South Korea’s T’way Expands Spare Engine Inventory with Leap-1B Acquisition

T’way Air Expands Spare Engine Inventory to Support Fleet Growth

South Korea’s low-cost carrier T’way Air has acquired spare CFM International Leap-1B27 engines to enhance its maintenance capabilities and operational readiness amid plans to expand its Boeing 737 Max fleet. Although the airline has not disclosed the exact number of engines purchased, the move aligns with its strategy to grow from the current two Boeing 737 Max aircraft to as many as 20 by 2027.

Strengthening Maintenance Capacity and Operational Resilience

The addition of the Leap-1B engines is intended to support both training and maintenance operations, enabling T’way Air to respond promptly to unexpected engine maintenance requirements. The airline emphasized that this acquisition will bolster its maintenance capacity in tandem with the expansion of its Boeing 737-8 fleet, reinforcing systems designed to minimize operational disruptions.

These new engines will complement T’way’s existing spare engine inventory, which currently supports its Airbus A330 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This acquisition forms part of a broader initiative to enhance the airline’s maintenance infrastructure. Earlier this year, T’way announced plans to build dedicated aircraft maintenance facilities at Seoul’s Incheon Airport, with operations slated to commence in 2028.

Strategic Focus on Operational Efficiency

T’way’s proactive approach to fleet management highlights its commitment to operational efficiency and reliability. By expanding its engine reserves and investing in in-house maintenance capabilities, the airline aims to reduce aircraft downtime and improve service quality for its passengers. This strategy also reflects T’way’s ambition to establish itself as a leader in operational excellence within the competitive low-cost carrier market.

Industry analysts suggest that T’way’s acquisition of spare Leap-1B engines may prompt rival carriers to reevaluate their own engine inventory strategies, especially as attention intensifies on T’way’s aggressive fleet expansion plans. As the airline continues to grow, its focus on maintenance readiness and operational resilience is poised to set new standards in the regional budget airline sector.