Air India is seeking MRO firms that can service up to 16 CFM56-5B engines, which power its Airbus A320 family aircraft.

India's flag carrier said in a tender document that 32 CFM56-5B engines need to be overhauled over the next two years.

However, the airline will not be able to service all 32 powerplants during the specified time period because of upgrading works at its engine overhaul facility in New Delhi.

The airline said that it will identify and select the two lowest bidders as its maintenance service providers for two years. It will outsource 10 engines to the first bidder and the remaining six to the second bidder.

Air India will also identify service providers for the repair and overhaul of its engine components such as modules, rotors and top casing in this tender.

The bidders must also be certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Authority, the airline added.

Air India operates a fleet of 48 A320-family aircraft.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news