Duncan Aviation has celebrated the groundbreaking of its new Pratt & Whitney Canada DOF (Designated Overhaul Facility) in Lincoln, Nebraska and the new facility will focus on the overhaul and maintenance of PW300 and PW500 series engines.

The occasion was marked by a ceremony as representatives from Pratt & Whitney Canada, Hausmann Construction, Tectonic Management Group and Duncan Aviation gathered to commemorate the start of the build.

“Duncan Aviation has provided maintenance and overall services for Pratt & Whitney Canada PW300 and PW500 engines for decades. This new facility plays a crucial role in strengthening our engine overhaul services, providing even greater support and efficiency to our customers,” says Irene Makris, vice president of customer service at Pratt & Whitney Canada.

Todd Duncan, chairman of Duncan Aviation, states: “This groundbreaking symbolises a trusted commitment between two great companies that dates back decades. It is the result of years of effort through strategic agreements and mutual trust and holds immense significance.”

Duncan Aviation believes this agreement with Pratt & Whitney Canada will be one of the most impactful for its future, opening up new opportunities and elevating service offerings. Although primarily involving engine authorisation, its influence will extend across nearly every department. With the completion of the new DOF set for 2026, departments such as airframe maintenance, paint, avionics, completions and component services are expected to see increased demand from operators using P&WC engines who require comprehensive MRO services.

The new 36,000sq ft facility, designed by Tectonic Management Group and constructed by Hausmann Construction, will include 12 engine maintenance bays, a new parts inventory warehouse and expanded backshops. Key features will include:

- An overhead crane system to improve productivity and safety, allowing easy lifting and precise placement of engine components during assembly and disassembly.

- A floor-mounted rotating jib crane with a 500lb capacity for comprehensive, 360 degree engine inspections.

- Enhanced in-house capabilities include a clean room, media blasting machines, shot peen equipment, a paint booth, non-destructive testing capabilities and a balance room.

The DOF test cell and control room, designed and installed by Atec, will be adjacent to Duncan Aviation's existing test cell and will serve PW300 and PW500 engines and feature Atec's small turbofan test cell technology, offering a quieter testing environment with greater airflow and less environmental impact. The cell will handle the newest class of business jet and small regional jet engines up to 20,000lbs of thrust. Enhancements include a larger fuel farm, start air capability and generator loading.