GKN Aerospace has won approval from Snecma Services to repair and overhaul CFM56-5B fan blades. The authorization covers the restoration of the blades’ overall length and midspan shrouds. Critical to the engine’s efficient operation, the blade length and midspan shroud dimensions erode over time. GKN restores the blades by first welding and machining extensions and then applying a coating of high velocity oxy fuel tungsten carbide on the midspan shrouds.

Apart from Snecma Services, GKN serves as the only approved repair source for this kind of work. The company holds approvals to work on all CFM engines, as well as engines built by GE, Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, IAE and Honeywell. Its main activities involve major composite and metallic component repair, radome repair and certification, engine fan blade and component repair and overhaul and transparency repair and support.