Rolls-Royce, Turkish Technic Build Aero Maintenance Facility at Istanbul Airport

Rolls-Royce and Turkish Technic are building an independent maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at the Istanbul Airport, which is scheduled to open by year-end 2027. Once operational, Turkish Technic will perform MRO services for the Trent XWB-97, Trent XWB-84, and Trent 7000 aero engines used by the Airbus A350 and Airbus A330neo, respectively. The facility will handle approximately 200 shop visits annually, making it among the largest aero maintenance facilities in the greater Istanbul region, according to Rolls-Royce.

“We are thrilled to partner with a leading engine manufacturer,” said Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board, Turkish Technic. “Rolls-Royce’s expertise will be instrumental in enhancing our engine maintenance operations. With our new facility expansion, we will be equipped to perform comprehensive maintenance services across a wide range of Trent engine models, allowing us to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Solidifying our position in the MRO industry, this partnership expands our maintenance capabilities and empowers us to continue delivering service to our customers worldwide.”

The center will expand Rolls-Royce’s aviation-based MRO network and fulfill increasing demand for large-scale civil engines, such as the company’s Trent portfolio. In addition to conducting general MRO work, the facility will service Rolls-Royce’s TotalCare customers and the Turkish Airlines fleet.

Turkish Airlines Airbus A350; image credit: Airbus

“We’re significantly increasing our global MRO capacity by 2030, and today’s announcement marks an important milestone on that journey, as we add Turkish Technic to our global network of capable, flexible, and resilient MRO providers to support our TotalCare customers around the world,” said Rob Watson, President of Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce. “It reinforces our partnership with Turkish Airlines whose fleet of Airbus A350s will be supported by this facility and shows confidence in Turkish Technic’s ability to become a top provider of civil large aero engine MRO.”

In 2023, Turkish Airlines place a large order for Airbus A350 aircraft; thus, it became the world’s largest operator of Rolls-Royce’s Trent XWB engine. Without options and spares, the order included 120 Trent XWB-84 engines and 40 Trent XWB-97 engines. Combining the large-scale engine/aircraft order and new MRO facility, Turkish Technic expands its aero engine MRO operations.

“In April 2024, we reaffirmed our commitment to Türkiye, announcing our intention to explore the implementation of a number of industrial initiatives,” said Watson. “Today’s agreement is a demonstration of that commitment. We are delighted to welcome Turkish Technic into our expanding network of Trent engine maintenance centers.”

Rolls-Royce + STARLUX

In early January 2025, Rolls-Royce agreed to supply STARLUX Airlines with 10 Trent XWB-97 aero engines for installation on five Airbus A350F aircraft. This increases the company’s freighter fleet to ten units and makes STARLUX a large-scale purchaser of the A350F. Currently, the engine can operate on a 50% sustainable aviation fuel blend, with a planned compatibility for 100% SAF in the future.

The Trent XWB-97 engine has recorded more than six service years and 3 million hours in the air across short- and long-haul flights, making it a serviceable, reliable, and durable option for passenger and freighter operations. Primarily due to its low-carbon nature and efficiency, the aero engine will allow STARLUX to fulfill its sustainability and decarbonization initiatives.