine damage.

Certified Magnetic Enginestands, on the other hand, provide OEM-approved engine stands lease solutions. Not only can they withstand their high weights, but they are also known to provide stable support. Advanced models, in particular, come with extra features, such as self-centring, which allow technicians to work on the engines without worrying that they might slip or fall in the process.

As such, these newer models are beneficial during the ground handling, storage, and transport of the engines, ensuring that their structural integrity is maintained throughout their lifecycles.

1. The Incorporation of Specialised Preservation

Jet engines are exposed to a wide range of elements during operation. For this reason, they are highly susceptible to rust and overall degradation, primarily when used in humid environments. While the typical repair and maintenance operations between flights are essential to preventing this degradation, experts recommend that engines be taken out of service for an extended period, during which they can undergo specialised preservation methods. So, what does this entail?

Essentially, engine technicians go beyond surface-level maintenance and instead work on the entire engine. They flush out the engine oil, spray the internal components with corrosion-inhibiting oil, and replace the desiccant bags in the intake and the exhaust, among many other specialised procedures. In most cases, these processes take place over a period of approximately six months, ensuring that when the engine is back in use, it is free from any structural issues that could compromise its integrity.

1. The Continuous Monitoring

Minor issues in jet engines can accumulate, leading to catastrophic failures later on. Continuous monitoring has been shown to prevent this. But what is it? It involves the integration of data loggers in the engine case, whose sole purpose is to record any shocks or vibrations that occur during transit. With this data, MRO facilities can step in and address these smaller issues before they escalate into larger problems.