Key facts
- CFM International has secured U.S. and European approval for a durability upgrade kit for its LEAP-1B jet engines.
- The upgrade is intended for engines powering Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
- The kit aims to double the time between essential repairs, especially in challenging operational conditions.
- CFM reports a significant reduction in aircraft grounding due to maintenance delays.
Jet engine manufacturer CFM International announced it has received approval from U.S. and European authorities for a durability upgrade kit for its LEAP-1B engines, which are used on Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This upgrade is designed to significantly enhance engine longevity and reduce maintenance-related disruptions for airlines.
The company stated that the new 'durability kit' will effectively double the 'time on wing,' meaning the interval between essential repairs, particularly in demanding environments such as the Middle East and India. This development addresses a key concern for airlines, which have faced lengthy waiting times for repairs, leading to aircraft grounding and operational challenges in recent years.
CFM executives indicated that the fuel efficiency gains in the latest generation of engines came at the cost of higher-than-expected wear and tear, contributing to the repair backlogs. However, CFM reported that it has now achieved a 'near zero' number of LEAP-powered planes being grounded due to maintenance delays. The new update can be integrated during scheduled maintenance and will also be incorporated into newly manufactured engines.
Rival manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, which competes with CFM for powering Airbus A320neo jets, has also reported improvements in mitigating maintenance delays and addressing metal contamination issues.