A major expansion of its world engine customer service capability is planned by GE On Wing Support Inc., a unit of GE Aircraft Engines.

Small rapid-response engineering centers, also with spare engines and parts, will be set up in 15 locations worldwide by the year 2000, the company said. These centers are distinct from GE Aircraft Engines' global network of maintenance and overhaul centers, which will focus more on planned maintenance. The new establishments will focus entirely on supporting customers' engines on the wing, whether made by GE, Rolls Royce or Pratt & Whitney.

On Wing Support currently has five centers: in Cincinnati, New York, Dallas, Miami, and London Heathrow.