What Entails CFM56-3 Engine Performance Restoration

In response to the ever-increasing demand for engine-related work in the market, Magnetic Engines has scaled its operations at its Tallinn-based engine workshop. Alexey Ivanov, Business Development Manager at Magnetic Engines, introduces us to the work involved in this field, as well as highlighting their most recent projects.

A post-pandemic surge in demand

As planes take to the sky in increasingly larger numbers, so too do their engines – and those engines sometimes need a complete refresh. Among the most frequently requested services are partial or full engine performance restoration, which entails removing the engine from the wing and sending it to a maintenance facility. 

From a technical perspective, this involves disassembling the engine in order to open, at least, the hot section modules (combustion section, high-pressure turbine), inspecting and repairing/replacing their parts, and finally, reassembling the engine. The high-pressure compressor section is also repaired if it falls under the full performance restoration work scope.

"We recently finished the hot section repair and partial performance restoration on the CFM56-3 engine at our engine shop in Tallinn. The engine has been successfully tested in the test cell and responded with a good EGT Margin. This is already the seventh CFM56 engine we've completed a full or partial performance restoration in the last 24 months. On top of that, two more engines are in the final stages of repair and are expected to be completed soon," shares Alexey. 

Of those engines, four were CFM56-3, two CFM56-7B, and one CFM56-5B. On the latter, conversion from the DAC model to the SAC model was accomplished within the performance restoration work scope. Having started with boreblend and top case repairs capabilities almost 10 years ago, Magnetic Engines is now moving towards a full scope engine repair workshop, adding capabilities step-by-step.

A steady climb ahead

During the second half of 2025, ~15% of the predicted workload is related to performance restoration services, with a further increase in the coming years. 

"We've taken the next step in our development by investing in a speed balancing machine, giving our team the tools needed to perform full overhauls on CFM56 engines, including LLP (Life Limited Part) replacement," adds Alexey.

With demand showing no signs of slowing down, Magnetic Engines is focusing on building both confidence and capability in its workshop operations. Staying ahead of the curve keeps the team well-positioned to support customers with increasingly complex restoration works – ultimately keeping more aircraft in the air, and for longer.