StandardAero Secures 15-Year CFM LEAP Support Deal with Middle East Airline
StandardAero, a globally recognized leader in independent engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, has secured a comprehensive 15-year agreement with a major Middle East airline to provide full aftermarket support for the CFM International LEAP turbofan engine. This long-term agreement further strengthens StandardAero’s position as a premier service provider in the aviation aftermarket industry.
As part of the deal, the company’s LEAP MRO facility, strategically located in San Antonio, Texas, will deliver extensive engine and engine component repair and overhaul services. This includes LEAP performance restoration shop visits (PRSV) and continued time engine maintenance (CTEM) solutions, ensuring sustained operational efficiency for the airline’s expanding fleet of new-generation narrowbody aircraft.
Expanding LEAP Engine MRO Capabilities
The agreement builds upon StandardAero’s growing reputation as a trusted MRO provider for LEAP engines, particularly the LEAP-1A, which powers the Airbus A320neo family, and the LEAP-1B, which supports the Boeing 737 MAX series. StandardAero first became a CFM LEAP Premier MRO provider in March 2023 when it signed the first non-airline CFM Branded Service Agreement (CBSA) in the Americas for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B. This milestone agreement enabled StandardAero to offer comprehensive MRO services to a broad spectrum of global airline operators and leasing companies.
The company’s expansive 810,000-square-foot San Antonio facility plays a crucial role in the execution of this agreement. Initially, the facility began accepting light workscope LEAP shop visits in March 2024. By the second half of 2024, StandardAero had successfully inducted its first PRSV workscope after completing rigorous test cell correlation for both LEAP engine variants. This achievement marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to enhance its engine repair and overhaul capabilities, ensuring airlines receive high-quality service with reduced turnaround times.
Comprehensive Service Portfolio for Global Airlines
Through its well-established MRO infrastructure, StandardAero provides a broad range of services for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines to various airline operators and asset managers spanning North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Asia Pacific region. These services are seamlessly integrated within StandardAero’s Total Engine Asset Management (TEAM™) services portfolio, allowing customers to benefit from:
- Full-scope engine repair and overhaul
- Advanced component repair solutions
- Detailed workscoping and engine performance forecasting
- State-of-the-art engine testing capabilities
- Strategic program management
- Lease engine support and module swaps
By offering a holistic approach to engine maintenance, StandardAero ensures that its airline customers experience maximum operational uptime while maintaining cost efficiencies. The integration of these services enables airlines to effectively manage their fleets without compromising on safety or reliability.
Commitment to Growth and Operational Excellence
Speaking on the significance of this new agreement, Will Pitcher, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Customers at StandardAero, stated, “This latest LEAP engine support agreement highlights the maturity of StandardAero’s San Antonio Premier MRO facility. Our team has performed exceptionally in industrializing a full scope of LEAP capabilities ahead of schedule since joining the LEAP MRO ecosystem in March 2023. We look forward to continuing to grow our LEAP customer base throughout 2025, as more and more A320neo and 737 MAX operators turn to StandardAero for reliable engine support.”
StandardAero’s commitment to operational excellence extends beyond traditional MRO services. The company is actively investing in advanced technologies and processes that enhance service delivery, minimize downtime, and improve the overall efficiency of airline operations. The integration of cutting-edge diagnostic tools and predictive maintenance solutions allows StandardAero to identify potential engine issues before they escalate, thereby reducing unscheduled maintenance events.
Investment in Component Repair Capabilities
In addition to its full-engine MRO capabilities, StandardAero continues to expand its expertise in engine component repairs for the LEAP family through its Component Repair Services (CRS) segment. This dedicated network of repair facilities and the Repair Development Center of Excellence play a pivotal role in optimizing component lifecycles and reducing overall maintenance costs for operators.
To date, StandardAero’s CRS team has successfully industrialized over 260 component repairs for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines. These component-level repair solutions are essential in supporting operators with cost-effective alternatives to outright part replacements. By leveraging advanced repair technologies, StandardAero ensures that customers benefit from extended component life cycles, thereby reducing operational expenses and enhancing aircraft availability.
Developing the Next Generation of LEAP Technicians
A key factor in StandardAero’s ability to deliver top-tier MRO services is its investment in workforce development. The company actively cultivates a highly skilled workforce through its in-house Aviation Mechanic Training Program, located at its San Antonio Training Academy. This specialized training initiative is designed to equip technicians with the expertise required to service LEAP engines and other high-performance aviation powerplants.
By fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development, StandardAero ensures that its team remains at the forefront of industry advancements. The company’s commitment to workforce training not only enhances service quality but also strengthens its ability to meet the growing demand for skilled engine technicians in the global aerospace sector.
The Role of CFM International in Aviation Excellence
CFM International, a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, has played a transformative role in the aviation industry since its founding in 1974. Over the decades, CFM has redefined international collaboration and driven significant advancements in commercial aviation propulsion technology.
Today, CFM International stands as the world’s leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines, with a product line renowned for its efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. The company’s flagship LEAP engine family represents the pinnacle of modern turbofan technology, offering airlines enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and lower total cost of ownership.
Supporting a global fleet of over 600 operators, CFM International continues to set new benchmarks in aviation performance and sustainability. The partnership between StandardAero and CFM underscores a shared commitment to delivering world-class engine maintenance solutions that keep airline fleets operating at peak performance.
StandardAero: A Leader in Aerospace Aftermarket Services
As a premier independent provider of aerospace engine aftermarket services, StandardAero has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality maintenance, repair, and overhaul solutions to commercial, military, and business aviation markets. The company’s comprehensive suite of aftermarket services includes:
- Engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul
- Engine component repair and modification
- On-wing and field service support
- Asset management solutions
- Engineering and technical support services
StandardAero’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction has positioned it as a trusted partner for airlines, leasing companies, and military operators worldwide. The company’s ability to adapt to evolving industry demands and invest in cutting-edge technologies ensures that it remains a leader in the global MRO landscape.
StandardAero’s 15-year agreement with a major Middle East airline marks a significant milestone in its journey as a top-tier LEAP engine MRO provider. With its state-of-the-art San Antonio facility, extensive service capabilities, and commitment to excellence, StandardAero is well-positioned to support airlines in optimizing fleet performance and reducing operational costs.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, StandardAero remains at the forefront, delivering innovative maintenance solutions that enhance reliability, efficiency, and sustainability. This latest partnership underscores the company’s unwavering dedication to providing world-class support for the LEAP engine family, ensuring long-term value for its airline customers.
