ST Engineering deepens Safran LEAP engine support
ST Engineering has entered into a two-year contract to provide module repair offload support for Safran Aircraft Engine’s CFM LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines, with the powerplants continuing to experience “the fastest ramp-up in commercial aviation”.
Under the new agreement – which also includes an option for extension – Safran Aircraft Engines will offload module repair work on the high pressure turbine (HPT) rotor assembly and stage two HPT nozzle assembly of the two LEAP models to ST Engineering,
The latter will also reinforce its support to Safran Aircraft Engines in LEAP-1B engine maintenance offload service, with ST Engineering’s assistance covering the CFM56-5B, CFM56-7B and LEAP-1A engines.
“The LEAP fleet has experienced the fastest ramp-up in [the] commercial aviation industry with a growing fleet of over 3,300 aircraft,” explained Nicolas Poiter, VP support and services at Safran Aircraft Services. With an increased need to offer servicing and overhaul capabilities for an ever-expanding fleet, “expanding our partnership with ST Engineering is part of our strategy to develop our global capabilities for LEAP MRO activities,” he added.
ST Engineering’s Commercial Aerospace business is currently looking to expand the LEAP engine services offered at its Singapore facility, augmenting its existing LEAP-1B engine testing capabilities. This will enable the company to provide the full suite of MRO services for both A and B models, including LEAP-1A testing; expected to be ready in the third quarter of 2024.
The LEAP engine fleet has recently surpassed 50 million engine flight hours, which will keep growing based on a backlog of over 10,600 engines.
