StandardAero Builds Up Leap Services In San Antonio

StandardAero signed terms to join CFM International's Leap network last year.

Credit: StandardAero

As part of plans to ramp up to full CFM Leap capability in San Antonio by the end of 2024, engine repair specialist StandardAero has rolled out new maintenance work scopes for Leap 1A and 1B variants.

The U.S.-headquartered company says services for the engine types were inducted this week at the 810,000 ft.2 facility in Texas. Work scopes include high-pressure turbine shroud replacements for both variants.

CFM produces the Leap 1A engine for Airbus A320neo family aircraft and the Leap 1B engine for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. StandardAero first announced plans to introduce Leap capabilities in San Antonio around one year ago following the signing of a CFM Branded Service Agreement with the engine’s manufacturer and after joining its aftermarket network for the new-generation engine family.

Following this, the company received FAA approval for the engine type last October, followed by European Union Aviation Safety Agency and Transport Canada certification. StandardAero confirmed it inducted its first customer engine for a pre-continued time engine maintenance work scope at the end of last year.

Lewis Prebble, president of airlines and fleets at StandardAero, says the company is working to introduce additional Leap capabilities throughout this year. StandardAero is targeting functional and performance engine testing for both Leap variants by mid-2024, with restoration capability expected by the end of 2024.

In an interview with Aviation Week last year, Prebble said StandardAero is investing “tens of millions of dollars” to ready its San Antonio shop for Leap services. In order to accommodate Leap services, the company looked to relocate other engine product lines out of San Antonio, which has a capacity of around 810,000 ft.2.

StandardAero is also training Leap technicians at its in-house training center in San Antonio. Previously, it has projected adding 100 additional people at the site in 2024. Long-term by 2027, it is targeting 400 additional people in San Antonio.

James Pozzi

As Aviation Week's MRO Editor EMEA, James Pozzi covers the latest industry news from the European region and beyond. He also writes in-depth features on the commercial aftermarket for Inside MRO.