Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) has announced a new joint venture with Global Engine Maintenance (GEM) to establish an engine test cell facility in West Palm Beach, Florida. The new venture, named Willis Global Engine Testing (WGET), combines WLFC’s expertise in aircraft engine leasing and aviation services with GEM’s specialized knowledge in CFM56 engine overhauls.
The collaboration addresses a critical shortage of engine test cell facilities across North America, which has been hindering the efficient return of engines to service. The new facility aims to reduce turnaround times for shop visits, benefiting WLFC, GEM, and third-party customers alike. By leveraging their combined strengths, the two companies hope to mitigate risks, optimize operations, and accelerate entry into the aviation maintenance sector.
Initially, the facility will focus on testing the CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines, which are commonly used in commercial aviation. However, there are plans to expand its capabilities to include newer engine models in the future. The joint venture is expected to begin construction on the site by late 2025.
WLFC, a leader in aircraft engine leasing and asset management, continues to expand its aviation services portfolio with this new project. The initiative enhances WLFC’s ability to provide integrated solutions and strengthens its presence in the engine maintenance market. For GEM, this partnership represents a key milestone in expanding its global engine MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) footprint, further cementing its reputation in the CFM56 maintenance sector.
The new facility is expected to provide much-needed testing capacity in North America, supporting airlines, lessors, and maintenance providers in maintaining the efficiency of aircraft engines.