GE Aerospace and CFM International Expand MRO Capacity

GE Aerospace and CFM International Expand Global MRO Capacity Amid Soaring Demand

Since the introduction of the CFM LEAP engine in 2016, CFM International—a joint venture equally owned by GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines—has witnessed demand far surpassing initial expectations. The LEAP engine now powers approximately 70% of Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, with over 3,700 LEAP-equipped planes operated by 150 airlines worldwide. Having accumulated more than 60 million flight hours and carrying a backlog exceeding 10,000 engine orders, the need for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services is intensifying rapidly. Industry forecasts predict a significant increase in shop visits for LEAP engines by the end of the decade, presenting both substantial opportunities and operational challenges for the company.

A parallel surge in demand is also evident for GE Aerospace’s GEnx engine, which is installed on nearly three-quarters of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Natalie Stone, head of CFM LEAP Premier MRO programs, emphasizes the strong customer preference for the performance and reliability offered by both the LEAP and GEnx engines. This robust demand has driven an expansion of MRO capacity and the enhancement of service offerings. Over the past decade, CFM International and GE Aerospace have responded by broadening their global MRO footprint through the enlargement of their own facilities and strategic partnerships with leading third-party providers.

Strategic Expansion and New Facilities

In response to growing demand and intensifying competition within the MRO sector, GE Aerospace and CFM International recently inaugurated XEOS, a 35,000-square-meter (375,000-square-foot) facility near Wrocław, Poland. This joint venture with Lufthansa Technik represents a significant addition to their global network. Equipped with a state-of-the-art test cell, advanced repair capabilities, a modern clean-and-inspect line, and a dedicated training center, XEOS incorporates the latest GE Aerospace technology. Stone notes that the facility was designed using FLIGHT DECK technology alongside lean manufacturing principles to optimize both efficiency and quality.

Lufthansa Technik, a well-established leader in the MRO industry, holds licensed CFM LEAP Premier MRO provider status. This designation grants access to proprietary overhaul and repair technologies, as well as the highest levels of training and support from CFM. Within the open MRO ecosystem, Premier providers like Lufthansa Technik compete alongside CFM and other third-party shops. Airlines select their MRO partners based on repair capabilities, turnaround times, geographic location, and pricing—a competitive environment expected to intensify as market demand grows and rivals expand their own MRO capacities.

The collaborative approach between GE Aerospace, CFM International, and Lufthansa Technik is already producing tangible results. LOT Polish Airlines recently selected Lufthansa Technik to service its CFM LEAP-1B engines at the new XEOS facility. The inauguration ceremony, attended by representatives from Lufthansa Technik, LOT Polish Airlines, and the Polish government, underscored the strategic importance of expanding MRO capacity in a rapidly evolving aviation market.

As GE Aerospace and CFM International continue to invest in their global MRO infrastructure, they are positioning themselves to meet rising demand while navigating an increasingly competitive landscape where timely and high-quality engine maintenance remains paramount.