Brazil has become a key global hub for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), with Rio de Janeiro at the center of this transformation. GE Celma, a subsidiary of GE Aerospace, leads this shift as the company’s largest MRO facility worldwide.
The operation, based in Petrópolis, is undergoing a massive expansion to meet rising global demand for engine servicing. GE Celma’s journey began in 1951 as an electromechanical equipment manufacturer before transitioning to aircraft engine maintenance.
After being privatized in 1991, General Electric acquired full control in 1996. Today, the facility handles 20-25% of GE Aerospace’s global engine maintenance volume and serviced a record 570 engines in 2024.
By 2030, it aims to increase capacity to 800-900 engines annually. To achieve this growth, GE Aerospace is investing R$430 million ($82 million) to expand its Três Rios facility in Rio de Janeiro.
The project will add a new 42,000-square-meter building to focus on advanced engines like the CFM LEAP and GEnx, which power aircraft such as the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo. Completion is expected by late 2025.
This expansion reflects the increasing demand for MRO services globally. Airlines are modernizing fleets to meet stricter carbon emission standards, and many engines sold over the past decade now require maintenance.
GE Celma’s Expansion Strengthens Brazil’s Aviation Industry
GE Celma’s competitive turnaround times—averaging 80-85 days—make it a preferred choice for international clients. The company plans to reduce these times further with new operational models like “Flight Deck.”
GE Celma employs 2,800 workers and 700 contractors across five facilities in Brazil, including three in Petrópolis and one each in Três Rios and Rio de Janeiro city. The expansion will create an additional 600 jobs by 2028.
About 95% of the engines serviced belong to foreign airlines from regions such as North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Local carriers like Azul, Gol, and LATAM are also key clients.
This growth positions Brazil as a critical player in global aviation while boosting local employment and economic development. As airlines prioritize efficiency and sustainability, Brazil’s role in aviation maintenance continues to expand. This growth solidifies its place on the global stage.