ST Engineering Secures LEAP-1A Maintenance Contract with Air Cairo

ST Engineering Secures Five-Year LEAP-1A Engine Maintenance Contract with Air Cairo

ST Engineering has entered into a five-year maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) agreement with Air Cairo to service the LEAP-1A engines that power the airline’s Airbus A320neo fleet. This contract represents Air Cairo’s inaugural partnership with the Singapore-based engineering firm and will involve the provision of quick-turn repair and Performance Restoration Shop Visit (PRSV) services at ST Engineering’s engine MRO facility. The first engine under this agreement is slated for induction in mid-2025.

Captain Ahmed Shanan, Chairman and CEO of Air Cairo, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating that partnering with ST Engineering, a globally recognised leader in engine overhaul, reinforces the airline’s commitment to operational excellence, reliability, and stringent safety standards. He noted that as Air Cairo expands its network and modernises its operations, the expertise of an experienced MRO provider like ST Engineering will be instrumental in minimising downtime and optimising engine performance. Shanan further highlighted that this partnership will support the airline’s mission to deliver seamless and efficient air travel across the region, while strengthening fleet capabilities and enhancing service offerings in a competitive aviation market.

Expanding MRO Capabilities and Regional Market Implications

Tay Eng Guan, Head of Engine Services at ST Engineering, remarked that the contract with Air Cairo reflects growing confidence in the company’s position as a Premier MRO provider for LEAP engines. He described the deal as a significant milestone in expanding ST Engineering’s LEAP engine support for operators in the Middle East. The company continues to enhance its LEAP engine MRO capacity and parts repair capabilities, aiming to deliver high-quality, value-added services to Air Cairo and other regional customers.

ST Engineering holds the distinction of being the first independent MRO provider in Asia designated as a Premier MRO provider within CFM International’s LEAP open MRO ecosystem. In 2024, the company achieved testing capabilities for both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines at its Singapore facility and is broadening its service portfolio to include PRSV and comprehensive MRO support to meet increasing airline demand.

Industry analysts suggest that ST Engineering’s contract with Air Cairo may prompt competitors to reevaluate their pricing and service strategies, potentially intensifying competition within the engine MRO market. As airlines in the Middle East continue to modernise their fleets and seek dependable engine support, the sector is expected to experience heightened innovation and competitive dynamics among MRO providers.