Safran to Invest €1 Billion in LEAP MRO Network
Safran Aircraft Engines has announced a significant investment of over €1 billion (approximately $1.08 billion) aimed at enhancing its global maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) network. This strategic move, revealed on October 29, 2024, is designed to support the growing fleet of LEAP engines worldwide, anticipating a surge in demand for aftersales services in the coming years.
The LEAP engine, which entered service in 2016, powers nearly 4,000 narrowbody aircraft, including popular models like the Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, and COMAC C919. Developed by CFM International—a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace—the LEAP engine has been widely adopted by approximately 180 airlines globally, highlighting its tremendous success and reliability.
Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines, emphasized the need for this investment, stating, “The expansion of our global LEAP MRO network is in response to the tremendous success of this engine. 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.” This commitment reflects Safran’s proactive approach to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry.
The planned expansion will position Safran to handle approximately 1,200 shop visits annually by 2028, significantly enhancing its capacity to provide timely and efficient services to customers. This includes an additional 120,000 square meters of industrial facilities dedicated exclusively to LEAP engine repair and maintenance.
Key updates to Safran’s global facilities include:
A new MRO site in Brussels, Belgium, which began operations in early 2024.
A state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad, India, scheduled to open in 2025.
A second MRO shop and a new test platform in Querétaro, Mexico, both set to commence operations in 2026.
A facility in Casablanca, Morocco, slated to enter service in 2026.
Expansions at Safran’s Villaroche and Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines facilities in France, planned for 2025 and 2026, respectively.
In addition to these facility upgrades, the investment will bolster Safran’s global engine parts repair network, which will include the establishment of a new turbine blade repair facility in Rennes, France. The expansion of the Querétaro MRO shop is also part of this initiative, along with the contemplated acquisition of American company Component Repair Technologies, further enhancing Safran’s service offerings.
To support this expansive growth of its MRO network, Safran plans to hire 4,000 new employees worldwide, creating job opportunities and driving local economies. This recruitment effort underscores Safran’s commitment to not only scaling up its operations but also investing in talent to ensure high-quality service delivery.
As Safran Aircraft Engines embarks on this ambitious expansion of its LEAP MRO network, the company is poised to strengthen its position in the global aviation market. By enhancing its maintenance capabilities and expanding its footprint across multiple regions, Safran aims to provide exceptional support for the LEAP engine fleet, ensuring that airlines can rely on top-notch service to keep their aircraft operating efficiently.
This investment reflects Safran’s dedication to delivering world-class industrial performance while minimizing the carbon footprint of its operations, aligning with broader industry trends toward sustainability and efficiency in aviation.
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