FTAI Aviation Expands United Airlines Engine Exchange Agreement to CFM56-7B

FTAI Aviation has expanded its engine exchange partnership with United Airlines to include CFM56-7B engines powering the carrier’s Boeing 737 Next Generation fleet, extending an existing arrangement covering V2500 engines.

The companies have entered into a multi-year Maintenance, Repair and Exchange (MRE) agreement under which FTAI will supply serviceable replacement engines ahead of United’s scheduled engine removals, eliminating the need for the airline to conduct traditional shop visits on the affected engines.

Under the arrangement, FTAI purchases United’s removed, unserviceable engines and incorporates them into its inventory for maintenance and refurbishment through its MRO network. The exchange structure is intended to reduce aircraft downtime and provide greater predictability in engine maintenance costs.

The expanded program began with an initial group of engines in 2026 and is expected to increase in volume as additional CFM56-7B engines reach their scheduled removal dates. FTAI and United will coordinate replacement engine deliveries against the airline’s maintenance schedule.

United is a major operator of CFM56-7B-powered Boeing 737NG aircraft, making the agreement an expansion of FTAI’s engine exchange activities with the carrier.

The companies did not disclose the number of engines covered by the agreement or its financial terms.