Safran Invests Over €1bn to Expand LEAP Engine MRO Network Amid Growing Demand

Massive Investment to Address Growing MRO Demand
Safran has committed to an investment exceeding €1bn ($1.08bn) to significantly expand its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) network. This strategic move aims to meet the rising demand for services related to the CFM LEAP engine, which powers some of the world’s most popular aircraft, including the Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, and COMAC C919. By 2028, Safran plans to handle up to 1,200 LEAP engine shop visits annually, underscoring the growing reliance on MRO services as more LEAP-powered aircraft enter service.

Expansion Plans: New Global Facilities and Upgrades
The investment includes the construction of 120,000m³ of new MRO facilities worldwide. These will be strategically located to support Safran’s expanding operations:

• Belgium: A new MRO facility opened in early 2024.
• Hyderabad, India: A new site set to open in 2025.
• Queretaro, Mexico: Expansion with an additional MRO shop and test platform.
• Casablanca, Morocco: A new facility is slated for completion by 2026.
• Villaroche and Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France: These French facilities will undergo expansions by 2025 and 2026, respectively.
• Rennes, France: A new turbine blade repair site will be developed to support LEAP engines.

Demand Surge for LEAP MRO Services Amid Supply Chain Delays
The demand for MRO services for LEAP engines has surged due to ongoing supply chain issues that have caused delays in the delivery of new aircraft. Airlines have been extending the operational life of their existing fleets, which has put greater pressure on the need for reliable and efficient MRO services. Safran’s investments are designed to address these challenges by expanding capacity and ensuring continued high-quality maintenance for LEAP engines. This is particularly crucial as airlines and operators increasingly rely on aftermarket services to keep engines running efficiently.

Competitive Landscape in the MRO Sector
The growing importance of MRO services has spurred significant investments from competitors. GE Aerospace, Safran’s U.S. partner, also announced a $1bn investment in expanding its MRO capacity in July 2024. Similarly, Rolls-Royce invested £55mn ($71mn) in its engine services capabilities earlier in the year. These investments highlight the intensified competition in the MRO industry, driven by the need to support modern engine technologies and maintain the operational efficiency of global airline fleets.