StandardAero, a leading independent provider of engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, is proud to add Icelandic low-cost carrier PLAY airlines to the growing list of CFM International LEAP operators which it supports. StandardAero’s LEAP maintenance, repair & overhaul (MRO) facility in San Antonio, TX, will provide PLAY with LEAP-1A Performance Restoration Shop Visit (PRSV) services, in support of the airline’s fleet of A320neo family aircraft.
PLAY is the latest operator to entrust StandardAero with its CFM LEAP engine support, and will benefit from the OEM-authorized MRO services provided by the company, which last March became the first North American non-airline CFM Branded Service Agreement (CBSA) holder for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B. These services – which include MRO support, workscoping/forecasting, engine testing, program management, component repair development, lease engine support and module swaps – are offered in a seamless fashion under StandardAero’s Total Engine Asset Management (TEAM™) services portfolio.
Commenting on the announcement for PLAY, Sindri Rúnar Úlfarsson, Manager Engineering – Technical Operations for PLAY said: “We are looking forward to working with StandardAero in support of our LEAP-1A maintenance needs. Operational performance and commercial flexibility were critical factors in our decision making process and we look forward to experiencing StandardAero’s customer service first hand.”
Willis Asset Management Limited (WAML) advised PLAY on the selection process. Commenting on the announcement, Rhys Fackrell, Senior Powerplant Consultant for WAML, said: “We are delighted to have supported PLAY with their LEAP-1A MRO selection process. As an independent aviation advisory, we are confident in StandardAero’s ability to be a reliable and sustainable partner to PLAY, that offers a high quality service, customer focus and value. We have worked diligently to achieve a tailored commercial and technical agreement that is mutually beneficial, and aligns with their strategic objectives and best interests. We wish both parties every success.”
Commenting on the announcement for StandardAero, Will Pitcher, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customers for the company’s Engine Services – Airlines & Fleets division, said: “StandardAero is truly honored to have been selected by PLAY airlines to provide it with LEAP-1A PRSV services. We know how important on-time performance is to PLAY and its passengers, and look forward to providing PLAY with reliable, high-quality services from our San Antonio-based LEAP facility for many years to come.”
StandardAero recently achieved LEAP-1A correlation approval for the first test cell in its San Antonio test complex, adding to the existing LEAP-1B approval which was achieved earlier this year. These approvals pave the way for the introduction of LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B performance restoration shop visit (PRSV) capability, which adds to existing range of Continued Time Engine Maintenance (CTEM) services offered by StandardAero.
In addition to establishing MRO capability for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B at its San Antonio facility, StandardAero is also industrializing new engine component repairs for the LEAP family through its Component Repair Services (CRS) division’s network of locations, and its Repair Development Center of Excellence. To date, StandardAero’s CRS team has industrialized more than 230 component repairs for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B.
StandardAero also continues to grow its team of LEAP technicians through its in-house Aviation Mechanic Training Program, located at its San Antonio site’s Training Academy.
CFM International, the 50/50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines founded in 1974, has redefined international cooperation and helped change the course of commercial aviation. Today, CFM is the world’s leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines with a product line that sets the industry standard for efficiency, reliability, durability, and optimized cost of ownership for narrowbody aircraft. The company produces the LEAP family of engines, and supports both LEAP and CFM56 fleets for more than 600 operatorParis
Safran Aircraft Engines today announced an investment plan of more than €1 billion for the development of its global maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) network to support the growing fleet of LEAP engines around the world.
This massive investment will expand Safran’s MRO capabilities, allowing it to support the anticipated ramp-up in demand for LEAP aftersales services in the coming years. The LEAP is the latest engine developed by CFM International, a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace. It entered service in 2016 and today powers nearly 4,000 narrowbody aircraft, including most new-generation Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX and COMAC C919 airliners.
“The expansion of our global LEAP MRO network is in response to the tremendous success of this engine, which has been chosen by some 180 airlines around the world,” said Jean-Paul Alary, Chief Executive Officer of Safran Aircraft Engines. “To ensure we keep pace with the expected increase in demand for aftersales support, we’re making unprecedented investments to radically scale up our global MRO network,” he continued. “Geared to delivering world-class industrial performance, our MRO network will be significantly expanded globally, allowing us to provide services where customers need them, while minimizing the carbon footprint from our activities.”
These latest investments will enable Safran Aircraft Engines to handle 1,200 shop visits per year by 2028. This capital outlay will cover the construction of an additional 120,000 square meters of industrial facilities dedicated to LEAP repair and maintenance, including:
- A new site in Brussels, Belgium, which came on stream in early 2024.
- A new facility in Hyderabad, India, which will enter service in 2025.
- A second MRO shop in Querétaro, Mexico, and a new test platform, both of which will begin operations in 2026.
- A new facility in Casablanca, Morocco, slated to enter service in 2026.
- Expansion of the company’s Villaroche and Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines facilities, in France, scheduled for 2025 and 2026, respectively.
The investment plan also encompasses the development of the company’s global engine part repairs network, including:
- A new turbine blade repair facility in Rennes, France.
- Expansion of its MRO shop in Querétaro, Mexico.
- Contemplated Acquisition of the American company Component Repair Technologies.
To support the expansion of its MRO network, Safran Aircraft Engines plans to hire 4,000 people worldwide and forge local learning and academic partnerships to ensure the upskilling of staff across its MRO organization.
“People are at the heart of this major expansion,” said Nicolas Potier, Executive VP, Support & Services at Safran Aircraft Engines. “That’s why we’ve launched an ambitious training plan aimed at fostering an international network spanning all the job fields involved in MRO,” he added. “By developing synergies among our MRO facilities, which are also located close to our other industrial sites, we’ll be optimally positioned to achieve best-in-class quality, safety and industrial performance, while reducing our carbon footprint.”s worldwide.
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