Pratt & Whitney Canada and China Aviation Engine Holdings (Avic Engine Holdings) have announced a new joint venture to be located in Zhuzhou, Province of Hunan, People’s Republic of China. The new MRO will be called Zhuzhou Tonghui Aero Engine Maintenance Company (AEMC) and will provide in-country maintenance, repair and overhaul for civil-certified PT6A and PW100-series engines. Under the terms of the agreement AEMC will provide MRO services on the engines installed on civil turboprops operating in the People’s Republic of China and on civil-certified PT6A and PW100 engines installed on Chinese original equipment manufactured civil turboprop aircraft operating in the Asia-Pacific region. According to P&WC, capability will be created in phases starting with line maintenance, followed by heavy maintenance, and finally overhaul. John Saabas, P&WC’s president, told AIN, “The project calls for a new facility to be operational by 2013 with staff primarily drawn from the local area.” Saabas said P&WC currently has 180 PT6A and PW100 engines flying in China on Y12 and MA60/600 turboprop aircraft.