ITP Aero expands post-Rolls-Royce sale; gains EASA approval for additive layer tech

ITP Aero now reaps rewards from increased investment in new technology, with more than $600 million spent on research and development in recent years. Much of this focus centers on new materials and additive manufacturing.

On Monday, ITP became the first aircraft engine maker to receive EASA design organization approval and corresponding production organization approval from the Spanish Air Security Agency for structural components manufactured using additive layer technology. The certified structural components are vanes for the rear structure of the Europrop TP400 engine used in Airbus A400M military transport aircraft.

ITP Aero is currently constructing its new Admire research-and-development center in Zamudio, Spain. The €24 million ($26 million) investment will support further advances in digital and advanced manufacturing techniques.

On Tuesday, Pratt & Whitney Canada extended its maintenance, repair, and overhaul contract under which ITP Aero supports mid-turbine frames and low-pressure compressors on PW800 engines for Gulfstream G400, G500, and G600 business jets. Under this contract first signed in 2021, ITP serves as a risk and revenue partner in supporting these engines.

To expand production capacity amidst industry-wide supply chain issues, ITP Aero is enhancing its casting capabilities in Mexico. Last year, the group’s global workforce across six countries grew by 11% to more than 5,500 people. According to Azoulay, recruiting key skills remains challenging particularly in the U.S.

“Resilience and agility are strengths for us, allowing us to support production ramp-ups,” Azoulay said. “But what keeps me awake at night is getting the right people into the company and training them to enable growth and how to work better with our suppliers.”