GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) and Magellan Aerospace Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Farnborough Air Show to establish maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities in Canada for the F414-GE-39E engine, which powers the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E fighter jet.

The agreement is contingent on the Government of Canada selecting the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E as part of the future Royal Canadian Air Force fighter fleet. Under the MOU, GE Aerospace would license and train Magellan to serve as Canada's domestic center for F414 engine sustainment. The MRO work would be conducted at Magellan's facility in Mississauga, Ontario.

"Today's MOU signing builds on a six-decade relationship between GE Aerospace and Magellan that spans both military and commercial engines and will ensure the Royal Canadian Air Force has access to engine sustainment services in country to ensure readiness of the F414 engines," said Paul Ferraro, Vice President of Defense Engines and Services at GE Aerospace.

GE Aerospace states the F414 engine has accumulated more than five million flight hours and that over 1,600 units have been delivered to eight nations. The engine features a six-module architecture and operates on an on-condition maintenance schedule with no planned overhauls.

Magellan Aerospace is a Canadian-headquartered public company with operations across North America, Europe, and India, providing aerospace assemblies, components, and engine repair services to commercial and defense customers.