Safran Invests Over €1 Billion to Develop Global MRO Network for Its LEAP Engine

Safran Aircraft Engines has announced an ambitious investment plan exceeding €1 billion aimed at enhancing its global maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) network.

This strategic move comes in response to the growing fleet of LEAP engines worldwide and the anticipated surge in demand for aftersales services in the coming years.

The LEAP engine, developed by CFM International—a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace—has been powering the aviation industry since its entry into service in 2016.

Currently, it is used in nearly 4,000 narrowbody aircraft, including the latest Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, and COMAC C919 airliners. Safran’s investment will significantly bolster its MRO capabilities, enabling the company to handle up to 1,200 shop visits annually by 2028.

The funding will facilitate the construction of an additional 120,000 square meters of industrial facilities dedicated to the repair and maintenance of LEAP engines. Key components of this expansion include:

• A new site in Brussels, Belgium, which began operations in early 2024.
• A facility in Hyderabad, India, set to enter service in 2025.
• A second MRO shop in Querétaro, Mexico, along with a new test platform, both slated to commence operations in 2026.
• A new maintenance facility in Casablanca, Morocco, also expected to open in 2026.
• Expansions at Safran’s Villaroche and Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines facilities in France, scheduled for completion in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

In addition to these facilities, the investment plan includes the development of a global network for engine part repairs.

This involves establishing a new turbine blade repair facility in Rennes, France, expanding the MRO shop in Querétaro, and potentially acquiring the American company Component Repair Technologies.

To support this extensive MRO network expansion, Safran Aircraft Engines plans to hire approximately 4,000 personnel globally. The company is also committed to forging local partnerships with educational institutions to ensure the upskilling of its workforce across the MRO organization.