StandardAero Secures Multiple LEAP Engine Approvals

StandardAero Secures Multiple LEAP Engine Approvals

Expanding Global Maintenance Capabilities

StandardAero’s engine overhaul center in San Antonio has obtained critical maintenance organization approvals from aviation authorities in India, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates, authorizing the servicing of CFM International’s LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B turbofan engines. These certifications enable the company to extend its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services to operators of Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft across these strategically important markets.

As a recognized CFM LEAP Premier MRO provider, StandardAero signed the first non-airline CFM Branded Service Agreement (CBSA) in the Americas for both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines in March 2023. The San Antonio facility, spanning 810,000 square feet, commenced LEAP quick-turn shop visits in March 2024 and successfully completed its inaugural performance restoration shop visit later that year, following rigorous test cell correlation for both engine variants.

Strategic Market Expansion in Asia and the Middle East

India has emerged as the third-largest market for LEAP engines, with over 800 units currently in service and an additional 2,400 on order, positioning the country as a potential second-largest customer globally after the United States. Japanese airlines have operated LEAP engines since 2020, with more than 50 engines in active service and 100 on order. The United Arab Emirates ranks among the top ten markets, hosting approximately 150 engines in operation and over 600 on order. Earlier this year, StandardAero reinforced its presence in the Middle East through a 15-year support agreement with a major regional airline.

Industry Implications and Competitive Dynamics

The newly acquired approvals significantly broaden StandardAero’s international footprint and enhance its capacity to capture a larger share of the competitive MRO market. These expanded service capabilities are anticipated to be well received by investors, as they strengthen the company’s ability to support the rapidly growing LEAP engine fleet worldwide. Nonetheless, competitors may respond by accelerating their own service offerings or adjusting pricing strategies, potentially intensifying competition in these key regions.

James Campbell, Vice President and General Manager of Commercial Programs in San Antonio, remarked, “The team here at StandardAero is delighted to expand its range of regional approvals through these latest authorizations, which now enable us to support customers in some of the most important markets for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B worldwide. We are continuing to engage with regional airworthiness authorities around the globe and expect to add several dozen additional approvals over the coming years.”

Enhancing Technical Expertise and Workforce Development

In addition to its San Antonio MRO operations, StandardAero is advancing LEAP engine component repairs through its Component Repair Services (CRS) network and Repair Development Center of Excellence. To date, the CRS team has industrialized over 300 component repairs for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines. The company is also investing in workforce development by expanding its cadre of LEAP-certified technicians through its in-house Aviation Mechanic Training Program at the San Antonio Training Academy.

StandardAero’s integrated approach highlights its commitment to service excellence and innovation, positioning the company at the forefront of meeting the evolving demands of the global LEAP engine fleet. With ongoing research and development initiatives focused on enhancing engine performance and reliability, StandardAero continues to set industry benchmarks within the dynamic MRO sector.