GKN Aerospace has finalised a machining contract to provide development parts of turbine rear frame (TRF) for Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) Commercial Aero Engine’s (CAE) new high-bypass turbofan jet engine programme.

Once developed, the engine will be used to power Chinese commercial jet airliners.

To be produced at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Trollhattan, Sweden, the TRF is scheduled to be delivered by the second quarter of next year.

“The capabilities within GKN Aerospace will further strengthen our relationship with the Chinese Aerospace industry."

The TRF will be employed in AECC CAE’s new commercial engine test and development programme.

GKN Aerospace business development engine systems vice-president Alex Guruprasad said: “This is our second agreement with AECC CAE and demonstrates the trust and continuous relationship being developed with AECC CAE.

“The capabilities within GKN Aerospace will further strengthen our relationship with the Chinese Aerospace industry.

"The Chinese aerospace market continues to grow and will be a key market in the future. We believe the expertise we offer in engine part manufacturing, as well as the local support through our Shanghai office have been extremely important to close this agreement and build relations.

“We will continue to closely follow this market and work with AECC CAE and the Chinese aerospace industry for additional opportunities.”

The company’s engine systems business has so far supplied aero-engine static and rotating structures, as well as turbine structures to several commercial and military aero-engine manufacturers worldwide.

In October, GKN Aerospace and Spirit AeroSystems finalised a contract extension on supplying of titanium machined parts for the Boeing 737 and 777 aircraft programme.

The deal is valued at more than $70m.

Image: AECC CAE’s new engine will be used to power Chinese commercial jet airliners. Photo: courtesy of GKN Aerospace.