MRO Central Asia: Engines — A Milestone Event for the Region’s Aviation

Uzbekistan hosted MRO Central Asia: Engines, the first regional conference dedicated exclusively to aero engine maintenance — a landmark event underscoring the rising strategic importance of engine MRO capabilities across Central Asia. The event was successfully conducted with the valuable support of leading industry giants, including GE Aerospace, CFM International, Uzbekistan Airways Technics, Rolls-Royce, whose partnership was instrumental in ensuring its success.

The event brought together over 150 specialists. With a program packed with expert presentations, strategic discussions, technical insights, and intensive networking, the conference laid the groundwork for a series of specialized MRO gatherings expected in the coming years.

The conference opened with remarks from Jamoliddin Nazarov, Head of the Air Transport Department at the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan, who highlighted the importance of developing engine maintenance capabilities to support the region’s rapidly expanding fleets and its ambition to become a major transit and technical-services hub between Europe and Asia.

Session 1: Trends and Opportunities in Aircraft Engine MRO

Moderated by Rizwan Siddiqui (IATA), this session explored technological shifts shaping global engine maintenance strategies.

Burak Orkun Tuncer (GE Aerospace) discussed how new-generation engines influence maintenance planning, lifecycle management, and reliability forecasting.

Damien Gitton (CFM International) outlined the LEAP maintenance ecosystem and evolving global support structure.

Jason Sutcliffe (Rolls-Royce) introduced the CareStore digital marketplace, offering operators customizable service and lifecycle support options.

Laura Ivaskaite (Hanwha Aviation) presented Hanwha’s integrated capabilities in component production, engine parts repair, and aftermarket services.

Arun Choteani (Lufthansa Technik) detailed the company’s expanding LEAP engine maintenance capabilities and their relevance to regional operators.

Session 2: Insights from Industry Leaders

Moderated by Maxim Pyadushkin (Central Asia+ Aero), this session addressed digitalization, operational optimization, and regulatory practices.

Amir Emam (GE Aerospace) demonstrated digital tools that enhance maintenance planning, reduce disruptions, and enable predictive engine health management.

Rajeev Dandona (AIESL) shared best practices for regulatory alignment and compliance monitoring in complex MRO environments.

During the Market & Opinion Leaders Interview, Maxim Pyadushkin spoke with Laura Ivaskaite (Hanwha Aviation) and Jason Sutcliffe (Rolls-Royce) about the prospects for full-scope engine overhaul capabilities in Central Asia, the global engine shortage, factors airlines must weigh when selecting engines for new-generation aircraft, and how airlines, lessors, and OEMs can better prepare for early-life issues on new powerplants.

Discussion: Driving the Future of Engine MRO

The final high-level panel brought together experts Ilia Zhukov (GE Aerospace), Rajeev Dandona (AIESL), Maksim Koklov (Lufthansa Technik), Pavel Fedorchuk (Fly Khiva), moderated by Timur Perkov (Qanot Sharq).

Participants examined Central Asia’s emergence as a transit and maintenance hub and the role of digital analytics and AI in reducing unscheduled removals. They also discussed opportunities to localize repair capabilities, establish training centers, support fleets operating both new-generation and legacy engines, and strengthen regulatory and technical expertise. The panel further explored how Fly Khiva’s growing fleet leverages operational experience to inform aircraft and engine selection.

Conclusion

The conference concluded with an evening reception that fostered informal networking and further discussion on future cooperation. The strong engagement and collaborative spirit throughout the day underscored the momentum behind developing advanced engine MRO capabilities in Central Asia.

We strongly encourage everyone to take an active role in industry conferences and exhibitions across Central Asia. Engaging in these events not only fosters valuable networking opportunities but also accelerates regional development and innovation. Your participation is key to driving forward the future of the aviation sector in this dynamic region. We eagerly look forward to welcoming everyone on December 1 and 2 at MRO Central Asia in Astana, Kazakhstan! This event promises to be a pivotal platform for industry professionals to connect, share insights, and explore the latest innovations in aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul.