Magellan Aerospace Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with General Electric Aviation Canada to explore the possibility of how GE Canada could support Magellan in establishing and delivering a Canadian-based sustainment solution for the GE F414-GE-400 engine, which powers Boeing’s F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet fighter jet.

This initiative is in support of Boeing’s proposal to provide the Block III Super Hornet as a solution for Canada’s Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP). Under this MoU, with the selection of the Super Hornet for the FFCP, GE Canada and Magellan will provide all aircraft engine sustainment services for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) on its F414 engine fleet.

The in-country depot level support for the engines includes on-site maintenance, repair and overhaul (MR&O) support services, technical services, and engineering support and would be performed in Magellan’s facility in Mississauga, Ontario for the life of the programme.

This engine sustainment work for Magellan aligns with the objectives outlined in Canada’s FFCP ITB requirement and will continue to provide high-value, high-complexity jobs in Ontario, Canada.

GE Canada and Magellan have an enduring relationship that has spanned more than five decades. Magellan’s Mississauga facility currently provides engine MR&O and fleet management services for the F404 engine that powers Canada’s existing fleet of CF-18 Hornet aircraft and is an approved source for F404 and J85 engine repair.

Magellan’s North American facilities, including Mississauga and Winnipeg, provide components for the F414 new engine manufacture and other GE engine programmes. Magellan also has a longstanding relationship with Boeing and provides aircraft components to Boeing for all major programs including the F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet.

Haydn Martin, vice-president of business development, marketing and contracts of Magellan Aerospace, said: “Providing engine and fleet maintenance support for the RCAF is part of the DNA of Magellan’s Mississauga facility.

“Magellan has been the sole provider of RCAF jet fighter engine support since the 1950s and our workforce takes pride in helping Canada’s air force achieve the highest standards of flight and operational readiness.”