Safran Invests Over a Billion Euros in Its Global Service, Repair and Maintenance Network
Safran Aircraft Engines is developing its global MRO network to support its growing fleet of LEAP engines worldwide.
Pulse line dedicated to final assembly of LEAP engines. Photo Safran
The LEAP is the latest engine developed by CFM International, a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace. It was introduced in 2016 and today powers nearly 4,000 narrow-body aircraft engines, including most of the new generation Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX and COMAC C919 aircraft.
"The expansion of our global LEAP service and maintenance network is a response to the huge success of this engine, which has been selected by some 180 airlines around the world," says Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines.
"Our maintenance and repair network is being significantly expanded worldwide to provide services where customers need them, while minimising the carbon footprint of our operations."
Maintenance services accounted for 65% of Safran's core propulsion revenues in the third quarter.
Safran aims to quadruple its own service capacity to 1,200 service visits per year by 2028, reducing workshop congestion and shortening waiting times.
The investment will enable Safran Aircraft Engines to handle 1 200 repair visits per year by 2028.
The capital investment includes the construction of an additional 120,000 square meters of industrial space for LEAP repairs and maintenance, including:
- A new site in Brussels, Belgium, which will be operational in early 2024.
- A new facility in Hyderabad, India, to be commissioned in 2025.
- A second service and maintenance facility in Querétaro, Mexico, and a new test platform, both of which will be operational in 2026.
- A new facility in Casablanca, Morocco, due to come on stream in 2026.
- Expansion of the Villaroche and Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines plants in France in 2025 and 2026 respectively.
The investment plan also includes the development of the company's global engine parts repair network, including
- A new turbine blade repair facility in Rennes, France.
- Expansion of the maintenance and repair workshop in Querétaro, Mexico.
- Considered acquisition of the US company Component Repair Technologies.
To support the expansion of its MRO network, Safran Aircraft Engines plans to recruit 4,000 employees worldwide and create local learning and academic partnerships to ensure the upgrading of staff skills throughout its MRO organisation.
