The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have certified an upgraded high-pressure turbine (HPT) blade for the LEAP-1A engine, a significant step in improving the engine’s durability and extending its time on wing, particularly in extreme operating environments.

Enhancing Engine Durability in Hot Environments

CFM International, a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace, has introduced a new HPT blade kit designed for the LEAP-1A engine. This upgrade is aimed at enhancing engine performance and lifespan in high-temperature conditions, such as those commonly found in regions like the Middle East. The certified kit includes:

• HPT stage-one blade
• Stage-one nozzle
• Forward inner nozzle support

These components are engineered to withstand intense operating temperatures, reducing wear and tear and improving the overall durability of the LEAP-1A engine. This upgrade is expected to provide airlines with enhanced reliability and longer intervals between maintenance cycles.

Addressing Supply Chain Challenges

The LEAP-1A engine, which powers the Airbus A320neo, has faced supply chain challenges, particularly regarding HPT blade production. These delays have impacted engine deliveries in 2024. With the certification of the upgraded HPT blades, CFM International is now poised to address these bottlenecks, prioritizing the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) market. This move will alleviate some of the strain on airlines that rely on the LEAP-1A engine for their fleets.

Certification for the LEAP-1B engine variant’s updated HPT blade is expected by the end of 2025, marking further advancements in turbine blade technology for the aviation industry.

Advanced Materials for Extreme Performance

The newly certified HPT blades are made from advanced nickel-based superalloys, which include elements like chromium, molybdenum, and cobalt. These materials are critical for allowing the blades to withstand extreme temperatures and mechanical stresses, ensuring the continued performance of modern aircraft engines in demanding conditions.

This certification reflects CFM International’s ongoing efforts to advance engine technology and meet the evolving needs of the global aviation industry.