Podcast: Approaching A Decade Of Leap

As the CFM Leap program nears its 10th anniversary of entering service, Aviation Week examines the ramp-up, MRO network, reliability and forecast for this popular engine that powers the Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX and Comac C919.

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AI-Generated Summary

The podcast discusses the CFM Leap engine's impact on the aviation industry as it marks its 10th anniversary. The conversation highlights the engine's rapid adoption compared to its predecessor, the CFM56, noting that the Leap has achieved similar delivery numbers in just nine years. 

The discussion covers the challenges faced by operators, such as teething issues and the engine's on-wing performance not matching the CFM56's reliability. 

Despite these challenges, the Leap's importance to the narrowbody market is emphasized, with its growing presence in aircraft like the 737 and A320 families. The podcast also explores the aftermarket implications, including the need for increased maintenance and the potential for oversupply of spare engines. The expansion of the CFM MRO network is discussed, with new facilities and partnerships enhancing maintenance capabilities. 

The conversation concludes with forecasts for the Leap's future, predicting significant growth in engine deliveries and overhauls over the next decade. The hosts express optimism about the engine's role in the industry, despite current challenges, and highlight the ongoing developments in maintenance and repair networks to support the Leap's expanding fleet.

Key Topics:

  • CFM Leap engine's 10th anniversary
  • Comparison with CFM56 engine
  • Challenges in on-wing performance
  • Importance to narrowbody market
  • Aftermarket implications and oversupply risks
  • Expansion of CFM MRO network
  • Future forecasts for Leap deliveries
  • Developments in maintenance and repair networks
Lee Ann Shay

As executive editor of MRO and business aviation, Lee Ann Shay directs Aviation Week's coverage of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), including Inside MRO, and business aviation, including BCA.

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.

Daniel Williams

Based in the UK, Daniel is Director of Fleet Data Services for Aviation Week Network. Prior to joining Aviation Week in 2017, Daniel held a number of industry positions analyzing fleet data.