Safran Aircraft Engines will invest more than €1 billion ($1.08 billion) in the development of its global maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) network.
Safran explained that the investment, announced on October 29, 2024, is to support the growing fleet of LEAP engines around the world.
Safran anticipates that demand for LEAP aftersales services in the coming years will surge and expansion of its MRO capabilities is needed in preparation.
The LEAP engine entered service in 2016 and powers nearly 4,000 narrowbody aircraft, including most new-generation Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX and COMAC C919 airliners.
The LEAP is the latest engine developed by CFM International, a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace.
“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, CEO 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.”
Alary added: “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.”
The investment means Safran will be positioned to handle 1,200 shop visits per year by 2028 and provide an additional 120,000 square meters of industrial facilities dedicated to LEAP repair and maintenance.
Updates to global facilities include:
- 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 will also develop Safran’s global engine part repairs network which will include:
- 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 also plans to hire 4,000 people worldwide.