Safran Aircraft Engines has announced an investment plan of more than €1 billion for the development of its global maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) network to support the growing fleet of LEAP engines around the world.

This massive investment will expand Safran's MRO capabilities, allowing it to support the anticipated ramp-up in demand for LEAP after sales services in the coming years.

The LEAP is the latest engine developed by CFM International, a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace. Both companies have bases in Gloucestershire.

The LEAP entered service in 2016 and today powers nearly 4,000 narrowbody aircraft, including most new-generation Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX and COMAC C919 airliners.

Jean-Paul Alary, chief executive officer of Safran Aircraft Engines, said: "The expansion of our global LEAP MRO network is in response to the tremendous success of this engine, which has been chosen by some 180 airlines around the world.

"To ensure we keep pace with the expected increase in demand for after sales support, we're making unprecedented investments to radically scale up our global MRO network.

"Geared to delivering world-class industrial performance, our MRO network will be significantly expanded globally, allowing us to provide services where customers need them, while minimising the carbon footprint from our activities."

These latest investments will enable Safran Aircraft Engines to handle 1,200 shop visits per year by 2028. This capital outlay will cover the construction of an additional 120,000 square metres of industrial facilities dedicated to LEAP repair and maintenance, including:

• A new site in Brussels, Belgium, which came on stream in early 2024.
• A new facility in Hyderabad, India, which will enter service in 2025.
• A second MRO shop in Querétaro, Mexico, and a new test platform, both of which will begin operations in 2026.
• A new facility in Casablanca, Morocco, slated to enter service in 2026.
• Expansion of the company's Villaroche and Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines facilities, in France, scheduled for 2025 and 2026, respectively.

The investment plan also encompasses the development of the company's global engine part repairs network, including:

• A new turbine blade repair facility in Rennes, France.
• Expansion of its MRO shop in Querétaro, Mexico.
• Contemplated Acquisition of the American company Component Repair Technologies.

To support the expansion of its MRO network, Safran Aircraft Engines plans to hire 4,000 people worldwide and forge local learning and academic partnerships to ensure the upskilling of staff across its MRO organisation.

Nicolas Potier, executive VP, support & services at Safran Aircraft Engines, said: "People are at the heart of this major expansion. That's why we've launched an ambitious training plan aimed at fostering an international network spanning all the job fields involved in MRO.

"By developing synergies among our MRO facilities, which are also located close to our other industrial sites, we'll be optimally positioned to achieve best-in-class quality, safety and industrial performance, while reducing our carbon footprint."