Key facts
- CFM is investing $2 billion over five years to improve engine maintenance and repair times.
- The investment aims to alleviate industry bottlenecks and address grounded aircraft.
- The plan includes bolstering supplier deliveries and expanding spare parts inventory.
- Unexpected wear in newer jet engines has contributed to a repair crisis.
- CFM reported a near-zero level of engine-driven groundings.
Jet engine maker CFM has announced a significant investment of $2 billion over five years, intended to accelerate engine repair times and improve maintenance processes. This initiative is a direct response to an industry-wide crisis characterized by unexpected wear in newer engines, leading to grounded aircraft and drawing criticism from airlines.
The investment will also focus on strengthening supplier deliveries and expanding the inventory of spare parts. CFM, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and France's Safran, aims to alleviate these bottlenecks and meet delivery targets, with a stated goal of 15% higher deliveries this year. CFM president Gael Meheust declined to comment on specific disputes with airlines regarding pricing, emphasizing the importance of considering all relevant costs and engine performance.
CFM engines power the Boeing 737 MAX and compete with Pratt & Whitney on the Airbus A320neo. While Pratt & Whitney has reported improvements in its maintenance delays, CFM stated it maintains a "near-zero" level of engine-driven groundings. The company's aftermarket investment comes as engine manufacturers prepare to compete for new business at the Farnborough Airshow. Discussions are ongoing with IndiGo, India's largest carrier, regarding engines for 500 Airbus jets, potentially including maintenance services. Separately, negotiations between CFM and Turkish Airlines for engines for 150 Boeing 737 MAX jets are ongoing, with the airline seeking enhanced access to repair technology.
CFM also confirmed approval for an upgrade to enhance the durability of its LEAP-1B engines for the MAX in harsh climates.