Lufthansa Technik (LHT) has started offering MRO services on the LEAP-1B engine after signing a branded service agreement with its manufacturer, CFM International.

Effective Jan. 1, 2022, the agreement is the first signed by an independent MRO provider and enables the LHT to offer services on the engine type for customers. It signed a similar deal with CFM to introduce MRO capabilities for the LEAP-1A—powering the Airbus A320neo—in 2018.

LHT, which services engines from its main shop in Hamburg, says it is now able to offer overhaul, repair and offer mobile engine services on all narrowbody engine types. 

"With the new license, we have now taken a decisive step forward in the portfolio of our engine business,” says Dietmar Focke, head of engine services, LHT.

The aftermarket for the LEAP family is valued at $2.3 billion in 2022 by Aviation Week’s Fleet & MRO Forecast. From this year through to 2031, the LEAP-1B fleet is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 20.4%. 

Safran, which partners with GE Aviation in the 50/50 CFM International cooperation, stated late last year that it sees the LEAP aftermarket picking up in aftermarket demand by the mid-2020s as more engines enter the market and start replacing its CFM56 predecessor in greater volume.  

More than 4,700 LEAP-1B-powered 737 MAX aircraft have been ordered to date, according to Boeing. Other MRO providers in Europe, including Switzerland-based SR Technics, are also looking to implement LEAP-1B capabilities in 2022.