Astro Mechanica is in discussions with United Airlines over a potential agreement to purchase select aircraft engines as they come off-wing from retiring aircraft and convert them into ground-based power systems.
The engines would be re-engineered into compact aeroderivative power units designed to provide dispatchable electricity for data centers, industrial facilities and other critical infrastructure.
The companies have not yet announced a definitive supply agreement.
Astro Mechanica expects access to retired commercial aircraft engines to support faster commercialization of its ground power platform by using hardware that has already operated under airline maintenance standards.
The company’s ground-power strategy consists of containerized, behind-the-meter systems intended to provide customers with rapidly deployable electricity.
Initial aeroderivative units are expected to ship in 2027.
Astro Mechanica is also developing additional power products, including a helium closed Brayton cycle system.
The potential agreement would deepen Astro Mechanica’s existing relationship with United, whose venture arm is already among the company’s investors.
Astro Mechanica is also backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Giant Step Capital and Voyager Ventures.
KEY QUOTES:
“We’re building on proven, flight-certified hardware to bring affordable, dispatchable power to market faster and help meet growing demand for resilient energy infrastructure.”
Ian Brooke, Founder And CEO Of Astro Mechanica
“We’re pleased to be a potential engine supplier to Astro Mechanica’s ground power business that extends the service life of engines for new value-creating applications.”
Mike Leskinen, Executive Vice President And CFO Of United Airlines
