Fast track: Maintaining engine nacelles

Published: 2026-05-06 11:04:15 ET RTX

Published on 05/06/2026 at 11:04 am EDT

Collins Aerospace has reached a new five-year agreement with Air New Zealand to maintain and repair the nacelles, or engine housings, of the airline's widebody and narrowbody aircraft.

Here are some highlights of that deal - and a look at how Collins, an RTX business, is helping return aircraft to service more quickly.

PJ Titone | Vice President and General Manager, Aerostructures | Collins Aerospace

Air New Zealand operates 14 Dreamliner aircraft, at an average age of 9.3 years. The 787's mid-life refresh phase usually occurs around 10 to 12 years.

Typically, thrust reversers - which undergo high levels of physical stress - are repaired "on condition," or without a set schedule. Under the agreement, Collins will refurbish them proactively during nacelle maintenance - a measure that prevents what could otherwise be costly and time-consuming repairs.

Additionally, that work will take place at the same time as heavy maintenance checks on other parts of the aircraft.

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Disclaimer

RTX Corporation published this content on May 06, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 06, 2026 at 15:03 UTC.