- Foam wash improves inspection quality, benefiting shop turnaround times
- Developed with customers in the Middle East region for improved time on wing
CINCINNATI – GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) announced today that 360 Foam Wash jet engine cleaning technology is being deployed to Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) shops globally.
Foam wash is an innovative alternative to traditional water wash methods for engine maintenance. By injecting a specially-formulated, proprietary solution, the foam wash system helps remove dust and dirt particles in the engine, helping to lower exhaust temperatures, improve compressor efficiency, and restore engine performance.
New engines inducted into a GE Aerospace or partner shop using foam wash are now cleaned prior to inspection. This provides better quality images for determining overhaul workscopes, minimizes re-work and supports improved turnaround times for customers.
“We’re working closely with our customers to develop innovative engine maintenance technologies to keep their fleet flying,” said Nicole Jenkins, GE Aerospace’s Chief Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Engineer. “Expanding 360 Foam Wash across our overhaul network is the next step in advancing engine durability and availability for customers.”
Foam wash is approved for use on multiple GE Aerospace engine programs, including models of GE90, GEnx, and CF34, and has been fully implemented by operators for all GEnx engines in the Middle East. When used for on-wing engine maintenance, the advanced cleaning system can improve time on wing and fuel efficiency.
Since testing began in 2017, GE Aerospace and customers worldwide have completed over 6,500 washes on fielded engines or engines in service. Most of these foam washes have been performed by customers who’ve adopted it as part of their aircraft maintenance processes. To date, more than 10 airline customers have been awarded technical licenses for foam wash for their GE90, GEnx, and CF34 aircraft engines.
Foam wash is one of several technologies GE Aerospace is advancing to better support customer engine maintenance while putting safety first. The company announced in 2024 that it is investing more than $1 billion in its MRO shops during the next five years. Additionally, GE Aerospace announced in 2025 that it’s deployed a new, AI enabled Blade Inspection tool to improve engine inspection accuracy and consistency.
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GE Aerospace media contact:
Chelsey Levingston
513.720.6458
chelsey.levingston@geaerospace.com