Chromalloy gains FAA approval for V2500 turbine blades amid parts shortage

Chromalloy has added another turbofan airfoil to its aftermarket catalogue after securing Federal Aviation Administration approval to sell high-pressure turbine stage-one blades developed for International Aero Engines V2500 Select engines. The Florida-based component supplier announced the approval on 22 September.

The clearance came under an FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval, which certifies that the Chromalloy blades are similar in design function to original equipment manufacturer components and meet airworthiness standards. PMA holders such as Chromalloy act as alternative suppliers of parts airlines would otherwise buy from OEMs, and they market their components as lower-cost options.

The blade was developed under an agreement with the European maintenance provider Lufthansa Technik, which will receive the parts. Chromalloy retains the right to sell them to other customers. Producing the blade required the company to develop what it described as a new anti-corrosion and multi-layer thermal barrier coating. Low-rate production has begun, with output to increase through 2027.

According to the company, the approval reflects wider demand for metallic parts that are difficult to make and short in supply. Vijay Jayachandran, Chromalloy's executive vice-president of engine parts and programmes, said the company is providing another source for the components and easing pressure across the supply chain.

Chromalloy now holds PMA approvals for five V2500 components. The others are high-pressure turbine stage-two blades and high-pressure compressor stage five, seven and eight blades. The V2500 was one of the power options Airbus offered on its first-generation A320-family aircraft.